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

Cada, G.F.

H-coal is a process for the direct liquefaction of coal to produce synthetic fuels. Its development has progressed from bench-scale testing through operation of a 2.7 Mg/d (3 ton/d) Process Development Unit. A large-scale H-Coal pilot plant is presently operating at Catlettsburg, Kentucky, and there are plans for the construction of a commercial H-Coal liquefaction facility by the end of the decade. Two of the environmental concerns of the developing direct coal liquefaction industry are accidental spills of synthetic oils and treatment/storage of solid wastes. As a means of obtaining preliminary information on the severity of these potential impacts wellmore » in advance of commercialization, samples of product oils and solid wastes were obtained from the H-Coal Process Development Unit (PDU). These samples were subjected to a battery of rapid screening tests, including chemical characterization and bioassays with a variety of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Water-soluble fraction (WSFs) of H-Coal PDU oils had considerably higher concentrations of phenols and anilines and were commonly one to two orders of magnitude more toxic to aquatic organisms than WSFs of analogous petroleum crude oil. Whole H-Coal PDU oils were also more toxic to the cricket than petroleum-based oils, and some H-Coal samples showed evidence of teratogenicity. Leachates from H-Coal PDU solid wastes, on the other hand, had relatively low concentrations of selected elements and had essentially no acute toxicity to a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. These studies indicate that environmental effects of product oil spills from a commercial H-Coal liquefaction plant are likely to be more severe than those of conventional petroleum spills. Product upgrading or special transportation and storage techniques may be needed to ensure environmentally sound commercialization of the H-Coal process.« less

A Generic Self-Assembly Process in Microcompartments and Synthetic Protein Nanotubes.

PubMed

Uddin, Ismail; Frank, Stefanie; Warren, Martin J; Pickersgill, Richard W

2018-05-01

Bacterial microcompartments enclose a biochemical pathway and reactive intermediate within a protein envelope formed by the shell proteins. Herein, the orientation of the propanediol-utilization (Pdu) microcompartment shell protein PduA in bacterial microcompartments and in synthetic nanotubes, and the orientation of PduB in synthetic nanotubes are revealed. When produced individually, PduA hexamers and PduB trimers, tessellate to form flat sheets in the crystal, or they can self-assemble to form synthetic protein nanotubes in solution. Modelling the orientation of PduA in the 20 nm nanotube so as to preserve the shape complementarity and key interactions seen in the crystal structure suggests that the concave surface of the PduA hexamer faces out. This orientation is confirmed experimentally in synthetic nanotubes and in the bacterial microcompartment produced in vivo. The PduB nanotubes described here have a larger diameter, 63 nm, with the concave surface of the trimer again facing out. The conserved concave surface out characteristic of these nano-structures reveals a generic assembly process that causes the interface between adjacent subunits to bend in a common direction that optimizes shape complementarity and minimizes steric clashes. This understanding underpins engineering strategies for the biotechnological application of protein nanotubes. © 2018 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Design and Demonstration of a Miniature Lidar System for Rover Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Benjamin

2010-01-01

A basic small and portable lidar system for rover applications has been designed. It uses a 20 Hz Nd:YAG pulsed laser, a 4-inch diameter telescope receiver, a custom-built power distribution unit (PDU), and a custom-built 532 nm photomultiplier tube (PMT) to measure the lidar signal. The receiving optics have been designed, but not constructed yet. LabVIEW and MATLAB programs have also been written to control the system, acquire data, and analyze data. The proposed system design, along with some measurements, is described. Future work to be completed is also discussed.

KSC00pp0498

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-04-13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a worker reaches toward the plastic-covered replacement Power Drive Unit (PDU) for Space Shuttle Atlantis as it is lifted by crane toward the tail. The PDU controls the rudder/speed brake on the orbiter. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off April 24 at 4:15 p.m. EDT on mission STS-101, the third flight to the International Space Station. The primary mission is to carry logistics and supplies to the Space Station, plus the crew will be preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000

Homolactic Acid Fermentation by the Genetically Engineered Thermophilic Homoacetogen Moorella thermoacetica ATCC 39073

PubMed Central

Iwasaki, Yuki; Kita, Akihisa; Yoshida, Koichiro; Tajima, Takahisa; Yano, Shinichi; Shou, Tomohiro; Saito, Masahiro; Kato, Junichi; Murakami, Katsuji

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT For the efficient production of target metabolites from carbohydrates, syngas, or H2-CO2 by genetically engineered Moorella thermoacetica, the control of acetate production (a main metabolite of M. thermoacetica) is desired. Although propanediol utilization protein (PduL) was predicted to be a phosphotransacetylase (PTA) involved in acetate production in M. thermoacetica, this has not been confirmed. Our findings described herein directly demonstrate that two putative PduL proteins, encoded by Moth_0864 (pduL1) and Moth_1181 (pduL2), are involved in acetate formation as PTAs. To disrupt these genes, we replaced each gene with a lactate dehydrogenase gene from Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus ATCC 33223 (T-ldh). The acetate production from fructose as the sole carbon source by the pduL1 deletion mutant was not deficient, whereas the disruption of pduL2 significantly decreased the acetate yield to approximately one-third that of the wild-type strain. The double-deletion (both pduL genes) mutant did not produce acetate but produced only lactate as the end product from fructose. These results suggest that both pduL genes are associated with acetate formation via acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and that their disruption enables a shift in the homoacetic pathway to the genetically synthesized homolactic pathway via pyruvate. IMPORTANCE This is the first report, to our knowledge, on the experimental identification of PTA genes in M. thermoacetica and the shift of the native homoacetic pathway to the genetically synthesized homolactic pathway by their disruption on a sugar platform. PMID:28159797

Natural Attenuation of Nonionic Surfactants Used in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids: Degradation Rates, Pathways, and Mechanisms.

PubMed

Heyob, Katie M; Blotevogel, Jens; Brooker, Michael; Evans, Morgan V; Lenhart, John J; Wright, Justin; Lamendella, Regina; Borch, Thomas; Mouser, Paula J

2017-12-05

Hydraulic fracturing fluids are injected into shales to extend fracture networks that enhance oil and natural gas production from unconventional reservoirs. Here we evaluated the biodegradability of three widely used nonionic polyglycol ether surfactants (alkyl ethoxylates (AEOs), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), and polypropylene glycols (PPGs)) that function as weatherizers, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and corrosion inhibitors in injected fluids. Under anaerobic conditions, we observed complete removal of AEOs and NPEOs from solution within 3 weeks regardless of whether surfactants were part of a chemical mixture or amended as individual additives. Microbial enzymatic chain shortening was responsible for a shift in ethoxymer molecular weight distributions and the accumulation of the metabolite acetate. PPGs bioattenuated the slowest, producing sizable concentrations of acetone, an isomer of propionaldehyde. Surfactant chain shortening was coupled to an increased abundance of the diol dehydratase gene cluster (pduCDE) in Firmicutes metagenomes predicted from the 16S rRNA gene. The pduCDE enzymes are responsible for cleaving ethoxylate chain units into aldehydes before their fermentation into alcohols and carboxylic acids. These data provide new mechanistic insight into the environmental fate of hydraulic fracturing surfactants after accidental release through chain shortening and biotransformation, emphasizing the importance of compound structure disclosure for predicting biodegradation products.

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the rudder/speed brake subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. E.; Riccio, J. R.

1986-01-01

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The independent analysis results for the Orbiter Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism is documented. The function of the Rudder/Speedbrake (RSB) is to provide directional control and to provide a means of energy control during entry. The system consists of two panels on a vertical hinge mounted on the aft part of the vertical stabilizer. These two panels move together to form a rudder but split apart to make a speedbrake. The Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism consists of the following elements: (1) Power Drive Unit (PDU) which is composed of hydraulic valve module and a hydraulic motor-powered gearbox which contains differentials and mixer gears to provide PDU torque output; (2) four geared rotary actuators which apply the PDU generated torque to the rudder/speedbrake panels; and (3) ten torque shafts which join the PDU to the rotary actuators and interconnect the four rotary actuators. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failures and causes. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Critical RSB failures which result in potential loss of vehicle control were mainly due to loss of hydraulic fluid, fluid contaminators, and mechanical failures in gears and shafts.

An intelligent remote control system for ECEI on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dongxu; Zhu, Yilun; Zhao, Zhenling; Qu, Chengming; Liao, Wang; Xie, Jinlin; Liu, Wandong

2017-08-01

An intelligent remote control system based on a power distribution unit (PDU) and Arduino has been designed for the electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). This intelligent system has three major functions: ECEI system reboot, measurement region adjustment and signal amplitude optimization. The observation region of ECEI can be modified for different physics proposals by remotely tuning the optical and electronics systems. Via the remote adjustment of the attenuation level, the ECEI intermediate frequency signal amplitude can be efficiently optimized. The remote control system provides a feasible and reliable solution for the improvement of signal quality and the efficiency of the ECEI diagnostic system, which is also valuable for other diagnostic systems.

Presence of noroviruses and other enteric viruses in sewage and surface waters in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Lodder, W J; de Roda Husman, A M

2005-03-01

Since virus concentrations in drinking waters are generally below the detection limit, the infectious risk from drinking water consumption requires assessment from the virus concentrations in source waters and removal efficiency of treatment processes. In this study, we estimated from reverse transcription-PCR on 10-fold serially diluted RNA that noroviruses, the most prevalent waterborne gastroenteritis agents, were present at 4 (0.2 to 38) to 4,900 (303 to 4.6 x 10(4)) PCR-detectable units (PDU) per liter of river water (ranges are given in parentheses). These virus concentrations are still high compared with 896 to 7,499 PDU/liter of treated sewage and 5,111 to 850,000 PDU/liter in raw sewage. Sequencing analyses designated human norovirus GGII.4 Lordsdale as the most prevalent strain in the sampling period 1998 to 1999 in both sewage and surface waters. Other GGII strains were also very abundant, indicating that the majority of the virus contamination was derived from urban sewage, although very divergent strains and one animal strain were also detected in the surface and sewage waters. Rotaviruses were also detected in two large rivers (the Maas and the Waal) at 57 to 5,386 PDU/liter. The high virus concentrations determined by PCR may in part be explained by the detection of virus RNA instead of infectious particles. Indeed, reoviruses and enteroviruses that can be cultured were present at much lower levels, of 0.3 to 1 and 2 to 10 PFU/liter, respectively. Assuming 1% of the noroviruses and rotaviruses to be infectious, a much higher disease burden than for other viruses can be expected, not only because of the higher levels but also because of these viruses' higher infectivity and attack rates.

Presence of Noroviruses and Other Enteric Viruses in Sewage and Surface Waters in The Netherlands

PubMed Central

Lodder, W. J.; de Roda Husman, A. M.

2005-01-01

Since virus concentrations in drinking waters are generally below the detection limit, the infectious risk from drinking water consumption requires assessment from the virus concentrations in source waters and removal efficiency of treatment processes. In this study, we estimated from reverse transcription-PCR on 10-fold serially diluted RNA that noroviruses, the most prevalent waterborne gastroenteritis agents, were present at 4 (0.2 to 38) to 4,900 (303 to 4.6 × 104) PCR-detectable units (PDU) per liter of river water (ranges are given in parentheses). These virus concentrations are still high compared with 896 to 7,499 PDU/liter of treated sewage and 5,111 to 850,000 PDU/liter in raw sewage. Sequencing analyses designated human norovirus GGII.4 Lordsdale as the most prevalent strain in the sampling period 1998 to 1999 in both sewage and surface waters. Other GGII strains were also very abundant, indicating that the majority of the virus contamination was derived from urban sewage, although very divergent strains and one animal strain were also detected in the surface and sewage waters. Rotaviruses were also detected in two large rivers (the Maas and the Waal) at 57 to 5,386 PDU/liter. The high virus concentrations determined by PCR may in part be explained by the detection of virus RNA instead of infectious particles. Indeed, reoviruses and enteroviruses that can be cultured were present at much lower levels, of 0.3 to 1 and 2 to 10 PFU/liter, respectively. Assuming 1% of the noroviruses and rotaviruses to be infectious, a much higher disease burden than for other viruses can be expected, not only because of the higher levels but also because of these viruses' higher infectivity and attack rates. PMID:15746348

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

O'Neil, D.J.; Colcord, A.R.; Bery, M.K.

The objective of this project is to design, fabricate, and operate a fermentation facility which will demonstrate on a pilot-scale level (3 oven-dry tons (ODT) per day of feedstock) the economic and technical feasibility of producing anhydrous ethyl alcohol from lignocellulosic biomass residues (wood, corn stover, and wheat straw principally). The resultant process development unit (PDU) will be flexibly designed so as to evaluate current and projected unit operations, materials of construction, chemical and enzymatic systems which offer the potential of significant technological and economic breakthroughs in alcohol production from biomass. The principal focus of the project is to generatemore » fuels from biomass. As such, in addition to alcohol which can be used as a transportation fuel, by-products are to be directed where possible to fuel applications. The project consists of two parts: (1) conceptual design, and (2) detailed engineering design. The first quarter's activities have focused on a critical review of several aspects of the conceptual design of the 3 ODT/day PDU, viz.: (1) biomass cost, availability, and characterization; (2) pretreatment processes for lignocellulosic residues; (3) hydrolytic processes (enzymatic and acidic); (4) fermentation processes; (5) alcohol recovery systems; (6) by-product streams utilization; and (7) process economics.« less

Selective molecular transport through the protein shell of a bacterial microcompartment organelle

DOE PAGES

Chowdhury, Chiranjit; Chun, Sunny; Pang, Allan; ...

2015-02-23

Bacterial microcompartments are widespread prokaryotic organelles that have important and diverse roles ranging from carbon fixation to enteric pathogenesis. Current models for microcompartment function propose that their outer protein shell is selectively permeable to small molecules, but whether a protein shell can mediate selective permeability and how this occurs are unresolved questions. In this paper, biochemical and physiological studies of structure-guided mutants are used to show that the hexameric PduA shell protein of the 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) microcompartment forms a selectively permeable pore tailored for the influx of 1,2-propanediol (the substrate of the Pdu microcompartment) while restricting the efflux ofmore » propionaldehyde, a toxic intermediate of 1,2-propanediol catabolism. Crystal structures of various PduA mutants provide a foundation for interpreting the observed biochemical and phenotypic data in terms of molecular diffusion across the shell. Finally and overall, these studies provide a basis for understanding a class of selectively permeable channels formed by nonmembrane proteins.« less

Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis Identifies an Asparagine–Arginine–Lysine Triad Essential to Assembly of the Shell of the Pdu Microcompartment

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

Sinha, Sharmistha; Cheng, Shouqiang; Sung, Yea Won

2014-06-01

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are the simplest organelles known. They function to enhance metabolic pathways by confining several related enzymes inside an all-protein envelope called the shell. In this study, we investigated the factors that govern MCP assembly by performing scanning mutagenesis on the surface residues of PduA, a major shell protein of the MCP used for 1,2-propanediol degradation. Biochemical, genetic, and structural analysis of 20 mutants allowed us to determine that PduA K26, N29, and R79 are crucial residues that stabilize the shell of the 1,2-propanediol MCP. In addition, we identify two PduA mutants (K37A and K55A) that impair MCPmore » function most likely by altering the permeability of its protein shell. These are the first studies to examine the phenotypic effects of shell protein structural mutations in an MCP system. The findings reported here may be applicable to engineering protein containers with improved stability for biotechnology applications.« less

The Relationships between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and Problematic Drug Use (PDU)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy, Alastair

2008-01-01

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature examining the relationships between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD) and problematic drug use (PDU). The review considers the main debates around the structure and aetiology of ADHD and the main theoretical frameworks offered to explain the…

PULSE COMBUSTOR DESIGN QUALIFICATION TEST AND CLEAN COAL FEEDSTOCK TEST - VOLUME I AND VOLUME II

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

Unknown

For this Cooperative Agreement, the pulse heater module is the technology envelope for an indirectly heated steam reformer. The field of use of the steam reformer pursuant to this Cooperative Agreement with DOE is for the processing of sub-bituminous coals and lignite. The main focus is the mild gasification of such coals for the generation of both fuel gas and char--for the steel industry is the main focus. An alternate market application for the substitution of metallurgical coke is also presented. This project was devoted to qualification of a 253-tube pulse heater module. This module was designed, fabricated, installed, instrumentedmore » and tested in a fluidized bed test facility. Several test campaigns were conducted. This larger heater is a 3.5 times scale-up of the previous pulse heaters that had 72 tubes each. The smaller heater has been part of previous pilot field testing of the steam reformer at New Bern, North Carolina. The project also included collection and reduction of mild gasification process data from operation of the process development unit (PDU). The operation of the PDU was aimed at conditions required to produce char (and gas) for the Northshore Steel Operations. Northshore Steel supplied the coal for the process unit tests.« less

Methyl chloride via oxyhydrochlorination of methane: A building block for chemicals and fuels from natural gas

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

Benson, R.L.; Brown, S.S.D.; Ferguson, S.P.

1995-12-31

The objectives of this program are to (a) develop a process for converting natural gas to methyl chloride via an oxyhydrochlorination route using highly selective, stable catalysts in a fixed-bed, (b) design a reactor capable of removing the large amount of heat generated in the process so as to control the reaction, (c) develop a recovery system capable of removing the methyl chloride from the product stream and (d) determine the economics and commercial viability of the process. The general approach has been as follows: (a) design and build a laboratory scale reactor, (b) define and synthesize suitable OHC catalystsmore » for evaluation, (c) select first generation OHC catalyst for Process Development Unit (PDU) trials, (d) design, construct and startup PDU, (e) evaluate packed bed reactor design, (f) optimize process, in particular, product recovery operations, (g) determine economics of process, (h) complete preliminary engineering design for Phase II and (i) make scale-up decision and formulate business plan for Phase II. Conclusions regarding process development and catalyst development are presented.« less

High-definition flow Doppler ultrasonographic technique to assess hepatic vasculature compared with color or power Doppler ultrasonography: preliminary experience.

PubMed

Kim, Se Hyung; Lee, Jeong Min; Kim, Young Jun; Lee, Jae Young; Han, Joon Koo; Choi, Byung Ihn

2008-10-01

The purpose of this study was to introduce a new high-definition flow (HDF) Doppler technique and to compare its performance with those of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) for assessment of hepatic vasculature in native and transplanted livers. High-definition flow was invented as a high-resolution bidirectional PDU technique. We obtained CDU, PDU, and HDF images of the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein from 60 patients. They were divided into 2 groups: a liver transplantation group (group 1, n = 10) and a native liver group (group 2, n = 50). Two radiologists independently reviewed the cine images and graded them using a 4-point scale in terms of the clarity of the vessel margin and degree of depiction of the HA, flow filling, and flash artifacts. The degree of differentiation between the HA and PV was also evaluated. Flow directionality was recorded, and interobserver agreement was finally analyzed. Moderate to almost perfect agreement was achieved between radiologists for all parameters of each ultrasonographic technique. High-definition flow was significantly superior to both CDU and PDU with respect to all analyzed items except the degree of flash artifacts (P < .05). With regard to flash artifacts, CDU was significantly better than either PDU or HDF. High-definition flow provided directional information, as did CDU. The HDF technique provides better resolution for depicting hepatic vessels as well as their margins with less blooming compared with conventional Doppler ultrasonography in both native and transplanted liver. It also provides solid directional flow information. One point of concern, however, is the frequency of flash artifacts compared with that on CDU.

Shuttle Rudder/Speed Brake Power Drive Unit (PDU) Gear Scuffing Tests With Flight Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Proctor, Margaret P.; Oswald, Fred B.; Krants, Timothy L.

2005-01-01

Scuffing-like damage has been found on the tooth surfaces of gears 5 and 6 of the NASA space shuttle rudder/speed brake power drive unit (PDU) number 2 after the occurrence of a transient back-driving event in flight. Tests were conducted using a pair of unused spare flight gears in a bench test at operating conditions up to 2866 rpm and 1144 in.-lb at the input ring gear and 14,000 rpm and 234 in.-lb at the output pinion gear, corresponding to a power level of 52 hp. This test condition exceeds the maximum estimated conditions expected in a backdriving event thought to produce the scuffing damage. Some wear marks were produced, but they were much less severe than the scuffing damaged produced during shuttle flight. Failure to produce scuff damage like that found on the shuttle may be due to geometrical variations between the scuffed gears and the gears tested herein, more severe operating conditions during the flight that produced the scuff than estimated, the order of the test procedures, the use of new hydraulic oil, differences between the dynamic response of the flight gearbox and the bench-test gearbox, or a combination of these. This report documents the test gears, apparatus, and procedures, summarizes the test results, and includes a discussion of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Proceedings of the Conference on Computer Generated Forces and Behavioral Representation (6th), Held in Orlando, Florida, on 23-25 July 1996

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-07-01

JIATFE employs a mixture of DoD and DLEA assets and sensors to conduct routine patrol operations and respond to changing intelligence assessments...to evolve. These changes range from changing protocol data unit (PDU) formats to introduction of new behaviors, such as infrared sensor management...load, sensors , damage assessment, and physical status. In addition, the PDC contains the processes for computing physical state changes such as

The Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) power system

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

Haines, J.E.; Levins, D.; Robben, A.

1997-12-31

Under the direction of the European Meteorological Satellite Organization (EUMETSAT) and the European Space Agency (ESA), space industries within Europe are in the process of developing a new series of larger and more performant geostationary weather satellites. The initial three spacecraft within this new series, which are known by the name of Meteosat Second Generation (MSG), are due to be progressively launched from the year 2000 onwards. The major objective of this mission is the continuation of the European weather watch and space borne atmospheric sensing services provided by the present series of Meteosat spacecraft. To satisfy this mission requirement,more » the payload compliment to be supported by MSG will consist of a comprehensive earth viewing instrument capable of operating in both the infra-red and visible spectrum, an earth radiation measurement system and a search and rescue facility. In furnishing the power needs for these payloads, the power generating element on the spin stabilized MSG spacecraft consists of a body mounted solar array, capable of providing 628 watts of electrical power at the end of seven years of geosynchronous orbital lifetime. The energy storage elements for the spacecraft consists of two, 29 ampere-hour batteries, while centralized power management is achieved by the Power Control Unit (PCU), which satisfies the payload and battery re-charge demands by controlling the available solar array power. Power distribution for the spacecraft electrical loads and heaters is achieved by the Power Distribution Unit (PDU) and for the pyrotechnic devices by the Pyrotechnic Release Unit.« less

Development of advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products

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

Ness, R.O. Jr.; Aulich, T.R.

1991-05-01

The current objective of the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) mild gasification project is to optimize reaction char and marketable liquids production on a 100-lb/hr scale using Wyodak subbituminous and Indiana No. 3 bituminous coals. Tests performed using the EERC 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) include a refractory-cure (Test P001), a test using petroleum coke (Test P002), and tests using Wyodak and Indiana coals. The reactor system used for the 11 PDU tests conducted to date consists of a spouted, fluid-bed carbonizer equipped with an on-line condensation train that yields three boiling point fractions ofmore » coal liquids ranging in volatility from about (77{degrees}--750{degrees}F) (25{degrees}--400{degrees}C). The September--December 1990 quarterly report described reaction conditions and the bulk of the analytical results for Tests P010 and P011. This report describes further P010 and P011 analytical work, including the generation of simulated distillation curves for liquid samples on the basis of sulfur content, using gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission detection (GC/AED) analysis. 13 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Direct liquefaction Proof-of-Concept facility. Final technical progress report

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

Comolli, A.G.; Lee, L.K.; Pradhan, V.R.

1995-08-01

This report presents the results of work which included extensive modifications to HRI`s existing 3 ton per day Process Development Unit (PDU) and completion of the first PDU run. The 58-day Run 1 demonstrated scale-up of the Catalytic Two-Stage Liquefaction (CTSL Process) on Illinois No. 6 coal to produce distillate liquid products at a rate of up to 5 barrels per to of moisture-ash-free coal. The Kerr McGee Rose-SR unit from Wilsonville was redesigned and installed next to the US Filter installation to allow a comparison of the two solids removal systems. Also included was a new enclosed reactor tower,more » upgraded computer controls and a data acquisition system, an alternate power supply, a newly refurbished reactor, an in-line hydrotreater, interstage sampling system, coal handling unit, a new ebullating pump, load cells and improved controls and remodeled preheaters. Distillate liquid yields of 5 barrels/ton of moisture ash free coal were achieved. Coal slurry recycle rates were reduced from the 2--2.5 to 1 ratio demonstrated at Wilsonville to as low as 0.9 to 1. Coal feed rates were increased during the test by 50% while maintaining process performance at a marginally higher reactor severity. Sulfur in the coal was reduced from 4 wt% to ca. 0.02 wt% sulfur in the clean distillate fuel product. More than 3,500 gallons of distillate fuels were collected for evaluation and upgrading studies. The ROSE-SR Process was operated for the first time with a pentane solvent in a steady-state model. The energy rejection of the ash concentrate was consistently below prior data, being as low as 12%, allowing improved liquid yields and recovery.« less

Residue Phe112 of the Human-Type Corrinoid Adenosyltransferase (PduO) Enzyme of Lactobacillus reuteri Is Critical to the Formation of the Four-Coordinate Co(II) Corrinoid Substrate and to the Activity of the Enzyme

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

Mera, Paola E.; St. Maurice, Martin; Rayment, Ivan

2009-06-08

ATP:Corrinoid adenosyltransferases (ACAs) catalyze the transfer of the adenosyl moiety from ATP to cob(I)alamin via a four-coordinate cob(II)alamin intermediate. At present, it is unknown how ACAs promote the formation of the four-coordinate corrinoid species needed for activity. The published high-resolution crystal structure of the ACA from Lactobacillus reuteri (LrPduO) in complex with ATP and cob(II)alamin shows that the environment around the alpha face of the corrin ring consists of bulky hydrophobic residues. To understand how these residues promote the generation of the four-coordinate cob(II)alamin, variants of the human-type ACA enzyme from L. reuteri (LrPduO) were kinetically and structurally characterized. Thesemore » studies revealed that residue Phe112 is critical in the displacement of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) from its coordination bond with the Co ion of the ring, resulting in the formation of the four-coordinate species. An F112A substitution resulted in a 80% drop in the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. The explanation for this loss of activity was obtained from the crystal structure of the mutant protein, which showed cob(II)alamin bound in the active site with DMB coordinated to the cobalt ion. The crystal structure of an LrPduO(F112H) variant showed a DMB-off/His-on interaction between the corrinoid and the enzyme, whose catalytic efficiency was 4 orders of magnitude lower than that of the wild-type protein. The analysis of the kinetic parameters of LrPduO(F112H) suggests that the F112H substitution negatively impacts product release. Substitutions of other hydrophobic residues in the Cbl binding pocket did not result in significant defects in catalytic efficiency in vitro; however, none of the variant enzymes analyzed in this work supported AdoCbl biosynthesis in vivo.« less

Relating nutrient and herbicide fate with landscape features and characteristics of 15 subwatersheds in the Choptank River watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hively, W. Dean; Hapeman, Cathleen J.; McConnell, Laura L.; Fisher, Thomas R.; Rice, Clifford P.; McCarty, Gregory W.; Sadeghi, Ali M.; Whitall, David R.; Downey, Peter M.; de Guzman, Gabriela T. Nino; Bialek-Kalinski, Krystyna; Lang, Megan W.; Gustafson, Anne B.; Sutton, Adrienne J.; Sefton, Kerry A.; Harman Fetcho, Jennifer A.

2011-01-01

Excess nutrients and agrochemicals from non-point sources contribute to water quality impairment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and their loading rates are related to land use, agricultural practices, hydrology, and pollutant fate and transport processes. In this study, monthly baseflow stream samples from 15 agricultural subwatersheds of the Choptank River in Maryland USA (2005 to 2007) were characterized for nutrients, herbicides, and herbicide transformation products. High-resolution digital maps of land use and forested wetlands were derived from remote sensing imagery. Examination of landscape metrics and water quality data, partitioned according to hydrogeomorphic class, provided insight into the fate, delivery, and transport mechanisms associated with agricultural pollutants. Mean Nitrate-N concentrations (4.9 mg/L) were correlated positively with percent agriculture (R2 = 0.56) and negatively with percent forest (R2 = 0.60). Concentrations were greater (p = 0.0001) in the well-drained upland (WDU) hydrogeomorphic region than in poorly drained upland (PDU), reflecting increased denitrification and reduced agricultural land use intensity in the PDU landscape due to the prevalence of hydric soils. Atrazine and metolachlor concentrations (mean 0.29 μg/L and 0.19 μg/L) were also greater (p = 0.0001) in WDU subwatersheds than in PDU subwatersheds. Springtime herbicide concentrations exhibited a strong, positive correlation (R2 = 0.90) with percent forest in the WDU subwatersheds but not in the PDU subwatersheds. In addition, forested riparian stream buffers in the WDU were more prevalent than in the PDU where forested patches are typically not located near streams, suggesting an alternative delivery mechanism whereby volatilized herbicides are captured by the riparian forest canopy and subsequently washed off during rainfall. Orthophosphate, CIAT (6-chloro-N-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), CEAT (6-chloro-N-ethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), and MESA (2-[(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl) (2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)amino]-2-oxoethanesulfonic acid) were also analyzed. These findings will assist efforts in targeting implementation of conservation practices to the most environmentally-critical areas within watersheds to achieve water quality improvements in a cost-effective manner.

The Determinants of Quality of Life of Nursing Home Residents with Young-Onset Dementia and the Differences between Dementia Subtypes.

PubMed

Appelhof, Britt; Bakker, Christian; Van Duinen-van den Ijssel, Jeannette C L; Zwijsen, Sandra A; Smalbrugge, Martin; Verhey, Frans R J; de Vugt, Marjolein E; Zuidema, Sytse U; Koopmans, Raymond T C M

2017-01-01

The aims of this study are to (1) explore the determinants of quality of life (QoL) in nursing home residents with young-onset dementia (YOD), (2) investigate whether there are differences between dementia subtypes (Alzheimer dementia, vascular/mixed dementia, frontotemporal dementia, other) regarding these determinants, and (3) compare QoL profiles of YOD nursing home residents across dementia subtypes. This cross-sectional study included 207 nursing home residents. Multilevel modeling was used to determine the relationships between QoL and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), dementia severity, psychotropic drug use (PDU), dementia subtype, age, and gender. Additional multilevel models were used to compare aspects of QoL between dementia subtypes. Residents' QoL was negatively associated with advanced dementia, PDU, and NPS. In general, the relationships between the determinants and QoL were similar across the dementia subtypes. Aspects of QoL differed by dementia subtype. Residents with frontotemporal dementia showed less negative emotions, accepted more help and experienced better quality of relationships with professional caregivers, had a more positive self-image, felt more comfortable in the nursing home environment, and experienced lower quality of social relationships. Considering the high rates of NPS and PDU in YOD residents and their negative associations with QoL, we recommend emphasizing services to manage and reduce NPS and PDU in nursing home residents with YOD. Furthermore, our findings suggest accounting for differences in aspects of QoL by dementia subtype to address specific needs and thereby improve QoL. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

A synthetic system for expression of components of a bacterial microcompartment.

PubMed

Sargent, Frank; Davidson, Fordyce A; Kelly, Ciarán L; Binny, Rachelle; Christodoulides, Natasha; Gibson, David; Johansson, Emelie; Kozyrska, Katarzyna; Lado, Lucia Licandro; Maccallum, Jane; Montague, Rachel; Ortmann, Brian; Owen, Richard; Coulthurst, Sarah J; Dupuy, Lionel; Prescott, Alan R; Palmer, Tracy

2013-11-01

In general, prokaryotes are considered to be single-celled organisms that lack internal membrane-bound organelles. However, many bacteria produce proteinaceous microcompartments that serve a similar purpose, i.e. to concentrate specific enzymic reactions together or to shield the wider cytoplasm from toxic metabolic intermediates. In this paper, a synthetic operon encoding the key structural components of a microcompartment was designed based on the genes for the Salmonella propanediol utilization (Pdu) microcompartment. The genes chosen included pduA, -B, -J, -K, -N, -T and -U, and each was shown to produce protein in an Escherichia coli chassis. In parallel, a set of compatible vectors designed to express non-native cargo proteins was also designed and tested. Engineered hexa-His tags allowed isolation of the components of the microcompartments together with co-expressed, untagged, cargo proteins. Finally, an in vivo protease accessibility assay suggested that a PduD-GFP fusion could be protected from proteolysis when co-expressed with the synthetic microcompartment operon. This work gives encouragement that it may be possible to harness the genes encoding a non-native microcompartment for future biotechnological applications.

Portable duplex ultrasonography: A diagnostic and decision-making tool in reconstructive microsurgery.

PubMed

Gravvanis, Andreas; Karakitsos, Dimitrios; Dimitriou, Vasilios; Zogogiannis, Ioannis; Katsikeris, Nick; Karabinis, Andreas; Tsoutsos, Dimosthenis

2010-07-01

Unidirectional Doppler is a common diagnostic tool by the Reconstructive Microsurgeons; however, it may generate false signals and surely provides less imaging data as compared to duplex ultrasonography. We have reviewed the use of Portable Duplex Ultrasonography (PDU) in 16 patients who underwent complex soft-tissue/bone reconstruction, aiming to determine its role in the design and management of free tissue transfer. According to our data, there were modifications either of the surgical plan and/or of patient's management, based on PDU findings, in 10 out of 16 patients (62.5%). The use of ultrasound directed to subtle modifications in three patients (19%), but to significant changes of the surgical plan in four patients (25%). Also, the use of ultrasound improved significantly the postoperative management in three patients (19%). Thus, significant impact of PDU in patient's treatment was recorded in 44% of cases. Portable ultrasound represents generally available method for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative diagnosis and decision-making in free tissue transfer, hence could replace in the near future the unidirectional Doppler in the hands of Microsurgeons. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Pilot-Scale Demonstration of a Novel, Low-Cost Oxygen Supply Process and its Integration with Oxy-Fuel Coal-Fired Boilers

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

Krish Krishnamurthy; Divy Acharya; Frank Fitch

In order to achieve DOE targets for carbon dioxide capture, it is crucial not only to develop process options that will generate and provide oxygen to the power cycle in a cost-effective manner compared to the conventional oxygen supply methods based on cryogenic air separation technology, but also to identify effective integration options for these new technologies into the power cycle with carbon dioxide capture. The Linde/BOC developed Ceramic Autothermal Recovery (CAR) process remains an interesting candidate to address both of these issues by the transfer of oxygen from the air to a recycled CO{sub 2} rich flue-gas stream inmore » a cyclic process utilizing the high temperature sorption properties of perovskites. Good progress was made on this technology in this project, but significant challenges remain to be addressed before CAR oxygen production technology is ready for commercial exploitation. Phase 1 of the project was completed by the end of September 2008. The two-bed 0.7 tons/day O2 CAR process development unit (PDU) was installed adjacent to WRI's pilot scale coal combustion test facility (CTF). Start-up and operating sequences for the PDU were developed and cyclic operation of the CAR process demonstrated. Controlled low concentration methane addition allowed the beds to be heated up to operational temperature (800-900 C) and then held there during cyclic operation of the 2-bed CAR process, in this way overcoming unavoidable heat losses from the beds during steady state operation. The performance of the PDU was optimized as much as possible, but equipment limitations prevented the system from fully achieving its target performance. Design of the flue gas recirculation system to integrate CAR PDU with the CTF and the system was completed and integrated tests successfully performed at the end of the period. A detailed techno-economic analysis was made of the CAR process for supplying the oxygen in oxy-fuel combustion retrofit option using AEP's 450 MW Conesville, Ohio plant and contrasted with the cryogenic air separation option (ASU). Design of a large scale CAR unit was completed to support this techno-economic assessment. Based on the finding that the overall cost potential of the CAR technology compared to cryogenic ASU is nominal at current performance levels and that the risks related to both material and process scale up are still significant, the team recommended not to proceed to Phase 2. CAR process economics continue to look attractive if the original and still 'realistic' target oxygen capacities could be realized in practice. In order to achieve this end, a new fundamental materials development program would be needed. With the effective oxygen capacities of the current CAR materials there is, however, insufficient economic incentive to use this commercially unproven technology in oxy-fuel power plant applications in place of conventional ASUs. In addition, it is now clear that before a larger scale pilot demonstration of the CAR technology is made, a better understanding of the impact of flue-gas impurities on the CAR materials and of thermal transients in the beds is required.« less

Two Axis Pointing System (TAPS) attitude acquisition, determination, and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Azzolini, John D.; Mcglew, David E.

1990-01-01

The Two Axis Pointing System (TAPS) is a 2 axis gimbal system designed to provide fine pointing of Space Transportation System (STS) borne instruments. It features center-of-mass instrument mounting and will accommodate instruments of up to 1134 kg (2500 pounds) which fit within a 1.0 by 1.0 by 4.2 meter (40 by 40 by 166 inch) envelope. The TAPS system is controlled by a microcomputer based Control Electronics Assembly (CEA), a Power Distribution Unit (PDU), and a Servo Control Unit (SCU). A DRIRU-II inertial reference unit is used to provide incremental angles for attitude propagation. A Ball Brothers STRAP star tracker is used for attitude acquisition and update. The theory of the TAPS attitude determination and error computation for the Broad Band X-ray Telescope (BBXRT) are described. The attitude acquisition is based upon a 2 star geometric solution. The acquisition theory and quaternion algebra are presented. The attitude control combines classical position, integral and derivative (PID) control with techniques to compensate for coulomb friction (bias torque) and the cable harness crossing the gimbals (spring torque). Also presented is a technique for an adaptive bias torque compensation which adjusts to an ever changing frictional torque environment. The control stability margins are detailed, with the predicted pointing performance, based upon simulation studies. The TAPS user interface, which provides high level operations commands to facilitate science observations, is outlined.

Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound in the early assessment of response to concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for advanced cervical cancer.

PubMed

Xu, Yan; Zhu, Lijing; Ru, Tong; Wang, Huanhuan; He, Jian; Zhou, Zhengyang; Yang, Xiaofeng

2017-09-01

Background Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D-PDU) imaging has been widely applied to the differentiation of benign and malignant cervical lesions; however, its potential value for predicting response to chemo-radiotherapy has not been fully explored. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of 3D-PDU imaging in predicting treatment response in patients receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) for advanced cervical cancer. Material and Methods Fifty-two patients with advanced cervical cancer who received CCRT underwent 3D-PDU examinations at four timepoints: pre-therapy (baseline), 1 week and 2 weeks during, as well as immediately post CCRT. Final tumor response was determined by change in tumor size using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cervical tumor volumes and vascular indices were calculated and compared with the clinical outcome. Results Of the 52 patients, 32 patients who completed all four examinations were included in the analyses: 21 were classified as complete response (CR) and 11 as partial response (PR). During the treatment, the CR group showed that 3D vascular indices (VI and VFI) significantly increased at 1 week ( P = 0.028, P = 0.017, respectively) then decreased at 2 weeks and obviously decreased at therapy completion (both P < 0.001), whereas tumors significantly decreased in volume at 2 weeks after therapy initiation ( P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in 3D vascular indices values were seen in the PR group during the treatment course (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Prospective longitudinal 3D-PDU imaging may have potentials in monitoring early therapeutic response to CCRT in patients with cervical cancer.

Acute perforated duodenal ulcer in Maiduguri: experience with simple closure and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

PubMed

Nuhu, A; Madziga, A G; Gali, B M

2009-01-01

Effective medical management of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has reduced the incidence of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) as a complication, but perforation especially in the elderly remains unchanged and is in fact on the increase. There is a changing trend in emergency surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) from definitive anti ulcer surgery to simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. To present our experience in managing PDU with simple closure followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication. This was a chart review of patients managed for PDU over a nine year period (Jan 1999 to Dec 2007) using information obtained from ward admission registers, theatre operation registers, and patients case files from the medical records department. The patients biodata, clinical, and operative findings as well as treatment outcome were extracted for analysis. Of 55 patients eligible for analysis, 44 (80%) were males and 11(20%) females (M to F, 4:1). Their ages ranged between 18 and 65 years with a mean(SD) of 39.9 (13.5) years. Most of the patients, 34 (61.8%), were below 40 years of age and majority 39(71.0%) had a history suggestive of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Twenty six (47.3%) patients presented within 24 hours of perforation, while nine (16.4%) presented more than 72 hours afterwards. The latter group accounted for most, five(55.6%), of the mortality. All the perforations were anterior pyloroduodenal and all except one had simple closure with omental patch followed by a course of a proton pump inhibitor and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Simple closure with omental patch followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication is effective in managing PDU with low morbidity and mortality despite patients late presentation in our center. This technique is recommended in place of a definitive ulcer surgery.

A riboswitch-regulated antisense RNA in Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Mellin, J R; Tiensuu, Teresa; Bécavin, Christophe; Gouin, Edith; Johansson, Jörgen; Cossart, Pascale

2013-08-06

Riboswitches are ligand-binding elements located in 5' untranslated regions of messenger RNAs, which regulate expression of downstream genes. In Listeria monocytogenes, a vitamin B12-binding (B12) riboswitch was identified, not upstream of a gene but downstream, and antisense to the adjacent gene, pocR, suggesting it might regulate pocR in a nonclassical manner. In Salmonella enterica, PocR is a transcription factor that is activated by 1,2-propanediol, and subsequently activates expression of the pdu genes. The pdu genes mediate propanediol catabolism and are implicated in pathogenesis. As enzymes involved in propanediol catabolism require B12 as a cofactor, we hypothesized that the Listeria B12 riboswitch might be involved in pocR regulation. Here we demonstrate that the B12 riboswitch is transcribed as part of a noncoding antisense RNA, herein named AspocR. In the presence of B12, the riboswitch induces transcriptional termination, causing aspocR to be transcribed as a short transcript. In contrast, in the absence of B12, aspocR is transcribed as a long antisense RNA, which inhibits pocR expression. Regulation by AspocR ensures that pocR, and consequently the pdu genes, are maximally expressed only when both propanediol and B12 are present. Strikingly, AspocR can inhibit pocR expression in trans, suggesting it acts through a direct interaction with pocR mRNA. Together, this study demonstrates how pocR and the pdu genes can be regulated by B12 in bacteria and extends the classical definition of riboswitches from elements governing solely the expression of mRNAs to a wider role in controlling transcription of noncoding RNAs.

Computer-generated scenes depicting the HST capture and EVA repair mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-11-12

Computer generated scenes depicting the Hubble Space Telescope capture and a sequence of planned events on the planned extravehicular activity (EVA). Scenes include the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm assisting two astronauts changing out the Wide Field/Planetary Camera (WF/PC) (48699); RMS arm assisting in the temporary mating of the orbiting telescope to the flight support system in Endeavour's cargo bay (48700); Endeavour's RMS arm assisting in the "capture" of the orbiting telescope (48701); Two astronauts changing out the telescope's coprocessor (48702); RMS arm assistign two astronauts replacing one of the telescope's electronic control units (48703); RMS assisting two astronauts replacing the fuse plugs on the telescope's Power Distribution Unit (PDU) (48704); The telescope's High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS) kit is depicted in this scene (48705); Two astronauts during the removal of the high speed photometer and the installation of the COSTAR instrument (48706); Two astronauts, standing on the RMS, during installation of one of the Magnetic Sensing System (MSS) (48707); High angle view of the orbiting Space Shuttle Endeavour with its cargo bay doors open, revealing the bay's pre-capture configuration. Seen are, from the left, the Solar Array Carrier, the ORU Carrier and the flight support system (48708); Two astronauts performing the replacement of HST's Rate Sensor Units (RSU) (48709); The RMS arm assisting two astronauts with the replacement of the telescope's solar array panels (48710); Two astronauts replacing the telescope's Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADE) (48711).

'Allowing the right' and its currency in managing drug stigma in Greece.

PubMed

Fotopoulou, Maria; Munro, Alison; Taylor, Avril

2015-08-01

Evidence suggests that problem drug users are still subject to high levels of stigmatization. In countries, like Greece, where families occupy a central position and honour is collectively attained, secondary drug stigma is also highly prevalent. However, little is known about how drug users and their families manage drug stigma in the specific cultural milieu that makes up Greece. This article presents findings from a qualitative study exploring how drug stigma both manifests itself and is managed by drug users and parents in the context of Greek familial culture. The study was conducted in two state drug agencies in Thessaloniki - Greece and involved the participation of 40 problem drug users (PDU) (23 male/17 female) and 8 parents of PDU. Qualitative, in-depth, interviews were used to collect narrative accounts about experiences of managing addiction, drug stigma and secondary stigma in the Greek parental home. 'Allowing the right' - broadly understood as referring to passing to others information which might devalue a person and consequently that person's family - is discussed in terms of drug stigma management in Greece. We highlight how this culturally specific notion can be viewed as an active strategy adopted by both individual drug users and parents of PDU to manage stigmatization by illustrating the various way in which not 'allowing the right' was described by participants, including drug problem discovery or disclosure and subsequent management of drug using careers and drug stigma within the Greek family context. Given the significance of the cultural notion of 'allowing the right' in the trajectory of drug use amongst PDU and more particularly in stigma management and secondary stigma management, the paper highlights the need for further research into the field in Greece. The need for targeted culturally specific and culturally relevant interventions aimed at reducing drug stigma is also highlighted in relation to both policy and practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatiotemporal image correlation-derived volumetric Doppler impedance indices from spherical samples of the placenta: intraobserver reliability and correlation with conventional umbilical artery Doppler indices.

PubMed

Welsh, A W; Hou, M; Meriki, N; Martins, W P

2012-10-01

Volumetric impedance indices derived from spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) might overcome the influence of machine settings and attenuation. We examined the feasibility of obtaining these indices from spherical samples of anterior placentas in healthy pregnancies, and assessed intraobserver reliability and correlation with conventional umbilical artery (UA) impedance indices. Uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with anterior placenta were included in the study. A single observer evaluated UA pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and acquired three STIC-PDU datasets from the placenta just above the placental cord insertion. Another observer analyzed the STIC-PDU datasets using Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) spherical samples from every frame to determine the vascularization index (VI) and vascularization flow index (VFI); maximum, minimum and average values were used to determine the three volumetric impedance indices (vPI, vRI, vS/D). Intraobserver reliability was examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and association between volumetric indices from placenta, and UA Doppler indices were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. A total of 25 pregnant women were evaluated but five were excluded because of artifacts observed during analysis. The reliability of measurement of volumetric indices of both VI and VFI from three STIC-PDU datasets was similar, with all ICCs ≥ 0.78. Pearson's r values showed a weak and non-significant correlation between UA pulsed-wave Doppler indices and their respective volumetric indices from spherical samples of placenta (all r ≥ 0.23). VOCAL indices from specific phases of the cardiac cycle showed good repeatability (ICC ≥ 0.92). Volumetric impedance indices determined from spherical samples of placenta are sufficiently reliable but do not correlate with UA Doppler indices in healthy pregnancies. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Process wastewater treatability study for Westinghouse fluidized-bed coal gasification

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

Winton, S.L.; Buvinger, B.J.; Evans, J.M.

1983-11-01

In the development of a synthetic fuels facility, water usage and wastewater treatment are major areas of concern. Coal gasification processes generally produce relatively large volumes of gas condensates. These wastewaters are typically composed of a variety of suspended and dissolved organic and inorganic solids and dissolved gaseous contaminants. Fluidized-bed coal gasification (FBG) processes are no exception to this rule. The Department of Energy's Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC), the Gas Research Institute (GRI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA/IERLRTP) recognized the need for a FBG treatment program to provide process design data for FBG wastewaters during the environmental, health,more » and safety characterization of the Westinghouse Process Development Unit (PDU). In response to this need, METC developed conceptual designs and a program plan to obtain process design and performance data for treating wastewater from commercial-scale Westinghouse-based synfuels plants. As a result of this plan, METC, GRI, and EPA entered into a joint program to develop performance data, design parameters, conceptual designs, and cost estimates for treating wastewaters from a FBG plant. Wastewater from the Westinghouse PDU consists of process quench and gas cooling condensates which are similar to those produced by other FBG processes such as U-Gas, and entrained-bed gasification processes such as Texaco. Therefore, wastewater from this facility was selected as the basis for this study. This paper outlines the current program for developing process design and cost data for the treatment of these wastewaters.« less

STS-53 Discovery, OV-103, DOD Hercules digital electronic imagery equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

STS-53 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Department of Defense (DOD) mission Hand-held Earth-oriented Real-time Cooperative, User-friendly, Location, targeting, and Environmental System (Hercules) spaceborne experiment equipment is documented in this table top view. HERCULES is a joint NAVY-NASA-ARMY payload designed to provide real-time high resolution digital electronic imagery and geolocation (latitude and longitude determination) of earth surface targets of interest. HERCULES system consists of (from left to right): a specially modified GRID Systems portable computer mounted atop NASA developed Playback-Downlink Unit (PDU) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) developed HERCULES Attitude Processor (HAP); the NASA-developed Electronic Still Camera (ESC) Electronics Box (ESCEB) including removable imagery data storage disks and various connecting cables; the ESC (a NASA modified Nikon F-4 camera) mounted atop the NRL HERCULES Inertial Measurement Unit (HIMU) containing the three

STS-53 Discovery, OV-103, DOD Hercules digital electronic imagery equipment

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-04-22

STS-53 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Department of Defense (DOD) mission Hand-held Earth-oriented Real-time Cooperative, User-friendly, Location, targeting, and Environmental System (Hercules) spaceborne experiment equipment is documented in this table top view. HERCULES is a joint NAVY-NASA-ARMY payload designed to provide real-time high resolution digital electronic imagery and geolocation (latitude and longitude determination) of earth surface targets of interest. HERCULES system consists of (from left to right): a specially modified GRID Systems portable computer mounted atop NASA developed Playback-Downlink Unit (PDU) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) developed HERCULES Attitude Processor (HAP); the NASA-developed Electronic Still Camera (ESC) Electronics Box (ESCEB) including removable imagery data storage disks and various connecting cables; the ESC (a NASA modified Nikon F-4 camera) mounted atop the NRL HERCULES Inertial Measurement Unit (HIMU) containing the three-axis ring-laser gyro.

Is there a relation between priapism occurring after penile doppler ultrasonography and international erectile function index score and erection hardness score levels?

PubMed

Sönmez, Mehmet Giray; Öztürk, Ahmet

2017-12-01

The relation between Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) Questionnaire- Erectile Function Domain Score (IIEF-EF score) used in erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation and the prevalence of priapism after penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was examined in this study. A total of 62 patients who had PDU were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; there were 33 patients in IIEF-EF score ≤10, EHS <2 group (Group 1) and 29 patients in IIEF-EF score >10, EHS ≥2 group (Group 2). The two groups separated according to their scores were compared for age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of priapism, vascular comorbidities and duration of erection. When compared to Group 2, median age, rate of vascular comorbidities rate and BMI were detected to be higher in Group 1 with IIEF-EF score ≤10 and EHS <2. But contrary to age and rate of vascular comorbidities (p=0.035, p=0.049 respectively), higher BMI was detected to be statistically insignificant (p=0.093). Duration of erection, IIEF-EF score and number of cases with priapism were significantly higher in Group 2 with IIEF-EF score >10 and EHS ≥2 (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.049 respectively). High IIEF-EF and EHS scores, younger ages and lower rates of vascular comorbidities in patients from whom PDU was demanded increase the prevalence of priapism.

Electron heating at interplanetary shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, W. C.; Asbridge, J. R.; Bame, S. J.; Gosling, J. T.; Zwickl, R. D.

1982-01-01

Data for 41 forward interplanetary shocks show that the ratio of downstream to upstream electron temperatures, T/sub e/(d/u) is variable in the range between 1.0 (isothermal) and 3.0. On average, (T/sub e/(d/u) = 1.5 with a standard deviation, sigma e = 0.5. This ratio is less than the average ratio of proton temperatures across the same shocks, (T/sub p/(d/u)) = 3.3 with sigma p = 2.5 as well as the average ratio of electron temperatures across the Earth's bow shock. Individual samples of T/sub e/(d/u) and T/sub p/(d/u) appear to be weakly correlated with the number density ratio. However the amounts of electron and proton heating are well correlated with each other as well as with the bulk velocity difference across each shock. The stronger shocks appear to heat the protons relatively more efficiently than they heat the electrons.

Is there a relation between priapism occurring after penile doppler ultrasonography and international erectile function index score and erection hardness score levels?

PubMed Central

Sönmez, Mehmet Giray; Öztürk, Ahmet

2017-01-01

Objective The relation between Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) Questionnaire- Erectile Function Domain Score (IIEF-EF score) used in erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation and the prevalence of priapism after penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was examined in this study. Material and methods A total of 62 patients who had PDU were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; there were 33 patients in IIEF-EF score ≤10, EHS <2 group (Group 1) and 29 patients in IIEF-EF score >10, EHS ≥2 group (Group 2). The two groups separated according to their scores were compared for age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of priapism, vascular comorbidities and duration of erection. Results When compared to Group 2, median age, rate of vascular comorbidities rate and BMI were detected to be higher in Group 1 with IIEF-EF score ≤10 and EHS <2. But contrary to age and rate of vascular comorbidities (p=0.035, p=0.049 respectively), higher BMI was detected to be statistically insignificant (p=0.093). Duration of erection, IIEF-EF score and number of cases with priapism were significantly higher in Group 2 with IIEF-EF score >10 and EHS ≥2 (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.049 respectively). Conclusion High IIEF-EF and EHS scores, younger ages and lower rates of vascular comorbidities in patients from whom PDU was demanded increase the prevalence of priapism. PMID:29201505

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

Hoekman, S. Kent; Broch, Broch; Robbins, Curtis

The primary objective of this project was to utilize a flexible, energy-efficient facility, called the DRI Renewable Energy Experimental Facility (REEF) to support various renewable energy research and development (R&D) efforts, along with education and outreach activities. The REEF itself consists of two separate buildings: (1) a 1200-ft2 off-grid capable house and (2) a 600-ft2 workshop/garage to support larger-scale experimental work. Numerous enhancements were made to DRI's existing renewable power generation systems, and several additional components were incorporated to support operation of the REEF House. The power demands of this house are satisfied by integrating and controlling PV arrays, solarmore » thermal systems, wind turbines, an electrolyzer for renewable hydrogen production, a gaseous-fuel internal combustion engine/generator set, and other components. Cooling needs of the REEF House are satisfied by an absorption chiller, driven by solar thermal collectors. The REEF Workshop includes a unique, solar air collector system that is integrated into the roof structure. This system provides space heating inside the Workshop, as well as a hot water supply. The Workshop houses a custom-designed process development unit (PDU) that is used to convert woody biomass into a friable, hydrophobic char that has physical and chemical properties similar to low grade coal. Besides providing sufficient space for operation of this PDU, the REEF Workshop supplies hot water that is used in the biomass treatment process. The DRI-REEF serves as a working laboratory for evaluating and optimizing the performance of renewable energy components within an integrated, residential-like setting. The modular nature of the system allows for exploring alternative configurations and control strategies. This experimental test bed is also highly valuable as an education and outreach tool both in providing an infrastructure for student research projects, and in highlighting renewable energy features to the public.« less

Presence of enteric viruses in source waters for drinking water production in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Lodder, W J; van den Berg, H H J L; Rutjes, S A; de Roda Husman, A M

2010-09-01

The quality of drinking water in The Netherlands has to comply with the Dutch Drinking Water Directive: less than one infection in 10,000 persons per year may occur due to consumption of unboiled drinking water. Since virus concentrations in drinking waters may be below the detection limit but entail a public health risk, the infection risk from drinking water consumption requires the assessment of the virus concentrations in source waters and of the removal efficiency of treatment processes. In this study, samples of source waters were taken during 4 years of regular sampling (1999 to 2002), and enteroviruses, reoviruses, somatic phages, and F-specific phages were detected in 75% (range, 0.0033 to 5.2 PFU/liter), 83% (0.0030 to 5.9 PFU/liter), 100% (1.1 to 114,156 PFU/liter), and 97% (0.12 to 14,403 PFU/liter), respectively, of 75 tested source water samples originating from 10 locations for drinking water production. By endpoint dilution reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), 45% of the tested source water samples were positive for norovirus RNA (0.22 to 177 PCR-detectable units [PDU]/liter), and 48% were positive for rotavirus RNA (0.65 to 2,249 PDU/liter). Multiple viruses were regularly detected in the source water samples. A significant correlation between the concentrations of the two phages and those of the enteroviruses could be demonstrated. The virus concentrations varied greatly between 10 tested locations, and a seasonal effect was observed. Peak concentrations of pathogenic viruses occur in source waters used for drinking water production. If seasonal and short-term fluctuations coincide with less efficient or failing treatment, an unacceptable public health risk from exposure to this drinking water may occur.

Low cost solar aray project: Experimental process system development unit for producing semiconductor-grade silicon using the silane-to-silicon process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

This phase consists of the engineering design, fabrication, assembly, operation, economic analysis, and process support R&D for an Experimental Process System Development Unit (EPSDU). The mechanical bid package was issued and the bid responses are under evaluation. Similarly, the electrical bid package was issued, however, responses are not yet due. The majority of all equipment is on order or has been received at the EPSDU site. The pyrolysis/consolidation process design package was issued. Preparation of process and instrumentation diagram for the free-space reactor was started. In the area of melting/consolidation, Kayex successfully melted chunk silicon and have produced silicon shot. The free-space reactor powder was successfully transported pneumatically from a storage bin to the auger feeder twenty-five feet up and was melted. The fluid-bed PDU has successfully operated at silane feed concentrations up to 21%. The writing of the operating manual has started. Overall, the design phase is nearing completion.

Partial amino acid sequence of the branched chain amino acid aminotransferase (TmB) of E. coli JA199 pDU11

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

Feild, M.J.; Armstrong, F.B.

1987-05-01

E. coli JA199 pDU11 harbors a multicopy plasmid containing the ilv GEDAY gene cluster of S. typhimurium. TmB, gene product of ilv E, was purified, crystallized, and subjected to Edman degradation using a gas phase sequencer. The intact protein yielded an amino terminal 31 residue sequence. Both carboxymethylated apoenzyme and (/sup 3/H)-NaBH-reduced holoenzyme were then subjected to digestion by trypsin. The digests were fractionated using reversed phase HPLC, and the peptides isolated were sequenced. The borohydride-treated holoenzyme was used to isolate the cofactor-binding peptide. The peptide is 27 residues long and a comparison with known sequences of other aminotransferases revealedmore » limited homology. Peptides accounting for 211 of 288 predicted residues have been sequenced, including 9 residues of the carboxyl terminus. Comparison of peptides with the inferred amino acid sequence of the E. coli K-12 enzyme has helped determine the sequence of the amino terminal 59 residues; only two differences between the sequences are noted in this region.« less

Preoperative clinical and diagnostic characteristics of patients who require delayed IPP after primary Peyronies repair.

PubMed

Alphs, Hannah H; Navai, Neema; Köhler, Tobias S; McVary, Kevin T

2010-03-01

Penile vascular abnormalities occur in a high proportion of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD). Penile duplex ultrasonography (PDU) and dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC) are tools that can be used to help tailor individualized treatment for patients undergoing surgical intervention for their PD. However, precisely which parameters can be used to predict those patients with PD at risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) after intervention without inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has not been previously elucidated. To evaluate preoperative vascular parameters that predispose PD patients for developing ED after intervention without IPP. Twenty-six patients receiving surgical intervention for their PD at a single center were retrospectively identified. Of these, 11 (42.3%) opted for primary repair without placement of an IPP. Three (27.2%) of these 11 patients went on to develop ED postoperatively. We compared various demographic, PDU, and DICC parameters between patients who did and did not fail primary repair of their PD. Mean age and follow-up of patients who went on to develop ED after repair of PD without IPP were not significantly different (P < 0.05). Resistive index (RI) and end diastolic volume were significantly different between these two groups (P < 0.05), while peak systolic volume, flow to maintain, and pressure decay were not significantly different. An RI cutoff of <0.80 was found to identify all patients who would later develop ED and fail primary repair without IPP. Penile vascular assessment can aid in counseling patients about their risk of developing delayed ED after primary repair of PD. In our cohort of patients, PDU provided preoperative risk stratification for postoperative erectile dysfunction in men undergoing Peyronie's repair without IPP. We propose the prospective study of an RI cutoff to identify patients at risk of failing primary PD repair without IPP.

Selective Prevention: Addressing Vulnerability to Problem Drug Use in Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burkhart, Gregor; Gyarmathy, V. Anna; Bo, Alessandra

2011-01-01

Following the 2003 publication of the European Union (EU) Council Recommendations and the 2005-2008 and 2009-2012 EU Drugs Action Plans, increasing attention has been given in EU member states' drug policies to populations that are vulnerable to problem drug use (PDU). Monitoring data reported to the EMCDDA by designated agencies from 30 countries…

Low Cost Solar Array Project. Feasibility of the silane process for producing semiconductor-grade silicon. Final report, October 1975-March 1979

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

Not Available

1979-06-01

The commercial production of low-cost semiconductor-grade silicon is an essential requirement of the JPL/DOE (Department of Energy) Low-Cost Solar Array (LSA) Project. A 1000-metric-ton-per-year commercial facility using the Union Carbide Silane Process will produce molten silicon for an estimated price of $7.56/kg (1975 dollars, private financing), meeting the DOE goal of less than $10/kg. Conclusions and technology status are reported for both contract phases, which had the following objectives: (1) establish the feasibility of Union Carbide's Silane Process for commercial application, and (2) develop an integrated process design for an Experimental Process System Development Unit (EPSDU) and a commercial facility,more » and estimate the corresponding commercial plant economic performance. To assemble the facility design, the following work was performed: (a) collection of Union Carbide's applicable background technology; (b) design, assembly, and operation of a small integrated silane-producing Process Development Unit (PDU); (c) analysis, testing, and comparison of two high-temperature methods for converting pure silane to silicon metal; and (d) determination of chemical reaction equilibria and kinetics, and vapor-liquid equilibria for chlorosilanes.« less

Report on all ARRA Funded Technical Work

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

None, None

2013-10-05

The main focus of this American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funded project was to design an energy efficient carbon capture and storage (CCS) process using the Recipients membrane system for H{sub 2} separation and CO{sub 2} capture. In the ARRA-funded project, the Recipient accelerated development and scale-up of ongoing hydrogen membrane technology research and development (R&D). Specifically, this project focused on accelerating the current R&D work scope of the base program-funded project, involving lab scale tests, detail design of a 250 lb/day H{sub 2} process development unit (PDU), and scale-up of membrane tube and coating manufacturing. Thismore » project scope included the site selection and a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study of a nominally 4 to 10 ton-per-day (TPD) Pre-Commercial Module (PCM) hydrogen separation membrane system. Process models and techno-economic analysis were updated to include studies on integration of this technology into an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power generation system with CCS.« less

Distribution of fission products palladium, silver, cerium and cesium in the un-corroded areas of the locally corroded SiC layer of a neutron irradiated TRISO fuel particle

DOE PAGES

Wen, Haiming; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

2017-04-14

Here, detailed electron microscopy studies were performed to investigate the distribution and composition of fission products in the SiC layer of a tristructural isotropic coated particle exhibiting localized corrosion. Previous studies on this particle indicated that pure carbon areas in the SiC layer, resulting from localized corrosion of SiC by Pd, provide pathways for Ag, Cd and Cs migration. This study reveals the presence of Ag- and/or Cd-containing precipitates in un-corroded SiC areas. Ag/Cd may exist by themselves or coexist with Pd. Ag/Cd mainly transport along SiC grain boundaries. An Ag-Pd-Cd precipitate was identified at a stacking fault inside amore » SiC grain, suggesting that intragranular transport of Ag/Cd is possible. Ce is present with Pd or Pd-U in some precipitates >50 nm. U and Ce frequently coexist with each other, whereas Ag/Cd usually does not coexist with U or Ce. No Cs was detected in any precipitates in the areas examined.« less

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

Wen, Haiming; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

Here, detailed electron microscopy studies were performed to investigate the distribution and composition of fission products in the SiC layer of a tristructural isotropic coated particle exhibiting localized corrosion. Previous studies on this particle indicated that pure carbon areas in the SiC layer, resulting from localized corrosion of SiC by Pd, provide pathways for Ag, Cd and Cs migration. This study reveals the presence of Ag- and/or Cd-containing precipitates in un-corroded SiC areas. Ag/Cd may exist by themselves or coexist with Pd. Ag/Cd mainly transport along SiC grain boundaries. An Ag-Pd-Cd precipitate was identified at a stacking fault inside amore » SiC grain, suggesting that intragranular transport of Ag/Cd is possible. Ce is present with Pd or Pd-U in some precipitates >50 nm. U and Ce frequently coexist with each other, whereas Ag/Cd usually does not coexist with U or Ce. No Cs was detected in any precipitates in the areas examined.« less

Laser Induced Nuclear Fusion, LINF, In Muonic Molecules With Ultrashort Super Intense Laser Fields

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

Bandrauk, Andre D.; Paramonov, Gennady K.

2010-02-02

Muonium molecules where muons replace electrons increase the stability of molecules to ionization at superhigh intensities, I>10{sup 20} W/cm{sup 2}. We show furthermore from numerical simulations that in the nonsymmetric series, pdu, dtu, ptu, the permanent dipole moments can be used to enhance LINF, Laser Induced Nuclear Fusion by laser induced recollision of the light nucleus with the heavier nucleus.

The Common Gut Microbe Eubacterium hallii also Contributes to Intestinal Propionate Formation

PubMed Central

Engels, Christina; Ruscheweyh, Hans-Joachim; Beerenwinkel, Niko; Lacroix, Christophe; Schwab, Clarissa

2016-01-01

Eubacterium hallii is considered an important microbe in regard to intestinal metabolic balance due to its ability to utilize glucose and the fermentation intermediates acetate and lactate, to form butyrate and hydrogen. Recently, we observed that E. hallii is capable of metabolizing glycerol to 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA, reuterin) with reported antimicrobial properties. The key enzyme for glycerol to 3-HPA conversion is the cobalamin-dependent glycerol/diol dehydratase PduCDE which also utilizes 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) to form propionate. Therefore our primary goal was to investigate glycerol to 3-HPA metabolism and 1,2-PD utilization by E. hallii along with its ability to produce cobalamin. We also investigated the relative abundance of E. hallii in stool of adults using 16S rRNA and pduCDE based gene screening to determine the contribution of E. hallii to intestinal propionate formation. We found that E. hallii utilizes glycerol to produce up to 9 mM 3-HPA but did not further metabolize 3-HPA to 1,3-propanediol. Utilization of 1,2-PD in the presence and absence of glucose led to the formation of propanal, propanol and propionate. E. hallii formed cobalamin and was detected in stool of 74% of adults using 16S rRNA gene as marker gene (n = 325). Relative abundance of the E. hallii 16S rRNA gene ranged from 0 to 0.59% with a mean relative abundance of 0.044%. E. hallii PduCDE was detected in 63 to 81% of the metagenomes depending on which subunit was investigated beside other taxons such as Ruminococcus obeum, R. gnavus, Flavonifractor plautii, Intestinimonas butyriciproducens, and Veillonella spp. In conclusion, we identified E. hallii as a common gut microbe with the ability to convert glycerol to 3-HPA, a step that requires the production of cobalamin, and to utilize 1,2-PD to form propionate. Our results along with its ability to use a broad range of substrates point at E. hallii as a key species within the intestinal trophic chain with the potential to highly impact the metabolic balance as well as the gut microbiota/host homeostasis by the formation of different short chain fatty acids. PMID:27242734

The Common Gut Microbe Eubacterium hallii also Contributes to Intestinal Propionate Formation.

PubMed

Engels, Christina; Ruscheweyh, Hans-Joachim; Beerenwinkel, Niko; Lacroix, Christophe; Schwab, Clarissa

2016-01-01

Eubacterium hallii is considered an important microbe in regard to intestinal metabolic balance due to its ability to utilize glucose and the fermentation intermediates acetate and lactate, to form butyrate and hydrogen. Recently, we observed that E. hallii is capable of metabolizing glycerol to 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA, reuterin) with reported antimicrobial properties. The key enzyme for glycerol to 3-HPA conversion is the cobalamin-dependent glycerol/diol dehydratase PduCDE which also utilizes 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) to form propionate. Therefore our primary goal was to investigate glycerol to 3-HPA metabolism and 1,2-PD utilization by E. hallii along with its ability to produce cobalamin. We also investigated the relative abundance of E. hallii in stool of adults using 16S rRNA and pduCDE based gene screening to determine the contribution of E. hallii to intestinal propionate formation. We found that E. hallii utilizes glycerol to produce up to 9 mM 3-HPA but did not further metabolize 3-HPA to 1,3-propanediol. Utilization of 1,2-PD in the presence and absence of glucose led to the formation of propanal, propanol and propionate. E. hallii formed cobalamin and was detected in stool of 74% of adults using 16S rRNA gene as marker gene (n = 325). Relative abundance of the E. hallii 16S rRNA gene ranged from 0 to 0.59% with a mean relative abundance of 0.044%. E. hallii PduCDE was detected in 63 to 81% of the metagenomes depending on which subunit was investigated beside other taxons such as Ruminococcus obeum, R. gnavus, Flavonifractor plautii, Intestinimonas butyriciproducens, and Veillonella spp. In conclusion, we identified E. hallii as a common gut microbe with the ability to convert glycerol to 3-HPA, a step that requires the production of cobalamin, and to utilize 1,2-PD to form propionate. Our results along with its ability to use a broad range of substrates point at E. hallii as a key species within the intestinal trophic chain with the potential to highly impact the metabolic balance as well as the gut microbiota/host homeostasis by the formation of different short chain fatty acids.

Integration of Fire Control, Flight Control and Propulsion Control Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

process of preparation to a degree imocmpatible with fast moving technology. Undoubtedly something can be done to see that US authors produce papers...PDU provide a true "Up Front" system controller. Fast selection of Air to Air Mode is provided by 2 pushbuttons on the throttle. Pushing one or both...nature of the load snd its effect on the generation system. This calculation will include Load Power, Reactance, Nature - continuous or intermittent

A Go-type opsin mediates the shadow reflex in the annelid Platynereis dumerilii.

PubMed

Ayers, Thomas; Tsukamoto, Hisao; Gühmann, Martin; Veedin Rajan, Vinoth Babu; Tessmar-Raible, Kristin

2018-04-18

The presence of photoreceptive molecules outside the eye is widespread among animals, yet their functions in the periphery are less well understood. Marine organisms, such as annelid worms, exhibit a 'shadow reflex', a defensive withdrawal behaviour triggered by a decrease in illumination. Herein, we examine the cellular and molecular underpinnings of this response, identifying a role for a photoreceptor molecule of the G o -opsin class in the shadow response of the marine bristle worm Platynereis dumerilii. We found Pdu-Go-opsin1 expression in single specialised cells located in adult Platynereis head and trunk appendages, known as cirri. Using gene knock-out technology and ablation approaches, we show that the presence of Go-opsin1 and the cirri is necessary for the shadow reflex. Consistently, quantification of the shadow reflex reveals a chromatic dependence upon light of approximately 500 nm in wavelength, matching the photoexcitation characteristics of the Platynereis Go-opsin1. However, the loss of Go-opsin1 does not abolish the shadow reflex completely, suggesting the existence of a compensatory mechanism, possibly acting through a ciliary-type opsin, Pdu-c-opsin2, with a Lambda max of approximately 490 nm. We show that a Go-opsin is necessary for the shadow reflex in a marine annelid, describing a functional example for a peripherally expressed photoreceptor, and suggesting that, in different species, distinct opsins contribute to varying degrees to the shadow reflex.

Comparison of Key Absorption and Optical Properties Between Pure and Transported Anthropogenic Dust over East and Central Asia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bi, Jianrong; Huang, Jianping; Holben, Brent N.; Zhang, Guolong

2016-01-01

Asian dust particulate is one of the primary aerosol constituents in the Earth-atmosphere system that exerts profound influences on environmental quality, human health, the marine biogeochemical cycle, and Earth's climate. To date, the absorptive capacity of dust aerosol generated from the Asian desert region is still an open question. In this article, we compile columnar key absorption and optical properties of mineral dust over East and Central Asian areas by utilizing the multiyear quality-assured datasets observed at 13 sites of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). We identify two types of Asian dust according to threshold criteria from previously published literature. (1) The particles with high aerosol optical depth at 440 nm (AOD(440) > or = 0.4) and a low Angstrom wavelength exponent at 440-870 nm (alpha < 0.2) are defined as Pure Dust (PDU), which decreases disturbance of other non-dust aerosols and keeps high accuracy of pure Asian dust. (2) The particles with AOD(440) > or = 0.4 and 0.2 < alpha < 0.6 are designated as Transported Anthropogenic Dust (TDU), which is mainly dominated by dust aerosol and might mix with other anthropogenic aerosol types. Our results reveal that the primary components of high AOD days are predominantly dust over East and Central Asian regions, even if their variations rely on different sources, distance from the source, emission mechanisms, and meteorological characteristics. The overall mean and standard deviation of single-scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, real part and imaginary part of complex refractive index at 550 nm for Asian PDU are 0.935 +/- 0.014, 0.742 +/- 0.008, 1.526 +/- 0.029, and 0.00226 +/- 0.00056, respectively, while corresponding values are 0.921 +/- 0.021, 0.723 +/- 0.009, 1.521 +/- 0.025, and 0.00364 +/- 0.0014 for Asian TDU. Aerosol shortwave direct radiative effects at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), at the surface (SFC), and in the atmospheric layer (ATM) for Asian PDU (alpha < 0.2) and TDU (0.2 < alpha < 0.6) computed in this study, are a factor of 2 smaller than the results of Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds (OPAC) mineral-accumulated (mineral-acc.) and mineral-transported (mineral-tran.) modes. Therefore, we are convinced that our results hold promise for updating and improving accuracies of Asian dust characteristics in present-day remote sensing applications and regional or global climate models.

Comparison of key absorption and optical properties between pure and transported anthropogenic dust over East and Central Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bi, Jianrong; Huang, Jianping; Holben, Brent; Zhang, Guolong

2016-12-01

Asian dust particulate is one of the primary aerosol constituents in the Earth-atmosphere system that exerts profound influences on environmental quality, human health, the marine biogeochemical cycle, and Earth's climate. To date, the absorptive capacity of dust aerosol generated from the Asian desert region is still an open question. In this article, we compile columnar key absorption and optical properties of mineral dust over East and Central Asian areas by utilizing the multiyear quality-assured datasets observed at 13 sites of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). We identify two types of Asian dust according to threshold criteria from previously published literature. (1) The particles with high aerosol optical depth at 440 nm (AOD440 ≥ 0.4) and a low Ångström wavelength exponent at 440-870 nm (α < 0.2) are defined as Pure Dust (PDU), which decreases disturbance of other non-dust aerosols and keeps high accuracy of pure Asian dust. (2) The particles with AOD440 ≥ 0.4 and 0.2 < α < 0.6 are designated as Transported Anthropogenic Dust (TDU), which is mainly dominated by dust aerosol and might mix with other anthropogenic aerosol types. Our results reveal that the primary components of high AOD days are predominantly dust over East and Central Asian regions, even if their variations rely on different sources, distance from the source, emission mechanisms, and meteorological characteristics. The overall mean and standard deviation of single-scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, real part and imaginary part of complex refractive index at 550 nm for Asian PDU are 0.935 ± 0.014, 0.742 ± 0.008, 1.526 ± 0.029, and 0.00226 ± 0.00056, respectively, while corresponding values are 0.921 ± 0.021, 0.723 ± 0.009, 1.521 ± 0.025, and 0.00364 ± 0.0014 for Asian TDU. Aerosol shortwave direct radiative effects at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), at the surface (SFC), and in the atmospheric layer (ATM) for Asian PDU (α < 0.2) and TDU (0.2 < α < 0.6) computed in this study, are a factor of 2 smaller than the results of Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds (OPAC) mineral-accumulated (mineral-acc.) and mineral-transported (mineral-tran.) modes. Therefore, we are convinced that our results hold promise for updating and improving accuracies of Asian dust characteristics in present-day remote sensing applications and regional or global climate models.

Modular System Control Development Model (MSCDM). Design Specification.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-01

with power supply and ¶ can be used independently of the loop. The PDU can be used as a general purpose processor. The loop is contained in a separate...inputs to nodes 22 (VSQC), 23 (DSQC ) , and 26 (BWBSA) will be generated by a LSI—ll microprocessor used as a simulated input generator (SIG). The SIG...who c o b m n u n i — cate tau lt - s to the FIAC module. F~IAC generates even t reports to the OCRI and DBMS. The PDP1I/40 in loop 2 generates

Phylogenetic distribution of three pathways for propionate production within the human gut microbiota

PubMed Central

Reichardt, Nicole; Duncan, Sylvia H; Young, Pauline; Belenguer, Alvaro; McWilliam Leitch, Carol; Scott, Karen P; Flint, Harry J; Louis, Petra

2014-01-01

Propionate is produced in the human large intestine by microbial fermentation and may help maintain human health. We have examined the distribution of three different pathways used by bacteria for propionate formation using genomic and metagenomic analysis of the human gut microbiota and by designing degenerate primer sets for the detection of diagnostic genes for these pathways. Degenerate primers for the acrylate pathway (detecting the lcdA gene, encoding lactoyl-CoA dehydratase) together with metagenomic mining revealed that this pathway is restricted to only a few human colonic species within the Lachnospiraceae and Negativicutes. The operation of this pathway for lactate utilisation in Coprococcus catus (Lachnospiraceae) was confirmed using stable isotope labelling. The propanediol pathway that processes deoxy sugars such as fucose and rhamnose was more abundant within the Lachnospiraceae (based on the pduP gene, which encodes propionaldehyde dehydrogenase), occurring in relatives of Ruminococcus obeum and in Roseburia inulinivorans. The dominant source of propionate from hexose sugars, however, was concluded to be the succinate pathway, as indicated by the widespread distribution of the mmdA gene that encodes methylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase in the Bacteroidetes and in many Negativicutes. In general, the capacity to produce propionate or butyrate from hexose sugars resided in different species, although two species of Lachnospiraceae (C. catus and R. inulinivorans) are now known to be able to switch from butyrate to propionate production on different substrates. A better understanding of the microbial ecology of short-chain fatty acid formation may allow modulation of propionate formation by the human gut microbiota. PMID:24553467

Structural and Functional Characterization of a Short-Chain Flavodoxin Associated with a Noncanonical 1,2-Propanediol Utilization Bacterial Microcompartment

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

Plegaria, Jefferson S.; Sutter, Markus; Ferlez, Bryan

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are proteinaceous organelles that encapsulate enzymes involved in CO2 fixation (carboxysomes). or carbon catabolism (metabolosomes). Metabolosomes share a common core of enzymes and a distinct signature enzyme for substrate degradation that defines the function of the BMC (e,g., propanediol or ethanolamine utilization BMCs, or glycyl-radical enzyme microcompartments). Loci encoding metabolosomes also typically contain genes for proteins that support organelle function, such as regulation, transport of substrate, and cofactor (e.g., vitamin B-12) synthesis and recycling. Flavoproteins are frequently among these ancillary gene products, suggesting that these redox active proteins play an undetermined function in many metabolosomes. Here, wemore » report the first characterization of a BMC-associated flavodoxin (Fld1C), a small flavoprotein, derived from the noncanonical 1,2-propanediol utilization BMC locus (PDU1C) of Lactobacillus reuteri. The 2.0 angstrom X-ray structure of Fld1C displays the alpha/beta flavodoxin fold, which noncovalently binds a single flavin mononucleotide molecule. Fld1C is a short-chain flavodoxin with redox potentials of -240 +/- 3 mV oxidized/semiquinone and -344 +/- 1 mV semiquinone/hydroquinone versus the standard hydrogen electrode at pH 7.5. It can participate in an electron transfer reaction with a photoreductant to form a stable semiquinone species. Collectively, our structural and functional results suggest that PDU1C BMCs encapsulate Fld1C to store and transfer electrons for the reactivation and/or recycling of the B-12 cofactor utilized by the signature enzyme.« less

Psycho-biological correlates of free-floating anxiety symptoms in male patients with sexual dysfunctions.

PubMed

Corona, Giovanni; Mannucci, Edoardo; Petrone, Luisa; Ricca, Valdo; Balercia, Giancarlo; Giommi, Roberta; Forti, Gianni; Maggi, Mario

2006-01-01

Anxiety has a relevant impact on everyday life, including sexual life, and therefore is considered the final common pathway by which social, psychological, and biological stressors negatively affect sexual functioning. The aim of this study is to define the psycho-biological correlates of free-floating anxiety in a large sample of patients complaining of erectile dysfunction (ED)-based sexual problems. We studied a consecutive series of 882 ED patients using SIEDY, a 13-item structured interview, composed of 3 scales that identify and quantify organic, relational, and intrapsychic domains. MHQ-A scoring from Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) was used as a putative marker of free-floating anxiety symptoms (AS). Metabolic and hormonal parameters, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test, and penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) examination were also performed. MHQ-A score was significantly higher in patients complaining of difficulties in maintaining erection and in those reporting premature ejaculation (6.5 +/- 3.3 vs 5.8 +/- 3.3 and 6.6 +/- 3.3 vs 6.1 +/- 3.3, respectively; both P < .05). Moreover, ASs were significantly correlated to life stressors quantified by SIEDY scale 2 (relational component) and scale 3 (intrapsychic component) scores, as dissatisfaction at work or within the family or couple relationships. Among physical, biochemical, or instrumental parameters tested, only end-diastolic velocity at PDU was significantly (P < .05) related to ASs. In conclusion, in patients with ED-based sexual problems, ASs are correlated to many relational and life stressors. Conversely, organic problems are not necessarily associated with MHQ-A score.

Correlation between computerised findings and Newman's scaling on vascularity using power Doppler ultrasonography imaging and its predictive value in patients with plantar fasciitis

PubMed Central

Chen, H; Ho, H M; Ying, M; Fu, S N

2012-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to correlate findings on small vessel vascularity between computerised findings and Newman's scaling using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) imaging and its predictive value in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods PDU was performed on 44 patients (age range 30–66 years; mean age 48 years) with plantar fasciitis and 46 healthy subjects (age range 18–61 years; mean age 36 years). The vascularity was quantified using ultrasound images by a customised software program and graded by Newman's grading scale. Vascular index (VI) was calculated from the software program as the ratio of the number of colour pixels to the total number of pixels within a standardised selected area of proximal plantar fascia. The 46 healthy subjects were examined on 2 occasions 7–10 days apart, and 18 of them were assessed by 2 examiners. Statistical analyses were performed using intraclass correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results Good correlation was found between the averaged VI ratios and Newman's qualitative scale (ρ = 0.70; p<0.001). Intratester and intertester reliability were 0.89 and 0.61, respectively. Furthermore, higher VI was correlated with less reduction in pain after physiotherapeutic intervention. Conclusions The computerised VI not only has a high level of concordance with the Newman grading scale but is also reliable in reflecting the vascularity of proximal plantar fascia, and can predict pain reduction after intervention. This index can be used to characterise the changes in vascularity of patients with plantar fasciitis, and it may also be helpful for evaluating treatment and monitoring the progress after intervention in future studies. PMID:22167513

Autoeroticism, mental health, and organic disturbances in patients with erectile dysfunction.

PubMed

Corona, Giovanni; Ricca, Valdo; Boddi, Valentina; Bandini, Elisa; Lotti, Francesco; Fisher, Alessandra D; Sforza, Alessandra; Forti, Gianni; Mannucci, Edoardo; Maggi, Mario

2010-01-01

Masturbation is a common, but often neglected, male sexual behavior. To investigate the psychobiological correlates of self-reported masturbation in the last 3 months. A consecutive series of 2,786 heterosexual male patients (mean age 48.4 +/- 13.2) consulting an outpatient clinic for erectile dysfunction (ED) was studied. Several hormonal, biochemical and instrumental parameters (penile Doppler ultrasound [PDU]) were investigated. Patients were interviewed, prior to the beginning of any treatment, with Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) and ANDROTEST structured interviews. They also completed the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, a brief self-reported questionnaire for the screening of the symptoms of mental disorders in a nonpsychiatric setting. Among the patients studied, 1,781 (61.9%) reported they had masturbated at least once per month in the preceding 3 months. The frequency of masturbation was inversely related to age (r = -0.329; P < 0.0001) and directly associated with education level (adj r = 0.052, P < 0.05 after adjustment for age). A feeling of guilt during masturbation was reported by 274 (15.4%) patients. After adjusting for age, masturbation was positively associated with testosterone levels, stressful conditions, and both unstable and long-lasting couple relationship. Urogenital problems such as varicocele and prostate abnormalities also increased the chance of masturbation. Reported guiltiness during autoeroticism was associated with psychological disturbances, low prolactin, low testosterone, and increased relational problems. An erection not normal during masturbation was declared by 1,361 (76.4%) patients and associated with a prevalent organic component of ED, because of lower peak systolic velocity PDU and higher SIEDY Scale 1 scores. This study indicates that masturbation is a relatively frequent behavior in male subjects with ED. Inquiring about this sexual behavior is an important issue for understanding overall patients' sexual attitudes and behavior.

Clinical, functional and radiological results of Achilles tenorraphy surgically treated with mini-open technique.

PubMed

Vadalà, A; De Carli, A; Vulpiani, M C; Iorio, R; Vetrano, M; Scapellato, S; Suarez, T; Di Salvo, F; Ferretti, A

2012-12-01

The aim of this paper was to report clinical, functional and radiological results of 80 patients surgically treated with a combined mini-open and percutaneous surgical repair as proposed by Kakiuchi. All patients were evaluated with a physical examination, evaluation scales, a functional test (Ergo-jump Bosco System), and an ultrasonographic exam along with Power Doppler Ultrasonography (PDU) (S/S). At a mean follow-up of 58 months no cases of rerupture were detected. VISA-A evaluation scale showed an excellent score in 63 patients (78.75%), a good score in 14 patients (17.5%), a fair score in two patients (2.5%), and a poor score in one patient (1.25%). Hannover scale showed an excellent score in 63 patients (78.75%), and a good score in 17 patients (21.25%). Ergo-Jump evaluation showed a 2.07% mean deficit of the affected limb at the Squatting Jump test, a 3.26% mean deficit at the Counter Movement Jump test, and a 0.0062% mean improvement at the Repetitive Jump test. Ultrasonographic exam showed in all cases a satisfactory recovery of the integrity of the operated tendon. The mean AP and LL widths showed a significant increase of 7.13±2.97 mm (+56.1%) and of 4.01±2.36 mm (+43.81%) respectively. According to the modified Öhberg score scale, PDU exam showed a grade +1 in 16 patients (20%) and a grade +2 in seven cases (8.7%). The absence of rerupture cases, the satisfactory functional and ultrasonographic results of the patients included in this study cause us to consider this technique as reliable and effective even in young high-demand patients.

Design and construction of coal/biomass to liquids (CBTL) process development unit (PDU) at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER)

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

Placido, Andrew; Liu, Kunlei; Challman, Don

This report describes a first phase of a project to design, construct and commission an integrated coal/biomass-to-liquids facility at a capacity of 1 bbl. /day at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK-CAER) – specifically for construction of the building and upstream process units for feed handling, gasification, and gas cleaning, conditioning and compression. The deliverables from the operation of this pilot plant [when fully equipped with the downstream process units] will be firstly the liquid FT products and finished fuels which are of interest to UK-CAER’s academic, government and industrial research partners. The facility will producemore » research quantities of FT liquids and finished fuels for subsequent Fuel Quality Testing, Performance and Acceptability. Moreover, the facility is expected to be employed for a range of research and investigations related to: Feed Preparation, Characteristics and Quality; Coal and Biomass Gasification; Gas Clean-up/ Conditioning; Gas Conversion by FT Synthesis; Product Work-up and Refining; Systems Analysis and Integration; and Scale-up and Demonstration. Environmental Considerations - particularly how to manage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from CBTL facilities and from use of the fuels - will be a primary research objectives. Such a facility has required significant lead time for environmental review, architectural/building construction, and EPC services. UK, with DOE support, has advanced the facility in several important ways. These include: a formal EA/FONSI, and permits and approvals; construction of a building; selection of a range of technologies and vendors; and completion of the upstream process units. The results of this project are the FEED and detailed engineering studies, the alternate configurations and the as-built plant - its equipment and capabilities for future research and demonstration and its adaptability for re-purposing to meet other needs. These are described in some detail in this report, along with lessons learned.« less

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the body flap subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. E.; Riccio, J. R.

1986-01-01

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items (PCIs). To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The independent analysis results for the Orbiter Body Flap (BF) subsystem hardware are documented. The BF is a large aerosurface located at the trailing edge of the lower aft fuselage of the Orbiter. The proper function of the BF is essential during the dynamic flight phases of ascent and entry. During the ascent phase of flight, the BF trails in a fixed position. For entry, the BF provides elevon load relief, trim control, and acts as a heat shield for the main engines. Specifically, the BF hardware comprises the following components: Power Drive Unit (PDU), rotary actuators, and torque tubes. The IOA analysis process utilized available BF hardware drawings and schematics for defining hardware assemblies, components, and hardware items. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failure modes and effects. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Of the 35 failure modes analyzed, 19 were determined to be PCIs.

Factors associated with syphilis seroreactivity among polydrug users in Northeast Brazil: A cross-sectional study using Respondent Driven Sampling.

PubMed

Baptista, Cremildo João; Dourado, Ines; Brignol, Sandra; Andrade, Tarcísio de Matos; Bastos, Francisco Inácio

2017-01-01

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, is higher in low-income countries, with serious consequences and profound impact on sexual and reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread. Syphilis prevalence tend to be higher among people who misuse drugs than in the general population. To assess syphilis and associated factors among polydrug users (PDU) in the city of Salvador, Northeast Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 Brazilian cities between September and November 2009 using Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Participants answered an Audio Computer-Assisted Self Interview (ACASI) and were rapid tested for HIV and syphilis. We performed multivariable regression models for correlates of syphilis on Stata 10.0. Estimates were weighted by the inverse size of the individual social network size and homophily. Mean age was 29.3 years (range: 18-62), 74.0% were males, and 89.8% were non-white. Syphilis prevalence was 16.6%. Females (adjwOR:2.14; 95%CI:1.09-4.20), individuals over 29 years old (adjwOR:4.44; 95%CI:2.41-8.19), those who exchanged sex for money or drugs (adjwOR:3.51; 95%CI:1.84-6.71), "No/low" self-perceived risk of HIV infection (adjwOR:5.13; 95%CI:1.36-19.37), and having nine or less years of education (adjwOR:2.92; 95%CI:1.08-7.88) were associated with syphilis. One of the most pressing needs for syphilis prevention/control is the availability of rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests and treatment. Interventions should be tailored to PDU needs and their multiple burdens as shown in the present study, that may contribute to future studies aiming to better understand the relationships between drug use and syphilis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perforated duodenal ulcer; management in a resource poor, semi-urban nigerian hospital.

PubMed

Oribabor, Felix O; Adebayo, Bamidele O; Aladesanmi, Tunde; Akinola, David O

2013-01-01

Perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU) is still seen frequently in the study center inspite of the free use of effective medical curative therapy. We then set out to ascertain the pattern of presentation, peculiar risk factors in the study environment, re-evaluate our method of management, and to see if it is adequate for patients in a developing country. This is a retrospective study of patients admitted and managed for PDUs, between January 2004 and December 2011 at the Federal Medical Centre, IdoEkiti, Southwest Nigeria. The records of patients were retrieved and demographic data relating to age, sex, symptoms, duration, diagnosis, intra-operative findings, and management outcome were extracted. The results were analyzed. A total of 30 patients were admitted and operated during this period. Twenty-eight of them were males and two were females. The mean age was 47 years and the male: female ratio was 14:1. The duration of symptoms before presentation ranged from 2 to 7 days. None of the patients had a prior diagnosis of their ulcers, by an upper gastro intestinal endoscopy before presentation; although most had dyspeptic symptoms, with inadequate or no medical treatment. The notable peculiar risk factor was the abuse of local herbal concoction for body pains by all the patients. Seven patients smokes, 15 consumes alcohol, and only two take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for body pains. Most of the managed patients; 26 were satisfactorily discharged home and later followed-up at the surgical out-patient department. Four mortality was recorded during the period of study. PDU is still a major complication of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Simple omental patch and H. pylori eradication is no longer appropriate as a mode of treatment for the youths who are mostly affected in the center. We therefore, suggest a more wide spread use of definitive ulcer surgery for most of our patients with no pre-operative risk factors.

Plasmid Stability in Dried Cells of the Desert Cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis and its Potential for GFP Imaging of Survivors on Earth and in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billi, Daniela

2012-06-01

Two GFP-based plasmids, namely pTTQ18-GFP-pDU1mini and pDUCA7-GFP, of about 7 kbp and 15 kbp respectively, able to replicate in Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 and CCMEE 123, were developed. Both plasmids were maintained in Chroococcidiopsis cells after 18 months of dry storage as demonstrated by colony PCR, plasmid restriction analysis, GFP imaging and colony-forming ability under selection of dried transformants; thus suggesting that strategies employed by this cyanobacterium to stabilize dried chromosomal DNA, must have protected plasmid DNA. The suitability of pDU1mini-plasmid for GFP tagging in Chroococcidiopsis was investigated by using the RecA homolog of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. After 2 months of dry storage, the presence of dried cells with a GFP-RecASyn distribution resembling that of hydrated cells, supported its capability of preventing desiccation-induced genome damage, whereas the rewetted cells with filamentous GFP-RecASyn structures revealed sub-lethal DNA damage. The long-term stability of plasmid DNA in dried Chroococcidiopsis has implication for space research, for example when investigating the recovery of dried cells after Martian and space simulations or when developing life support systems based on phototrophs with genetically enhanced stress tolerance and stored in the dry state for prolonged periods.

Plasmid stability in dried cells of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis and its potential for GFP imaging of survivors on Earth and in space.

PubMed

Billi, Daniela

2012-06-01

Two GFP-based plasmids, namely pTTQ18-GFP-pDU1(mini) and pDUCA7-GFP, of about 7 kbp and 15 kbp respectively, able to replicate in Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 and CCMEE 123, were developed. Both plasmids were maintained in Chroococcidiopsis cells after 18 months of dry storage as demonstrated by colony PCR, plasmid restriction analysis, GFP imaging and colony-forming ability under selection of dried transformants; thus suggesting that strategies employed by this cyanobacterium to stabilize dried chromosomal DNA, must have protected plasmid DNA. The suitability of pDU1(mini)-plasmid for GFP tagging in Chroococcidiopsis was investigated by using the RecA homolog of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. After 2 months of dry storage, the presence of dried cells with a GFP-RecA(Syn) distribution resembling that of hydrated cells, supported its capability of preventing desiccation-induced genome damage, whereas the rewetted cells with filamentous GFP-RecA(Syn) structures revealed sub-lethal DNA damage. The long-term stability of plasmid DNA in dried Chroococcidiopsis has implication for space research, for example when investigating the recovery of dried cells after Martian and space simulations or when developing life support systems based on phototrophs with genetically enhanced stress tolerance and stored in the dry state for prolonged periods.

Health care of pregnant women with diabetes in Spain: Approach using a questionnaire.

PubMed

Rubio, José Antonio; Ontañón, Marta; Perea, Verónica; Megia, Ana

2016-03-01

To ascertain how health care for pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GD) and pregestational diabetes (PGD) is organized, and to estimate the number of Pregnancy and Diabetes Units (PDUs) in Spain in 2013. The Spanish Group of Diabetes and Pregnancy (GEDE) developed and agreed on a questionnaire based on the recommendations of the group. The questionnaire was sent to members of the Spanish Society of Diabetes and the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition. Eighty-seven questionnaires were received from 81 hospitals, 4 outpatient specialty centers, and 2 primary healthcare centers, which accounted for 51% of the Spanish population and for 39% of births in 2013. GD was mainly diagnosed based on GEDE recommendations (98%), and less than 50% of women were reevaluated after delivery in primary care. Fourteen (26%) of the 53 centers identified as PDUs corresponded to a minimal model. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy was not available in 30% of centers, and 13% of hospitals had no preconceptional clinics. No nurse support was available in 20% of centers. Care of women with PGD has a fair coverage with PDU, but significant deficits still exist, for instance, in preconception clinic and CSII. However, organization of care for women with GD appears to be adequate. There are aspects in need of improvement such as integration of diabetes educators and coordination with primary care for postpartum reclassification. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The direct liquefaction proof of concept program

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

Comolli, A.G.; Lee, L.K.; Pradhan, V.R.

1995-12-31

The goal of the Proof of Concept (POC) Program is to develop Direct Coal Liquefaction and associated transitional technologies towards commercial readiness for economically producing premium liquid fuels from coal in an environmentally acceptable manner. The program focuses on developing the two-stage liquefaction (TSL) process by utilizing geographically strategic feedstocks, commercially feasible catalysts, new prototype equipment, and testing co-processing or alternate feedstocks and improved process configurations. Other high priority objectives include dispersed catalyst studies, demonstrating low rank coal liquefaction without solids deposition, improving distillate yields on a unit reactor volume basis, demonstrating ebullated bed operations while obtaining scale-up data, demonstratingmore » optimum catalyst consumption using new concepts (e.g. regeneration, cascading), producing premium products through on-line hydrotreating, demonstrating improved hydrogen utilization for low rank coals using novel heteroatom removal methods, defining and demonstrating two-stage product properties for upgrading; demonstrating efficient and economic solid separation methods, examining the merits of integrated coal cleaning, demonstrating co-processing, studying interactions between the preheater and first and second-stage reactors, improving process operability by testing and incorporating advanced equipment and instrumentation, and demonstrating operation with alternate coal feedstocks. During the past two years major PDU Proof of Concept runs were completed. POC-1 with Illinois No. 6 coal and POC-2 with Black Thunder sub-bituminous coal. Results from these operations are continuing under review and the products are being further refined and upgraded. This paper will update the results from these operations and discuss future plans for the POC program.« less

'Everything contradicts in your mind': a qualitative study of experiences of forensic mental health staff in two contrasting services.

PubMed

Kurtz, Arabella; Jeffcote, Nikki

2011-10-01

 In the theoretical literature, there is growing recognition of the psychological impact on staff of working in challenging healthcare settings. In forensic mental health (FMH) services, powerful transference and counter-transference reactions in staff-patient relationships may emerge and may even play a role in contributing to incidents of malpractice, but there is little empirical research here.  The exploration of the experiences of FMH staff in two contrasting services.  Thirteen in-depth interviews were carried out with staff from a range of clinical disciplines in a mainstream National Health Service (NHS) medium secure unit (MSU), and 12 interviews were undertaken with such staff from a Personality Disorder Unit (PDU) in an MSU. All interview data were analysed independently using the grounded theory method. To synthesise the two separate analyses, a thematic analysis of both data sets was carried out, in which 'thematic units' were defined as significant points of comparison between the analyses of the two sets of interviews.  The combined analysis yielded six main themes under two main headings. Themes under the first heading Experience of the Clinical Task were: 'difficulty in achieving task integration'; 'motivation to build relationships, work through difficulty and bring about change'; and 'minimal sense of risk and anxiety at the centre'. Themes under the second heading Experience of the Organisation were: 'a distant and difficult relationship with outside'; 'preoccupation with staff relationships'; and 'feeling unsafe'. The overarching concept of the combined analysis was encapsulated in the quotation: 'Everything contradicts in your mind'.  Clinical and organisational aspects of work seemed separate in the minds of staff, with the latter reported to be more stressful; staff support came in the form of close relationships with colleagues, who saw themselves as isolated in the context of the wider environment. Promotion of the well-being and effectiveness of FMH staff should therefore take account of clinical, organisational and societal aspects of their situation. 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra Spacecraft 120 Volt Power Subsystem: Requirements, Development and Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keys, Denney J.

2000-01-01

Built by the Lockheed-Martin Corporation, the Earth Observing System (EOS) TERRA spacecraft represents the first orbiting application of a 120 Vdc high voltage spacecraft electrical power system implemented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The EOS TERRA spacecraft's launch provided a major contribution to the NASA Mission to Planet Earth program while incorporating many state of the art electrical power system technologies to achieve its mission goals. The EOS TERRA spacecraft was designed around five state-of-the-art scientific instrument packages designed to monitor key parameters associated with the earth's climate. The development focus of the TERRA electrical power system (EPS) resulted from a need for high power distribution to the EOS TERRA spacecraft subsystems and instruments and minimizing mass and parasitic losses. Also important as a design goal of the EPS was maintaining tight regulation on voltage and achieving low conducted bus noise characteristics. This paper outlines the major requirements for the EPS as well as the resulting hardware implementation approach adopted to meet the demands of the EOS TERRA low earth orbit mission. The selected orbit, based on scientific needs, to achieve the EOS TERRA mission goals is a sun-synchronous circular 98.2degree inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a near circular average altitude of 705 kilometers. The nominal spacecraft orbit is approximately 99 minutes with an average eclipse period of about 34 minutes. The scientific goal of the selected orbit is to maintain a repeated 10:30 a.m. +/- 15 minute descending equatorial crossing which provides a fairly clear view of the earth's surface and relatively low cloud interference for the instrument observation measurements. The major EOS TERRA EPS design requirements are single fault tolerant, average orbit power delivery of 2, 530 watts with a defined minimum lifetime of five years (EOL). To meet these mission requirements, while minimizing mass and parasitic power losses, the EOS TERRA project relies on 36, 096 high efficiency Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) on Germanium solar cells adhered to a deployable flexible solar array designed to provide over 5,000 watts of power at EOL. To meet the eclipse power demands of the spacecraft, EOS TERRA selected an application of two 54-cell series connected Individual Pressure Vessel (IPV) Nickel-Hydrogen (NiH2) 50 Ampere-Hour batteries. All of the spacecraft observatory electrical power is controlled via the TERRA Power Distribution Unit (PDU) which is designed to provide main bus regulation of 120 Vdc +/- -4% at all load interfaces through the implementation of majority voter control of both the spacecraft's solar array sequential shunt unit (SSU) and the two battery bi-directional charge and discharge regulators. This paper will review the major electrical power system requirement drivers for the EOS TERRA mission as well as some of the challenges encountered during the development, testing, and implementation of the power system. In addition, spacecraft test and early on orbit performance results will also be covered.

Catalytic multi-stage liquefaction of coal at HTI: Bench-scale studies in coal/waste plastics coprocessing

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

Pradhan, V.R.; Lee, L.K.; Stalzer, R.H.

1995-12-31

The development of Catalytic Multi-Stage Liquefaction (CMSL) at HTI has focused on both bituminous and sub-bituminous coals using laboratory, bench and PDU scale operations. The crude oil equivalent cost of liquid fuels from coal has been curtailed to about $30 per barrel, thus achieving over 30% reduction in the price that was evaluated for the liquefaction technologies demonstrated in the late seventies and early eighties. Contrary to the common belief, the new generation of catalytic multistage coal liquefaction process is environmentally very benign and can produce clean, premium distillates with a very low (<10ppm) heteroatoms content. The HTI Staff hasmore » been involved over the years in process development and has made significant improvements in the CMSL processing of coals. A 24 month program (extended to September 30, 1995) to study novel concepts, using a continuous bench scale Catalytic Multi-Stage unit (30kg coal/day), has been initiated since December, 1992. This program consists of ten bench-scale operations supported by Laboratory Studies, Modelling, Process Simulation and Economic Assessments. The Catalytic Multi-Stage Liquefaction is a continuation of the second generation yields using a low/high temperature approach. This paper covers work performed between October 1994- August 1995, especially results obtained from the microautoclave support activities and the bench-scale operations for runs CMSL-08 and CMSL-09, during which, coal and the plastic components for municipal solid wastes (MSW) such as high density polyethylene (HDPE)m, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polythylene terphthlate (PET) were coprocessed.« less

Construction of shuttle vectors capable of conjugative transfer from Escherichia coli to nitrogen-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria.

PubMed Central

Wolk, C P; Vonshak, A; Kehoe, P; Elhai, J

1984-01-01

Wild-type cyanobacteria of the genus Anabaena are capable of oxygenic photosynthesis, differentiation of cells called heterocysts at semiregular intervals along the cyanobacterial filaments, and aerobic nitrogen fixation by the heterocysts. To foster analysis of the physiological processes characteristic of these cyanobacteria, we have constructed a family of shuttle vectors capable of replication and selection in Escherichia coli and, in unaltered form, in several strains of Anabaena. Highly efficient conjugative transfer of these vectors from E. coli to Anabaena is dependent upon the presence of broad host-range plasmid RP-4 and of helper plasmids. The shuttle vectors contain portions of plasmid pBR322 required for replication and mobilization, with sites for Anabaena restriction enzymes deleted; cyanobacterial replicon pDU1, which lacks such sites; and determinants for resistance to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, neomycin, and erythromycin. Images PMID:6324204

Health effects research in direct coal liquefaction. Studies of H-coal distillates: Phase I. PDU samples - the effects of hydrotreatment

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

Epler, J.L.; Fry, R.J.M.; Larimer, F.W.

1981-11-01

A multi-divisional effort aimed at the integrated assessment of the health and environmental effects of various coal conversion and shale oil technologies is being carried out. The feasibility of using health effects bioassays to predict the potential biohazard of various H-Coal derived test materials is examined in a coupled chemical and biological approach. The primary focus of the research is the use of preliminary chemical characterizations and preparation for bioassay, followed by testing in short-term assays in order to rapidly ascertain the potential biohazard. Mammalian toxicological assays parallel the testing. Raw and hydrotreated product liquids from process development units ofmore » H-Coal and the pilot plant solvent refined coal process were examined for acute toxicity monitored as population growth impairment of Tetrahymena exposed to aqueous extracts and for mutagenic activity monitored as revertants of Salmonella exposed to metabolically activated chemical class fractions. Medium to high severity hydrotreatment appears to be an effective means of reducing biological activity, presumably by reducing the aromaticity and heteroatom content. Five basic mammalian, acute toxicity tests have been conducted with selected H-coal samples and shale oil derivatives. The data show that H-Coal samples are moderately toxic whereas the toxicity of shale oil derived products is slight and comparable to samples obtained from naturally occurring petroleums. No overt skin or eye toxicity was found. The present data reveal that coal-derived distillates generated by the H-coal process are highly carcinogenic to mouse skin. An extreme form of neurotoxicity associated with dermal exposure to one of the lighter, minimally carcinogenic, materials was noted. (DMC)« less

The Hughes HS601HP spacecraft power subsystem

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

Krummann, W.; Ayvazian, H.

1998-07-01

The introduction of the Hughes HS 601HP (high power) spacecraft product line continuous the highly successful HS601 three axis stabilized geosynchronus spacecraft with increased power capabilities for larger payload applications. The enhanced power capabilities of the HS 601HP are built upon the heritage of 29 HS601 spacecraft presently in operation. The HS 601HP accommodates payload power ranges of 3 to 7 kilowatts and provides a smooth transition from the lower power HS 601 spacecraft to the HS 702 spacecraft, which has a payload capability up to 13 kilowatts. The HS 601HP spacecraft is designed for a 15 year life withmore » minimal operator interaction. The HS 601HP power subsystem provides a regulated power bus with a voltage range of 52 to 53 volts during all operational phases. The power subsystem is tailored to the specific needs of the spacecraft by selecting standard products from the HS 601HP power catalog. The solar arrays, battery, power control electronics and power distribution electronics are all modular and configurable to the requirements of the spacecraft. The HS 601HP solar array is the primary power source for the spacecraft. The solar array is comprised of two sets of planar solar panels (solar wings) which track the sun in a single spacecraft axis. The solar cells are selected from three different types based upon the spacecraft power generation requirements; silicon, single junction gallium arsenide or dual junction gallium arsenide. The maximum power capability at end of life (15 years, summer solstice) ranges from 4 to 7.7 kilowatts for the three types of solar cells. The HS 601HP battery is the power source for the spacecraft during eclipse and peak sunlight power periods. The battery is comprised of four individual battery packs connected in series to produce a single battery. Each battery pack can accommodate a maximum of eight battery cells with a capacity of 350 ampere-hours. The battery pack also provides for mounting of all electronics utilized by the battery, such as cell bypassing. The power electronics for the HS 601HP spacecraft provide for a tightly regulated power bus whether in sunlight or eclipse (battery discharge) operation. The bus voltage during sunlight is maintained by two bus voltage limiters (BVL), located on the yoke of each solar wing. The BVL maintains the regulated power bus at 52.9 volts by shunting excess solar wing power when not required by the spacecraft. The bus voltage during eclipse is maintained by two battery power controllers (BPC) located on the spacecraft bus shelf. The BPC maintains the regulated power bus at 52.2 volts during battery discharge and also provides for battery charging when excess solar array power is available. The power from the solar array or battery is distributed to the spacecraft by bus and payload power distribution units (PDU). The HS 601HP spacecraft product line now has three spacecraft in orbit. The first was launched in early November of 1997 with the second and third launched in late November and early December of 1997, respectively. The power systems are performing as designed and correlate well with the predicted performance calculations. Several more HS 601HP are scheduled to launch during 1998.« less

Distribution Grid Integration Unit Cost Database | Solar Research | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Unit Cost Database Distribution Grid Integration Unit Cost Database NREL's Distribution Grid Integration Unit Cost Database contains unit cost information for different components that may be used to associated with PV. It includes information from the California utility unit cost guides on traditional

26 CFR 1.959-4 - Distributions to United States persons not counting as dividends.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... normal taxes and surtaxes) of subtitle A (relating to income taxes) of the Code as a distribution which... 26 Internal Revenue 10 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Distributions to United States persons not... Distributions to United States persons not counting as dividends. Except as provided in section 960(a)(3) and...

Military Health Service System Ambulatory Work Unit (AWU).

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

E-40 BBC-4 Ambulatory Work Unit Distribution Screen Passes BBC - Neurosurgery Clinic .... ............. . E-40 BBD -I Initial Record...Screen Failures BBD - Ophthalmology Clinic ... ............ E-41 BBD -2 Distribution Screen Failures BBD - Ophthalmology Clinic ............ E-41 BBD -3...Descriptive Statistics Distribution Screen Passes BBD - Ophthalmology Clinic ............ E-42 BBD -4 Ambulatory Work Unit Distribution Screen Passes BBD

2014 Distributed Wind Market Report

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

Orell, A.; Foster, N.

2015-08-01

The cover of the 2014 Distributed Wind Market Report.According to the 2014 Distributed Wind Market Report, distributed wind reached a cumulative capacity of almost 1 GW (906 MW) in the United States in 2014, reflecting nearly 74,000 wind turbines deployed across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In total, 63.6 MW of new distributed wind capacity was added in 2014, representing nearly 1,700 units and $170 million in investment across 24 states. In 2014, America's distributed wind energy industry supported a growing domestic industrial base as exports from United States-based small wind turbine manufacturers accounted formore » nearly 80% of United States-based manufacturers' sales.« less

101. CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS, SOUTHEAST SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM ...

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

101. CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS, SOUTHEAST SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), LSB (BLDG. 770). NOTE CABLES ENTER CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS FROM OVERHEAD CABLE TRAYS. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Sampling--how big a sample?

PubMed

Aitken, C G

1999-07-01

It is thought that, in a consignment of discrete units, a certain proportion of the units contain illegal material. A sample of the consignment is to be inspected. Various methods for the determination of the sample size are compared. The consignment will be considered as a random sample from some super-population of units, a certain proportion of which contain drugs. For large consignments, a probability distribution, known as the beta distribution, for the proportion of the consignment which contains illegal material is obtained. This distribution is based on prior beliefs about the proportion. Under certain specific conditions the beta distribution gives the same numerical results as an approach based on the binomial distribution. The binomial distribution provides a probability for the number of units in a sample which contain illegal material, conditional on knowing the proportion of the consignment which contains illegal material. This is in contrast to the beta distribution which provides probabilities for the proportion of a consignment which contains illegal material, conditional on knowing the number of units in the sample which contain illegal material. The interpretation when the beta distribution is used is much more intuitively satisfactory. It is also much more flexible in its ability to cater for prior beliefs which may vary given the different circumstances of different crimes. For small consignments, a distribution, known as the beta-binomial distribution, for the number of units in the consignment which are found to contain illegal material, is obtained, based on prior beliefs about the number of units in the consignment which are thought to contain illegal material. As with the beta and binomial distributions for large samples, it is shown that, in certain specific conditions, the beta-binomial and hypergeometric distributions give the same numerical results. However, the beta-binomial distribution, as with the beta distribution, has a more intuitively satisfactory interpretation and greater flexibility. The beta and the beta-binomial distributions provide methods for the determination of the minimum sample size to be taken from a consignment in order to satisfy a certain criterion. The criterion requires the specification of a proportion and a probability.

Apollo experience report: Command and service module electrical power distribution on subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Munford, R. E.; Hendrix, B.

1974-01-01

A review of the design philosophy and development of the Apollo command and service modules electrical power distribution subsystem, a brief history of the evolution of the total system, and some of the more significant components within the system are discussed. The electrical power distribution primarily consisted of individual control units, interconnecting units, and associated protective devices. Because each unit within the system operated more or less independently of other units, the discussion of the subsystem proceeds generally in descending order of complexity; the discussion begins with the total system, progresses to the individual units of the system, and concludes with the components within the units.

Distributive Education. Economics of Marketing. Instructor's Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

House, John; Bruns, Joe

Twelve lesson plans on economics of marketing are presented in this performance-based curriculum unit for distributive education. This unit is self-contained and consists of the following components: introduction (provides overview of unit content and describes why mastery of the objectives is important); performance objectives; and unit outline…

Map of distribution of six forest ownership types in the conterminous United States

Treesearch

Jaketon H. Hewes; Brett J. Butler; Greg C. Liknes; Mark D. Nelson; Stephanie A. Snyder

2014-01-01

This map depicts the spatial distribution of ownership types across forest land in the conterminous United States circa 2009. The distribution is derived, in part, from Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data that are collected at a sample intensity of approximately one plot per 2400 ha across the United States (U.S. Forest Service 2012). Ownership categories were...

Effect of inhomogeneity of light from light curing units on the surface hardness of composite resin.

PubMed

Arikawa, Hiroyuki; Kanie, Takahito; Fujii, Koichi; Takahashi, Hideo; Ban, Seiji

2008-01-01

This study investigated the characteristics of output light from different types of light curing units, and their effects on polymerization of light-activated composite resin. Three quartz-tungsten-halogen lamps, one plasma arc lamp, and one LED light curing unit were used. Intensity distribution of light emitted from the light guide tip was measured at 1.0-mm intervals across the guide tip. Distribution of Knoop hardness number on the surface of resin irradiated with the light curing units was also measured. For all units, inhomogeneous distribution of light intensity across the guide tip was observed. Minimum light intensity values were 19-80% of the maximum values. In terms of surface hardness, inhomogeneous distribution was also observed for the materials irradiated with the tested units. Minimum values were 53-92% of the maximum values. Our results indicated that markedly inhomogeneous light emitted from light curing unit could result in inhomogeneous polymerization in some areas of the restoration below the light guide tip.

Defense Energy Support Center Fact Book, Fiscal Year 1999, Twenty-Second Edition

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

numbers SOURCE: FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT COMMODITY BUSINESS UNIT 11 OCONUS COCO 10 8,717,850...GOCO 7 1,518,905 SOURCE: FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT COMMODITY BUSINESS UNIT DLA MANAGED STORAGE...FY 95 FY 96 FY 97 FY 98 FY 99 SOURCE: FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT COMMODITY BUSINESS UNIT 13 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220

Distributive Education. Selling. Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lankford, Dave; Comte, Don

Nineteen lesson plans on selling are presented in this performance-based curriculum unit for distributive education. This unit is self-contained and consists of the following components: introduction (provides overview of unit content and describes why mastery of the objectives is important); performance objectives; pre-assessment instrument…

Montana Curriculum Guidelines for Distributive Education. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Ron, Ed.

These distributive education curriculum guidelines are intended to provide Montana teachers with teaching information for 11 units. Units cover introduction to marketing and distributive education, human relations and communications, operations and control, processes involved in buying for resale, merchandise handling, sales promotion, sales and…

Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of the native freshwater fishes of the Southern United States

Treesearch

Melvin L. Warren; Brooks M. Burr; Stephen J. Walsh; Henry L. Bart; Robert C. Cashner; David A. Etnier; Byron J. Freeman; Bernard R. Kuhajda; Richard L. Mayden; Henry W. Robison; Stephen T. Ross; Wayne C. Starnes

2000-01-01

The Southeastern Fishes Council Technical Advisory Committee reviewed the diversity, distribution, and status of all native freshwater and diadromous fishes across 51 major drainage units of the Southern United States. The Southern United States supports more native fishes than any area of comparable size on the North American continent north of Mexico, but also has a...

WATERBORNE OUTBREAKS CAUSED BY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES IN THE UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

Distribution system contamination has caused a significant number of waterborne outbreaks in the United States. The number of illnesses in a distribution-system outbreak can be quite large, and illness can be severe resulting in hospitalization and sometimes death. During t...

Water Treatment Technology - Distribution Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross-Harrington, Melinda; Kincaid, G. David

One of twelve water treatment technology units, this student manual on distribution systems provides instructional materials for six competencies. (The twelve units are designed for a continuing education training course for public water supply operators.) The competencies focus on the following areas: types of pipe for distribution systems, types…

[Geographic distribution of supportive care for disabled young people].

PubMed

Bourgarel, Sophie; Piteau-Delord, Monique

2013-01-01

To analyse the logic for the distribution of home care services for disabled children (SESSAD) in a context of under-equipment. Questionnaire-based survey of 75 units (82% of the region's SESSAD units) concerning patient transport. Equipment and transport mapping. Support units for disabled children are often set up in the housing facilities that contributed to their creation. These sites are sometimes situated a long way from densely populated regions, thereby generating unnecessary travel times and expenses. Chronic under-equipment makes these sites viable, as the various units are always full, despite their distance from the children for whom they provide support. Mapping illustrates the extensive recruitment zones overlapping several units managing similar patients. The major revision of accreditation of these units, planned for 2017, could lead to redefinition of geographical zones of accreditations. New unit opening procedures based on ARS calls for tenders may help to improve the geographical distribution of this supportive care.

Distributive Education: Secondary, Course Outline. Revised 1972.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State Coordinating Council for Occupational Education, Olympia.

The document is a revision of earlier units, updated to include behavioral or performance objectives. Divided into 22 units of instruction, the course outline for distributive education presents suggested length of time for each part of a unit, prerequisites, a description of the part, objectives, sources, outline for the section, activities,…

24 CFR 902.52 - Distribution of survey to residents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Distribution of survey to residents... § 902.52 Distribution of survey to residents. (a) Sampling. A statistically valid number of units will be chosen to receive the Resident Service and Satisfaction Survey. These units will be randomly...

Phase gradient metasurface with broadband anomalous reflection based on cross-shaped units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhaobin; Deng, Hui; Xiong, Qingxu; Liu, Chen

2018-03-01

It has been pointed out by many documents that a phase gradient metasurface with wideband characteristics can be designed by the unit with a low-quality factor ( Q value). In this paper, a cross-shaped unit with a low-quality factor Q is proposed. By changing the variable parameters of the unit, it is found that the reflection phase of the unit can achieve a stable distribution of phase gradient in the frequency range of 8.0-20.0 GHz. we analyze variation of the electromagnetic field distribution on the unit with frequency and find that the size along electrical field polarization of electromagnetic field distribution area changes with frequency. Based on our design, effective size of electromagnetic field distribution area keeps meeting the subwavelength condition, thus stable phase distribution is gained across broadened bandwidth. It is found by the analysis of the phase gradient metasurface composed of seven units that the metasurface can exhibit anomalous reflection in the wide frequency band of 8.0-20.0 GHz, and the efficiency of abnormal reflection is higher in the range of 10.0-18.0 GHz. The error between the simulation results of abnormal reflection angle and the theoretical result is only - 1.5° to 0.5° after the work of comparison. Therefore, the metasurface designed by the new cross-shaped unit has a good control on the deflection direction of the reflected wave, and shows obvious advantages in widening the bandwidth.

The United States’ Role in Combating Militant Islam in France

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-16

United States Army DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A : Approved for Public Release. Distribution is Unlimited. This SRP is submitted in partial...provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently...SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Distribution A : Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Reliability and sensitivity analysis of a system with multiple unreliable service stations and standby switching failures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Jyh-Bin; Lee, Wen-Chiung; Wang, Kuo-Hsiung

2007-07-01

This paper presents the reliability and sensitivity analysis of a system with M primary units, W warm standby units, and R unreliable service stations where warm standby units switching to the primary state might fail. Failure times of primary and warm standby units are assumed to have exponential distributions, and service times of the failed units are exponentially distributed. In addition, breakdown times and repair times of the service stations also follow exponential distributions. Expressions for system reliability, RY(t), and mean time to system failure, MTTF are derived. Sensitivity analysis, relative sensitivity analysis of the system reliability and the mean time to failure, with respect to system parameters are also investigated.

History of water-column anoxia in the Black Sea indicated by pyrite framboid size distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilkin, R.T.; Arthur, M.A.; Dean, W.E.

1997-01-01

A detailed study of size distributions of framboidal pyrite in Holocene Black Sea sediments establishes the timing of a change from deposition under an oxic water column to deposition under an anoxic and sulfidic water column. In the most recent carbonate-rich sediments (Unit I) and in the organic carbon-rich sapropel (Unit II), framboid size distributions are remarkably uniform (mean diameter= 5 ??m); over 95% of the framboids in Unit I and Unit II are < 7 ??m in diameter. These properties of framboidal pyrite are consistent with framboid nucleation and growth within an anoxic and sulfidic water column, followed by transport to the sediment-water interface, cessation of pyrite growth due to the exhaustion of reactive iron, and subsequent burial. In contrast, the organic carbon-poor sediments of lacustrine Unit III contain pyrite framboids that are generally much larger in size (mean diameter = 10 ??m). In Unit III, over 95% of the framboids are < 25 ??m in diameter, 40% of framboids are between 7 ??m and 25 ??m, and framboids up to 50 ??m in diameter are present. This distribution of sizes suggests framboid nucleation and growth within anoxic sediment porewaters. These new data on size distributions of framboidal pyrite confirm that the development of water-column anoxia in the Black Sea coincided with the initiation of deposition of laminated Unit II sapropels.

Design of a compact microfludic device for controllable cell distribution.

PubMed

Li, Jing-Liang; Day, Daniel; Gu, Min

2010-11-21

A compact microfluidic device with 96 microchambers allocated within four circular units was designed and examined for cell distribution. In each unit, cells were distributed to the surrounding chambers radially from the center. The circular arrangement of the chambers makes the design simple and compact. A controllable and quantitative cell distribution is achievable in this device. This design is significant to the microfluidic applications where controllable distribution of cells in multipule microchambers is demanded.

Whose Culture?: Monolithic Cultures and Subcultures in Early Childhood Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halttunen, Leena

2017-01-01

In Finland, day care centre directors have traditionally led only a single unit, but after the recent merging of many units, most directors simultaneously lead several, physically separate units. These organizations are called distributed organizations. This study was carried out in two distributed day care organizations. The findings are based on…

Probability distribution functions for unit hydrographs with optimization using genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbani, Mohammad Ali; Singh, Vijay P.; Sivakumar, Bellie; H. Kashani, Mahsa; Atre, Atul Arvind; Asadi, Hakimeh

2017-05-01

A unit hydrograph (UH) of a watershed may be viewed as the unit pulse response function of a linear system. In recent years, the use of probability distribution functions (pdfs) for determining a UH has received much attention. In this study, a nonlinear optimization model is developed to transmute a UH into a pdf. The potential of six popular pdfs, namely two-parameter gamma, two-parameter Gumbel, two-parameter log-normal, two-parameter normal, three-parameter Pearson distribution, and two-parameter Weibull is tested on data from the Lighvan catchment in Iran. The probability distribution parameters are determined using the nonlinear least squares optimization method in two ways: (1) optimization by programming in Mathematica; and (2) optimization by applying genetic algorithm. The results are compared with those obtained by the traditional linear least squares method. The results show comparable capability and performance of two nonlinear methods. The gamma and Pearson distributions are the most successful models in preserving the rising and recession limbs of the unit hydographs. The log-normal distribution has a high ability in predicting both the peak flow and time to peak of the unit hydrograph. The nonlinear optimization method does not outperform the linear least squares method in determining the UH (especially for excess rainfall of one pulse), but is comparable.

History and distribution of lynx in the contiguous United States [Chapter 8

Treesearch

Kevin S. McKelvey

2000-01-01

Using written accounts, trapping records, and spatially referenced occurrence data, the authors reconstructed the history and distribution of lynx in the contiguous United States from the 1800s to the present. Records show lynx occurrence in 24 states. Data over broad scales of space and time show lynx distribution...

22 CFR 124.14 - Exports to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Exports to warehouses or distribution points... to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States. (a) Agreements. Agreements (e.g... military nomenclature, the Federal stock number, nameplate data, and any control numbers under which the...

Atlas of relations between climatic parameters and distributions of important trees and shrubs in North America: Revisions for all taxa from the United States and Canada and new taxa from the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, Robert S.; Anderson, Katherine H.; Pelltier, Richard T.; Strickland, Laura E.; Shafer, Sarah L.; Bartlein, Patrick J.; McFadden, Andrew K.

2015-01-01

This volume of the atlas provides numerous changes, updates, and enhancements from previous volumes. Its geographic coverage is now restricted to Canada and the continental United States, and the source and time period of the climatic data have changed. New variables were added, including monthly values for temperature and precipitation, and measures of interannual variability. The distribution maps for all previously published species were redigitized, some distribution maps were revised, and 148 new species were added from the arid and semiarid western United States. The graphical displays were expanded to illustrate the new climatic variables, and the data tables were modified to provide more detail on the population distributions of plant taxa relative to climatic variables.

Maximizing donor potential: evolving organ procurement organization metrics and optimizing organ distribution and allocation in the United States.

PubMed

Washburn, Kenneth

2012-11-01

1. Comprehend the basis for liver allocation and distribution in the United States. 2. Understand potential solutions to organ inequalities in the United States. 3. Understand the metrics used to assess the performance of organ procurement organizations. Copyright © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Income Distribution Policy in the United States [and] Discussion Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okner, Benjamin A.; Rivlin, Alice M.

The focus of this paper is inequality - primarily, income - inequality - in the United States and the historical-political context in which policies that affect inequality are being discussed. The first section gives a brief description of recent trends in the distribution of income in the United States, a picture whose most remarkable feature is…

Financial Wealth Inequality in the United States and Great Britain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banks, James; Blundell, Richard; Smith, James P.

2003-01-01

In this paper, we describe the household wealth distribution in the United States and United Kingdom over the past two decades, and compare both wealth inequality and the form in which wealth is held. Unconditionally, there are large differences in financial wealth between the two countries at the top fifth of the wealth distribution. Even after…

Cost comparison of unit dose and traditional drug distribution in a long-term-care facility.

PubMed

Lepinski, P W; Thielke, T S; Collins, D M; Hanson, A

1986-11-01

Unit dose and traditional drug distribution systems were compared in a 352-bed long-term-care facility by analyzing nursing time, medication-error rate, medication costs, and waste. Time spent by nurses in preparing, administering, charting, and other tasks associated with medications was measured with a stop-watch on four different nursing units during six-week periods before and after the nursing home began using unit dose drug distribution. Medication-error rate before and after implementation of the unit dose system was determined by patient profile audits and medication inventories. Medication costs consisted of patient billing costs (acquisition cost plus fee) and cost of medications destroyed. The unit dose system required a projected 1507.2 hours less nursing time per year. Mean medication-error rates were 8.53% and 0.97% for the traditional and unit dose systems, respectively. Potential annual savings because of decreased medication waste with the unit dose system were $2238.72. The net increase in cost for the unit dose system was estimated at $615.05 per year, or approximately $1.75 per patient. The unit dose system appears safer and more time-efficient than the traditional system, although its costs are higher.

Civil Military Relations in the Modern Democratic Argentina Era: Army Soldiers as Military Professionals Versus Civilians in Uniform

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-24

Distribution is Unlimited. Only a work of the United States Government is not subject to copyright. The author is not an employee of the United...Miguel A. Salguero 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Distribution A: Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Only a work of the United States Government is not subject to

The Role of Supralexical Prosodic Units in Speech Production: Evidence from the Distribution of Speech Errors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choe, Wook Kyung

2013-01-01

The current dissertation represents one of the first systematic studies of the distribution of speech errors within supralexical prosodic units. Four experiments were conducted to gain insight into the specific role of these units in speech planning and production. The first experiment focused on errors in adult English. These were found to be…

Advances in Enterprise Control. AEC Proceedings, November 15-16, 1999/San Diego, California

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-11-16

structure of tropical termite mounds. 2.3. Mechanisms that each agent deposits one unit of pheromone per unit time and that a proportion 0 < E < 1 of the...Stubberud 137 Section 4: Distributed and Agent-Based Strategies 149 Synthetic Pheromones for Distributed Motion Control by H. Van Dyke Parunak and...Computer Engineering, June, 1994. 147 148 Section 4 Distributed and Agent-Based Strategies 149 150 Synthetic Pheromones for Distributed Motion

The feasibility of replacing or upgrading utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance

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

Barnes, P.R.; Van Dyke, J.W.; McConnell, B.W.

It is estimated that electric utilities use about 40 million distribution transformers in supplying electricity to customers in the United States. Although utility distribution transformers collectively have a high average efficiency, they account for approximately 61 billion kWh of the 229 billion kWh of energy lost annually in the delivery of electricity. Distribution transformers are being replaced over time by new, more efficient, lower-loss units during routine utility maintenance of power distribution systems. Maintenance is typically not performed on units in service. However, units removed from service with appreciable remaining life are often refurbished and returned to stock. Distribution transformersmore » may be removed from service for many reasons, including failure, over- or underloading, or line upgrades such as voltage changes or rerouting. When distribution transformers are removed from service, a decision must be made whether to dispose of the transformer and purchase a lower-loss replacement or to refurbish the transformer and return it to stock for future use. This report contains findings and recommendations on replacing utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance, which is required by section 124(c) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the practicability, cost-effectiveness, and potential energy savings of replacing or upgrading existing transformers during routine utility maintenance and to develop recommendations on was to achieve the potential energy savings.« less

Profit--The Key. Principles of the American Free Enterprise System for Distributive Education Students. Instructor's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hook, Sallie A.; And Others

In this distributive education unit teacher's guide on the free enterprise system, principles of the American economic system are introduced as they relate to marketing and distribution. (The study guide is available as CE 020 458.) The guide preview sheet includes a list of audiovisual equipment necessary, duration of the unit (sixteen to…

Atlas of current and potential future distributions of common trees of the eastern United States

Treesearch

Louis R. Iverson; Anantha M. Prasad; Betsy J. Hale; Elaine Kennedy Sutherland

1999-01-01

This atlas documents the current and possible future distribution of 80 common tree species in the Eastern United States and gives detailed information on environmental characteristics defining these distributions. Also included are outlines of life history characteristics and summary statistics for these species. Much of the data are derived from Forest Inventory and...

99. POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS FOR BATTERIES AND RECTIFIERS, NORTHEAST SIDE ...

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

99. POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS FOR BATTERIES AND RECTIFIERS, NORTHEAST SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), LSB (BLDG. 770) - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

The Cost of Distribution System Upgrades to Accommodate Increasing Penetrations of Distributed Photovoltaic Systems on Real Feeders in the United States

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

Horowitz, Kelsey A; Ding, Fei; Mather, Barry A

The increasing deployment of distributed photovoltaic systems (DPV) can impact operations at the distribution level and the transmission level of the electric grid. It is important to develop and implement forward-looking approaches for calculating distribution upgrade costs that can be used to inform system planning, market and tariff design, cost allocation, and other policymaking as penetration levels of DPV increase. Using a bottom-up approach that involves iterative hosting capacity analysis, this report calculates distribution upgrade costs as a function of DPV penetration on three real feeders - two in California and one in the Northeastern United States.

The Future of the Book. Part III. New Technologies in Book Distribution: The United States Experience. Studies on Books and Reading No. 18.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paul, Sandra K.; Kranberg, Susan

The third report from a comprehensive Unesco study, this document traces the history of the application of computer-based technology to the book distribution process in the United States and indicates functional areas currently showing the effects of using this technology. Ways in which computer use is altering book distribution management…

Testing of stack-unit/aquifer sensitivity analysis using contaminant plume distribution in the subsurface of Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rine, J.M.; Shafer, J.M.; Covington, E.; Berg, R.C.

2006-01-01

Published information on the correlation and field-testing of the technique of stack-unit/aquifer sensitivity mapping with documented subsurface contaminant plumes is rare. The inherent characteristic of stack-unit mapping, which makes it a superior technique to other analyses that amalgamate data, is the ability to deconstruct the sensitivity analysis on a unit-by-unit basis. An aquifer sensitivity map, delineating the relative sensitivity of the Crouch Branch aquifer of the Administrative/Manufacturing Area (A/M) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, USA, incorporates six hydrostratigraphic units, surface soil units, and relevant hydrologic data. When this sensitivity map is compared with the distribution of the contaminant tetrachloroethylene (PCE), PCE is present within the Crouch Branch aquifer within an area classified as highly sensitive, even though the PCE was primarily released on the ground surface within areas classified with low aquifer sensitivity. This phenomenon is explained through analysis of the aquifer sensitivity map, the groundwater potentiometric surface maps, and the plume distributions within the area on a unit-by- unit basis. The results of this correlation show how the paths of the PCE plume are influenced by both the geology and the groundwater flow. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Distribution and Aggregate Thickness of Salt Deposits of the United States

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The map shows the distribution and aggregate thickness of salt deposits of the United States. This information is from contour map sheets, scanned and processed for use in a global mineral resource assessment, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey. It is used here to provide a geospatial context to the distribution of rock-salt deposits in the US. It is useful in illustrating sources of chlorides.

Method and system for redundancy management of distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method and system for redundancy management is provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The method uses unique redundancy management techniques to achieve recovery and restoration of redundant elements to full operation in an asynchronous environment. The system includes a first computing unit comprising a pair of redundant computational lanes for generating redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors detect data errors in the control commands, and provide a recovery trigger to the first computing unit. A second redundant computing unit provides the same features as the first computing unit. A first actuator control unit is configured to provide blending and monitoring of the control commands from the first and second computing units, and to provide a recovery trigger to each of the first and second computing units. A second actuator control unit provides the same features as the first actuator control unit.

Distribution and abundance of snowy plovers in eastern North America, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gorman, Leah; Haig, Susan M.

2002-01-01

Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) are small, partially migrant shorebirds that are broadly distributed across North America. Snowy Plover distribution west of the Rocky Mountains has been well described. However, distribution and abundance east of the Rocky Mountains has not received much attention despite current status and ESA listing concerns for Snowy Plovers in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Thus, a first step in developing a monitoring program for Snowy Plovers is to understand the species' distribution. We summarize information on distribution and abundance of Snowy Plovers in the eastern United States, Caribbean, and Bahamas. Breeding and winter distribution maps for the continental United States were generated from a database of 3563 records from 388 sites in continental North America constructed from International Shorebird Survey (ISS), Christmas Bird Count (CBC), unpublished field data, and published accounts. Comparison of maximum counts per site (1980–present) indicated the number of breeding Snowy Plovers was greatest in Kansas and Oklahoma, while the greatest number of wintering birds occurred in the Laguna Madre of Texas and Mexico. Snowy Plovers concentrate at sites in Oklahoma and Texas during migration, with higher concentrations on the upper Texas coast in spring compared to fall migration. Data regarding historic abundance and trends are limited but suggest that Snowy Plovers in the eastern United States may have experienced regional population declines and may have suffered a range contraction in Texas. Serious concerns about the conservation status of Snowy Plovers in the eastern United States, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas indicate an immediate need for systematic surveys and up-to-date population estimates.

Influence of SiC grain boundary character on fission product transport in irradiated TRISO fuel

DOE PAGES

Lillo, T. M.; Rooyen, I. J.

2016-02-26

The relationship between grain boundary character and fission product migration is identified as an important knowledge gap in order to advance the understanding of fission product release from TRISO fuel particles. Precession electron diffraction (PED), a TEM-based technique, was used in this study to quickly and efficiently provide the crystallographic information needed to identify grain boundary misorientation, grain boundary type (low or high angle) and whether the boundary is coincident site lattice (CSL) – related, in irradiated SiC. Analysis of PED data showed the grain structure of the SiC layer in an irradiated TRISO fuel particle from the AGR-1 experimentmore » to be composed mainly of twin boundaries with a small fraction of low angle grain boundaries (<10%). In general, fission products favor precipitation on random, high angle grain boundaries but can precipitate out on low angle and CSL-related grain boundaries to a limited degree. Pd is capable of precipitating out on all types of grain boundaries but most prominently on random, high angle grain boundaries. Pd-U and Pd-Ag precipitates were found on CSL-related as well as random high angle grain boundaries but not on low angle grain boundaries. In contrast, precipitates containing only Ag were found only on random, high angle grain boundaries but not on either low angle or CSL-related grain boundaries.« less

Influence of SiC grain boundary character on fission product transport in irradiated TRISO fuel

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

Lillo, T. M.; Rooyen, I. J.

The relationship between grain boundary character and fission product migration is identified as an important knowledge gap in order to advance the understanding of fission product release from TRISO fuel particles. Precession electron diffraction (PED), a TEM-based technique, was used in this study to quickly and efficiently provide the crystallographic information needed to identify grain boundary misorientation, grain boundary type (low or high angle) and whether the boundary is coincident site lattice (CSL) – related, in irradiated SiC. Analysis of PED data showed the grain structure of the SiC layer in an irradiated TRISO fuel particle from the AGR-1 experimentmore » to be composed mainly of twin boundaries with a small fraction of low angle grain boundaries (<10%). In general, fission products favor precipitation on random, high angle grain boundaries but can precipitate out on low angle and CSL-related grain boundaries to a limited degree. Pd is capable of precipitating out on all types of grain boundaries but most prominently on random, high angle grain boundaries. Pd-U and Pd-Ag precipitates were found on CSL-related as well as random high angle grain boundaries but not on low angle grain boundaries. In contrast, precipitates containing only Ag were found only on random, high angle grain boundaries but not on either low angle or CSL-related grain boundaries.« less

Coal-oil coprocessing at HTI - development and improvement of the technology

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

Stalzer, R.H.; Lee, L.K.; Hu, J.

1995-12-31

Co-Processing refers to the combined processing of coal and petroleum-derived heavy oil feedstocks. The coal feedstocks used are those typically utilized in direct coal liquefaction: bituminous, subbituminous, and lignites. Petroleum-derived oil, is typically a petroleum residuum, containing at least 70 W% material boiling above 525{degrees}C. The combined coal and oil feedstocks are processed simultaneously with the dual objective of liquefying the coal and upgrading the petroleum-derived residuum to lower boiling (<525{degrees}C) premium products. HTI`s investigation of the Co-Processing technology has included work performed in laboratory, bench and PDU scale operations. The concept of co-processing technology is quite simple and amore » natural outgrowth of the work done with direct coal liquefaction. A 36 month program to evaluate new process concepts in coal-oil coprocessing at the bench-scale was begun in September 1994 and runs until September 1997. Included in this continuous bench-scale program are provisions to examine new improvements in areas such as: interstage product separation, feedstock concentrations (coal/oil), improved supported/dispersed catalysts, optimization of reactor temperature sequencing, and in-line hydrotreating. This does not preclude other ideas from DOE contracts and other sources that can lead to improved product quality and economics. This research work has led to important findings which significantly increased liquid yields, improved product quality, and improved process economics.« less

China’s Grand Strategy: From Confucius to Contemporary

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-02

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for Public Release. Distribution is Unlimited. Only a work of the United States Government is not subject to...copyright. Based upon the nature of a particular student-author’s employment, a paper may not be a work of the United States Government and may, in fact...Brigadier Subrata Saha 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER Dr Janeen M. Klinger 7. PERFORMING

Geographic Information System Software to Remodel Population Data Using Dasymetric Mapping Methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sleeter, Rachel; Gould, Michael

2007-01-01

The U.S. Census Bureau provides decadal demographic data collected at the household level and aggregated to larger enumeration units for anonymity purposes. Although this system is appropriate for the dissemination of large amounts of national demographic data, often the boundaries of the enumeration units do not reflect the distribution of the underlying statistical phenomena. Conventional mapping methods such as choropleth mapping, are primarily employed due to their ease of use. However, the analytical drawbacks of choropleth methods are well known ranging from (1) the artificial transition of population at the boundaries of mapping units to (2) the assumption that the phenomena is evenly distributed across the enumeration unit (when in actuality there can be significant variation). Many methods to map population distribution have been practiced in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing fields. Many cartographers prefer dasymetric mapping to map population because of its ability to more accurately distribute data over geographic space. Similar to ?choropleth maps?, a dasymetric map utilizes standardized data (for example, census data). However, rather than using arbitrary enumeration zones to symbolize population distribution, a dasymetric approach introduces ancillary information to redistribute the standardized data into zones relative to land use and land cover (LULC), taking into consideration actual changing densities within the boundaries of the enumeration unit. Thus, new zones are created that correlate to the function of the map, capturing spatial variations in population density. The transfer of data from census enumeration units to ancillary-driven homogenous zones is performed by a process called areal interpolation.

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S EVALUATION OF EARLY WARNING SENSORS AND MONITORS FOR DISTRIBUTION

EPA Science Inventory

Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the safety and security of the United States drinking water distribution systems has been reassessed. Several chemical and biological agents have been identified that could constitute a credible threat agains...

DISTRIBUTION, TYPE, ACCUMULATION AND SOURCE OF MARINE DEBRIS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1989-93

EPA Science Inventory

Distribution, type, accumulation, & source of marine debris on coastal beaches and in harbors of the United States were examined from 1989 to 1993. nformation was compiled from annual beach cleanups coordinated by the Center for marine Conservation, quarterly beach surveys at eig...

26 CFR 1.852-10 - Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... investment trusts. 1.852-10 Section 1.852-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts § 1.852-10 Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment...

26 CFR 1.852-10 - Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... investment trusts. 1.852-10 Section 1.852-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts § 1.852-10 Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment...

26 CFR 1.852-10 - Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... investment trusts. 1.852-10 Section 1.852-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts § 1.852-10 Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment...

26 CFR 1.852-10 - Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... investment trusts. 1.852-10 Section 1.852-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts § 1.852-10 Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment...

24 CFR 3280.802 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... supply. (15) Distribution panelboard means a single panel or a group of panel units designed for assembly...) Panelboard means a single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel... treatment of air so as to control simultaneously its temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution to...

Electronic Media Merchandising in Distributive Education. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Red Bank Regional High School, Little Silver, NJ.

This project designed and implemented an instructional unit in the production of television commercials in a distributive education program. In addition to providing students with a more comprehensive unit on advertising, the producing of commercials for products sold in the school gave them an opportunity to incorporate classroom theory into…

Martian crater counts on Elysium Mons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcbride, Kathleen; Barlow, Nadine G.

1990-01-01

Without returned samples from the Martian surface, relative age chronologies and stratigraphic relationships provide the best information for determining the ages of geomorphic features and surface regions. Crater-size frequency distributions of six recently mapped geological units of Elysium Mons were measured to establish their relative ages. Most of the craters on Elysium Mons and the adjacent plains units are between 500 and 1000 meters in diameter. However, only craters 1 km in diameter or larger were used because of inadequate spatial resolution of some of the Viking images and to reduce probability of counting secondary craters. The six geologic units include all of the Elysium Mons construct and a portion of the plains units west of the volcano. The surface area of the units studied is approximately 128,000 sq km. Four of the geologic units were used to create crater distribution curves. There are no craters larger than 1 km within the Elysium Mons caldera. Craters that lacked raised rims, were irregularly shaped, or were arranged in a linear pattern were assumed to be endogenic in origin and not counted. A crater frequency distribution analysis is presented.

Continued decline in blood collection and transfusion in the United States–2015

PubMed Central

Ellingson, Katherine D.; Sapiano, Mathew R. P.; Haass, Kathryn A.; Savinkina, Alexandra A.; Baker, Misha L.; Chung, Koo-Whang; Henry, Richard A.; Berger, James J.; Kuehnert, Matthew J.; Basavaraju, Sridhar V.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND In 2011 and 2013, the National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) revealed declines in blood collection and transfusion in the United States. The objective of this study was to describe blood services in 2015. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The 2015 NBCUS was distributed to all US blood collection centers, all hospitals performing at least 1000 surgeries annually, and a 40% random sample of hospitals performing 100 to 999 surgeries annually. Weighting and imputation were used to generate national estimates for units of blood and components collected, deferred, distributed, transfused, and outdated. RESULTS Response rates for the 2015 NBCUS were 78.4% for blood collection centers and 73.9% for transfusing hospitals. In 2015, 12,591,000 units of red blood cells (RBCs) (95% confidence interval [CI], 11,985,000–13,197,000 units of RBCs) were collected, and 11,349,000 (95% CI, 10,592,000–11,747,000) were transfused, representing declines since 2013 of 11.6% and 13.9%, respectively. Total platelet units distributed (2,436,000; 95% CI, 2,230,000–2,642,000) and transfused (1,983,000; 95% CI, 1,816,000=2,151,000) declined by 0.5% and 13.1%, respectively, since 2013. Plasma distributions (3,714,000; 95% CI, 3,306,000–4,121,000) and transfusions (2,727,000; 95% CI, 2,594,000–2,859,000) in 2015 declined since 2013. The median price paid per unit in 2015—$211 for leukocyte-reduced RBCs, $524 for apheresis platelets, and $54 for fresh frozen plasma—was less for all components than in 2013. CONCLUSIONS The 2015 NBCUS findings suggest that continued declines in demand for blood products resulted in fewer units collected and distributed Maintaining a blood inventory sufficient to meet routine and emergent demands will require further monitoring and understanding of these trends. PMID:28591469

Probability distributions of hydraulic conductivity for the hydrogeologic units of the Death Valley regional ground-water flow system, Nevada and California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belcher, Wayne R.; Sweetkind, Donald S.; Elliott, Peggy E.

2002-01-01

The use of geologic information such as lithology and rock properties is important to constrain conceptual and numerical hydrogeologic models. This geologic information is difficult to apply explicitly to numerical modeling and analyses because it tends to be qualitative rather than quantitative. This study uses a compilation of hydraulic-conductivity measurements to derive estimates of the probability distributions for several hydrogeologic units within the Death Valley regional ground-water flow system, a geologically and hydrologically complex region underlain by basin-fill sediments, volcanic, intrusive, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Probability distributions of hydraulic conductivity for general rock types have been studied previously; however, this study provides more detailed definition of hydrogeologic units based on lithostratigraphy, lithology, alteration, and fracturing and compares the probability distributions to the aquifer test data. Results suggest that these probability distributions can be used for studies involving, for example, numerical flow modeling, recharge, evapotranspiration, and rainfall runoff. These probability distributions can be used for such studies involving the hydrogeologic units in the region, as well as for similar rock types elsewhere. Within the study area, fracturing appears to have the greatest influence on the hydraulic conductivity of carbonate bedrock hydrogeologic units. Similar to earlier studies, we find that alteration and welding in the Tertiary volcanic rocks greatly influence hydraulic conductivity. As alteration increases, hydraulic conductivity tends to decrease. Increasing degrees of welding appears to increase hydraulic conductivity because welding increases the brittleness of the volcanic rocks, thus increasing the amount of fracturing.

The feasibility of replacing or upgrading utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance

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

Barnes, P.R.; Van Dyke, J.W; McConnell, B.W.

It is estimated that electric utilities use about 40 million distribution transformers in supplying electricity to customers in the United States. Although utility distribution transformers collectively have a high average efficiency, they account for approximately 61 billion kWh of the 229 billion kWh of energy lost annually in the delivery of electricity. Distribution transformers are being replaced over time by new, more efficient, lower-loss units during routine utility maintenance of power distribution systems. Maintenance is typically not performed on units in service. However, units removed from service with appreciable remaining life are often refurbished and returned to stock. Distribution transformersmore » may be removed from service for many reasons, including failure, over- or underloading, or line upgrades such as voltage changes or rerouting. When distribution transformers are removed from service, a decision must be made whether to dispose of the transformer and purchase a lower-loss replacement or to refurbish the transformer and return it to stock for future use. This report contains findings and recommendations on replacing utility distribution transformers during routine maintenance, which is required by section 124 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the practicability, cost-effectiveness, and potential energy savings of replacing or upgrading existing transformers during routine utility maintenance and to develop recommendations on ways to achieve the potential energy savings. Using survey data obtained from utilities and analyses of the economics of refurbishment versus replacement of distribution transformers that are removed from service, it is found that on average utilities are implementing reasonable decisions on refurbishment versus replacement.« less

Annular feed air breathing fuel cell stack

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.; Neutzler, Jay K.

1997-01-01

A stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is formed from a plurality of unit cells where each unit cell includes fuel cell components defining a periphery and distributed along a common axis, where the fuel cell components include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode contacting opposite sides of the membrane, and fuel and oxygen flow fields contacting the anode and the cathode, respectively, wherein the components define an annular region therethrough along the axis. A fuel distribution manifold within the annular region is connected to deliver fuel to the fuel flow field in each of the unit cells. The fuel distribution manifold is formed from a hydrophilic-like material to redistribute water produced by fuel and oxygen reacting at the cathode. In a particular embodiment, a single bolt through the annular region clamps the unit cells together. In another embodiment, separator plates between individual unit cells have an extended radial dimension to function as cooling fins for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

119. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (206), ...

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

119. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (206), LSB (BLDG. 751). POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS AND CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS ON RIGHT SIDE OF PHOTO; LOGIC CONTROL AND MONITOR UNITS FOR BOOSTER AND FUEL SYSTEMS LEFT OF AND PARALLEL TO EAST ROW OF CABINETS; SIGNAL CONDITIONERS AT NORTH END OF ROOM PERPENDICULAR TO OTHER CABINETS. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 East, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Estimating Commute Distances of U.S. Army Reservists by Regional and Unit Characteristics

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

multiple regression equation is used to estimate the parameters of the commute distance distribution as a function of reserve center and market ...used to estimate the parameters of the commute distance distribution as a function of reserve center and market characteristics. The results of the...recruiting personnel to meet unit fill rates. An important objective of the USAREC is to identify market areas that will support new reserve units [Ref. 2:p

Distributed parallel messaging for multiprocessor systems

DOEpatents

Chen, Dong; Heidelberger, Philip; Salapura, Valentina; Senger, Robert M; Steinmacher-Burrow, Burhard; Sugawara, Yutaka

2013-06-04

A method and apparatus for distributed parallel messaging in a parallel computing system. The apparatus includes, at each node of a multiprocessor network, multiple injection messaging engine units and reception messaging engine units, each implementing a DMA engine and each supporting both multiple packet injection into and multiple reception from a network, in parallel. The reception side of the messaging unit (MU) includes a switch interface enabling writing of data of a packet received from the network to the memory system. The transmission side of the messaging unit, includes switch interface for reading from the memory system when injecting packets into the network.

Potential effects of regional pumpage on groundwater age distribution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zinn, Brendan A.; Konikow, Leonard F.

2007-01-01

Groundwater ages estimated from environmental tracers can help calibrate groundwater flow models. Groundwater age represents a mixture of traveltimes, with the distribution of ages determined by the detailed structure of the flow field, which can be prone to significant transient variability. Effects of pumping on age distribution were assessed using direct age simulation in a hypothetical layered aquifer system. A steady state predevelopment age distribution was computed first. A well field was then introduced, and pumpage caused leakage into the confined aquifer of older water from an overlying confining unit. Large changes in simulated groundwater ages occurred in both the aquifer and the confining unit at high pumping rates, and the effects propagated a substantial distance downgradient from the wells. The range and variance of ages contributing to the well increased substantially during pumping. The results suggest that the groundwater age distribution in developed aquifers may be affected by transient leakage from low‐permeability material, such as confining units, under certain hydrogeologic conditions.

Diversity and distribution of aquatic insects in Southern Brazil wetlands: implications for biodiversity conservation in a Neotropical region.

PubMed

Maltchik, Leonardo; Dalzochio, Marina Schmidt; Stenert, Cristina; Rolon, Ana Silvia

2012-03-01

The selection of priority areas is an enormous challenge for biodiversity conservation. Some biogeographic methods have been used to identify the priority areas to conservation, and panbiogeography is one of them. This study aimed at the utilization of panbiogeographic tools, to identify the distribution patterns of aquatic insect genera, in wetland systems of an extensive area in the Neotropical region (approximately 280 000km2), and to compare the distribution of the biogeographic units identified by the aquatic insects, with the conservation units of Southern Brazil. We analyzed the distribution pattern of 82 genera distributed in four orders of aquatic insects (Diptera, Odonata, Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera) in Southern Brazil wetlands. Therefore, 32 biogeographic nodes corresponded to the priority areas for conservation of the aquatic insect diversity. Among this total, 13 were located in the Atlantic Rainforest, 16 in the Pampa and three amongst both biomes. The distribution of nodes showed that only 15% of the dispersion centers of insects were inserted in conservation units. The four priority areas pointed by node cluster criterion must be considered in further inclusions of areas for biodiversity conservation in Southern Brazil wetlands, since such areas present species from different ancestral biota. The inclusion of such areas into the conservation units would be a strong way to conserve the aquatic biodiversity in this region.

[Investigation of dental manpower in public medical units in Shanghai].

PubMed

Zhang, Qing; Feng, Xi-Ping

2010-02-01

To provide information for investigating the dental manpower of in the number, composition, distribution, equipment and out-patient departments (OPDs) in Shanghai and the reasonable allocation and utilization of the dental manpower in Shanghai. A mass survey on dental manpower was made in public medical units in Shanghai in 2007 by means of questionnaire investigation, which included direct interview and telephone interview. The survey content included the number,structure,composition,distribution,equipment and out-patient departments of dental manpower in public medical units in Shanghai. There were 364 public dental medical units distributing 26 tertiary hospitals, 99 grade 2 hospitals, 239 primary hospitals with 2046 dentists, 634 nurses, 281 technicians and 2010 dental units in Shanghai. 77.17% of the dentists were young and middle-aged, 47.85% of them had primary professional tiles, 42.23% of them had university educational background and the specialty of 68.04% of the dentists was general dentistry. 66.88% of the nurses had primary professional tiles and 68.45% of the nurses' educational background was below the junior college degree. The ratio of the dentists to nurses to technicians was 7:2:1. The public dental medical therapy units and dental manpower resources were concentrated in the downtown with 41.48% of the units, 68.23% of the dentists, 79.81% of the nurses and 82.21% of the technicians there. The total amount of dental out-patient departments (DOPDs) in public medical units in Shanghai in 2006 was 5,146,536, 69.23% in the downtown, with 26.95% in the tertiary hospitals. 15.79% of the units thought the DOPDs were too many while 56.23% considered just right. Among them, 27.20% of the units mostly in the downtown thought their units needed dentists. Among them, 66.67% of the units needed general dentists. Dental manpower in public medical units in Shanghai is not a small amount, but nurses are relatively in shortage. At the same time, its composition and distribution are not reasonable with the public dental manpower concentrating in the downtown and tertiary hospitals. Most of the patients visit the hospitals in the downtown and tertiary hospitals for treatment.

47 CFR 25.129 - Equipment authorization for portable earth-station transceivers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... equipment certification procedure in part 2, Subpart J of this chapter for importation, sale or lease in the United States, or offer, shipment, or distribution for sale or lease in the United States of portable..., to devices imported, sold, leased, or offered, shipped, or distributed for sale or lease before...

Conservation status of the freshwater mussels of the United States and Canada

Treesearch

James D. Williams; Melvin L. Warren; Kevin S. Cummings; John L. Harris; Richard J. Neves

1992-01-01

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) herein provides a list of all native freshwater mussels (families Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) in the United States and Canada. This report also provides state and provincial distributions; a comprehensive review of the conservation status of all taxa; and references on biology, conservation, and distribution of freshwater...

26 CFR 1.852-10 - Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... investment trusts. 1.852-10 Section 1.852-10 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts § 1.852-10 Distributions in redemption of interests in unit investment trusts. (a) In...

Population patterns in World’s administrative units

PubMed Central

Miramontes, Pedro; Cocho, Germinal

2017-01-01

Whereas there has been an extended discussion concerning city population distribution, little has been said about that of administrative divisions. In this work, we investigate the population distribution of second-level administrative units of 150 countries and territories and propose the discrete generalized beta distribution (DGBD) rank-size function to describe the data. After testing the balance between the goodness of fit and number of parameters of this function compared with a power law, which is the most common model for city population, the DGBD is a good statistical model for 96% of our datasets and preferred over a power law in almost every case. Moreover, the DGBD is preferred over a power law for fitting country population data, which can be seen as the zeroth-level administrative unit. We present a computational toy model to simulate the formation of administrative divisions in one dimension and give numerical evidence that the DGBD arises from a particular case of this model. This model, along with the fitting of the DGBD, proves adequate in reproducing and describing local unit evolution and its effect on the population distribution. PMID:28791153

Assessing population exposure for landslide risk analysis using dasymetric cartography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia, Ricardo A. C.; Oliveira, Sergio C.; Zezere, Jose L.

2015-04-01

Exposed Population is a major topic that needs to be taken into account in a full landslide risk analysis. Usually, risk analysis is based on an accounting of inhabitants number or inhabitants density, applied over statistical or administrative terrain units, such as NUTS or parishes. However, this kind of approach may skew the obtained results underestimating the importance of population, mainly in territorial units with predominance of rural occupation. Furthermore, the landslide susceptibility scores calculated for each terrain unit are frequently more detailed and accurate than the location of the exposed population inside each territorial unit based on Census data. These drawbacks are not the ideal setting when landslide risk analysis is performed for urban management and emergency planning. Dasymetric cartography, which uses a parameter or set of parameters to restrict the spatial distribution of a particular phenomenon, is a methodology that may help to enhance the resolution of Census data and therefore to give a more realistic representation of the population distribution. Therefore, this work aims to map and to compare the population distribution based on a traditional approach (population per administrative terrain units) and based on dasymetric cartography (population by building). The study is developed in the Region North of Lisbon using 2011 population data and following three main steps: i) the landslide susceptibility assessment based on statistical models independently validated; ii) the evaluation of population distribution (absolute and density) for different administrative territorial units (Parishes and BGRI - the basic statistical unit in the Portuguese Census); and iii) the dasymetric population's cartography based on building areal weighting. Preliminary results show that in sparsely populated administrative units, population density differs more than two times depending on the application of the traditional approach or the dasymetric cartography. This work was supported by the FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.

98. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), ...

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

98. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), LSB (BLDG. 770). POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS AND CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS IN EAST ROW OF CABINETS; LOGIC CONTROL AND MONITOR UNITS FOR BOOSTER AND FUEL SYSTEMS, AND SIGNAL CONDITIONERS IN WEST ROW OF CABINETS. CABLE TRAY TUNNEL ENTRANCE TO LSB (BLDG. 770) AT THE SOUTH END OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106). - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Stability and Degradation Mechanisms of Metal-Organic Frameworks Containing the Zr6O4(OH)4 Secondary Building Unit

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-18

0188 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) - UU UU UU UU Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Stability and degradation mechanisms of metal ...Stability and degradation mechanisms of metal –organic frameworks containing the Zr6O4(OH)4 secondary building unit Report Title See publication. 3...Stability and degradation mechanisms of metal –organic frameworks containing the Zr6O4(OH)4 secondary building unit Approved for public release; distribution

Preparation, testing and analysis of zinc diffusion samples, NASA Skylab experiment M-558

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braski, D. N.; Kobisk, E. H.; Odonnell, F. R.

1974-01-01

Transport mechanisms of zinc atoms in molten zinc were investigated by radiotracer techniques in unit and in near-zero gravity environments. Each melt in the Skylab flight experiments was maintained in a thermal gradient of 420 C to 790 C. Similar tests were performed in a unit gravity environment for comparison. After melting in the gradient furnace followed by a thermal soak period (the latter was used for flight samples only), the samples were cooled and analyzed for Zn-65 distribution. All samples melted in a unit gravity environment were found to have uniform Zn-65 distribution - no concentration gradient was observed even when the sample was brought rapidly to melting and then quenched. Space-melted samples, however, showed textbook distributions, obviously the result of diffusion. It was evident that convection phenomena were the dominant factors influencing zinc transport in unit gravity experiments, while diffusion was the dominant factor in near-zero gravity experiments.

M protein gene type distribution among group A streptococcal clinical isolates recovered in Mexico City, Mexico, from 1991 to 2000, and Durango, Mexico, from 1998 to 1999: overlap with type distribution within the United States.

PubMed

Espinosa, Luz Elena; Li, Zhongya; Gomez Barreto, Demostenes; Calderon Jaimes, Ernesto; Rodriguez, Romeo S; Sakota, Varja; Facklam, Richard R; Beall, Bernard

2003-01-01

To examine the type distribution of pathogenic group A streptococcal (GAS) strains in Mexico, we determined the emm types of 423 GAS isolates collected from ill patients residing in Mexico (Durango or Mexico City). These included 282 throat isolates and 107 isolates from normally sterile sites. Of the other isolates, 38 were recovered from other miscellaneous infections. A total of 31 different emm types were found, revealing a broad overlap between commonly occurring emm types in Mexico and the United States. The information obtained in this study is consistent with the possibility that multivalent, M type-specific vaccines prepared for GAS strain distribution within the United States could theoretically protect against the majority of GAS strains causing disease in the two cities surveyed in Mexico.

M Protein Gene Type Distribution among Group A Streptococcal Clinical Isolates Recovered in Mexico City, Mexico, from 1991 to 2000, and Durango, Mexico, from 1998 to 1999: Overlap with Type Distribution within the United States

PubMed Central

Espinosa, Luz Elena; Li, Zhongya; Barreto, Demostenes Gomez; Jaimes, Ernesto Calderon; Rodriguez, Romeo S.; Sakota, Varja; Facklam, Richard R.; Beall, Bernard

2003-01-01

To examine the type distribution of pathogenic group A streptococcal (GAS) strains in Mexico, we determined the emm types of 423 GAS isolates collected from ill patients residing in Mexico (Durango or Mexico City). These included 282 throat isolates and 107 isolates from normally sterile sites. Of the other isolates, 38 were recovered from other miscellaneous infections. A total of 31 different emm types were found, revealing a broad overlap between commonly occurring emm types in Mexico and the United States. The information obtained in this study is consistent with the possibility that multivalent, M type-specific vaccines prepared for GAS strain distribution within the United States could theoretically protect against the majority of GAS strains causing disease in the two cities surveyed in Mexico. PMID:12517875

Spatial distribution of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases in China: A retrospective study.

PubMed

Zhu, Bin; Fu, Yang; Liu, Jinlin; Mao, Ying

2018-01-01

China is the largest developing country with a relatively developed public health system. To further prevent and eliminate the spread of infectious diseases, China has listed 39 notifiable infectious diseases characterized by wide prevalence or great harm, and classified them into classes A, B, and C, with severity decreasing across classes. Class A diseases have been almost eradicated in China, thus making class B diseases a priority in infectious disease prevention and control. In this retrospective study, we analyze the spatial distribution patterns of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases that remain active all over China. Global and local Moran's I and corresponding graphic tools are adopted to explore and visualize the global and local spatial distribution of the incidence of the selected epidemics, respectively. Inter-correlations of clustering patterns of each pair of diseases and a cumulative summary of the high/low cluster frequency of the provincial units are also provided by means of figures and maps. Of the 12 most commonly notifiable class B infectious diseases, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis show high incidence rates and account for more than half of the reported cases. Almost all the diseases, except pertussis, exhibit positive spatial autocorrelation at the provincial level. All diseases feature varying spatial concentrations. Nevertheless, associations exist between spatial distribution patterns, with some provincial units displaying the same type of cluster features for two or more infectious diseases. Overall, high-low (unit with high incidence surrounded by units with high incidence, the same below) and high-high spatial cluster areas tend to be prevalent in the provincial units located in western and southwest China, whereas low-low and low-high spatial cluster areas abound in provincial units in north and east China. Despite the various distribution patterns of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases, certain similarities between their spatial distributions are present. Substantial evidence is available to support disease-specific, location-specific, and disease-combined interventions. Regarding provinces that show high-high/high-low patterns of multiple diseases, comprehensive interventions targeting different diseases should be established. As to the adjacent provincial units revealing similar patterns, coordinated actions need to be taken across borders.

Optimal Operation of Energy Storage in Power Transmission and Distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhavan Hejazi, Seyed Hossein

In this thesis, we investigate optimal operation of energy storage units in power transmission and distribution grids. At transmission level, we investigate the problem where an investor-owned independently-operated energy storage system seeks to offer energy and ancillary services in the day-ahead and real-time markets. We specifically consider the case where a significant portion of the power generated in the grid is from renewable energy resources and there exists significant uncertainty in system operation. In this regard, we formulate a stochastic programming framework to choose optimal energy and reserve bids for the storage units that takes into account the fluctuating nature of the market prices due to the randomness in the renewable power generation availability. At distribution level, we develop a comprehensive data set to model various stochastic factors on power distribution networks, with focus on networks that have high penetration of electric vehicle charging load and distributed renewable generation. Furthermore, we develop a data-driven stochastic model for energy storage operation at distribution level, where the distribution of nodal voltage and line power flow are modelled as stochastic functions of the energy storage unit's charge and discharge schedules. In particular, we develop new closed-form stochastic models for such key operational parameters in the system. Our approach is analytical and allows formulating tractable optimization problems. Yet, it does not involve any restricting assumption on the distribution of random parameters, hence, it results in accurate modeling of uncertainties. By considering the specific characteristics of random variables, such as their statistical dependencies and often irregularly-shaped probability distributions, we propose a non-parametric chance-constrained optimization approach to operate and plan energy storage units in power distribution girds. In the proposed stochastic optimization, we consider uncertainty from various elements, such as solar photovoltaic , electric vehicle chargers, and residential baseloads, in the form of discrete probability functions. In the last part of this thesis we address some other resources and concepts for enhancing the operation of power distribution and transmission systems. In particular, we proposed a new framework to determine the best sites, sizes, and optimal payment incentives under special contracts for committed-type DG projects to offset distribution network investment costs. In this framework, the aim is to allocate DGs such that the profit gained by the distribution company is maximized while each DG unit's individual profit is also taken into account to assure that private DG investment remains economical.

Reconstruction of the vegetation distribution of different topographic units of the Chinese Loess Plateau during the Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Aizhi; Guo, Zhengtang; Wu, Haibin; Li, Qin; Yu, Yanyan; Luo, Yunli; Jiang, Wenying; Li, Xiaoqiang

2017-10-01

Soil erosion and related ecological restoration present a tremendous challenge to the socioeconomic development of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). Although the Chinese government has addressed the problem of soil erosion via an afforestation programme, there have been several negative outcomes. One of the reasons for this is our incomplete understanding of the past natural vegetation distribution in the various topographic units of the CLP under different climate scenarios. Consequently, we used fossil pollen data from 41 sites from different topographic units, together with the biomization method, to reconstruct the Holocene vegetation distribution of the CLP. The results demonstrate significant differences in vegetation types between different topographic units: forest was distributed in mountainous areas, steppe was dominant in Yuan areas, and desert vegetation was distributed in the transition zone between loess and desert. The vegetation in the gully areas exhibited significant spatial differences during the mid-Holocene. In addition, the vegetation on the various topographic units was well-developed during the interval from 9 to 4 ka B.P., when regional moisture levels reached a maximum. This suggests that the East Asian Summer Monsoon was one of the main factors controlling the evolution of vegetation patterns during the Holocene. In addition, our results confirm that both topography and human activity were fundamental factors determining the vegetation distribution of the region. Against a background of ongoing global warming, we advocate a program of vegetation restoration including planting trees and shrubs in the mountainous areas, and promoting the growth of grasses in the Yuan areas and in the transitional zone between loess and desert. In the gully areas, the planting of trees and shrubs is appropriate for reducing soil erosion caused by human activities.

Spatial Distribution of Counties in the Continental United States with Records of Occurrence of Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae)

PubMed Central

SPRINGER, YURI P.; EISEN, LARS; BEATI, LORENZA; JAMES, ANGELA M.; EISEN, REBECCA J.

2015-01-01

In addition to being a major nuisance biter, the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), is increasingly recognized as an important vector of pathogens affecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Despite its notoriety, efforts have been lacking to define the spatial occurrence of A. americanum in the continental United States with precision beyond that conveyed in continental-scale distribution maps. Here we present a county-level distribution map for A. americanum generated by compiling collection records obtained from a search of the published literature and databases managed by the USDA, U.S. National Tick Collection, and Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit. Our decadal and cumulative maps, which visually summarize 18,121 collections made between 1898 and 2012, show that A. americanum is either established (≥six ticks or ≥two life stages) or reported (

Mass and number size distributions of emitted particulates at five important operation units in a hazardous industrial waste incineration plant.

PubMed

Lin, Chi-Chi; Huang, Hsiao-Lin; Hsiao, Wen-Yuan

2016-01-01

Past studies indicated particulates generated by waste incineration contain various hazardous compounds. The aerosol characteristics are very important for particulate hazard control and workers' protection. This study explores the detailed characteristics of emitted particulates from each important operation unit in a rotary kiln-based hazardous industrial waste incineration plant. A dust size analyzer (Grimm 1.109) and a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) were used to measure the aerosol mass concentration, mass size distribution, and number size distribution at five operation units (S1-S5) during periods of normal operation, furnace shutdown, and annual maintenance. The place with the highest measured PM10 concentration was located at the area of fly ash discharge from air pollution control equipment (S5) during the period of normal operation. Fine particles (PM2.5) constituted the majority of the emitted particles from the incineration plant. The mass size distributions (elucidated) made it clear that the size of aerosols caused by the increased particulate mass, resulting from work activities, were mostly greater than 1.5 μm. Whereas the number size distributions showed that the major diameters of particulates that caused the increase of particulate number concentrations, from work activities, were distributed in the sub micrometer range. The process of discharging fly ash from air pollution control equipment can significantly increase the emission of nanoparticles. The mass concentrations and size distributions of emitted particulates were different at each operation unit. This information is valuable for managers to take appropriate strategy to reduce the particulate emission and associated worker exposure.

Identification of Silver and Palladium in Irradiated TRISO Coated Particles of the AGR-1 Experiment

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

van Rooyen, Y. J.; Lillo, T. M.; Wu, Y. Q.

2014-03-01

Evidence of the release of certain metallic fission product through intact tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles has been seen for decades around the world, as well as in the recent AGR-1 experiment at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). However, understanding the basic mechanism of transport is still lacking. This understanding is important because the TRISO coating is part of the high temperature gas reactor functional containment and critical for the safety strategy for licensing purposes. Our approach to identify fission products in irradiated AGR-1 TRISO fuel using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) and Energy Filtered TEM (EFTEM),more » has led to first-of-a-kind data at the nano-scale indicating the presence of silver at triple points and grain boundaries of the SiC layer in the TRISO particle. Cadmium was also found in the triple junctions. In this initial study, the silver was only identified in SiC grain boundaries and triple points on the edge of the SiC-IPyC interface up to a depth of approximately 0.5 um. Palladium was identified as the main constituent of micron-sized precipitates present at the SiC grain boundaries. Additionally spherical nano-sized palladium rich precipitates were found inside the SiC grains. These nano-sized Pd precipitates were distributed up to a depth of 5 um away from the SiC-IPyC interlayer. No silver was found in the center of the micron-sized fission product precipitates using these techniques, although silver was found on the outer edge of one of the Pd-U-Si containing precipitates which was facing the IPyC layer. Only Pd-U containing precipitates were identified in the IPyC layer and no silver was identified in the IPyC layer. The identification of silver alongside the grain boundaries and the findings of Pd alongside grain boundaries as well as inside the grains, provide significant knowledge for understanding silver and palladium transport in TIRSO fuel, which has been the topic of international research for the past forty years. Additionally the usefulness of the advanced electron microscopic techniques for TRISO coated particle research is demonstrated in this paper.« less

Participation Structures as a Mediational Means: Learning Balinese Gamelan in the United States through Intent Participation, Mediated Discourse, and Distributed Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jocuns, Andrew

2009-01-01

Participation has presented a complex unit of analysis for interactional sociolinguistics. In this study I add another dimension to participation by considering recent theories related to sociocultural activity theory--mediated discourse analysis and distributed cognition. Drawing on examples from "maguru panggul", the traditional…

Thinning and burning in dry coniferous forests of the Western United States: effectiveness in altering diameter distributions

Treesearch

Andrew Youngblood

2010-01-01

Western United States land managers are conducting fuel reduction and forest restoration treatments in forests with altered structural conditions. As part of the National Fire and Fire Surrogate (FFS) study, thinning and burning treatments were evaluated for changing forest structure. Shifts between pretreatment and posttreatment diameter distributions at seven western...

Water Purification, Distribution and Sewage Disposal. Appropriate Technologies for Development. Reprint R-29.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1979

This document, designed to serve as a training manual for technical instructors and as a field resource reference for Peace Corps volunteers, consists of nine units. Unit topics focus on: (1) water supply sources; (2) water treatment; (3) planning water distribution systems; (4) characteristics of an adequate system; (5) construction techniques;…

Regional impacts of technical change: the case of structural particleboard in the United States.

Treesearch

Zhi Xu; David N. Bengston; Hans M. Gregersen; Allen L. Lundgren

1992-01-01

Analyzes the regional impacts of research benefits in the United States due to the introduction of structural particleboard. The distribution of consumer benefits, producer benefits, direct employment impacts, and changes in wood requirements are analyzed for the four census regions. The distribution of benefits is found to differ widely between regions, indicating...

Changes in forest biomass and tree species distribution under climate change in the northeastern United States

Treesearch

Wen J. Wang; Hong S. He; Frank R. Thompson; Jacob S. Fraser; William D. Dijak

2016-01-01

Context. Forests in the northeastern United States are currently in early- and mid-successional stages recovering from historical land use. Climate change will affect forest distribution and structure and have important implications for biodiversity, carbon dynamics, and human well-being. Objective. We addressed how aboveground biomass (AGB) and...

Improved passive optical network architectures to support local area network emulation and protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Elaine; Nadarajah, Nishaanthan; Chae, Chang-Joon; Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai; Attygalle, Sanjeewa M.

2006-01-01

We describe two optical layer schemes which simultaneously facilitate local area network emulation and automatic protection switching against distribution fiber breaks in passive optical networks. One scheme employs a narrowband fiber Bragg grating placed close to the star coupler in the feeder fiber of the passive optical network, while the other uses an additional short length distribution fiber from the star coupler to each customer for the redirection of the customer traffic. Both schemes use RF subcarrier multiplexed transmission for intercommunication between customers in conjunction with upstream access to the central office at baseband. Failure detection and automatic protection switching are performed independently by each optical network unit that is located at the customer premises in a distributed manner. The restoration of traffic transported between the central office and an optical network unit in the event of the distribution fiber break is performed by interconnecting adjacent optical network units and carrying out signal transmissions via an independent but interconnected optical network unit. Such a protection mechanism enables multiple adjacent optical network units to be simultaneously protected by a single optical network unit utilizing its maximum available bandwidth. We experimentally verify the feasibility of both schemes with 1.25 Gb/s upstream baseband transmission to the central office and 155 Mb/s local area network data transmission on a RF subcarrier frequency. The experimental results obtained from both schemes are compared, and the power budgets are calculated to analyze the scalability of each scheme.

The distribution of meteoric 36Cl/Cl in the United States: A comparison of models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moysey, S.; Davis, S.N.; Zreda, M.; Cecil, L.D.

2003-01-01

The natural distribution of 36Cl/Cl in groundwater across the continental United States has recently been reported by Davis et al. (2003). In this paper, the large-scale processes and atmospheric sources of 36Cl and chloride responsible for controlling the observed 36Cl/Cl distribution are discussed. The dominant process that affects 36Cl/Cl in meteoric groundwater at the continental scale is the fallout of stable chloride from the atmosphere, which is mainly derived from oceanic sources. Atmospheric circulation transports marine chloride to the continental interior, where distance from the coast, topography, and wind patterns define the chloride distribution. The only major deviation from this pattern is observed in northern Utah and southern Idaho where it is inferred that a continental source of chloride exists in the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. In contrast to previous studies, the atmospheric flux of 36Cl to the land surface was found to be approximately constant over the United States, without a strong correlation between local 36Cl fallout and annual precipitation. However, the correlation between these variables was significantly improved (R 2=0.15 to R 2=0.55) when data from the southeastern USA, which presumably have lower than average atmospheric 36Cl concentrations, were excluded. The total mean flux of 36Cl over the continental United States and total global mean flux of 36Cl are calculated to be 30.5??7.0 and 19.6??4.5 atoms m-2 s-1, respectively. The 36Cl/Cl distribution calculated by Bentley et al. (1996) underestimates the magnitude and variability observed for the measured 36Cl/Cl distribution across the continental United States. The model proposed by Hainsworth (1994) provides the best overall fit to the observed 36Cl/Cl distribution in this study. A process-oriented model by Phillips (2000) generally overestimates 36Cl/Cl in most parts of the country and has several significant local departures from the empirical data.

Distribution System Upgrade Unit Cost Database

DOE Data Explorer

Horowitz, Kelsey

2017-11-30

This database contains unit cost information for different components that may be used to integrate distributed photovotaic (D-PV) systems onto distribution systems. Some of these upgrades and costs may also apply to integration of other distributed energy resources (DER). Which components are required, and how many of each, is system-specific and should be determined by analyzing the effects of distributed PV at a given penetration level on the circuit of interest in combination with engineering assessments on the efficacy of different solutions to increase the ability of the circuit to host additional PV as desired. The current state of the distribution system should always be considered in these types of analysis. The data in this database was collected from a variety of utilities, PV developers, technology vendors, and published research reports. Where possible, we have included information on the source of each data point and relevant notes. In some cases where data provided is sensitive or proprietary, we were not able to specify the source, but provide other information that may be useful to the user (e.g. year, location where equipment was installed). NREL has carefully reviewed these sources prior to inclusion in this database. Additional information about the database, data sources, and assumptions is included in the "Unit_cost_database_guide.doc" file included in this submission. This guide provides important information on what costs are included in each entry. Please refer to this guide before using the unit cost database for any purpose.

Common Core Units in Business Education: Grooming for Your Job Interview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddell, Lynda

This secondary unit of instruction on grooming for job interviews is one of sixteen Common Core Units in Business Education (CCUBE). The units were designed for implementing the sixteen common core competencies identified in the California Business Education Program Guide for Office and Distributive Education. Each competency-based unit is…

Neonatal and pediatric intensive care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: an analysis of bed distribution, 1997 and 2007.

PubMed

Barbosa, Arnaldo Prata; Cunha, Antônio José Ledo Alves da

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICU) and beds in Rio de Janeiro, correlating with population demands in 1997 and 2007. All neonatal and pediatric ICUs were visited, identifying the availability and type of beds. Comparisons were made between: supply and demand using projected need for beds for the population; public and private ICUs; and geographical regions. In 2007, 95 units were included totaling 1,094 beds (74 units and 1,080 beds in 1997): 51% public and 48% private (47% and 52% in 1997); 47% neonatal, 18% pediatric and 35% mixed units. Most units were located in the metropolitan area. The distribution of public and private beds was similar in the metropolitan area in both periods; in the interior, public beds tripled. Access has improved, mainly in the interior, but there is still no equity in the distribution of and accessibility to the available beds, with a shortage in the public sector, an excess in the private sector, and a great concentration in the metropolitan area.

7 CFR 275.6 - Management units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Management units. 275.6 Section 275.6 Agriculture... FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME) Reviews § 275.6 Management units. (a) Establishment of management units. For the purpose of ME reviews...

7 CFR 275.6 - Management units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Management units. 275.6 Section 275.6 Agriculture... FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME) Reviews § 275.6 Management units. (a) Establishment of management units. For the purpose of ME reviews...

7 CFR 275.6 - Management units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Management units. 275.6 Section 275.6 Agriculture... FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME) Reviews § 275.6 Management units. (a) Establishment of management units. For the purpose of ME reviews...

Army Battlefield Distribution Through the Lens of OIF: Logical Failures and the Way Ahead

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-02

3 Historical Context of Logistics and Distribution Management Transformation...THEATER DISTRIBUTION UNITS ............................................... 66 iii TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1. Distribution Management Center...consumer and a potential provider of logistics.8 Historical Context of Logistics and Distribution Management Transformation The critical role of

Spatial distribution of the largest rainfall-runoff floods from basins between 2.6 and 26,000 km2 in the United States and Puerto Rico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connor, Jim E.; Costa, John E.

2004-01-01

We assess the spatial distribution of the largest rainfall-generated streamflows from a database of 35,663 flow records composed of the largest 10% of annual peak flows from each of 14,815 U.S. Geological Survey stream gaging stations in the United States and Puerto Rico. High unit discharges (peak discharge per unit contributing area) from basins with areas of 2.6 to 26,000 km2 (1-10,000 mi2) are widespread, but streams in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Texas together account for more than 50% of the highest unit discharges. The Appalachians and western flanks of Pacific coastal mountain systems are also regions of high unit discharges, as are several areas in the southern Midwest. By contrast, few exceptional discharges have been recorded in the interior West, northern Midwest, and Atlantic Coastal Plain. Most areas of high unit discharges result from the combination of (1) regional atmospheric conditions that produce large precipitation volumes and (2) steep topography, which enhances precipitation by convective and orographic processes and allows flow to be quickly concentrated into stream channels. Within the conterminous United States, the greatest concentration of exceptional unit discharges is at the Balcones Escarpment of central Texas, where maximum U.S. rainfall amounts apparently coincide with appropriate basin physiography to produce many of the largest measured U.S. floods. Flood-related fatalities broadly correspond to the spatial distribution of high unit discharges, with Texas having nearly twice the average annual flood-related fatalities of any other state.

Geomorphology and Geology of the Southwestern Margaritifer Sinus and Argyre Regions of Mars. Part 2: Crater Size-frequency Distribution Curves and Geomorphic Unit Ages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, T. J.; Pieri, D. C.

1985-01-01

In assessing the relative ages of the geomorphic/geologic units, crater counts of the entire unit or nearly the entire unit were made and summed in order to get a more accurate value than obtainable by counts of isolated sections of each unit. Cumulative size-frequency counts show some interesting relationships. Most of the units show two distinct crater populations with a flattening out of the distribution curve at and below 10 km diameter craters. Above this crater size the curves for the different units diverge most notably. In general, the variance may reflect the relative ages of these units. At times, however, in the larger crater size range, these curves can overlap and cross on another. Also the error bars at these larger sizes are broader (and thus more suspect), since counts of larger craters show more scatter, whereas the unit areas remain constant. Occasional clusters of relatively large craters within a given unit, particularly one of limited areal extent, can affect the curve so that the unit might seem to be older than units which it overlies or cuts.

36 CFR 1256.92 - What is the purpose of this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Distribution of United States Information Agency Audiovisual Materials in the National Archives of the United... public to inspect and obtain copies of USIA audiovisual records and other materials in the United States...

Estimating the spatial distribution of wintering little brown bat populations in the eastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Russell, Robin E.; Tinsley, Karl; Erickson, Richard A.; Thogmartin, Wayne E.; Jennifer A. Szymanski,

2014-01-01

Depicting the spatial distribution of wildlife species is an important first step in developing management and conservation programs for particular species. Accurate representation of a species distribution is important for predicting the effects of climate change, land-use change, management activities, disease, and other landscape-level processes on wildlife populations. We developed models to estimate the spatial distribution of little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) wintering populations in the United States east of the 100th meridian, based on known hibernacula locations. From this data, we developed several scenarios of wintering population counts per county that incorporated uncertainty in the spatial distribution of the hibernacula as well as uncertainty in the size of the current little brown bat population. We assessed the variability in our results resulting from effects of uncertainty. Despite considerable uncertainty in the known locations of overwintering little brown bats in the eastern United States, we believe that models accurately depicting the effects of the uncertainty are useful for making management decisions as these models are a coherent organization of the best available information.

Measurement of eddy-current distribution in the vacuum vessel of the Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak.

PubMed

Li, G; Tan, Y; Liu, Y Q

2015-08-01

Eddy currents have an important effect on tokamak plasma equilibrium and control of magneto hydrodynamic activity. The vacuum vessel of the Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak is separated into two hemispherical sections by a toroidal insulating barrier. Consequently, the characteristics of eddy currents are more complex than those found in a standard tokamak. Thus, it is necessary to measure and analyze the eddy-current distribution. In this study, we propose an experimental method for measuring the eddy-current distribution in a vacuum vessel. By placing a flexible printed circuit board with magnetic probes onto the external surface of the vacuum vessel to measure the magnetic field parallel to the surface and then subtracting the magnetic field generated by the vertical-field coils, the magnetic field due to the eddy current can be obtained, and its distribution can be determined. We successfully applied this method to the Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak, and thus, we obtained the eddy-current distribution despite the presence of the magnetic field generated by the external coils.

Tectonic controls on nearshore sediment accumulation and submarine canyon morphology offshore La Jolla, Southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Le Dantec, Nicolas; Hogarth, Leah J.; Driscoll, Neal W.; Babcock, Jeffrey M.; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Schwab, William C.

2010-01-01

CHIRP seismic and swath bathymetry data acquired offshore La Jolla, California provide an unprecedented three-dimensional view of the La Jolla and Scripps submarine canyons. Shore-parallel patterns of tectonic deformation appear to control nearshore sediment thickness and distribution around the canyons. These shore-parallel patterns allow the impact of local tectonic deformation to be separated from the influence of eustatic sea-level fluctuations. Based on stratal geometry and acoustic character, we identify a prominent angular unconformity inferred to be the transgressive surface and three sedimentary sequences: an acoustically laminated estuarine unit deposited during early transgression, an infilling or “healing-phase” unit formed during the transgression, and an upper transparent unit. Beneath the transgressive surface, steeply dipping reflectors with several dip reversals record faulting and folding along the La Jolla margin. Scripps Canyon is located at the crest of an antiform, where the rocks are fractured and more susceptible to erosion. La Jolla Canyon is located along the northern strand of the Rose Canyon Fault Zone, which separates Cretaceous lithified rocks to the south from poorly cemented Eocene sands and gravels to the north. Isopach and structure contour maps of the three sedimentary units reveal how their thicknesses and spatial distributions relate to regional tectonic deformation. For example, the estuarine unit is predominantly deposited along the edges of the canyons in paleotopographic lows that may have been inlets along barrier beaches during the Holocene sea-level rise. The distribution of the infilling unit is controlled by pre-existing relief that records tectonic deformation and erosional processes. The thickness and distribution of the upper transparent unit are controlled by long-wavelength, tectonically induced relief on the transgressive surface and hydrodynamics.

An indicator of tree migration in forests of the eastern United States

Treesearch

C.W. Woodall; C.M. Oswalt; J.A. Westfall; C.H. Perry; M.D. Nelson; A.O. Finley

2009-01-01

Changes in tree species distributions are a potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. The examination of tree species shifts in forests of the eastern United States largely has been limited to simulation activities due to a lack of consistent, long-term forest inventory datasets. The goal of this study was to compare current geographic distributions of...

Declining annual streamflow distributions in the Pacific Northwest United States, 1948-2006

Treesearch

C. H. Luce; Z. A. Holden

2009-01-01

Much of the discussion on climate change and water in the western United States centers on decreased snowpack and earlier spring runoff. Although increasing variability in annual flows has been noted, the nature of those changes is largely unexplored. We tested for trends in the distribution of annual runoff using quantile regression at 43 gages in the Pacific...

Climate change in grasslands, shrublands, and deserts of the interior American West: a review and needs assessment

Treesearch

Deborah M. Finch

2012-01-01

Recent research and species distribution modeling predict large changes in the distributions of species and vegetation types in the western interior of the United States in response to climate change. This volume reviews existing climate models that predict species and vegetation changes in the western United States, and it synthesizes knowledge about climate change...

NMR study of methane + ethane structure I hydrate decomposition.

PubMed

Dec, Steven F; Bowler, Kristen E; Stadterman, Laura L; Koh, Carolyn A; Sloan, E Dendy

2007-05-24

The thermally activated decomposition of methane + ethane structure I hydrate was studied with use of 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR as a function of composition and temperature. The observed higher decomposition rate of large sI cages initially filled with ethane gas can be described in terms of a model where a distribution of sI unit cells exists such that a particular unit cell contains zero, one, or two methane molecules in the unit cell; this distribution of unit cells is combined to form the observed equilibrium composition. In this model, unit cells with zero methane molecules are the least stable and decompose more rapidly than those populated with one or two methane molecules leading to the observed overall faster decomposition rate of the large cages containing ethane molecules.

Stochastic modeling to identify requirements for centralized monitoring of distributed wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Hug, T; Maurer, M

2012-01-01

Distributed (decentralized) wastewater treatment can, in many situations, be a valuable alternative to a centralized sewer network and wastewater treatment plant. However, it is critical for its acceptance whether the same overall treatment performance can be achieved without on-site staff, and whether its performance can be measured. In this paper we argue and illustrate that the system performance depends not only on the design performance and reliability of the individual treatment units, but also significantly on the monitoring scheme, i.e. on the reliability of the process information. For this purpose, we present a simple model of a fleet of identical treatment units. Thereby, their performance depends on four stochastic variables: the reliability of the treatment unit, the respond time for the repair of failed units, the reliability of on-line sensors, and the frequency of routine inspections. The simulated scenarios show a significant difference between the true performance and the observations by the sensors and inspections. The results also illustrate the trade-off between investing in reactor and sensor technology and in human interventions in order to achieve a certain target performance. Modeling can quantify such effects and thereby support the identification of requirements for the centralized monitoring of distributed treatment units. The model approach is generic and can be extended and applied to various distributed wastewater treatment technologies and contexts.

Nature and distribution of surficial deposits in Chryse Planitia and vicinity, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arvidson, Raymond E.; Guinness, Edward A.; Dale-Bannister, Mary A.; Adams, John; Smith, Milton

1989-01-01

The properties and lateral distribution of surficial units for the Mutch Memorial Station region are examined, using color images of the dust deposits in the region obtained at variable incidence angles during sol 611. The radiance factors from the region are compared with values derived from Viking Orbiter images and the materials in and around the region are described. Viking, earth-based, and laboratory spectra are compared and a model is constructed for the nature and distribution of surficial units in the Chryse Planitia region.

Preliminary geological mapping of Io

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masursky, H.; Schaber, G. G.; Soderblom, L. A.; Strom, R. G.

1979-01-01

A preliminary summary of information gained by Voyager 1 on the colored, terrain and landform surface units of Io and their global distribution is presented. Colored units are classified as white to bluish-white regions which may be sulfur or sulfur dioxide deposits, red, orange, or yellow regions thought to contain various sublimates or alterations of sulfur, brownish regions limited to the polar areas and dark brown areas surrounding some vents. Terrain features observed include plains broken by scarps, isolated mountainous regions and volcanic vents resembling terrestrial caldera or pit craters. Maps of the distribution of these features, compiled by photogeological mapping techniques developed for terrestrial volcanic mapping, are presented, and the implications of the surface unit distributions for the volcanology, crustal composition, internal convection patterns and surface age of Io are discussed.

United States National seismograph network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Masse, R.P.; Filson, J.R.; Murphy, A.

1989-01-01

The USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) has planned and is developing a broadband digital seismograph network for the United States. The network will consist of approximately 150 seismograph stations distributed across the contiguous 48 states and across Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Data transmission will be via two-way satellite telemetry from the network sites to a central recording facility at the NEIC in Golden, Colorado. The design goal for the network is the on-scale recording by at least five well-distributed stations of any seismic event of magnitude 2.5 or greater in all areas of the United States except possibly part of Alaska. All event data from the network will be distributed to the scientific community on compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM). ?? 1989.

Optimal sampling design for estimating spatial distribution and abundance of a freshwater mussel population

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pooler, P.S.; Smith, D.R.

2005-01-01

We compared the ability of simple random sampling (SRS) and a variety of systematic sampling (SYS) designs to estimate abundance, quantify spatial clustering, and predict spatial distribution of freshwater mussels. Sampling simulations were conducted using data obtained from a census of freshwater mussels in a 40 X 33 m section of the Cacapon River near Capon Bridge, West Virginia, and from a simulated spatially random population generated to have the same abundance as the real population. Sampling units that were 0.25 m 2 gave more accurate and precise abundance estimates and generally better spatial predictions than 1-m2 sampling units. Systematic sampling with ???2 random starts was more efficient than SRS. Estimates of abundance based on SYS were more accurate when the distance between sampling units across the stream was less than or equal to the distance between sampling units along the stream. Three measures for quantifying spatial clustering were examined: Hopkins Statistic, the Clumping Index, and Morisita's Index. Morisita's Index was the most reliable, and the Hopkins Statistic was prone to false rejection of complete spatial randomness. SYS designs with units spaced equally across and up stream provided the most accurate predictions when estimating the spatial distribution by kriging. Our research indicates that SYS designs with sampling units equally spaced both across and along the stream would be appropriate for sampling freshwater mussels even if no information about the true underlying spatial distribution of the population were available to guide the design choice. ?? 2005 by The North American Benthological Society.

Distributed Economic Dispatch in Microgrids Based on Cooperative Reinforcement Learning.

PubMed

Liu, Weirong; Zhuang, Peng; Liang, Hao; Peng, Jun; Huang, Zhiwu; Weirong Liu; Peng Zhuang; Hao Liang; Jun Peng; Zhiwu Huang; Liu, Weirong; Liang, Hao; Peng, Jun; Zhuang, Peng; Huang, Zhiwu

2018-06-01

Microgrids incorporated with distributed generation (DG) units and energy storage (ES) devices are expected to play more and more important roles in the future power systems. Yet, achieving efficient distributed economic dispatch in microgrids is a challenging issue due to the randomness and nonlinear characteristics of DG units and loads. This paper proposes a cooperative reinforcement learning algorithm for distributed economic dispatch in microgrids. Utilizing the learning algorithm can avoid the difficulty of stochastic modeling and high computational complexity. In the cooperative reinforcement learning algorithm, the function approximation is leveraged to deal with the large and continuous state spaces. And a diffusion strategy is incorporated to coordinate the actions of DG units and ES devices. Based on the proposed algorithm, each node in microgrids only needs to communicate with its local neighbors, without relying on any centralized controllers. Algorithm convergence is analyzed, and simulations based on real-world meteorological and load data are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm.

Coordinate Intracellular Expression of Salmonella Genes Induced during Infection

PubMed Central

Heithoff, Douglas M.; Conner, Christopher P.; Hentschel, Ute; Govantes, Fernando; Hanna, Philip C.; Mahan, Michael J.

1999-01-01

Salmonella typhimurium in vivo-induced (ivi) genes were grouped by their coordinate behavior in response to a wide variety of environmental and genetic signals, including pH, Mg2+, Fe2+, and PhoPQ. All of the seven ivi fusions that are induced by both low pH and low Mg2+ (e.g., iviVI-A) are activated by the PhoPQ regulatory system. Iron-responsive ivi fusions include those induced under iron limitation (e.g., entF) as well as one induced by iron excess but only in the absence of PhoP (pdu). Intracellular expression studies showed that each of the pH- and Mg2+-responsive fusions is induced upon entry into and growth within three distinct mammalian cell lines: RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and two cultured human epithelial cell lines: HEp-2 and Henle-407. Each ivi fusion has a characteristic level of induction consistent within all three cell types, suggesting that this class of coordinately expressed ivi genes responds to general intracellular signals that are present both in initial and in progressive stages of infection and may reflect their responses to similar vacuolar microenvironments in these cell types. Investigation of ivi expression patterns reveals not only the inherent versatility of pathogens to express a given gene(s) at various host sites but also the ability to modify their expression within the context of different animal hosts, tissues, cell types, or subcellular compartments. PMID:9922242

Exploring optimization parameters to increase ssDNA recombineering in Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus reuteri

PubMed Central

van Pijkeren, Jan-Peter; Neoh, Kar Mun; Sirias, Denise; Findley, Anthony S.; Britton, Robert A.

2012-01-01

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) recombineering is a technology which is used to make subtle changes in the chromosome of several bacterial genera. Cells which express a single-stranded DNA binding protein (RecT or Bet) are transformed with an oligonucleotide which is incorporated via an annealing and replication-dependent mechanism. By in silico analysis we identified ssDNA binding protein homologs in the genus Lactobacillus and Lactococcus lactis. To assess whether we could further improve the recombineering efficiency in Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 we expressed several RecT homologs in this strain. RecT derived from Enterococcus faecalis CRMEN 19 yielded comparable efficiencies compared with a native RecT protein, but none of the other proteins further increased the recombineering efficiency. We successfully improved recombineering efficiency 10-fold in L. lactis by increasing oligonucleotide concentration combined with the use of oligonucleotides containing phosphorothioate-linkages (PTOs). Surprisingly, neither increased oligonucleotide concentration nor PTO linkages enhanced recombineering in L. reuteri 6475. To emphasize the utility of this technology in improving probiotic features we modified six bases in a transcriptional regulatory element region of the pdu-operon of L. reuteri 6475, yielding a 3-fold increase in the production of the antimicrobial compound reuterin. Directed genetic modification of lactic acid bacteria through ssDNA recombineering will simplify strain improvement in a way that, when mutating a single base, is genetically indistinguishable from strains obtained through directed evolution. PMID:22750793

Comparison of Clinical Profile between P. vivax and P. falciparum Malaria in Children: A Tertiary Care Centre Perspective from India.

PubMed

Goyal, Jagdish Prasad; Makwana, Aarti M

2014-01-01

Background. Malaria is a one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is usually thought to be causing benign malaria with low incidence of complications as compared to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum). Methods. This retrospective observational study included malaria patients who were admitted to K.T. Children Hospital and P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot, a tertiary care teaching hospital, Gujarat, western India, during the period January 2012 to December 2012. Inclusion criteria were patients in whom either P. falciparum or P. vivax was positive on rapid malaria antigen test and peripheral blood smear. Patients showing mixed infections were excluded from study. Results. A total of 79 subjects (mean age 5.4 ± 3.6 years) were included in the study. It consisted of 47 P. vivax and 32 P. falciparum cases. The P. vivax cases consisted of 33 (70.2%) males and 11 (19.8%) females while P. falciparum cases consisted of 14 (43.8%) males and 18 (56.2%) females. One patient of each P. vivax and P. falciparum expired. There was no statistical significant difference found between complications such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, liver and renal dysfunction, ARDS, and cerebral malaria between P. vivax and P. falciparum. Conclusion. We conclude that P. vivax monoinfection tends to have as similar course and complications as compared to malaria due to P. falciparum monoinfection.

A novel type 1/2 hybrid IncC plasmid carrying fifteen antimicrobial resistance genes recovered from Proteus mirabilis in China.

PubMed

Lei, Chang-Wei; Kong, Ling-Han; Ma, Su-Zhen; Liu, Bi-Hui; Chen, Yan-Peng; Zhang, An-Yun; Wang, Hong-Ning

2017-09-01

IncC plasmids are of great concern as vehicles of broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems resistance genes bla CMY and bla NDM . The aim of this study was to sequence and characterize a multidrug resistance (MDR) IncC plasmid (pPm14C18) recovered from Proteus mirabilis. pPm14C18 was identified in a CMY-2-producing P. mirabilis isolate from chicken in China in 2014, and could be transferred to Escherichia coli conferring an MDR phenotype. Whole genome sequencing confirmed pPm14C18 was a novel type 1/2 hybrid IncC plasmid 165,992bp in size, containing fifteen antimicrobial resistance genes. It harboured a novel MDR mosaic region comprised of a hybrid Tn21 tnp -pDU mer , in which bla CTX-M-65 , dfrA32 and ereA were firstly reported in IncC plasmid. Phylogenetic relationship reconstruction based on the nucleotide sequences of the 52 IncC backbones showed all type 1 IncC plasmids were clustered into one clade, and then merged with pPm14C18 and finally with the type 2 IncC plasmids and another type 1/2 hybrid IncC plasmid pYR1. The MDR IncC plasmids in P. mirabilis of animal origin might threaten public health, which should be drawn more attention. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

10 CFR 429.47 - Distribution transformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Distribution transformers. 429.47 Section 429.47 Energy... COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT Certification § 429.47 Distribution transformers. (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to distribution transformers...

10 CFR 429.47 - Distribution transformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Distribution transformers. 429.47 Section 429.47 Energy... COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT Certification § 429.47 Distribution transformers. (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to distribution transformers...

10 CFR 429.47 - Distribution transformers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Distribution transformers. 429.47 Section 429.47 Energy... COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT Certification § 429.47 Distribution transformers. (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to distribution transformers...

Distributive Education II. Course of Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Frank W.

This curriculum guide for teacher-coordinators is designed to provide a course of study in distributive education (Distributive Education II) in Oklahoma. Content is in nine sections with each section consisting of one or more instructional units: (1) Orientation (Introduction to Distributive Occupations, DECA), (2) Survival Skills (Job…

Spatial distribution of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases in China: A retrospective study

PubMed Central

Zhu, Bin; Fu, Yang; Liu, Jinlin

2018-01-01

Background China is the largest developing country with a relatively developed public health system. To further prevent and eliminate the spread of infectious diseases, China has listed 39 notifiable infectious diseases characterized by wide prevalence or great harm, and classified them into classes A, B, and C, with severity decreasing across classes. Class A diseases have been almost eradicated in China, thus making class B diseases a priority in infectious disease prevention and control. In this retrospective study, we analyze the spatial distribution patterns of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases that remain active all over China. Methods Global and local Moran’s I and corresponding graphic tools are adopted to explore and visualize the global and local spatial distribution of the incidence of the selected epidemics, respectively. Inter-correlations of clustering patterns of each pair of diseases and a cumulative summary of the high/low cluster frequency of the provincial units are also provided by means of figures and maps. Results Of the 12 most commonly notifiable class B infectious diseases, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis show high incidence rates and account for more than half of the reported cases. Almost all the diseases, except pertussis, exhibit positive spatial autocorrelation at the provincial level. All diseases feature varying spatial concentrations. Nevertheless, associations exist between spatial distribution patterns, with some provincial units displaying the same type of cluster features for two or more infectious diseases. Overall, high–low (unit with high incidence surrounded by units with high incidence, the same below) and high–high spatial cluster areas tend to be prevalent in the provincial units located in western and southwest China, whereas low–low and low–high spatial cluster areas abound in provincial units in north and east China. Conclusion Despite the various distribution patterns of 12 class B notifiable infectious diseases, certain similarities between their spatial distributions are present. Substantial evidence is available to support disease-specific, location-specific, and disease-combined interventions. Regarding provinces that show high–high/high–low patterns of multiple diseases, comprehensive interventions targeting different diseases should be established. As to the adjacent provincial units revealing similar patterns, coordinated actions need to be taken across borders. PMID:29621351

Annotated Bibliography: Research on Enlisted Attrition in the U.S. Army

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

Assignment Research Unit Michael G. Rumsey, Chief July 2007 United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social ...Sciences Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences A Directorate...correspondence concerning distribution of reports to: U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Attn: DAPE-ARI-MS, 2511

116. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (206), ...

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

116. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (206), LSB (BLDG. 751), WITH CABINETS ON EAST SIDE OF ROOM FACING WEST. THE ROW OF CABINETS ON EAST SIDE OF ROOM INCLUDES LEFT TO RIGHT: CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS, AUTOPILOT CONTROLS, AND POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 East, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Atlas of climate change effects in 150 bird species of the Eastern United States

Treesearch

Stephen Matthews; Raymond O' Connor; Louis R. Iverson; Anantha M. Prasad

2004-01-01

NOTE: Instructions for navigating this publication can be found on the front cover. This atlas documents the current and potential future distribution of 150 common bird species in the Eastern United States. Distribution data for individual species were derived from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) from 1981 to 1990. Regression tree analysis was used to model the BBS...

The distribution of mercury in a forest floor transect across the central United States

Treesearch

Charles H. (Hobie) Perry; Michael C. Amacher; William Cannon; Randall K. Kolka; Laurel Woodruff

2009-01-01

Mercury (Hg) stored in soil organic matter may be released when the forest floor is consumed by fire. Our objective is to document the spatial distribution of forest floor Hg for a transect crossing the central United States. Samples collected by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Inventory and Analysis Soil Quality Indicator were tested...

Tree mortality estimates and species distribution probabilities in southeastern United States forests

Treesearch

Martin A. Spetich; Zhaofei Fan; Zhen Sui; Michael Crosby; Hong S. He; Stephen R. Shifley; Theodor D. Leininger; W. Keith Moser

2017-01-01

Stresses to trees under a changing climate can lead to changes in forest tree survival, mortality and distribution.  For instance, a study examining the effects of human-induced climate change on forest biodiversity by Hansen and others (2001) predicted a 32% reduction in loblolly–shortleaf pine habitat across the eastern United States.  However, they also...

Bulgaria in the Current Geopolitical Situation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

United States Army War College Class of 2013 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: A Approved for Public Release Distribution is Unlimited...manuscript is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the United States Army War College Diploma. The views expressed in this student...Defense, or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Army War College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of

Geological Mapping of Impact Melt Deposits at Lunar Complex Craters: New Insights into Morphological Diversity, Distribution and the Cratering Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhingra, D.; Head, J. W., III; Pieters, C. M.

2014-12-01

We have completed high resolution geological mapping of impact melt deposits at the young lunar complex craters (<1 billion years) Copernicus, Jackson and Tycho using data from recent missions. Crater floors being the largest repository of impact melt, we have mapped their morphological diversity expressed in terms of varied surface texture, albedo, character and occurrence of boulder units as well as relative differences in floor elevation. Examples of wall and rim impact melt units and their relation to floor units have also been mapped. Among the distinctive features of these impact melt deposits are: 1) Impact Melt Wave Fronts: These are extensive (sometimes several kilometers in length) and we have documented their occurrence and distribution in different parts of the crater floor at Jackson and Tycho. These features emphasize melt mobility and style of emplacement during the modification stage of the craters. 2) Variations in Floor Elevations: Spatially extensive and coherent sections of crater floors have different elevations at all the three craters. The observed elevation differences could be caused by subsidence due to cooling of melt and/or structural failure, together with a contribution from regional slope. 3) Melt-Covered Megablocks: We also observe large blocks/rock-fragments (megablocks) covered in impact melt, which could be sections of collapsed wall or in some cases, subdued sections of central peaks. 4) Melt-Covered Central Peaks: Impact melt has also been mapped on the central peaks but varies in spatial extent among the craters. The presence of melt on peaks must be taken into account when interpreting peak mineralogy as exposures of deeper crust. 5) Boulder Distribution: Interesting trends are observed in the distribution of boulder units of various sizes; some impact melt units have spatially extensive boulders, while boulder distribution is very scarce in other units on the floor. We interpret these distributions to be influenced by a) the differential collapse of the crater walls during the modification stage, and b) the amount of relative melt volume retained in different parts of the crater floor. These observations provide important documentation of the morphological diversity and better understanding of the emplacement and final distribution of impact melt deposits.

Continuous distributions of specific ventilation recovered from inert gas washout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, S. M.; Evans, J. W.; Jalowayski, A. A.

1978-01-01

A new technique is described for recovering continuous distributions of ventilation as a function of tidal ventilation/volume ratio from the nitrogen washout. The analysis yields a continuous distribution of ventilation as a function of tidal ventilation/volume ratio represented as fractional ventilations of 50 compartments plus dead space. The procedure was verified by recovering known distributions from data to which noise had been added. Using an apparatus to control the subject's tidal volume and FRC, mixed expired N2 data gave the following results: (a) the distributions of young, normal subjects were narrow and unimodal; (b) those of subjects over age 40 were broader with more poorly ventilated units; (c) patients with pulmonary disease of all descriptions showed enlarged dead space; (d) patients with cystic fibrosis showed multimodal distributions with the bulk of the ventilation going to overventilated units; and (e) patients with obstructive lung disease fell into several classes, three of which are illustrated.

10 CFR 32.71 - Manufacture and distribution of byproduct material for certain in vitro clinical or laboratory...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... units of: (1) Iodine-125 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (2) Iodine-131 in units not... indicating that the amount of radioactivity does not exceed 0.37 megabecquerel (10 microcuries) of iodine-131... each. (6) Selenium-75 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (7) Mock Iodine-125 in units not...

10 CFR 32.71 - Manufacture and distribution of byproduct material for certain in vitro clinical or laboratory...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... units of: (1) Iodine-125 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (2) Iodine-131 in units not... indicating that the amount of radioactivity does not exceed 0.37 megabecquerel (10 microcuries) of iodine-131... each. (6) Selenium-75 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (7) Mock Iodine-125 in units not...

10 CFR 32.71 - Manufacture and distribution of byproduct material for certain in vitro clinical or laboratory...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... units of: (1) Iodine-125 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (2) Iodine-131 in units not... indicating that the amount of radioactivity does not exceed 0.37 megabecquerel (10 microcuries) of iodine-131... each. (6) Selenium-75 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (7) Mock Iodine-125 in units not...

10 CFR 32.71 - Manufacture and distribution of byproduct material for certain in vitro clinical or laboratory...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... units of: (1) Iodine-125 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (2) Iodine-131 in units not... indicating that the amount of radioactivity does not exceed 0.37 megabecquerel (10 microcuries) of iodine-131... each. (6) Selenium-75 in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each. (7) Mock Iodine-125 in units not...

Centralized versus distributed propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, J. P.

1982-01-01

The functions and requirements of auxiliary propulsion systems are reviewed. None of the three major tasks (attitude control, stationkeeping, and shape control) can be performed by a collection of thrusters at a single central location. If a centralized system is defined as a collection of separated clusters, made up of the minimum number of propulsion units, then such a system can provide attitude control and stationkeeping for most vehicles. A distributed propulsion system is characterized by more numerous propulsion units in a regularly distributed arrangement. Various proposed large space systems are reviewed and it is concluded that centralized auxiliary propulsion is best suited to vehicles with a relatively rigid core. These vehicles may carry a number of flexible or movable appendages. A second group, consisting of one or more large flexible flat plates, may need distributed propulsion for shape control. There is a third group, consisting of vehicles built up from multiple shuttle launches, which may be forced into a distributed system because of the need to add additional propulsion units as the vehicles grow. The effects of distributed propulsion on a beam-like structure were examined. The deflection of the structure under both translational and rotational thrusts is shown as a function of the number of equally spaced thrusters. When two thrusters only are used it is shown that location is an important parameter. The possibility of using distributed propulsion to achieve minimum overall system weight is also examined. Finally, an examination of the active damping by distributed propulsion is described.

Climate controls the distribution of a widespread invasive species: Implications for future range expansion

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDowell, W.G.; Benson, A.J.; Byers, J.E.

2014-01-01

1. Two dominant drivers of species distributions are climate and habitat, both of which are changing rapidly. Understanding the relative importance of variables that can control distributions is critical, especially for invasive species that may spread rapidly and have strong effects on ecosystems. 2. Here, we examine the relative importance of climate and habitat variables in controlling the distribution of the widespread invasive freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea, and we model its future distribution under a suite of climate scenarios using logistic regression and maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt). 3. Logistic regression identified climate variables as more important than habitat variables in controlling Corbicula distribution. MaxEnt modelling predicted Corbicula's range expansion westward and northward to occupy half of the contiguous United States. By 2080, Corbicula's potential range will expand 25–32%, with more than half of the continental United States being climatically suitable. 4. Our combination of multiple approaches has revealed the importance of climate over habitat in controlling Corbicula's distribution and validates the climate-only MaxEnt model, which can readily examine the consequences of future climate projections. 5. Given the strong influence of climate variables on Corbicula's distribution, as well as Corbicula's ability to disperse quickly and over long distances, Corbicula is poised to expand into New England and the northern Midwest of the United States. Thus, the direct effects of climate change will probably be compounded by the addition of Corbicula and its own influences on ecosystem function.

Trends in United States blood collection and transfusion: results from the 2013 AABB Blood Collection, Utilization, and Patient Blood Management Survey.

PubMed

Whitaker, Barbee; Rajbhandary, Srijana; Kleinman, Steven; Harris, Andrea; Kamani, Naynesh

2016-09-01

AABB surveyed AABB institutional members about their 2013 blood collection, transfusion, and patient blood management (PBM) programs. Results were compared with previous US national surveys. The 2013 AABB Blood Collection, Utilization, and Patient Blood Management Survey was distributed to AABB blood centers (79) and hospitals (1068). Statistical procedures were used to estimate blood collection and transfusion. Estimated whole blood (WB) and red blood cell (RBC) collections in 2013 totaled 13.6 million units, a 12.1% decrease from 15.5 million units in 2011 (p < 0.0001). Transfusions of WB and RBC units by AABB hospitals totaled 6.1 million units, 7.3% fewer compared to 2011 (p = 0.036). There was no change in overall platelet (PLT) distributions by blood collectors but WB-derived (WBD) PLT distributions increased significantly (27.1%, p < 0.0001). Transfusion of PLTs increased 15.4% totaling 1.3 million units (p = 0.0423), including increases in apheresis PLT (12.2%) and WBD PLT transfusions (30.7%). Distribution of plasma for transfusion declined 22.4% (p < 0.0001), while transfused plasma decreased only 9.9% (p = 0.036). Hospitals reduced outdated WB, RBC, and PLT components by 14.9% to 26.1% and wasted plasma components by 19.0%. PBM programs were reported by 37.8% of AABB hospitals. Compared to 2011, WB and RBC collections declined significantly in 2013 and disproportionately to the significant reductions in WB and RBC transfusions. Distributions of PLTs and plasma for transfusion declined in 2013, as did transfusions of plasma, while transfusion of PLTs increased significantly. Decreases in outdated and wasted components by hospitals suggest improvements in product and inventory management. Ongoing national surveys allow for trend analysis and are important for future planning. © 2016 AABB.

Thermoviscoplastic analysis of fibrous periodic composites using triangular subvolumes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Kevin P.; Freed, Alan D.; Jordan, Eric H.

1993-01-01

The nonlinear viscoplastic behavior of fibrous periodic composites is analyzed by discretizing the unit cell into triangular subvolumes. A set of these subvolumes can be configured by the analyst to construct a representation for the unit cell of a periodic composite. In each step of the loading history, the total strain increment at any point is governed by an integral equation which applies to the entire composite. A Fourier series approximation allows the incremental stresses and strains to be determined within a unit cell of the periodic lattice. The nonlinearity arising from the viscoplastic behavior of the constituent materials comprising the composite is treated as fictitious body force in the governing integral equation. Specific numerical examples showing the stress distributions in the unit cell of a fibrous tungsten/copper metal matrix composite under viscoplastic loading conditions are given. The stress distribution resulting in the unit cell when the composite material is subjected to an overall transverse stress loading history perpendicular to the fibers is found to be highly heterogeneous, and typical homogenization techniques based on treating the stress and strain distributions within the constituent phases as homogeneous result in large errors under inelastic loading conditions.

Thermoviscoplastic analysis of fibrous periodic composites by the use of triangular subvolumes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Kevin P.; Freed, Alan D.; Jordan, Eric H.

1994-01-01

The non-linear viscoplastic behavior of fibrous periodic composites is analyzed by discretizing the unit cell into triangular subvolumes. A set of these subvolumes can be configured by the analyst to construct a representation for the unit cell of a periodic composite. In each step of the loading history the total strain increment at any point is governed by an integral equation which applies to the entire composite. A Fourier series approximation allows the incremental stresses and strains to be determined within a unit cell of the periodic lattice. The non-linearity arising from the viscoplastic behavior of the constituent materials comprising the composite is treated as a fictitious body force in the governing integral equation. Specific numerical examples showing the stress distributions in the unit cell of a fibrous tungsten/copper metal-matrix composite under viscoplastic loading conditions are given. The stress distribution resulting in the unit cell when the composite material is subjected to an overall transverse stress loading history perpendicular to the fibers is found to be highly heterogeneous, and typical homogenization techniques based on treating the stress and strain distributions within the constituent phases as homogeneous result in large errors under inelastic loading conditions.

40 CFR 763.169 - Distribution in commerce prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Distribution in commerce prohibitions... Commerce of Certain Asbestos-Containing Products; Labeling Requirements § 763.169 Distribution in commerce prohibitions. (a) After August 25, 1992, no person shall distribute in commerce, either for use in the United...

40 CFR 763.169 - Distribution in commerce prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Distribution in commerce prohibitions... Commerce of Certain Asbestos-Containing Products; Labeling Requirements § 763.169 Distribution in commerce prohibitions. (a) After August 25, 1992, no person shall distribute in commerce, either for use in the United...

40 CFR 763.169 - Distribution in commerce prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Distribution in commerce prohibitions... Commerce of Certain Asbestos-Containing Products; Labeling Requirements § 763.169 Distribution in commerce prohibitions. (a) After August 25, 1992, no person shall distribute in commerce, either for use in the United...

40 CFR 763.169 - Distribution in commerce prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Distribution in commerce prohibitions... Commerce of Certain Asbestos-Containing Products; Labeling Requirements § 763.169 Distribution in commerce prohibitions. (a) After August 25, 1992, no person shall distribute in commerce, either for use in the United...

Soil Formation and Distribution in Missouri. Instructional Unit. Conservation Education Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castillon, David A.

This unit is designed to help vocational agriculture teachers incorporate information on soil formation and the soils geography of Missouri into their curriculum. The unit consists of: (1) a topic outline; (2) general unit objectives; (3) discussions of processes and factors of soil formation, the soils geography of Missouri, and some soil…

A data distributed parallel algorithm for ray-traced volume rendering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Kwan-Liu; Painter, James S.; Hansen, Charles D.; Krogh, Michael F.

1993-01-01

This paper presents a divide-and-conquer ray-traced volume rendering algorithm and a parallel image compositing method, along with their implementation and performance on the Connection Machine CM-5, and networked workstations. This algorithm distributes both the data and the computations to individual processing units to achieve fast, high-quality rendering of high-resolution data. The volume data, once distributed, is left intact. The processing nodes perform local ray tracing of their subvolume concurrently. No communication between processing units is needed during this locally ray-tracing process. A subimage is generated by each processing unit and the final image is obtained by compositing subimages in the proper order, which can be determined a priori. Test results on both the CM-5 and a group of networked workstations demonstrate the practicality of our rendering algorithm and compositing method.

A Distributed Synchronization and Timing System on the EAST Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Jiarong; Wu, Yichun; Shu, Yantai

2008-08-01

A key requirement for the EAST distributed control system (EASTDCS) is time synchronization to an accuracy of <1 mus. In 2006 a Distributed Synchronization and Timing System (DSTS) was set up, which is based on the ATmega128 AVR microcontroller and the Nut/OS embedded Real Time Operating System (RTOS). The DSTS provides the control and the data acquisition systems with reference clocks (0.01 Hz 10 MHz) and delayed trigger times ( 1 mus 4294 s). These are produced by a Core Module Unit (CMU) connected by optical fibres to many Local Synchronized Node Units (LSNU). The fibres provide immunity from electrical noise and are of equal length to match clock and trigger delays between systems. This paper describes the architecture of the DSTS on the EAST tokamak and provides an overview of the characteristics of the main and local units.

Species-free species distribution models describe macroecological properties of protected area networks.

PubMed

Robinson, Jason L; Fordyce, James A

2017-01-01

Among the greatest challenges facing the conservation of plants and animal species in protected areas are threats from a rapidly changing climate. An altered climate creates both challenges and opportunities for improving the management of protected areas in networks. Increasingly, quantitative tools like species distribution modeling are used to assess the performance of protected areas and predict potential responses to changing climates for groups of species, within a predictive framework. At larger geographic domains and scales, protected area network units have spatial geoclimatic properties that can be described in the gap analysis typically used to measure or aggregate the geographic distributions of species (stacked species distribution models, or S-SDM). We extend the use of species distribution modeling techniques in order to model the climate envelope (or "footprint") of individual protected areas within a network of protected areas distributed across the 48 conterminous United States and managed by the US National Park System. In our approach we treat each protected area as the geographic range of a hypothetical endemic species, then use MaxEnt and 5 uncorrelated BioClim variables to model the geographic distribution of the climatic envelope associated with each protected area unit (modeling the geographic area of park units as the range of a species). We describe the individual and aggregated climate envelopes predicted by a large network of 163 protected areas and briefly illustrate how macroecological measures of geodiversity can be derived from our analysis of the landscape ecological context of protected areas. To estimate trajectories of change in the temporal distribution of climatic features within a protected area network, we projected the climate envelopes of protected areas in current conditions onto a dataset of predicted future climatic conditions. Our results suggest that the climate envelopes of some parks may be locally unique or have narrow geographic distributions, and are thus prone to future shifts away from the climatic conditions in these parks in current climates. In other cases, some parks are broadly similar to large geographic regions surrounding the park or have climatic envelopes that may persist into near-term climate change. Larger parks predict larger climatic envelopes, in current conditions, but on average the predicted area of climate envelopes are smaller in our single future conditions scenario. Individual units in a protected area network may vary in the potential for climate adaptation, and adaptive management strategies for the network should account for the landscape contexts of the geodiversity or climate diversity within individual units. Conservation strategies, including maintaining connectivity, assessing the feasibility of assisted migration and other landscape restoration or enhancements can be optimized using analysis methods to assess the spatial properties of protected area networks in biogeographic and macroecological contexts.

Pore space analysis of NAPL distribution in sand-clay media

USGS Publications Warehouse

Matmon, D.; Hayden, N.J.

2003-01-01

This paper introduces a conceptual model of clays and non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) at the pore scale that has been developed from a mathematical unit cell model, and direct micromodel observation and measurement of clay-containing porous media. The mathematical model uses a unit cell concept with uniform spherical grains for simulating the sand in the sand-clay matrix (???10% clay). Micromodels made with glass slides and including different clay-containing porous media were used to investigate the two clays (kaolinite and montmorillonite) and NAPL distribution within the pore space. The results were used to understand the distribution of NAPL advancing into initially saturated sand and sand-clay media, and provided a detailed analysis of the pore-scale geometry, pore size distribution, NAPL entry pressures, and the effect of clay on this geometry. Interesting NAPL saturation profiles were observed as a result of the complexity of the pore space geometry with the different packing angles and the presence of clays. The unit cell approach has applications for enhancing the mechanistic understanding and conceptualization, both visually and mathematically, of pore-scale processes such as NAPL and clay distribution. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rock-Bound Arsenic Influences Ground Water and Sediment Chemistry Throughout New England

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Gilpin R.; Ayotte, Joseph D.

2007-01-01

The information in this report was presented at the Northeastern Region Geological Society of America meeting held March 11-14, 2007, in Durham, New Hampshire. In the New England crystalline bedrock aquifer, concentrations of arsenic that exceed the drinking water standard of 10 ?g/L occur most frequently in ground water from wells sited in specific metamorphic and igneous rock units. Geochemical investigations indicate that these geologic units typically have moderately elevated whole-rock concentrations of arsenic compared to other rocks in the region. The distribution of ground water wells with As > 5 ?g/L has a strong spatial correlation with specific bedrock units where average whole-rock concentrations of arsenic exceed 1.1 mg/kg and where geologic and geochemical factors produce high pH ground water. Arsenic concentrations in stream sediments collected from small drainages reflect the regional distribution of this natural arsenic source and have a strong correlation with both rock chemistry and the distribution of bedrock units with elevated arsenic chemistry. The distribution of ground water wells with As > 5 ?g/L has a strong spatial correlation with the distribution of stream sediments where concentrations of arsenic exceed 6 mg/kg. Stream sediment chemistry also has a weak correlation with the distribution of agricultural lands where arsenical pesticides were used on apple, blueberry, and potato crops. Elevated arsenic concentrations in bedrock wells, however, do not correlate with agricultural areas where arsenical pesticides were used. These results indicate that both stream sediment chemistry and the solubility and mobility of arsenic in ground water in bedrock are influenced by host-rock arsenic concentrations. Stream sediment chemistry and the distribution of geologic units have been found to be useful parameters to predict the areas of greatest concern for elevated arsenic in ground water and to estimate the likely levels of human exposure to elevated arsenic in drinking water in New England. However, the extreme local variability of arsenic concentrations in ground water from these rock sources indicate that arsenic concentrations in ground water are affected by other factors in addition to arsenic concentrations in rock.

Rewarding Teaching Faculty with a Reimbursement Plan

PubMed Central

Rouan, Gregory W; Wones, Robert G; Tsevat, Joel; Galla, John H; Dorfmeister, John W; Luke, Robert G

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVE To develop a system for measuring the teaching effort of medical school faculty and to implement a payment system that is based on it. DESIGN An interventional study with outcomes measured before and after the intervention. SETTING A department of internal medicine with a university hospital and an affiliated Veterans Administration hospital. INTERVENTION We assigned a value in teaching units to each teaching activity in proportion to the time expended by the faculty and the intensity of their effort. We then calculated total teaching units for each faculty member in the Division of General Internal Medicine and for combined faculty effort in each subspecialty division in the Department of Medicine. After determining the dollar value for a teaching unit, we distributed discretionary teaching dollars to each faculty member in the Division of General Internal Medicine and to each subspecialty division according to total teaching units. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The distribution of discretionary teaching dollars was determined. In the year after the intervention, there was a substantial redistribution of discretionary teaching dollars among divisions. Compared with an increase in total discretionary dollars of 11.4%, the change in allocation for individual divisions ranged from an increase of 78.2% to a decrease of −28.5%. Further changes in the second year after the intervention were modest. The distribution of teaching units among divisions was similar to the distribution of questions across subspecialties on the American College of Physicians In-Training Examination (r = .67) and the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination (r = .88). CONCLUSIONS It is possible to measure the value of teaching effort by medical school faculty and to distribute discretionary teaching funds among divisions according to the value of teaching effort. When this intervention was used at our institution, there were substantial changes in the amounts received by some divisions. We believe that the new distribution more closely approximates the desired distribution because it reflects the desired emphasis on knowledge as measured by two of the most experienced professional groups in internal medicine. We also believe that our method is flexible and adaptable to the needs of most clinical teaching PMID:10354251

The Poisson Random Process. Applications of Probability Theory to Operations Research. Modules and Monographs in Undergraduate Mathematics and Its Applications Project. UMAP Unit 340.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilde, Carroll O.

The Poisson probability distribution is seen to provide a mathematical model from which useful information can be obtained in practical applications. The distribution and some situations to which it applies are studied, and ways to find answers to practical questions are noted. The unit includes exercises and a model exam, and provides answers to…

97. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), ...

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

97. VIEW OF NORTH SIDE OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM (106), LSB (BLDG. 770). EAST ROW OF CABINETS INCLUDES, LEFT TO RIGHT: CABLE DISTRIBUTION UNITS, AUTOPILOT CHECKOUT CONTROLS, AND POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS. NOTE OVERHEAD DUCTS FOR INSTRUMENT AIR CONDITIONING AND CABLE TRAYS ON EAST, WEST, AND SOUTH WALLS. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

A Personal Inertial Navigation System Based on Multiple Distributed, Nine-Degrees-Of-Freedom, Inertial Measurement Units

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

based complementary filter developed at the Naval Postgraduate School, is developed. The performance of a consumer-grade nine-degrees-of-freedom IMU...measurement unit, complementary filter , gait phase detection, zero velocity update, MEMS, IMU, AHRS, GPS denied, distributed sensor, virtual sensor...algorithm and quaternion-based complementary filter developed at the Naval Postgraduate School, is developed. The performance of a consumer-grade nine

Head Start: An Effective Program But the Fund Distribution Formula Needs Revision and Management Controls Need Improvement. Report to the Congress of the United States by the Comptroller General.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comptroller General of the U.S., Washington, DC.

This report from the Comptroller General to the United States Congress finds Head Start to be an effective program whose fund distribution formula needs revision and whose management controls need improvement. Head Start's funding for enrollment and operating costs increased significantly between 1977-81. However, these funding increases were not…

A review of the potential effects of climate change on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the Western United States and a new tool for surveying sudden aspen decline

Treesearch

Toni Lyn Morelli; Susan C. Carr

2011-01-01

We conducted a literature review of the effects of climate on the distribution and growth of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) in the Western United States. Based on our review, we summarize models of historical climate determinants of contemporary aspen distribution. Most quantitative climate-based models linked aspen presence and growth...

Detections of Yersinia pestis East of the Known Distribution of Active Plague in the United States.

PubMed

Mize, Erica L; Britten, Hugh B

2016-02-01

We examined fleas collected from black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) burrows from 2009 through 2011 in five national park units east of the known distribution of active plague across the northern Great Plains for the presence of Yersinia pestis. Across all national park units, Oropsylla tuberculata and Oropsylla hirsuta were the most common fleas collected from prairie dog burrows, 42.4% and 56.9%, respectively, of the 3964 fleas collected from burrow swabbing. Using a nested PCR assay, we detected 200 Y. pestis-positive fleas from 3117 assays. In total, 6.4% of assayed fleas were Y. pestis positive and 13.9% of prairie dog burrows swabbed contained Y. pestis-positive fleas. Evidence of the presence of Y. pestis was observed at all national park units except Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. We detected the presence of Y. pestis without large die-offs, i.e., enzootic sylvatic plague, east of the known distribution of active plague and near the eastern edge of the present distribution of black-tailed prairie dogs. This study, in combination with previous work suggests that sylvatic plague likely occurs across the range of black-tailed prairie dogs and should now be treated as endemic across this range.

Bibliographic Databases Outside of the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGinn, Thomas P.; And Others

1988-01-01

Eight articles describe the development, content, and structure of databases outside of the United States. Features discussed include library involvement, authority control, shared cataloging services, union catalogs, thesauri, abstracts, and distribution methods. Countries and areas represented are Latin America, Australia, the United Kingdom,…

a Novel Approach to Veterinary Spatial Epidemiology: Dasymetric Refinement of the Swiss Dog Tumor Registry Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boo, G.; Fabrikant, S. I.; Leyk, S.

2015-08-01

In spatial epidemiology, disease incidence and demographic data are commonly summarized within larger regions such as administrative units because of privacy concerns. As a consequence, analyses using these aggregated data are subject to the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) as the geographical manifestation of ecological fallacy. In this study, we create small area disease estimates through dasymetric refinement, and investigate the effects on predictive epidemiological models. We perform a binary dasymetric refinement of municipality-aggregated dog tumor incidence counts in Switzerland for the year 2008 using residential land as a limiting ancillary variable. This refinement is expected to improve the quality of spatial data originally aggregated within arbitrary administrative units by deconstructing them into discontinuous subregions that better reflect the underlying population distribution. To shed light on effects of this refinement, we compare a predictive statistical model that uses unrefined administrative units with one that uses dasymetrically refined spatial units. Model diagnostics and spatial distributions of model residuals are assessed to evaluate the model performances in different regions. In particular, we explore changes in the spatial autocorrelation of the model residuals due to spatial refinement of the enumeration units in a selected mountainous region, where the rugged topography induces great shifts of the analytical units i.e., residential land. Such spatial data quality refinement results in a more realistic estimation of the population distribution within administrative units, and thus, in a more accurate modeling of dog tumor incidence patterns. Our results emphasize the benefits of implementing a dasymetric modeling framework in veterinary spatial epidemiology.

Auction-based distributed efficient economic operations of microgrid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Suli; Ma, Zhongjing; Liu, Xiangdong

2014-12-01

This paper studies the economic operations of the microgrid in a distributed way such that the operational schedule of each of the units, like generators, load units, storage units, etc., in a microgrid system, is implemented by autonomous agents. We apply and generalise the progressive second price (PSP) auction mechanism which was proposed by Lazar and Semret to efficiently allocate the divisible network resources. Considering the economic operation for the microgrid systems, the generators play as sellers to supply energy and the load units play as the buyers to consume energy, while a storage unit, like battery, super capacitor, etc., may transit between buyer and seller, such that it is a buyer when it charges and becomes a seller when it discharges. Furthermore in a connected mode, each individual unit competes against not only the other individual units in the microgrid but also the exogenous main grid possessing fixed electricity price and infinite trade capacity; that is to say, the auctioneer assigns the electricity among all individual units and the main grid with respect to the submitted bid strategies of all individual units in the microgrid in an economic way. Due to these distinct characteristics, the underlying auction games are distinct from those studied in the literature. We show that under mild conditions, the efficient economic operation strategy is a Nash equilibrium (NE) for the PSP auction games, and propose a distributed algorithm under which the system can converge to an NE. We also show that the performance of worst NE can be bounded with respect to the system parameters, say the energy trading price with the main grid, and based upon that, the implemented NE is unique and efficient under some conditions.

Theater Level Distribution Statement

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-19

The United States Military’s theater level distribution management system is analyzed for adequacy and efficiency through a review of the current...considered. In order to maximize efficiency within the distribution management system it is important that more specific doctrine governing theater level

48 CFR 225.7203 - Contracting officer distribution of reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... distribution of reports. 225.7203 Section 225.7203 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS FOREIGN ACQUISITION Reporting Contract Performance Outside the United States 225.7203 Contracting officer distribution of reports. Follow the...

48 CFR 225.7203 - Contracting officer distribution of reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... distribution of reports. 225.7203 Section 225.7203 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS FOREIGN ACQUISITION Reporting Contract Performance Outside the United States 225.7203 Contracting officer distribution of reports. Follow the...

48 CFR 225.7203 - Contracting officer distribution of reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... distribution of reports. 225.7203 Section 225.7203 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS FOREIGN ACQUISITION Reporting Contract Performance Outside the United States 225.7203 Contracting officer distribution of reports. Follow the...

48 CFR 225.7203 - Contracting officer distribution of reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... distribution of reports. 225.7203 Section 225.7203 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS FOREIGN ACQUISITION Reporting Contract Performance Outside the United States 225.7203 Contracting officer distribution of reports. Follow the...

48 CFR 225.7203 - Contracting officer distribution of reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... distribution of reports. 225.7203 Section 225.7203 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS FOREIGN ACQUISITION Reporting Contract Performance Outside the United States 225.7203 Contracting officer distribution of reports. Follow the...

Legislative Process, Grade Eight. Resource Unit (Unit IV).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis. Project Social Studies Curriculum Center.

This resource unit, developed by the University of Minnesota's Project Social Studies, introduces eighth graders to the legislative process. The unit uses case studies such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1960 and 1964 and attempts to change the Rules Committee in 1961. It also uses much data on background of congressmen and on distribution of…

Appendix B: Fisher, lynx, wolverine summary of distribution information

Treesearch

Mary Maj

1994-01-01

We present maps depicting distributions of fisher, lynx, and wolverine in the western United States since 1961. Comparison of past and current distributions of species can shed light on population persistence, periods of population isolation, meta-population structure, and important connecting landscapes. Information on the distribution of the American marten is not...

10 CFR Appendix C to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers C Appendix C to Subpart C of Part 429 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION... Testing of Distribution Transformers (a) When testing distribution transformers, the number of units in...

10 CFR Appendix C to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers C Appendix C to Subpart C of Part 429 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION... Testing of Distribution Transformers (a) When testing distribution transformers, the number of units in...

10 CFR Appendix C to Subpart C of... - Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Sampling Plan for Enforcement Testing of Distribution Transformers C Appendix C to Subpart C of Part 429 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION... Testing of Distribution Transformers (a) When testing distribution transformers, the number of units in...

Annular feed air breathing fuel cell stack

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.

1996-01-01

A stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is formed from a plurality of unit cells where each unit cell includes fuel cell components defining a periphery and distributed along a common axis, where the fuel cell components include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode contacting opposite sides of the membrane, and fuel and oxygen flow fields contacting the anode and the cathode, respectively, wherein the components define an annular region therethrough along the axis. A fuel distribution manifold within the annular region is connected to deliver fuel to the fuel flow field in each of the unit cells. In a particular embodiment, a single bolt through the annular region clamps the unit cells together. In another embodiment, separator plates between individual unit cells have an extended radial dimension to function as cooling fins for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

Spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units in the state of Santa Catarina

PubMed Central

Cirino, Silviana; Lima, Fabiana Santos; Gonçalves, Mirian Buss

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE To analyze the methodology used for assessing the spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units. METHODS A modeling and simulation method was adopted for the practical application of cardiac care service in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, using the p-median model. As the state is divided into 21 health care regions, a methodology which suggests an arrangement of eight intermediate cardiac care units was analyzed, comparing the results obtained using data from 1996 and 2012. RESULTS Results obtained using data from 2012 indicated significant changes in the state, particularly in relation to the increased population density in the coastal regions. The current study provided a satisfactory response, indicated by the homogeneity of the results regarding the location of the intermediate cardiac care units and their respective regional administrations, thereby decreasing the average distance traveled by users to health care units, located in higher population density areas. The validity of the model was corroborated through the analysis of the allocation of the median vertices proposed in 1996 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS The current spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units is more homogeneous and reflects the demographic changes that have occurred in the state over the last 17 years. The comparison between the two simulations and the current configuration showed the validity of the proposed model as an aid in decision making for system expansion. PMID:26039394

Evolving Distributed Generation Support Mechanisms: Case Studies from United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia

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

Lowder, Travis; Zhou, Ella; Tian, Tian

This report expands on a previous National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) technical report (Lowder et al. 2015) that focused on the United States' unique approach to distributed generation photovoltaics (DGPV) support policies and business models. While the focus of that report was largely historical (i.e., detailing the policies and market developments that led to the growth of DGPV in the United States), this report looks forward, narrating recent changes to laws and regulations as well as the ongoing dialogues over how to incorporate distributed generation (DG) resources onto the electric grid. This report also broadens the scope of Lowder etmore » al. (2015) to include additional countries and technologies. DGPV and storage are the principal technologies under consideration (owing to market readiness and deployment volumes), but the report also contemplates any generation resource that is (1) on the customer side of the meter, (2) used to, at least partly, offset a host's energy consumption, and/or (3) potentially available to provide grid support (e.g., through peak shaving and load shifting, ancillary services, and other means).« less

A sEMG model with experimentally based simulation parameters.

PubMed

Wheeler, Katherine A; Shimada, Hiroshima; Kumar, Dinesh K; Arjunan, Sridhar P

2010-01-01

A differential, time-invariant, surface electromyogram (sEMG) model has been implemented. While it is based on existing EMG models, the novelty of this implementation is that it assigns more accurate distributions of variables to create realistic motor unit (MU) characteristics. Variables such as muscle fibre conduction velocity, jitter (the change in the interpulse interval between subsequent action potential firings) and motor unit size have been considered to follow normal distributions about an experimentally obtained mean. In addition, motor unit firing frequencies have been considered to have non-linear and type based distributions that are in accordance with experimental results. Motor unit recruitment thresholds have been considered to be related to the MU type. The model has been used to simulate single channel differential sEMG signals from voluntary, isometric contractions of the biceps brachii muscle. The model has been experimentally verified by conducting experiments on three subjects. Comparison between simulated signals and experimental recordings shows that the Root Mean Square (RMS) increases linearly with force in both cases. The simulated signals also show similar values and rates of change of RMS to the experimental signals.

Regional Distribution Shifts Help Explain Local Changes in Wintering Raptor Abundance: Implications for Interpreting Population Trends

PubMed Central

Paprocki, Neil; Heath, Julie A.; Novak, Stephen J.

2014-01-01

Studies of multiple taxa across broad-scales suggest that species distributions are shifting poleward in response to global climate change. Recognizing the influence of distribution shifts on population indices will be an important part of interpreting trends within management units because current practice often assumes that changes in local populations reflect local habitat conditions. However, the individual- and population-level processes that drive distribution shifts may occur across a large, regional scale and have little to do with the habitats within the management unit. We examined the latitudinal center of abundance for the winter distributions of six western North America raptor species using Christmas Bird Counts from 1975–2011. Also, we considered whether population indices within western North America Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were explained by distribution shifts. All six raptors had significant poleward shifts in their wintering distributions over time. Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) showed the fastest rate of change, with 8.41 km yr−1 and 7.74 km yr−1 shifts, respectively. Raptors may be particularly responsive to warming winters because of variable migration tendencies, intraspecific competition for nesting sites that drives males to winter farther north, or both. Overall, 40% of BCR population trend models were improved by incorporating information about wintering distributions; however, support for the effect of distribution on BCR indices varied by species with Rough-legged Hawks showing the most evidence. These results emphasize the importance of understanding how regional distribution shifts influence local-scale population indices. If global climate change is altering distribution patterns, then trends within some management units may not reflect changes in local habitat conditions. The methods used to monitor and manage bird populations within local BCRs will fundamentally change as species experience changes in distribution in response to climate change. PMID:24466253

The Decision to Dismiss General MacArthur

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-04-22

this document can be found in the DTIC ® Technical Report Database. g DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is... reporters pre- dicting a bloody stalemate unless major additions were made to his forces and new policies formulated by the United Nations. On 20 March...his decision to dismiss General MacArthur and return him to the United States. Due to a report of a leak of this decision to a newspaper, the

Modeling nurses' attitude toward using automated unit-based medication storage and distribution systems: an extension of the technology acceptance model.

PubMed

Escobar-Rodríguez, Tomás; Romero-Alonso, María Mercedes

2013-05-01

This article analyzes the attitude of nurses toward the use of automated unit-based medication storage and distribution systems and identifies influencing factors. Understanding these factors provides an opportunity to explore actions that might be taken to boost adoption by potential users. The theoretical grounding for this research is the Technology Acceptance Model. The Technology Acceptance Model specifies the causal relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward using, and actual usage behavior. The research model has six constructs, and nine hypotheses were generated from connections between these six constructs. These constructs include perceived risks, experience level, and training. The findings indicate that these three external variables are related to the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of automated unit-based medication storage and distribution systems, and therefore, they have a significant influence on attitude toward the use of these systems.

Design of shared unit-dose drug distribution network using multi-level particle swarm optimization.

PubMed

Chen, Linjie; Monteiro, Thibaud; Wang, Tao; Marcon, Eric

2018-03-01

Unit-dose drug distribution systems provide optimal choices in terms of medication security and efficiency for organizing the drug-use process in large hospitals. As small hospitals have to share such automatic systems for economic reasons, the structure of their logistic organization becomes a very sensitive issue. In the research reported here, we develop a generalized multi-level optimization method - multi-level particle swarm optimization (MLPSO) - to design a shared unit-dose drug distribution network. Structurally, the problem studied can be considered as a type of capacitated location-routing problem (CLRP) with new constraints related to specific production planning. This kind of problem implies that a multi-level optimization should be performed in order to minimize logistic operating costs. Our results show that with the proposed algorithm, a more suitable modeling framework, as well as computational time savings and better optimization performance are obtained than that reported in the literature on this subject.

WIC's promotion of infant formula in the United States

PubMed Central

Kent, George

2006-01-01

Background The United States' Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) distributes about half the infant formula used in the United States at no cost to the families. This is a matter of concern because it is known that feeding with infant formula results in worse health outcomes for infants than breastfeeding. Discussion The evidence that is available indicates that the WIC program has the effect of promoting the use of infant formula, thus placing infants at higher risk. Moreover, the program violates the widely accepted principles that have been set out in the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and in the human right to adequate food. Summary There is no good reason for an agency of government to distribute large quantities of free infant formula. It is recommended that the large-scale distribution of free infant formula by the WIC program should be phased out. PMID:16722534

Modeling the geographic distribution of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax disease, for the contiguous United States using predictive ecological [corrected] niche modeling.

PubMed

Blackburn, Jason K; McNyset, Kristina M; Curtis, Andrew; Hugh-Jones, Martin E

2007-12-01

The ecology and distribution of Bacillus anthracis is poorly understood despite continued anthrax outbreaks in wildlife and livestock throughout the United States. Little work is available to define the potential environments that may lead to prolonged spore survival and subsequent outbreaks. This study used the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction modeling system to model the ecological niche for B. anthracis in the contiguous United States using wildlife and livestock outbreaks and several environmental variables. The modeled niche is defined by a narrow range of normalized difference vegetation index, precipitation, and elevation, with the geographic distribution heavily concentrated in a narrow corridor from southwest Texas northward into the Dakotas and Minnesota. Because disease control programs rely on vaccination and carcass disposal, and vaccination in wildlife remains untenable, understanding the distribution of B. anthracis plays an important role in efforts to prevent/eradicate the disease. Likewise, these results potentially aid in differentiating endemic/natural outbreaks from industrial-contamination related outbreaks or bioterrorist attacks.

The Impact of Uncertain Physical Parameters on HVAC Demand Response

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

Sun, Yannan; Elizondo, Marcelo A.; Lu, Shuai

HVAC units are currently one of the major resources providing demand response (DR) in residential buildings. Models of HVAC with DR function can improve understanding of its impact on power system operations and facilitate the deployment of DR technologies. This paper investigates the importance of various physical parameters and their distributions to the HVAC response to DR signals, which is a key step to the construction of HVAC models for a population of units with insufficient data. These parameters include the size of floors, insulation efficiency, the amount of solid mass in the house, and efficiency of the HVAC units.more » These parameters are usually assumed to follow Gaussian or Uniform distributions. We study the effect of uncertainty in the chosen parameter distributions on the aggregate HVAC response to DR signals, during transient phase and in steady state. We use a quasi-Monte Carlo sampling method with linear regression and Prony analysis to evaluate sensitivity of DR output to the uncertainty in the distribution parameters. The significance ranking on the uncertainty sources is given for future guidance in the modeling of HVAC demand response.« less

Climate change, humidity, and mortality in the United States

PubMed Central

Barreca, Alan I.

2014-01-01

This paper estimates the effects of humidity and temperature on mortality rates in the United States (c. 1973–2002) in order to provide an insight into the potential health impacts of climate change. I find that humidity, like temperature, is an important determinant of mortality. Coupled with Hadley CM3 climate-change predictions, I project that mortality rates are likely to change little on the aggregate for the United States. However, distributional impacts matter: mortality rates are likely to decline in cold and dry areas, but increase in hot and humid areas. Further, accounting for humidity has important implications for evaluating these distributional effects. PMID:25328254

Electric power distribution and load transfer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradford, Michael P. (Inventor); Parkinson, Gerald W. (Inventor); Grant, Ross M. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A power distribution system includes a plurality of power sources and load transfer units including transistors and diodes connected in series and leading to a common power output, each of the transistors being controller switchable subject to voltage levels of the respective input and output sides of said transistors, and the voltage and current level of said common power output. The system is part of an interconnection scheme in which all but one of the power sources is connected to a single load transfer unit, enabling the survival of at least a single power source with the failure of one of the load transfer units.

Electric power distribution and load transfer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradford, Michael P. (Inventor); Parkinson, Gerald W. (Inventor); Grant, Ross M. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A power distribution system includes a plurality of power sources and load transfer units including transistors and diodes connected in series and leading to a common power output, each of the transistors being controller switchable subject to voltage levels of the respective input and output sides of said transistors, and the voltage and current level of said common power output. The system is part of an interconnection scheme in which all but one of the power sources is connected to a single load transfer unit, enabling the survival of at least a single power source with the failure of one of the load transfer units.

No Geographic Correlation between Lyme Disease and Death Due to 4 Neurodegenerative Disorders, United States, 2001-2010.

PubMed

Forrester, Joseph D; Kugeler, Kiersten J; Perea, Anna E; Pastula, Daniel M; Mead, Paul S

2015-11-01

Associations between Lyme disease and certain neurodegenerative diseases have been proposed, but supportive evidence for an association is lacking. Similar geographic distributions would be expected if 2 conditions were etiologically linked. Thus, we compared the distribution of Lyme disease cases in the United States with the distributions of deaths due to Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson disease; no geographic correlations were identified. Lyme disease incidence per US state was not correlated with rates of death due to ALS, MS, or Parkinson disease; however, an inverse correlation was detected between Lyme disease and Alzheimer disease. The absence of a positive correlation between the geographic distribution of Lyme disease and the distribution of deaths due to Alzheimer disease, ALS, MS, and Parkinson disease provides further evidence that Lyme disease is not associated with the development of these neurodegenerative conditions.

A controlled experiment on the impact of software structure on maintainability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rombach, Dieter H.

1987-01-01

The impact of software structure on maintainability aspects including comprehensibility, locality, modifiability, and reusability in a distributed system environment is studied in a controlled maintenance experiment involving six medium-size distributed software systems implemented in LADY (language for distributed systems) and six in an extended version of sequential PASCAL. For all maintenance aspects except reusability, the results were quantitatively given in terms of complexity metrics which could be automated. The results showed LADY to be better suited to the development of maintainable software than the extension of sequential PASCAL. The strong typing combined with high parametrization of units is suggested to improve the reusability of units in LADY.

Qualitative Beam Profiling of Light Curing Units for Resin Based Composites.

PubMed

Haenel, Thomas; Hausnerová, Berenika; Steinhaus, Johannes; Moeginger, Ing Bernhard

2016-12-01

This study investigates two technically simple methods to determine the irradiance distribution of light curing units that governs the performance of a visible-light curing resin-based composites. Insufficient light irradiation leads to under-cured composites with poor mechanical properties and elution of residual monomers. The unknown irradiance distribution and its effect on the final restoration are the main critical issues requiring highly sophisticated experimental equipment. The study shows that irradiance distributions of LCUs can easily be determined qualitatively with generally available equipment. This significantly helps dentists in practices to be informed about the homogeneity of the curing lights. Copyright© 2016 Dennis Barber Ltd.

The Giant Resin Bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith: New Distributional Records for the Mid- and Gulf-south USA

PubMed Central

Tripodi, Amber D.; Sampson, Blair J.

2015-01-01

Abstract Background Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith, the giant resin bee, is an adventive species in the United States. First established in the United States during the early 1990s, records currently exist from most states east of the Mississippi River along with Iowa and Kansas. New information New distributional records are presented for Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith, an introduced bee. Additional records presented here expand the known distribution southwest through Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. An updated host plant list containing new records is also presented, expanding the number of known floral associations. PMID:26696766

Convergence of pattern generator outputs on a common mechanism of diaphragm motor unit recruitment

PubMed Central

Mantilla, Carlos B.; Seven, Yasin B.; Sieck, Gary C.

2014-01-01

Motor units are the final element of neuromotor control. In manner analogous to the organization of neuromotor control in other skeletal muscles, diaphragm motor units comprise phrenic motoneurons located in the cervical spinal cord that innervate the diaphragm muscle, the main inspiratory muscle in mammals. Diaphragm motor units play a primary role in sustaining ventilation, but are also active in other non-ventilatory behaviors, including coughing, sneezing, vomiting, defecation and parturition. Diaphragm muscle fibers comprise all fiber types. Thus, diaphragm motor units display substantial differences in contractile and fatigue properties, but importantly properties of the motoneuron and muscle fibers within a motor unit are matched. As in other skeletal muscles, diaphragm motor units are recruited in order such that motor units that display greater fatigue resistance are recruited earlier and more often than more fatigable motor units. The properties of the motor unit population are critical determinants of the function of a skeletal muscle across the range of possible motor tasks. Accordingly, fatigue-resistant motor units are sufficient to generate the forces necessary for ventilatory behaviors whereas more fatigable units are only activated during expulsive behaviors important for airway clearance. Neuromotor control of diaphragm motor units may reflect selective inputs from distinct pattern generators distributed according to the motor unit properties necessary to accomplish these different motor tasks. In contrast, widely-distributed inputs to phrenic motoneurons from various pattern generators (e.g., for breathing, coughing or vocalization) would dictate recruitment order based on intrinsic electrophysiological properties. PMID:24746055

Seizing the Ultimate High Ground: Weaponizing Space

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-12

Recommended Distribution Statement: Distribution A, Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. 3. RECOMMENDA TJON: Sign Approve/Review blocks...factsheets/missi les 12 Missile Defense Agency. 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. 15 ’J\\ir Defense of the United States;’ The Nike Historical Society, http:// nike

46 CFR 386.15 - Distribution of handbills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 8 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Distribution of handbills. 386.15 Section 386.15 Shipping MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS AT THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY § 386.15 Distribution of handbills. The...

Development of Protection and Control Unit for Distribution Substation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iguchi, Fumiaki; Hayashi, Hideyuki; Takeuchi, Motohiro; Kido, Mitsuyasu; Kobayashi, Takashi; Yanaoka, Atsushi

The Recently, electronics and IT technologies have been rapidly innovated and have been introduced to power system protection & control system to achieve high reliability, maintainability and more functionality. Concerning the distribution substation application, digital relays have been applied for more than 10 years. Because of a number of electronic devices used for it, product cost becomes higher. Also, products installed during the past high-growth period will be at the end of lifetime and will be replaced. Therefore, replacing market is expected to grow and the reduction of cost is demanded. Considering above mentioned background, second generation digital protection and control unit as a successor is designed to have following concepts. Functional integration based on advanced digital technologies, Ethernet LAN based indoor communication network, cost reduction and downsizing. Pondering above concepts, integration of protection and control function is adopted in contrary to the functional segregation applied to the previous system in order to achieve one-unit concept. Also the adoption of Ethernet LAN for inter-unit communication is objective. This report shows the development of second-generation digital relay for distribution substation, which is equipped with control function and Ethernet LAN by reducing the size of auxiliary transformer unit and the same size as previous product is realized.

Polygenetic Aspect of Unit Theory Oil Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galant, Yuri

2015-04-01

In the framework of a unified theory Oil Generation one of important moments is the consideration of the distribution of oil in the Earth's Crust. Analysis of the distribution of oil deposits in the Earth's Crust showed that oil distributed throughout the stratigraphic section from ancient to modern sediments and from a depth of 12 kilometers to the Earth's surface. The distribution of oil almost meets all stages of metamorphism of rocks. Correlation of the section of oil distribution to genetic types of ore deposits showed that each genetic type ore deposits has its analogue oil field . So it is possible to classify oil fields on 1) endogenous: the actual magmatic, post-magmatic, contact-metasomatic (skarn), hydrothermal, exhalation, carbonatite, pegmatite, 2) exogenous: weathering, oxidation, sedimentary,3) metamorphogenic: metamorphosed, metamorphic. Model of such distribution of oil deposits can be a process of successive formation of oil deposits of mantle degassing tube. Thus oil is polygenic by way of formation of deposits, but their source is united.

Application of a hierarchical habitat unit classification system: stream habitat and salmonid distribution in Ward Creek, southeast Alaska.

Treesearch

M.D. Bryant; B.E. Wright; B.J. Davies

1992-01-01

A hierarchical classification system separating stream habitat into habitat units defined by stream morphology and hydrology was used in a pre-enhancement stream survey. The system separates habitat units into macrounits, mesounits, and micro- units and includes a separate evaluation of instream cover that also uses the hierarchical scheme. This paper presents an...

Security Standards and Best Practice Considerations for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

SECURITY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS FOR QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION (QKD) THESIS...protection in the United States. AFIT/GSE/ENV/12-M05 SECURITY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS FOR QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION (QKD...FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED. AFIT/GSE/ENV/12-M05 SECURITY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS FOR QUANTUM KEY

48 CFR 52.215-14 - Integrity of Unit Prices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Integrity of Unit Prices. 52.215-14 Section 52.215-14 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... supplies shall distribute costs within contracts on a basis that ensures that unit prices are in proportion...

78 FR 59308 - Antimicrobial Animal Drug Sales and Distribution Annual Summary Report Data Tables

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-26

.... Antimicrobials which were reported in International Units (IU) (e.g., Penicillins) were converted to kg... ingredient. Antimicrobials which were reported in International Units (IU) (e.g., Penicillins) were converted.... Antimicrobials which were reported in International Units (IU) (e.g., Penicillins) were converted to kg...

Advanced Electric Distribution, Switching, and Conversion Technology for Power Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soltis, James V.

1998-01-01

The Electrical Power Control Unit currently under development by Sundstrand Aerospace for use on the Fluids Combustion Facility of the International Space Station is the precursor of modular power distribution and conversion concepts for future spacecraft and aircraft applications. This unit combines modular current-limiting flexible remote power controllers and paralleled power converters into one package. Each unit includes three 1-kW, current-limiting power converter modules designed for a variable-ratio load sharing capability. The flexible remote power controllers can be used in parallel to match load requirements and can be programmed for an initial ON or OFF state on powerup. The unit contains an integral cold plate. The modularity and hybridization of the Electrical Power Control Unit sets the course for future spacecraft electrical power systems, both large and small. In such systems, the basic hybridized converter and flexible remote power controller building blocks could be configured to match power distribution and conversion capabilities to load requirements. In addition, the flexible remote power controllers could be configured in assemblies to feed multiple individual loads and could be used in parallel to meet the specific current requirements of each of those loads. Ultimately, the Electrical Power Control Unit design concept could evolve to a common switch module hybrid, or family of hybrids, for both converter and switchgear applications. By assembling hybrids of a common current rating and voltage class in parallel, researchers could readily adapt these units for multiple applications. The Electrical Power Control Unit concept has the potential to be scaled to larger and smaller ratings for both small and large spacecraft and for aircraft where high-power density, remote power controllers or power converters are required and a common replacement part is desired for multiples of a base current rating.

Air quality impacts of projections of natural gas-fired distributed generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horne, Jeremy R.; Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Dabdub, Donald; Lemar, Paul; Nopmongcol, Uarporn; Shah, Tejas; Yarwood, Greg; Young, David; Shaw, Stephanie L.; Knipping, Eladio M.

2017-11-01

This study assesses the potential impacts on emissions and air quality from the increased adoption of natural gas-fired distributed generation of electricity (DG), including displacement of power from central power generation, in the contiguous United States. The study includes four major tasks: (1) modeling of distributed generation market penetration; (2) modeling of central power generation systems; (3) modeling of spatially and temporally resolved emissions; and (4) photochemical grid modeling to evaluate the potential air quality impacts of increased DG penetration, which includes both power-only DG and combined heat and power (CHP) units, for 2030. Low and high DG penetration scenarios estimate the largest penetration of future DG units in three regions - New England, New York, and California. Projections of DG penetration in the contiguous United States estimate 6.3 GW and 24 GW of market adoption in 2030 for the low DG penetration and high DG penetration scenarios, respectively. High DG penetration (all of which is natural gas-fired) serves to offset 8 GW of new natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) units, and 19 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 2030. In all scenarios, air quality in the central United States and the northwest remains unaffected as there is little to no DG penetration in those states. California and several states in the northeast are the most impacted by emissions from DG units. Peak increases in maximum daily 8-h average ozone concentrations exceed 5 ppb, which may impede attainment of ambient air quality standards. Overall, air quality impacts from DG vary greatly based on meteorological conditions, proximity to emissions sources, the number and type of DG installations, and the emissions factors used for DG units.

Synchronization of presynaptic input to motor units of tongue, inspiratory intercostal, and diaphragm muscles.

PubMed

Rice, Amber; Fuglevand, Andrew J; Laine, Christopher M; Fregosi, Ralph F

2011-05-01

The respiratory central pattern generator distributes rhythmic excitatory input to phrenic, intercostal, and hypoglossal premotor neurons. The degree to which this input shapes motor neuron activity can vary across respiratory muscles and motor neuron pools. We evaluated the extent to which respiratory drive synchronizes the activation of motor unit pairs in tongue (genioglossus, hyoglossus) and chest-wall (diaphragm, external intercostals) muscles using coherence analysis. This is a frequency domain technique, which characterizes the frequency and relative strength of neural inputs that are common to each of the recorded motor units. We also examined coherence across the two tongue muscles, as our previous work shows that, despite being antagonists, they are strongly coactivated during the inspiratory phase, suggesting that excitatory input from the premotor neurons is distributed broadly throughout the hypoglossal motoneuron pool. All motor unit pairs showed highly correlated activity in the low-frequency range (1-8 Hz), reflecting the fundamental respiratory frequency and its harmonics. Coherence of motor unit pairs recorded either within or across the tongue muscles was similar, consistent with broadly distributed premotor input to the hypoglossal motoneuron pool. Interestingly, motor units from diaphragm and external intercostal muscles showed significantly higher coherence across the 10-20-Hz bandwidth than tongue-muscle units. We propose that the lower coherence in tongue-muscle motor units over this range reflects a larger constellation of presynaptic inputs, which collectively lead to a reduction in the coherence between hypoglossal motoneurons in this frequency band. This, in turn, may reflect the relative simplicity of the respiratory drive to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, compared with the greater diversity of functions fulfilled by muscles of the tongue.

Distributed parameterization of complex terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Band, Lawrence E.

1991-03-01

This paper addresses the incorporation of high resolution topography, soils and vegetation information into the simulation of land surface processes in atmospheric circulation models (ACM). Recent work has concentrated on detailed representation of one-dimensional exchange processes, implicitly assuming surface homogeneity over the atmospheric grid cell. Two approaches that could be taken to incorporate heterogeneity are the integration of a surface model over distributed, discrete portions of the landscape, or over a distribution function of the model parameters. However, the computational burden and parameter intensive nature of current land surface models in ACM limits the number of independent model runs and parameterizations that are feasible to accomplish for operational purposes. Therefore, simplications in the representation of the vertical exchange processes may be necessary to incorporate the effects of landscape variability and horizontal divergence of energy and water. The strategy is then to trade off the detail and rigor of point exchange calculations for the ability to repeat those calculations over extensive, complex terrain. It is clear the parameterization process for this approach must be automated such that large spatial databases collected from remotely sensed images, digital terrain models and digital maps can be efficiently summarized and transformed into the appropriate parameter sets. Ideally, the landscape should be partitioned into surface units that maximize between unit variance while minimizing within unit variance, although it is recognized that some level of surface heterogeneity will be retained at all scales. Therefore, the geographic data processing necessary to automate the distributed parameterization should be able to estimate or predict parameter distributional information within each surface unit.

US forest response to projected climate-related stress: a tolerance perspective.

PubMed

Liénard, Jean; Harrison, John; Strigul, Nikolay

2016-08-01

Although it is widely recognized that climate change will require a major spatial reorganization of forests, our ability to predict exactly how and where forest characteristics and distributions will change has been rather limited. Current efforts to predict future distribution of forested ecosystems as a function of climate include species distribution models (for fine-scale predictions) and potential vegetation climate envelope models (for coarse-grained, large-scale predictions). Here, we develop and apply an intermediate approach wherein we use stand-level tolerances of environmental stressors to understand forest distributions and vulnerabilities to anticipated climate change. In contrast to other existing models, this approach can be applied at a continental scale while maintaining a direct link to ecologically relevant, climate-related stressors. We first demonstrate that shade, drought, and waterlogging tolerances of forest stands are strongly correlated with climate and edaphic conditions in the conterminous United States. This discovery allows the development of a tolerance distribution model (TDM), a novel quantitative tool to assess landscape level impacts of climate change. We then focus on evaluating the implications of the drought TDM. Using an ensemble of 17 climate change models to drive this TDM, we estimate that 18% of US ecosystems are vulnerable to drought-related stress over the coming century. Vulnerable areas include mostly the Midwest United States and Northeast United States, as well as high-elevation areas of the Rocky Mountains. We also infer stress incurred by shifting climate should create an opening for the establishment of forest types not currently seen in the conterminous United States. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Converging stereotactic radiotherapy using kilovoltage X-rays: experimental irradiation of normal rabbit lung and dose-volume analysis with Monte Carlo simulation.

PubMed

Kawase, Takatsugu; Kunieda, Etsuo; Deloar, Hossain M; Tsunoo, Takanori; Seki, Satoshi; Oku, Yohei; Saitoh, Hidetoshi; Saito, Kimiaki; Ogawa, Eileen N; Ishizaka, Akitoshi; Kameyama, Kaori; Kubo, Atsushi

2009-10-01

To validate the feasibility of developing a radiotherapy unit with kilovoltage X-rays through actual irradiation of live rabbit lungs, and to explore the practical issues anticipated in future clinical application to humans through Monte Carlo dose simulation. A converging stereotactic irradiation unit was developed, consisting of a modified diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scanner. A tiny cylindrical volume in 13 normal rabbit lungs was individually irradiated with single fractional absorbed doses of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Gy. Observational CT scanning of the whole lung was performed every 2 weeks for 30 weeks after irradiation. After 30 weeks, histopathologic specimens of the lungs were examined. Dose distribution was simulated using the Monte Carlo method, and dose-volume histograms were calculated according to the data. A trial estimation of the effect of respiratory movement on dose distribution was made. A localized hypodense change and subsequent reticular opacity around the planning target volume (PTV) were observed in CT images of rabbit lungs. Dose-volume histograms of the PTVs and organs at risk showed a focused dose distribution to the target and sufficient dose lowering in the organs at risk. Our estimate of the dose distribution, taking respiratory movement into account, revealed dose reduction in the PTV. A converging stereotactic irradiation unit using kilovoltage X-rays was able to generate a focused radiobiologic reaction in rabbit lungs. Dose-volume histogram analysis and estimated sagittal dose distribution, considering respiratory movement, clarified the characteristics of the irradiation received from this type of unit.

Leaf mass per area, not total leaf area, drives differences in above-ground biomass distribution among woody plant functional types.

PubMed

Duursma, Remko A; Falster, Daniel S

2016-10-01

Here, we aim to understand differences in biomass distribution between major woody plant functional types (PFTs) (deciduous vs evergreen and gymnosperm vs angiosperm) in terms of underlying traits, in particular the leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf area per unit stem basal area. We used a large compilation of plant biomass and size observations, including observations of 21 084 individuals on 656 species. We used a combination of semiparametric methods and variance partitioning to test the influence of PFT, plant height, LMA, total leaf area, stem basal area and climate on above-ground biomass distribution. The ratio of leaf mass to above-ground woody mass (MF /MS ) varied strongly among PFTs. We found that MF /MS at a given plant height was proportional to LMA across PFTs. As a result, the PFTs did not differ in the amount of leaf area supported per unit above-ground biomass or per unit stem basal area. Climate consistently explained very little additional variation in biomass distribution at a given plant size. Combined, these results demonstrate consistent patterns in above-ground biomass distribution and leaf area relationships among major woody PFTs, which can be used to further constrain global vegetation models. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

Ion Source Development for a Compact Proton Beam Writing System II

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-17

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Jeroen van Kan 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ...N/A 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) AOARD, UNIT 45002, APO, AP, 96338-5002 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) AOARD 11...SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER( S ) AOARD-114099 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 13

Distributed Generation Market Demand Model (dGen): Documentation

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

Sigrin, Benjamin; Gleason, Michael; Preus, Robert

The Distributed Generation Market Demand model (dGen) is a geospatially rich, bottom-up, market-penetration model that simulates the potential adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) for residential, commercial, and industrial entities in the continental United States through 2050. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed dGen to analyze the key factors that will affect future market demand for distributed solar, wind, storage, and other DER technologies in the United States. The new model builds off, extends, and replaces NREL's SolarDS model (Denholm et al. 2009a), which simulates the market penetration of distributed PV only. Unlike the SolarDS model, dGen can modelmore » various DER technologies under one platform--it currently can simulate the adoption of distributed solar (the dSolar module) and distributed wind (the dWind module) and link with the ReEDS capacity expansion model (Appendix C). The underlying algorithms and datasets in dGen, which improve the representation of customer decision making as well as the spatial resolution of analyses (Figure ES-1), also are improvements over SolarDS.« less

Cumulative Poisson Distribution Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowerman, Paul N.; Scheuer, Ernest M.; Nolty, Robert

1990-01-01

Overflow and underflow in sums prevented. Cumulative Poisson Distribution Program, CUMPOIS, one of two computer programs that make calculations involving cumulative Poisson distributions. Both programs, CUMPOIS (NPO-17714) and NEWTPOIS (NPO-17715), used independently of one another. CUMPOIS determines cumulative Poisson distribution, used to evaluate cumulative distribution function (cdf) for gamma distributions with integer shape parameters and cdf for X (sup2) distributions with even degrees of freedom. Used by statisticians and others concerned with probabilities of independent events occurring over specific units of time, area, or volume. Written in C.

Distribution and abundance of saltcedar and Russian olive in the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nagler, Pamela L.; Glenn, Edward P.; Jarnevich, Catherine S.; Shafroth, Patrick B.

2011-01-01

Over the past century, two introduced Eurasian trees, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) have become wide spread on western United States of American (U.S.) rivers. This paper reviews the literature on the following five key areas related to their distribution and abundance in the western United States: (1) the history of introduction, planting, and spread of saltcedar and Russian olive; (2) their current distribution; (3) their current abundance; (4) factors controlling their current distribution and abundance; and (5) models that have been developed to predict their future distribution and abundance. Saltcedar and Russian olive are now the third and fourth most frequently occurring woody riparian plants and the second and fifth most abundant species (out of 42 native and non-native species) along rivers in the western United States. Currently there is not a precise estimate of the areas that these species occupy in the entire West. Climatic variables are important determinants of their distribution and abundance. For example, saltcedar is limited by its sensitivity to hard freezes, whereas Russian olive appears to have a chilling requirement for bud break and seed germination, and can presumably survive colder winter temperatures. Either species can be dominant, co-dominant or sub-dominant relative to native species on a given river system. A number of environmental factors such as water availability, soil salinity, degree of stream flow regulation, and fire frequency can influence the abundance of these species relative to native species. Numerous studies suggest that both species have spread on western rivers primarily through a replacement process, whereby stress-tolerant species have moved into expanded niches that are no longer suitable for mesic native pioneer species. Better maps of current distribution and rigorous monitoring of distributional changes though time can help to resolve differences in predictions of potential future spread. An adequate understanding does not yet exist of what fraction of western riparian zones is resistant to dominance by either of these species, what fraction is at risk and could benefit from intervention, and what fraction has been altered to the point that saltcedar or Russian olive are most likely to thrive.

State and Local Publications | State, Local, and Tribal Governments | NREL

Science.gov Websites

residential and small commercial photovoltaic interconnection process time frames in the United States . Understanding Processes and Timelines for Distributed Photovoltaic Interconnection in the United States analyzes

The evolution and geographic distribution of headache medicine fellowship programs and graduates: an observational study.

PubMed

Rizzoli, Paul; Weizenbaum, Emma; Loder, Thomas; Friedman, Deborah; Loder, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

We sought to assess the experiences, growth, and distribution of accredited headache medicine fellowships since accreditation began in 2007, and to examine the number and current practice locations of fellows graduated from those programs. There are no data on the distribution of headache fellowship programs and their graduates throughout the United States. We surveyed directors of Headache Medicine fellowship programs accredited by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties as of April 1, 2014. We recorded the geographic locations of accredited programs and fellowship graduates and determined their distribution in relation to the overall and selected minority populations of US census divisions, regions, and states. In early 2014, there were 25 accredited Headache Medicine fellowship programs in the United States. Thirty-two (63%) US states lack a headache fellowship program and 24 (47%) do not have a practicing United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties fellowship graduate. Fifty-two of 96 fellows (54%) entered practice in the same state where they did their training. The northeastern United States has the best ratio of fellowship programs and graduates to population (0.28 and 0.35 per million inhabitants) and land area (6.38 and 8 per 100,000 square miles). The Pacific Northwest has the worst (0.05 and 0.02 fellowship programs and graduates per million inhabitants and 2.3 and 1.1 per 100,000 square miles). Fifty-five percent of the US Hispanic population lives in areas of the country with only 32% of practicing certified headache specialists, 28% of accredited fellowship programs, and which have attracted only 27% of fellowship graduates. Thirty-three percent of the US black population lives in areas with just 8% of fellowship programs and 27% of fellowship graduates. Fellowship directors report that funding for fellowship positions is an important challenge. The number of fellowship programs has increased dramatically since 2007, but their geographic distribution is uneven and so are the subsequent practice locations of fellow graduates. At present, the distribution of training programs and headache specialists is not well matched to the US population as a whole or to the location of important racial and ethnic minorities. Increasing the overall supply of headache specialists is important, but geographic inequalities in specialist distribution must also be addressed or disparities will increase. © 2014 American Headache Society.

Mountaintops phylogeography: A case study using small mammals from the Andes and the coast of central Chile

PubMed Central

González, Juan F.; Boric-Bargetto, Dusan; Torres-Pérez, Fernando

2017-01-01

We evaluated if two sigmodontine rodent taxa (Abrothrix olivacea and Phyllotis darwini) from the Andes and Coastal mountaintops of central Chile, experienced distributional shifts due to altitudinal movements of habitat and climate change during and after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We tested the hypothesis that during LGM populations of both species experienced altitudinal shifts from the Andes to the lowlands and the coastal Cordillera, and then range retractions during interglacial towards higher elevations in the Andes. These distributional shifts may have left remnants populations on the mountaintops. We evaluated the occurrence of intraspecific lineages for each species, to construct distribution models at LGM and at present, as extreme climatic conditions for each lineage. Differences in distribution between extreme climatic conditions were interpreted as post-glacial distributional shifts. Abrothrix olivacea displayed a lineage with shared sequences between both mountain systems, whereas a second lineage was restricted to the Andes. A similar scenario of panmictic unit in the past was recovered for A. olivacea in the Andes, along with an additional unit that included localities from the rest of its distribution. For P. darwini, both lineages recovered were distributed in coastal and Andean mountain ranges at present as well, and structuring analyses for this species recovered coastal and Andean localities as panmictic units in the past. Niche modeling depicted differential postglacial expansions in the recovered lineages. Results suggest that historical events such as LGM triggered the descending of populations to Andean refuge areas (one of the A. olivacea’s lineages), to the lowlands, and to the coastal Cordillera. Backward movements of populations after glacial retreats may have left isolates on mountaintops of the coastal Cordillera, suggesting that current species distribution would be the outcome of climate change and habitat reconfiguration after LGM. PMID:28672032

Leveraging Global Communications Capabilities in the 618 AOC

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-19

AUTHOR( S ) Parsons, Kevin L., Maj, USAF 5d. PROJECT NUMBER N/ A 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAMES( S ...ACRONYM( S ) 618 AOC/XON 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER( S ) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A . APPROVED FOR PUBLIC...DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A . APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED. The views

Legal and Illegal Patterns of Drug Distribution in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caliguri, Joseph P.

1976-01-01

Along with large supply sources of legal and illegal drug substances, diversion and distribution systems have developed to feed and maintain the demand. This presentation provides information on the diverting of drugs from legal and illegal sources as well as the characteristics of the distribution patterns. (Author)

A Handbook of Projects and Activities for Marketing and Distributive Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montana State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Helena.

This handbook has been designed to provide classroom teachers with relevant, ready-to-use materials geared to supplement classroom instruction in marketing and distributive education. The projects/activities have been organized using the major units of instruction of the Montana Curriculum Guidelines for Distributive Education, except for a…

Distributed Data Processing in a United States Naval Shipyard.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

25 1. Evolution ........ ..................... 25 2. Motivations for Distributed Processing ... ....... 30 a. Extensibility...51 B. EVOLUTION ...... ........................ ... 51 C. CONCEPTS .... ... ........................ . 55 D. FORM AND STRUCTURE OF THE...motivations for, and the characteristics of, distributed processing as they apply to management information systems. 1. Evolution Prior to the advent of

22 CFR 124.14 - Exports to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...., contracts) between U.S. persons and foreign persons for the warehousing and distribution of defense articles.... (b) Required information. Proposed warehousing and distribution agreements (and amendments thereto... military nomenclature, the Federal stock number, nameplate data, and any control numbers under which the...

22 CFR 124.14 - Exports to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...., contracts) between U.S. persons and foreign persons for the warehousing and distribution of defense articles.... (b) Required information. Proposed warehousing and distribution agreements (and amendments thereto... military nomenclature, the Federal stock number, nameplate data, and any control numbers under which the...

22 CFR 124.14 - Exports to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...., contracts) between U.S. persons and foreign persons for the warehousing and distribution of defense articles.... (b) Required information. Proposed warehousing and distribution agreements (and amendments thereto... military nomenclature, the Federal stock number, nameplate data, and any control numbers under which the...

Frac sand in the United States: a geological and industry overview

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benson, Mary Ellen; Wilson, Anna B.; Bleiwas, Donald I.

2015-01-01

More than 40 United States industry operators are involved in the mining, processing, transportation, and distribution of frac sand to a robust market that is fast-growing in the United States and throughout the world. In addition to the abrupt rise in frac sand mining and distribution, a new industry has emerged from the production of alternative proppants, such as coated sand and synthetic beads. Alternative proppants, developed through new technologies, are competing with supplies of natural frac sand. In the long term, the vitality of both industries will be tied to the future of hydraulic fracturing of tight oil and gas reservoirs, which will be driven by the anticipated increases in global energy consumption.

Decentralized control of units in smart grids for the support of renewable energy supply

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

Sonnenschein, Michael, E-mail: Michael.Sonnenschein@Uni-Oldenburg.DE; Lünsdorf, Ontje, E-mail: Ontje.Luensdorf@OFFIS.DE; Bremer, Jörg, E-mail: Joerg.Bremer@Uni-Oldenburg.DE

Due to the significant environmental impact of power production from fossil fuels and nuclear fission, future energy systems will increasingly rely on distributed and renewable energy sources (RES). The electrical feed-in from photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind energy converters (WEC) varies greatly both over short and long time periods (from minutes to seasons), and (not only) by this effect the supply of electrical power from RES and the demand for electrical power are not per se matching. In addition, with a growing share of generation capacity especially in distribution grids, the top-down paradigm of electricity distribution is gradually replaced bymore » a bottom-up power supply. This altogether leads to new problems regarding the safe and reliable operation of power grids. In order to address these challenges, the notion of Smart Grids has been introduced. The inherent flexibilities, i.e. the set of feasible power schedules, of distributed power units have to be controlled in order to support demand–supply matching as well as stable grid operation. Controllable power units are e.g. combined heat and power plants, power storage systems such as batteries, and flexible power consumers such as heat pumps. By controlling the flexibilities of these units we are particularly able to optimize the local utilization of RES feed-in in a given power grid by integrating both supply and demand management measures with special respect to the electrical infrastructure. In this context, decentralized systems, autonomous agents and the concept of self-organizing systems will become key elements of the ICT based control of power units. In this contribution, we first show how a decentralized load management system for battery charging/discharging of electrical vehicles (EVs) can increase the locally used share of supply from PV systems in a low voltage grid. For a reliable demand side management of large sets of appliances, dynamic clustering of these appliances into uniformly controlled appliance sets is necessary. We introduce a method for self-organized clustering for this purpose and show how control of such clusters can affect load peaks in distribution grids. Subsequently, we give a short overview on how we are going to expand the idea of self-organized clusters of units into creating a virtual control center for dynamic virtual power plants (DVPP) offering products at a power market. For an efficient organization of DVPPs, the flexibilities of units have to be represented in a compact and easy to use manner. We give an introduction how the problem of representing a set of possibly 10{sup 100} feasible schedules can be solved by a machine-learning approach. In summary, this article provides an overall impression how we use agent based control techniques and methods of self-organization to support the further integration of distributed and renewable energy sources into power grids and energy markets. - Highlights: • Distributed load management for electrical vehicles supports local supply from PV. • Appliances can self-organize into so called virtual appliances for load control. • Dynamic VPPs can be controlled by extensively decentralized control centers. • Flexibilities of units can efficiently be represented by support-vector descriptions.« less

Effects of atomic explosions on the frequency of tornadoes in the United States

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

Harris, D.L.

1951-01-01

The increase in tornadoes reported in the United States during the past few years is ascribed to better reporting procedures rather than the presence of atomic debris. Maps showing the distribution of fall-out in the United States during the first and second halves of May, 1953, are given.

34 CFR 395.32 - Collection and distribution of vending machine income from vending machines on Federal property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, in accordance with established procedures of... each property managing department, agency or instrumentality of the United States, subject to the..., agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States, under which blind vendors or State licensing agencies...

Attaining Stability: A Case for Accepting a Nuclearized Iran

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-11

St ra te gy Re se ar ch Pr oj ec t ATTAINING STABILITY: A CASE FOR ACCEPTING A NUCLEARIZED IRAN BY BRIGADIER NAUSHAD KAYANI Pakistan Army...DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A : Approved for Public Release. Distribution is Unlimited. Only a work of the United States Government is not subject to copyright. Based...upon the nature of a particular student-author’s employment, a paper may not be a work of the United States Government and may, in fact, be protected

The Combat Vehicle Command and Control System. Combat Performance of Armor Battalions Using Distributed Interactive Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-16

research staff members manned the TOC, and assumed key roles in the battalion staff. TOC staff members were selected for their extensive military ...CRA&I DTIC TAB Unannounced 0 Justification SBy - Distibution I Availability Codes Avail and / or Dist SpecialI 1 Field Unit at Fort Knox, Kentucky...Project Number Training Simulation 3 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. I iii I I I FOREWORD The Fort Knox Field Unit of the U.S

Distributed intelligent data analysis in diabetic patient management.

PubMed Central

Bellazzi, R.; Larizza, C.; Riva, A.; Mira, A.; Fiocchi, S.; Stefanelli, M.

1996-01-01

This paper outlines the methodologies that can be used to perform an intelligent analysis of diabetic patients' data, realized in a distributed management context. We present a decision-support system architecture based on two modules, a Patient Unit and a Medical Unit, connected by telecommunication services. We stress the necessity to resort to temporal abstraction techniques, combined with time series analysis, in order to provide useful advice to patients; finally, we outline how data analysis and interpretation can be cooperatively performed by the two modules. PMID:8947655

Comparison of halogen, plasma and LED curing units.

PubMed

Nomoto, Rie; McCabe, John F; Hirano, Susumu

2004-01-01

This study evaluated the characteristics of two kinds of recently developed light-curing unit; plasma arc and blue light emitting diodes (LED), in comparison with a conventional tungsten-halogen light-curing unit. The light intensity and spectral distribution of light from these light-curing units, the temperature rise of the bovine enamel surface and the depth of cure of composites exposed to each unit were investigated. The light intensity and depth of cure were determined according to ISO standards. The spectral distributions of emitted light were measured using a spectro-radiometer. The temperature increase induced by irradiation was measured by using a thermocouple. Generally, light intensities in the range 400-515 nm emitted from the plasma arc were greater than those from other types. Light in the UV-A region was emitted from some plasma arc units. The required irradiation times were six to nine seconds for the plasma arc units and 40 to 60 seconds for the LED units to create a depth of cure equal to that produced by the tungsten-halogen light with 20 seconds of irradiation. The temperature increased by increasing the irradiation time for every light-curing unit. The temperature increases were 15 degrees C to 60 degrees C for plasma arc units, around 15 degrees C for a conventional halogen unit and under 10 degrees C for LED units. Both the plasma arc and LED units required longer irradiation times than those recommended by their respective manufacturers. Clinicians should be aware of potential thermal rise and UV-A hazard when using plasma arc units.

Convergence of pattern generator outputs on a common mechanism of diaphragm motor unit recruitment.

PubMed

Mantilla, Carlos B; Seven, Yasin B; Sieck, Gary C

2014-01-01

Motor units are the final element of neuromotor control. In manner analogous to the organization of neuromotor control in other skeletal muscles, diaphragm motor units comprise phrenic motoneurons located in the cervical spinal cord that innervate the diaphragm muscle, the main inspiratory muscle in mammals. Diaphragm motor units play a primary role in sustaining ventilation but are also active in other nonventilatory behaviors, including coughing, sneezing, vomiting, defecation, and parturition. Diaphragm muscle fibers comprise all fiber types. Thus, diaphragm motor units display substantial differences in contractile and fatigue properties, but importantly, properties of the motoneuron and muscle fibers within a motor unit are matched. As in other skeletal muscles, diaphragm motor units are recruited in order such that motor units that display greater fatigue resistance are recruited earlier and more often than more fatigable motor units. The properties of the motor unit population are critical determinants of the function of a skeletal muscle across the range of possible motor tasks. Accordingly, fatigue-resistant motor units are sufficient to generate the forces necessary for ventilatory behaviors, whereas more fatigable units are only activated during expulsive behaviors important for airway clearance. Neuromotor control of diaphragm motor units may reflect selective inputs from distinct pattern generators distributed according to the motor unit properties necessary to accomplish these different motor tasks. In contrast, widely distributed inputs to phrenic motoneurons from various pattern generators (e.g., for breathing, coughing, or vocalization) would dictate recruitment order based on intrinsic electrophysiological properties. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pan-Genomic Approaches in Lactobacillus reuteri as a Porcine Probiotic: Investigation of Host Adaptation and Antipathogenic Activity.

PubMed

Lee, Jun-Yeong; Han, Geon Goo; Choi, Jaeyun; Jin, Gwi-Deuk; Kang, Sang-Kee; Chae, Byung Jo; Kim, Eun Bae; Choi, Yun-Jaie

2017-10-01

After the introduction of a ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) for livestock, reuterin-producing Lactobacillus reuteri is getting attention as an alternative to AGPs. In this study, we investigated genetic features of L. reuteri associated with host specificity and antipathogenic effect. We isolated 104 L. reuteri strains from porcine feces, and 16 strains, composed of eight strains exhibiting the higher antipathogenic effect (group HS) and eight strains exhibiting the lower effect (group LS), were selected for genomic comparison. We generated draft genomes of the 16 isolates and investigated their pan-genome together with the 26 National Center for Biotechnology Information-registered genomes. L. reuteri genomes organized six clades with multi-locus sequence analysis, and the clade IV includes the 16 isolates. First, we identified six L. reuteri clade IV-specific genes including three hypothetical protein-coding genes. The three annotated genes encode transposases and cell surface proteins, indicating that these genes are the result of adaptation to the host gastrointestinal epithelia and that these host-specific traits were acquired by horizontal gene transfer. We also identified differences between groups HS and LS in the pdu-cbi-cob-hem gene cluster, which is essential for reuterin and cobalamin synthesis, and six genes specific to group HS are revealed. While the strains of group HS possessed all genes of this cluster, LS strains have lost many genes of the cluster. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between probiotic properties and genomic features of L. reuteri.

26 CFR 20.2053-6 - Deduction for taxes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... (3) effect distribution. Excise taxes incurred in distributing property of the estate in kind are.... If D's estate had claimed a deduction of $50x on D's United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping...

26 CFR 20.2053-6 - Deduction for taxes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... (3) effect distribution. Excise taxes incurred in distributing property of the estate in kind are.... If D's estate had claimed a deduction of $50x on D's United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping...

26 CFR 20.2053-6 - Deduction for taxes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... (3) effect distribution. Excise taxes incurred in distributing property of the estate in kind are.... If D's estate had claimed a deduction of $50x on D's United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping...

26 CFR 20.2053-6 - Deduction for taxes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... (3) effect distribution. Excise taxes incurred in distributing property of the estate in kind are.... If D's estate had claimed a deduction of $50x on D's United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping...

The Treatment of Wealth Distribution by High School Economics Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neumann, Richard

2014-01-01

This article presents findings from an investigation of the treatment of wealth distribution by high school economics textbooks. The eight leading high school economics texts in the United States were examined.

The Distributed Geothermal Market Demand Model (dGeo): Documentation

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

McCabe, Kevin; Mooney, Meghan E; Sigrin, Benjamin O

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the Distributed Geothermal Market Demand Model (dGeo) as a tool to explore the potential role of geothermal distributed energy resources (DERs) in meeting thermal energy demands in the United States. The dGeo model simulates the potential for deployment of geothermal DERs in the residential and commercial sectors of the continental United States for two specific technologies: ground-source heat pumps (GHP) and geothermal direct use (DU) for district heating. To quantify the opportunity space for these technologies, dGeo leverages a highly resolved geospatial database and robust bottom-up, agent-based modeling framework. This design is consistentmore » with others in the family of Distributed Generation Market Demand models (dGen; Sigrin et al. 2016), including the Distributed Solar Market Demand (dSolar) and Distributed Wind Market Demand (dWind) models. dGeo is intended to serve as a long-term scenario-modeling tool. It has the capability to simulate the technical potential, economic potential, market potential, and technology deployment of GHP and DU through the year 2050 under a variety of user-defined input scenarios. Through these capabilities, dGeo can provide substantial analytical value to various stakeholders interested in exploring the effects of various techno-economic, macroeconomic, financial, and policy factors related to the opportunity for GHP and DU in the United States. This report documents the dGeo modeling design, methodology, assumptions, and capabilities.« less

Distribution, richness, quality, and thermal maturity of source rock units on the North Slope of Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, K.E.; Bird, K.J.; Keller, M.A.; Lillis, P.G.; Magoon, L.B.

2003-01-01

Four source rock units on the North Slope were identified, characterized, and mapped to better understand the origin of petroleum in the area: Hue-gamma ray zone (Hue-GRZ), pebble shale unit, Kingak Shale, and Shublik Formation. Rock-Eval pyrolysis, total organic carbon analysis, and well logs were used to map the present-day thickness, organic quantity (TOC), quality (hydrogen index, HI), and thermal maturity (Tmax) of each unit. To map these units, we screened all available geochemical data for wells in the study area and assumed that the top and bottom of the oil window occur at Tmax of ~440° and 470°C, respectively. Based on several assumptions related to carbon mass balance and regional distributions of TOC, the present-day source rock quantity and quality maps were used to determine the extent of fractional conversion of the kerogen to petroleum and to map the original organic richness prior to thermal maturation.

Evolving Distributed Generation Support Mechanisms: Case Studies from United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia (Chinese translation)

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

Zhou, Shengru; Lowder, Travis R; Tian, Tian

This is the Chinese translation of NREL/TP-6A20-67613. This report expands on a previous National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) technical report (Lowder et al. 2015) that focused on the United States' unique approach to distributed generation photovoltaics (DGPV) support policies and business models. While the focus of that report was largely historical (i.e., detailing the policies and market developments that led to the growth of DGPV in the United States), this report looks forward, narrating recent changes to laws and regulations as well as the ongoing dialogues over how to incorporate distributed generation (DG) resources onto the electric grid. This reportmore » also broadens the scope of Lowder et al. (2015) to include additional countries and technologies. DGPV and storage are the principal technologies under consideration (owing to market readiness and deployment volumes), but the report also contemplates any generation resource that is (1) on the customer side of the meter, (2) used to, at least partly, offset a host's energy consumption, and/or (3) potentially available to provide grid support (e.g., through peak shaving and load shifting, ancillary services, and other means).« less

14 CFR 23.511 - Ground load; unsymmetrical loads on multiple-wheel units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER... distribution, to the dual wheels and tires in each dual wheel landing gear unit. (c) Deflated tire loads. For...

36 CFR 1256.102 - What fees does NARA charge?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Distribution of United States Information Agency Audiovisual Materials in the National Archives of the United States § 1256.102 What fees does NARA charge? Copies of audiovisual records will only be provided under...

36 CFR 1256.90 - What does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Distribution of United States Information Agency Audiovisual Materials in the National Archives of the United... availability of audiovisual records and other materials subject to 22 U.S.C. 1461(b) that have been transferred...

31 CFR 500.206 - Exemption of information and informational materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... exploit in the United States the Vietnamese film in any medium, including home video distribution, for... alterations made by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to information or informational...

The Military Theater Distribution Network Design Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

The Military Theater Distribution Network Design Problem THESIS MARCH 2015 Robert R. Craig, MAJ, USA AFIT-ENS-MS-15-M-137 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE...subject to copyright protection in the United States. AFIT-ENS-MS-15-M-137 THE MILITARY THEATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK DESIGN PROBLEM THESIS Presented...B.S., M.S. MAJ, USA MARCH 2015 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED. AFIT-ENS-MS-15-M-137 THE MILITARY THEATER

Application of Phasor Measurement Units for Protection of Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Photovoltaic Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meskin, Matin

The rate of the integration of distributed generation (DG) units to the distribution level to meet the growth in demand increases as a reasonable replacement for costly network expansion. This integration brings many advantages to the consumers and power grids, as well as giving rise to more challenges in relation to protection and control. Recent research has brought to light the negative effects of DG units on short circuit currents and overcurrent (OC) protection systems in distribution networks. Change in the direction of fault current flow, increment or decrement of fault current magnitude, blindness of protection, feeder sympathy trip, nuisance trip of interrupting devices, and the disruption of coordination between protective devices are some potential impacts of DG unit integration. Among other types of DG units, the integration of renewable energy resources into the electric grid has seen a vast improvement in recent years. In particular, the interconnection of photovoltaic (PV) sources to the medium voltage (MV) distribution networks has experienced a rapid increase in the last decade. In this work, the effect of PV source on conventional OC relays in MV distribution networks is shown. It is indicated that the PV output fluctuation, due to changes in solar radiation, causes the magnitude and direction of the current to change haphazardly. These variations may result in the poor operation of OC relays as the main protective devices in the MV distribution networks. In other words, due to the bi-directional power flow characteristic and the fluctuation of current magnitude occurring in the presence of PV sources, a specific setting of OC relays is difficult to realize. Therefore, OC relays may operate in normal conditions. To improve the OC relay operation, a voltage-dependent-overcurrent protection is proposed. Although, this new method prevents the OC relay from maloperation, its ability to detect earth faults and high impedance faults is poor. Thus, a comprehensive protective system is suggested at the end of the dissertation. The proposed method is based on the application of the phasor measurement unit (PMU) and the differential protection method. All of the current magnitudes and angles are collected by PMU and are sent to the phasor data concentrator (PDC), where a differential protection algorithm is applied to these data. If any fault is detected, the trip will be sent back to the corresponding circuit breakers across the network. Higher selectivity, sensitivity, and faster operation in the differential protection are superior to those of other protection schemes. Differential protection operates as unit protection, which means that it operates only when there is a fault in the protection zone. It does not function for faults occurring out of zone. Therefore, no coordination is required between differential protections across the power system. Moreover, the misoperation of this protective scheme is less likely as compared to other protection methods.

A comparison of foetal and infant mortality in the United States and Canada.

PubMed

Ananth, Cande V; Liu, Shiliang; Joseph, K S; Kramer, Michael S

2009-04-01

Infant mortality rates are higher in the United States than in Canada. We explored this difference by comparing gestational age distributions and gestational age-specific mortality rates in the two countries. Stillbirth and infant mortality rates were compared for singleton births at >or=22 weeks and newborns weighing>or=500 g in the United States and Canada (1996-2000). Since menstrual-based gestational age appears to misclassify gestational duration and overestimate both preterm and postterm birth rates, and because a clinical estimate of gestation is the only available measure of gestational age in Canada, all comparisons were based on the clinical estimate. Data for California were excluded because they lacked a clinical estimate. Gestational age-specific comparisons were based on the foetuses-at-risk approach. The overall stillbirth rate in the United States (37.9 per 10,000 births) was similar to that in Canada (38.2 per 10,000 births), while the overall infant mortality rate was 23% (95% CI 19-26%) higher (50.8 vs 41.4 per 10,000 births, respectively). The gestational age distribution was left-shifted in the United States relative to Canada; consequently, preterm birth rates were 8.0 and 6.0%, respectively. Stillbirth and early neonatal mortality rates in the United States were lower at term gestation only. However, gestational age-specific late neonatal, post-neonatal and infant mortality rates were higher in the United States at virtually every gestation. The overall stillbirth rates (per 10,000 foetuses at risk) among Blacks and Whites in the United States, and in Canada were 59.6, 35.0 and 38.3, respectively, whereas the corresponding infant mortality rates were 85.6, 49.7 and 42.2, respectively. Differences in gestational age distributions and in gestational age-specific stillbirth and infant mortality in the United States and Canada underscore substantial differences in healthcare services, population health status and health policy between the two neighbouring countries.

Sire carcass breeding values affect body composition in lambs - 1. Effects on lean weight and its distribution within the carcass as measured by computed tomography.

PubMed

Anderson, F; Williams, A; Pannier, L; Pethick, D W; Gardner, G E

2015-10-01

Data are obtained from computed tomography scanning of 1665 lambs at locations around Australia. Lambs were progeny of Terminal, Maternal and Merino sires with known Australian Sheep Breeding Values for post weaning c-site eye muscle depth (mm; PEMD) and fat depth (mm; PFAT), and post weaning weight (kg; PWWT). Across the 7.8 unit range of sire PEMD, carcass lean weight increased by 7.7%. This lean was distributed to the saddle section (mid-section) where lean became 3.8% heavier, with fore section lean becoming 3.5% lighter. Reducing sire PFAT across its 5.1 unit range increased carcass lean weight by 9.5%, and distributed lean to the saddle section which was 3.7% heavier. Increasing sire PWWT increased lean at some sites in some years, and on average increased saddle lean by 4% across the 24.7 unit PWWT range. Changes in lean weight and distribution due to selection for carcass breeding values will increase carcass value, particularly through increased weight of high value loin cuts. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Nonnative forest insects and pathogens in the United States: impacts and policy options

Treesearch

Gary M. Lovett; Marissa Weiss; Andrew M. Liebhold; Tom Holmes; Brian Leung; Kathy-Fallon Lambert; David A. Orwig; Faith T. Campbell; Jonathan Rosenthal; Deborah G. McCullough; Radka Wildova; Matthew P. Ayres; Charles D. Canham; David R. Foster; Shannon L. LaDeau; Troy Weldy

2016-01-01

We review and synthesize information on invasions of nonnative forest insects and diseases in the United States, including their ecological and economic impacts, pathways of arrival, distribution within the United States, and policy options for reducing future invasions. Nonnative insects have accumulated in United States forests at a rate of ~2.5 per yr over the last...

Residence times and alluvial architecture of a sediment superslug in response to different flow regimes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moody, John A.

2017-01-01

A superslug was deposited in a basin in the Colorado Front Range Mountains as a consequence of an extreme flood following a wildfire disturbance in 1996. The subsequent evolution of this superslug was measured by repeat topographic surveys (31 surveys from 1996 through 2014) of 18 cross sections approximately uniformly spaced over 1500 m immediately above the basin outlet. These surveys allowed the identification within the superslug of chronostratigraphic units deposited and eroded by different geomorphic processes in response to different flow regimes.Over the time period of the study, the superslug went through aggradation, incision, and stabilization phases that were controlled by a shift in geomorphic processes from generally short-duration, episodic, large-magnitude floods that deposited new chronostratigraphic units to long-duration processes that eroded units. These phases were not contemporaneous at each channel cross section, which resulted in a complex response that preserved different chronostratigraphic units at each channel cross section having, in general, two dominant types of alluvial architecture—laminar and fragmented. Age and transit-time distributions for these two alluvial architectures evolved with time since the extreme flood. Because of the complex shape of the distributions they were best modeled by two-parameter Weibull functions. The Weibull scale parameter approximated the median age of the distributions, and the Weibull shape parameter generally had a linear relation that increased with time since the extreme flood. Additional results indicated that deposition of new chronostratigraphic units can be represented by a power-law frequency distribution, and that the erosion of units decreases with depth of burial to a limiting depth. These relations can be used to model other situations with different flow regimes where vertical aggradation and incision are dominant processes, to predict the residence time of possible contaminated sediment stored in channels or on floodplains, and to provide insight into the interpretation of recent or ancient fluvial deposits.

Residence times and alluvial architecture of a sediment superslug in response to different flow regimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moody, John A.

2017-10-01

A superslug was deposited in a basin in the Colorado Front Range Mountains as a consequence of an extreme flood following a wildfire disturbance in 1996. The subsequent evolution of this superslug was measured by repeat topographic surveys (31 surveys from 1996 through 2014) of 18 cross sections approximately uniformly spaced over 1500 m immediately above the basin outlet. These surveys allowed the identification within the superslug of chronostratigraphic units deposited and eroded by different geomorphic processes in response to different flow regimes. Over the time period of the study, the superslug went through aggradation, incision, and stabilization phases that were controlled by a shift in geomorphic processes from generally short-duration, episodic, large-magnitude floods that deposited new chronostratigraphic units to long-duration processes that eroded units. These phases were not contemporaneous at each channel cross section, which resulted in a complex response that preserved different chronostratigraphic units at each channel cross section having, in general, two dominant types of alluvial architecture-laminar and fragmented. Age and transit-time distributions for these two alluvial architectures evolved with time since the extreme flood. Because of the complex shape of the distributions they were best modeled by two-parameter Weibull functions. The Weibull scale parameter approximated the median age of the distributions, and the Weibull shape parameter generally had a linear relation that increased with time since the extreme flood. Additional results indicated that deposition of new chronostratigraphic units can be represented by a power-law frequency distribution, and that the erosion of units decreases with depth of burial to a limiting depth. These relations can be used to model other situations with different flow regimes where vertical aggradation and incision are dominant processes, to predict the residence time of possible contaminated sediment stored in channels or on floodplains, and to provide insight into the interpretation of recent or ancient fluvial deposits.

Improving Simulations of Fine Dust Surface Concentrations over the Western United States by Optimizing the Particle Size Distribution

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

Zhang, Li; Kok, Jasper F.; Henze, Daven

2013-06-28

To improve estimates of remote contributions of dust to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the western United States, new dust particle size distributions (PSDs) based upon scale-invariant fragmentation theory (Kok_PSD) with constraints from in situ measurements (IMP_PSD) are implemented in a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). Compared to initial simulations, this leads to reductions in the mass of emitted dust particles with radii <1.8 mm by 40%-60%. Consequently, the root-mean-square error in simulated fine dust concentrations compared to springtime surface observations in the western United States is reduced by 67%-81%. The ratio of simulated fine to coarse PM mass is alsomore » improved, which is not achievable by reductions in total dust emissions. The IMP_PSD best represents the PSD of dust transported from remote sources and reduces modeled PM2.5 concentrations up to 5 mg/m3 over the western United States, which is important when considering sources contributing to nonattainment of air quality standards. Citation: Zhang, L., J. F. Kok, D. K. Henze, Q. Li, and C. Zhao (2013), Improving simulations of fine dust surface concentrations over the western United States by optimizing the particle size distribution, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 3270-3275, doi:10.1002/grl.50591.« less

The distribution of the bats of South Carolina

Treesearch

Jennifer M. Menzel; Michael A. Menzel; W. Mark Ford; John W. Edwards; Steven R. Sheffield; John C. Kilgo; Mary S. Bunch

2003-01-01

There is a paucity of information available about the distribution of bats in the southeastern United States. Golley (1966) recorded the distribution and gave a brief summary of the natural history of 11 of 14 species of bats that occur in South Carolina and DiSalvo et al. (2002) recently reported on the distribution of 13 species of bats that occur in South Carolina...

Hybrid Antimicrobial Enzyme and Silver Nanoparticle Coatings for Medical Instruments (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

December 2008 DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for release to the public ; distribution unlimited. This work is copyrighted. The United...Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including...RXQL AFRL-RX-TY-TP-2008-4630 Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. Document contains color images. Ref

Effect of the electrostatic surface potential on the oligomerization of full-length human recombinant prion protein at single-molecule level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Lou, Zhichao; Zhang, Haiqian; Xu, Bingqian

2016-03-01

The electrostatic surface potential (ESP) of prion oligomers has critical influences on the aggregating processes of the prion molecules. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and structural simulation were combined to investigate the molecular basis of the full-length human recombinant prion oligomerization on mica surfaces. The high resolution non-intrusive AFM images showed that the prion oligomers formed different patterns on mica surfaces at different buffer pH values. The basic binding units for the large oligomers were determined to be prion momoners (Ms), dimers (Ds), and trimers (Ts). The forming of the D and T units happened through the binding of hydrophobic β-sheets of the M units. In contrast, the α-helices of these M, D, and T units were the binding areas for the formation of large oligomers. At pH 4.5, the binding units M, D, and T showed clear polarized ESP distributions on the surface domains, while at pH 7.0, they showed more evenly distributed ESPs. Based on the conformations of oligomers observed from AFM images, the D and T units were more abundantly on mica surface at pH 4.5 because the ESP re-distribution of M units helped to stabilize these larger oligomers. The amino acid side chains involved in the binding interfaces were stabilized by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. The detailed analysis of the charged side chains at pH 4.5 indicated that the polarized ESPs induced the aggregations among M, D, and T to form larger oligomers. Therefore, the hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions worked together to form the stabilized prion oligomers.

Studies on comonomer compositional distribution of bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)s and thermal characteristics of their factions.

PubMed

Feng, Lidan; Watanabe, Takumi; Wang, Yi; Kichise, Tomoyasu; Fukuchi, Takeshi; Chen, Guo-Qiang; Doi, Yoshiharu; Inoue, Yoshio

2002-01-01

The comonomer-unit compositional distributions have been investigated for bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HH)] samples with 3HH unit content of 13.8, 18.0, 22.0, and 54.0 mol %. They were comonomer compositionally fractionated using chloroform/n-heptane mixed solvent at ambient temperature. The fractionation of P(3HB-co-18.0 mol %3HH) and P(3HB-co-22.0 mol % 3HH), which could not be carried out effectively at room temperature, were refractionated at 70 degrees C in the mixed solvent. Fractions with different 3HH unit content in a wide range (from 4.4 to 80.7 mol %) were obtained. By use of these fractions with narrow compositional distribution, the comonomer composition dependence of thermal properties was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The melting point (T(m)) and heat of fusion (DeltaH) decreased as the 3HH unit content increased in the range of low 3HH content (<40 mol %), while they increased as the 3HH unit content increased in the high 3HH content range (>70 mol %). The minimum T(m) and DeltaH values were found to exist at 3HH unit content of about 60 mol %. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) decreased linearly with the increase of 3HH unit content. The values of T(m), DeltaH, and T(g) of P(3HB-co-3HH)s were compared with those of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and the effects of comonomer types on the thermal properties were revealed.

Effect of the electrostatic surface potential on the oligomerization of full-length human recombinant prion protein at single-molecule level

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

Wang, Bin; Xu, Bingqian, E-mail: bxu@engr.uga.edu; Lou, Zhichao

2016-03-21

The electrostatic surface potential (ESP) of prion oligomers has critical influences on the aggregating processes of the prion molecules. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and structural simulation were combined to investigate the molecular basis of the full-length human recombinant prion oligomerization on mica surfaces. The high resolution non-intrusive AFM images showed that the prion oligomers formed different patterns on mica surfaces at different buffer pH values. The basic binding units for the large oligomers were determined to be prion momoners (Ms), dimers (Ds), and trimers (Ts). The forming of the D and T units happened through the binding of hydrophobicmore » β-sheets of the M units. In contrast, the α-helices of these M, D, and T units were the binding areas for the formation of large oligomers. At pH 4.5, the binding units M, D, and T showed clear polarized ESP distributions on the surface domains, while at pH 7.0, they showed more evenly distributed ESPs. Based on the conformations of oligomers observed from AFM images, the D and T units were more abundantly on mica surface at pH 4.5 because the ESP re-distribution of M units helped to stabilize these larger oligomers. The amino acid side chains involved in the binding interfaces were stabilized by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. The detailed analysis of the charged side chains at pH 4.5 indicated that the polarized ESPs induced the aggregations among M, D, and T to form larger oligomers. Therefore, the hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions worked together to form the stabilized prion oligomers.« less

The First Global Geological Map of Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prockter, L. M.; Head, J. W., III; Byrne, P. K.; Denevi, B. W.; Kinczyk, M. J.; Fassett, C.; Whitten, J. L.; Thomas, R.; Ernst, C. M.

2015-12-01

Geological maps are tools with which to understand the distribution and age relationships of surface geological units and structural features on planetary surfaces. Regional and limited global mapping of Mercury has already yielded valuable science results, elucidating the history and distribution of several types of units and features, such as regional plains, tectonic structures, and pyroclastic deposits. To date, however, no global geological map of Mercury exists, and there is currently no commonly accepted set of standardized unit descriptions and nomenclature. With MESSENGER monochrome image data, we are undertaking the global geological mapping of Mercury at the 1:15M scale applying standard U.S. Geological Survey mapping guidelines. This map will enable the development of the first global stratigraphic column of Mercury, will facilitate comparisons among surface units distributed discontinuously across the planet, and will provide guidelines for mappers so that future mapping efforts will be consistent and broadly interpretable by the scientific community. To date we have incorporated three major datasets into the global geological map: smooth plains units, tectonic structures, and impact craters and basins >20 km in diameter. We have classified most of these craters by relative age on the basis of the state of preservation of morphological features and standard classification schemes first applied to Mercury by the Mariner 10 imaging team. Additional datasets to be incorporated include intercrater plains units and crater ejecta deposits. In some regions MESSENGER color data is used to supplement the monochrome data, to help elucidate different plains units. The final map will be published online, together with a peer-reviewed publication. Further, a digital version of the map, containing individual map layers, will be made publicly available for use within geographic information systems (GISs).

The impact of fracking on freight distribution patterns.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-11-01

The increasing production of domestic energy through the use of fracking will likely alter local/regional/national economies and corresponding freight distribution patterns (highway, rail, marine, pipeline) in the United States. The proposed project ...

7 CFR 360.500 - Petitions to add a taxon to the noxious weed list.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... life history; (6) Native and world distribution; (7) Distribution in the United States, if any... impacts (e.g., impacts on ecosystem processes, natural community composition or structure, human health...

7 CFR 360.500 - Petitions to add a taxon to the noxious weed list.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... life history; (6) Native and world distribution; (7) Distribution in the United States, if any... impacts (e.g., impacts on ecosystem processes, natural community composition or structure, human health...

7 CFR 360.500 - Petitions to add a taxon to the noxious weed list.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... life history; (6) Native and world distribution; (7) Distribution in the United States, if any... impacts (e.g., impacts on ecosystem processes, natural community composition or structure, human health...

7 CFR 360.500 - Petitions to add a taxon to the noxious weed list.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... life history; (6) Native and world distribution; (7) Distribution in the United States, if any... impacts (e.g., impacts on ecosystem processes, natural community composition or structure, human health...

Assessment of Logistical Support for Expeditionary Units

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE A 13. ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words ...port and air cargo handling, customs inspections, contingency contracting, fuels procurement and distribution, freight terminal and warehouse...Supply department is the principal financial, procurement, inventory, and customer service managers within the command. Both Supply and Materiel

Sexual differentiation in the distribution potential of northern jaguars (Panthera onca)

Treesearch

Erin E. Boydston; Carlos A. Lopez Gonzalez

2005-01-01

We estimated the potential geographic distribution of jaguars in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico by modeling the jaguar ecological niche from occurrence records. We modeled separately the distributions of males and females, assuming records of females probably represented established home ranges while male records likely included dispersal...

14 CFR 23.1445 - Oxygen distribution system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Oxygen distribution system. 23.1445 Section... Equipment § 23.1445 Oxygen distribution system. Link to an amendment published at 76 FR 75762, December 2, 2011. (a) Except for flexible lines from oxygen outlets to the dispensing units, or where shown to be...

Generalized extreme gust wind speeds distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, E.; Yeung, C.

2002-01-01

Since summer 1996, the US wind engineers are using the extreme gust (or 3-s gust) as the basic wind speed to quantify the destruction of extreme winds. In order to better understand these destructive wind forces, it is important to know the appropriate representations of these extreme gust wind speeds. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the most suitable extreme value distributions for the annual extreme gust wind speeds recorded in large selected areas. To achieve this objective, we are using the generalized Pareto distribution as the diagnostic tool for determining the types of extreme gust wind speed distributions. The three-parameter generalized extreme value distribution function is, thus, reduced to either Type I Gumbel, Type II Frechet or Type III reverse Weibull distribution function for the annual extreme gust wind speeds recorded at a specific site.With the considerations of the quality and homogeneity of gust wind data collected at more than 750 weather stations throughout the United States, annual extreme gust wind speeds at selected 143 stations in the contiguous United States were used in the study. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Dag Hammarskjold Library and United Nations Microforms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marulli-Koenig, Luciana

1980-01-01

Surveys the United Nations microform program's history, its current filming projects, and its future plans. Established originally to preserve UN documents for archival purposes, it has expanded to public distribution and dissemination of significant UN documents. (Author)

The United Nations Depository Library System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levy, Elva

1980-01-01

Describes the aims, historical background, and present operations of the United Nations depository library system. Included are criteria for designation and distribution of libraries by region and type and a list of member countries without such service. (RAA)

Preisach modeling of temperature-dependent ferroelectric response of piezoceramics at sub-switching regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochoa, Diego Alejandro; García, Jose Eduardo

2016-04-01

The Preisach model is a classical method for describing nonlinear behavior in hysteretic systems. According to this model, a hysteretic system contains a collection of simple bistable units which are characterized by an internal field and a coercive field. This set of bistable units exhibits a statistical distribution that depends on these fields as parameters. Thus, nonlinear response depends on the specific distribution function associated with the material. This model is satisfactorily used in this work to describe the temperature-dependent ferroelectric response in PZT- and KNN-based piezoceramics. A distribution function expanded in Maclaurin series considering only the first terms in the internal field and the coercive field is proposed. Changes in coefficient relations of a single distribution function allow us to explain the complex temperature dependence of hard piezoceramic behavior. A similar analysis based on the same form of the distribution function shows that the KNL-NTS properties soften around its orthorhombic to tetragonal phase transition.

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) use and experiences at college health centers in the mid-Atlantic United States: changes since ECP went over-the-counter.

PubMed

Miller, Laura M

2011-01-01

To investigate the availability of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) at college health centers since ECP went over-the-counter (OTC) in 2006. Related issues, such as distribution procedure, existence of a written protocol, personnel involved, contraindications, follow-up procedures, methods of advertising, and staff attitudes, were examined. The sample included 135 college and university health centers in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Data were collected via telephone survey with the use of a 42-item survey instrument. Forty-three percent of schools reported distributing ECPs, for an average of 10.6 years. Major changes in ECP distribution and usage since ECP went OTC related primarily to protocol in ECP distribution, advertising for ECP services, and ECP accessibility to university students. College health centers are responding to the OTC status of ECP in a number of ways, primarily relating to their distribution procedures and advertising techniques.

Geochemical surveys in the United States in relation to health.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tourtelot, H.A.

1979-01-01

Geochemical surveys in relation to health may be classified as having one, two or three dimensions. One-dimensional surveys examine relations between concentrations of elements such as Pb in soils and other media and burdens of the same elements in humans, at a given time. The spatial distributions of element concentrations are not investigated. The primary objective of two-dimensional surveys is to map the distributions of element concentrations, commonly according to stratified random sampling designs based on either conceptual landscape units or artificial sampling strata, but systematic sampling intervals have also been used. Political units have defined sample areas that coincide with the units used to accumulate epidemiological data. Element concentrations affected by point sources have also been mapped. Background values, location of natural or technological anomalies and the geographic scale of variation for several elements often are determined. Three-dimensional surveys result when two-dimensional surveys are repeated to detect environmental changes. -Author

Lignin‐Derived Thioacidolysis Dimers: Reevaluation, New Products, Authentication, and Quantification

PubMed Central

Yue, Fengxia; Regner, Matt; Sun, Runcang

2017-01-01

Abstract Lignin structural studies play an essential role both in understanding the development of plant cell walls and for valorizing lignocellulosics as renewable biomaterials. Dimeric products released by selectively cleaving β–aryl ether linkages between lignin units reflect the distribution of recalcitrant lignin units, but have been neither absolutely defined nor quantitatively determined. Here, 12 guaiacyl‐type thioacidolysis dimers were identified and quantified using newly synthesized standards. One product previously attributed to deriving from β–1‐coupled units was established as resulting from β–5 units, correcting an analytical quandary. Another longstanding dilemma, that no β–β dimers were recognized in thioacidolysis products from gymnosperms, was resolved with the discovery of two such authenticated compounds. Individual GC response factors for each standard compound allowed rigorous quantification of dimeric products released from softwood lignins, affording insight into the various interunit‐linkage distributions in lignins and thereby guiding the valorization of lignocellulosics. PMID:28125766

Distribution of indoor radon concentrations in Pennsylvania, 1990-2007

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gross, Eliza L.

2013-01-01

Median indoor radon concentrations aggregated according to geologic units and hydrogeologic settings are useful for drawing general conclusions about the occurrence of indoor radon in specific geologic units and hydrogeologic settings, but the associated data and maps have limitations. The aggregated indoor radon data have testing and spatial accuracy limitations due to lack of available information regarding testing conditions and the imprecision of geocoded test locations. In addition, the associated data describing geologic units and hydrogeologic settings have spatial and interpretation accuracy limitations, which are a result of using statewide data to define conditions at test locations and geologic data that represent a broad interpretation of geologic units across the State. As a result, indoor air radon concentration distributions are not proposed for use in predicting individual concentrations at specific sites nor for use as a decision-making tool for property owners to decide whether to test for indoor radon concentrations at specific property locations.

Motor unit recruitment in human genioglossus muscle in response to hypercapnia.

PubMed

Nicholas, Christian L; Bei, Bei; Worsnop, Christopher; Malhotra, Atul; Jordan, Amy S; Saboisky, Julian P; Chan, Julia K M; Duckworth, Ella; White, David P; Trinder, John

2010-11-01

single motor unit recordings of the genioglossus (GG) muscle indicate that GG motor units have a variety of discharge patterns, including units that have higher discharge rates during inspiration (inspiratory phasic and inspiratory tonic), or expiration (expiratory phasic and expiratory tonic), or do not modify their rate with respiration (tonic). Previous studies have shown that an increase in GG muscle activity is a consequence of increased activity in inspiratory units. However, there are differences between studies as to whether this increase is primarily due to recruitment of new motor units (motor unit recruitment) or to increased discharge rate of already active units (rate coding). Sleep-wake state studies in humans have suggested the former, while hypercapnia experiments in rats have suggested the latter. In this study, we investigated the effect of hypercapnia on GG motor unit activity in humans during wakefulness. sleep research laboratory. sixteen healthy men. each participant was administered at least 6 trials with P(et)CO(2) being elevated 8.4 (SD = 1.96) mm Hg over 2 min following a 30-s baseline. Subjects were instrumented for GG EMG and respiratory measurements with 4 fine wire electrodes inserted subcutaneously into the muscle. One hundred forty-one motor units were identified during the baseline: 47% were inspiratory modulated, 29% expiratory modulated, and 24% showed no respiratory related modulation. Sixty-two new units were recruited during hypercapnia. The distribution of recruited units was significantly different from the baseline distribution, with 84% being inspiratory modulated (P < 0.001). Neither units active during baseline, nor new units recruited during hypercapnia, increased their discharge rate as P(et)CO(2) increased (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). increased GG muscle activity in humans occurs because of recruitment of previously inactive inspiratory modulated units.

The incidence of blood contamination of lead unit dose containers with and without single-use protective inserts used with commercially prepared radiopharmaceutical unit doses.

PubMed

Pickett, M W; Kosegi, J E; Thomas, K S; Waterstram-Rich, K M

1998-09-01

This investigation evaluated the effectiveness of disposable plastic inserts in radiopharmaceutical unit dose lead containers (pigs) in preventing the distribution of doses in blood-contaminated containers. Technologists commonly dispose of the syringes by placing them into the lead pigs, leaving the needles uncapped. This process raises the question of unsuspected blood contamination of these pigs. Consequently, the distribution of commercially prepared radiopharmaceutical doses in reusable lead pigs may result in radiopharmaceutical doses being distributed in containers that are contaminated with blood. Using a simple chemical wipe test designed to determine the presence or absence of blood contamination, 618 pigs from commercial radiopharmacies throughout the U.S. were tested for contamination. The inside of the pigs and inserts, if present, were wiped before and after dose administration. Of the pigs tested, 292 came from radiopharmacies that used a protective, disposable plastic insert inside the pig, and 326 came from radiopharmacies that did not use an insert. Of those pigs without the protective disposable inserts, 39.3% arrived in the nuclear medicine department in pigs contaminated with blood. Of those pigs with inserts, 1% arrived with blood-contaminated inserts. After dose administration, 46.3% of the pigs without inserts were contaminated with blood and 3% of the protective inserts were contaminated. The proper use of disposable plastic inserts reduces the possibility of distributing radiopharmaceutical unit doses in containers contaminated with blood.

14 CFR 23.511 - Ground load; unsymmetrical loads on multiple-wheel units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... CATEGORY AIRPLANES Structure Ground Loads § 23.511 Ground load; unsymmetrical loads on multiple-wheel units... coefficient of friction of 0.8 applied to the main gear and its supporting structure. (b) Unequal tire loads... distribution, to the dual wheels and tires in each dual wheel landing gear unit. (c) Deflated tire loads. For...

The Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2003. Population Characteristics. Current Population Reports. P20-551

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsen, Luke J.

2004-01-01

This report describes the foreign-born population in the United States in 2003. It provides a profile of demographic and socio economic characteristics, such as region of birth, geographic distribution in the United States, age, educational attainment, earnings, and poverty status. These characteristics are compared with those of the native…

Procurement Ethics: Have We Resolved the Army’s Expeditionary Contracting Problems?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-11

Distribution A: Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The United States Army discovered numerous occurrences of unethical behavior by...The United States Army discovered numerous occurrences of unethical behavior by contracting officials and contractors while providing contracting...ARMY’S EXPEDITIONARY CONTRACTING PROBLEMS? The United States Army discovered numerous occurrences of unethical behavior by contracting officials

Forest management and water in the United States [Chapter 13

Treesearch

Daniel G. Neary

2017-01-01

This chapter outlines a brief history of the United States native forests and forest plantations. It describes the past and current natural and plantation forest distribution (map, area, main species), as well as main products produced (timber, pulp, furniture, etc.). Integrated into this discussion is a characterization of the water resources of the United States and...

14 CFR 25.511 - Ground load: unsymmetrical loads on multiple-wheel units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... effects of any seesaw motion of the truck during the landing impact must be considered in determining the... gear unit using four or more wheels per unit, must be considered; and (2) The ground reactions must be... shock strut, a rational distribution of the ground reactions between the deflated and inflated tires...

14 CFR 25.511 - Ground load: unsymmetrical loads on multiple-wheel units.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... effects of any seesaw motion of the truck during the landing impact must be considered in determining the... gear unit using four or more wheels per unit, must be considered; and (2) The ground reactions must be... shock strut, a rational distribution of the ground reactions between the deflated and inflated tires...

Design of prototype charged particle fog dispersal unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, F. G.; Frost, W.; Kessel, P.

1981-01-01

The unit was designed to be easily modified so that certain features that influence the output current and particle size distribution could be examined. An experimental program was designed to measure the performance of the unit. The program described includes measurements in a fog chamber and in the field. Features of the nozzle and estimated nozzle characteristics are presented.

Merging Areas In Timber Mart South Data

Treesearch

Jeffrey P. Prestemon; John M. Pye

1999-01-01

For over twenty years, Timber Mart-South (TMS) has been distributing prices of various wood products from Southern forests. These long-term price series have been a critical resource for research into timber price and supply trends in the southern United States. Such analyses rely on consistent temporal and spatial reporting units, but these units have not always been...

Managing Interdependence: Eleventh Conference on the United Nations of the Next Decade.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanley Foundation, Muscatine, IA.

This report of the United Nations 11th conference is distributed in the hope that it will stimulate study, research, and education with respect to the United Nations and its vital role in achieving international peace and security and a better world. In 1976, international statesmen, diplomats, and scholars assembled at Charlottesville, Virginia…

Two-Dimensional Automatic Measurement for Nozzle Flow Distribution Using Improved Ultrasonic Sensor

PubMed Central

Zhai, Changyuan; Zhao, Chunjiang; Wang, Xiu; Wang, Ning; Zou, Wei; Li, Wei

2015-01-01

Spray deposition and distribution are affected by many factors, one of which is nozzle flow distribution. A two-dimensional automatic measurement system, which consisted of a conveying unit, a system control unit, an ultrasonic sensor, and a deposition collecting dish, was designed and developed. The system could precisely move an ultrasonic sensor above a pesticide deposition collecting dish to measure the nozzle flow distribution. A sensor sleeve with a PVC tube was designed for the ultrasonic sensor to limit its beam angle in order to measure the liquid level in the small troughs. System performance tests were conducted to verify the designed functions and measurement accuracy. A commercial spray nozzle was also used to measure its flow distribution. The test results showed that the relative error on volume measurement was less than 7.27% when the liquid volume was 2 mL in trough, while the error was less than 4.52% when the liquid volume was 4 mL or more. The developed system was also used to evaluate the flow distribution of a commercial nozzle. It was able to provide the shape and the spraying width of the flow distribution accurately. PMID:26501288

The κ-generalized distribution: A new descriptive model for the size distribution of incomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clementi, F.; Di Matteo, T.; Gallegati, M.; Kaniadakis, G.

2008-05-01

This paper proposes the κ-generalized distribution as a model for describing the distribution and dispersion of income within a population. Formulas for the shape, moments and standard tools for inequality measurement-such as the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient-are given. A method for parameter estimation is also discussed. The model is shown to fit extremely well the data on personal income distribution in Australia and in the United States.

Fluid sample collection and distribution system. [qualitative analysis of aqueous samples from several points

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, R. L. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A multipoint fluid sample collection and distribution system is provided wherein the sample inputs are made through one or more of a number of sampling valves to a progressive cavity pump which is not susceptible to damage by large unfiltered particles. The pump output is through a filter unit that can provide a filtered multipoint sample. An unfiltered multipoint sample is also provided. An effluent sample can be taken and applied to a second progressive cavity pump for pumping to a filter unit that can provide one or more filtered effluent samples. The second pump can also provide an unfiltered effluent sample. Means are provided to periodically back flush each filter unit without shutting off the whole system.

Network integration of distributed power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dondi, Peter; Bayoumi, Deia; Haederli, Christoph; Julian, Danny; Suter, Marco

The world-wide move to deregulation of the electricity and other energy markets, concerns about the environment, and advances in renewable and high efficiency technologies has led to major emphasis being placed on the use of small power generation units in a variety of forms. The paper reviews the position of distributed generation (DG, as these small units are called in comparison with central power plants) with respect to the installation and interconnection of such units with the classical grid infrastructure. In particular, the status of technical standards both in Europe and USA, possible ways to improve the interconnection situation, and also the need for decisions that provide a satisfactory position for the network operator (who remains responsible for the grid, its operation, maintenance and investment plans) are addressed.

Common input to motor units of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles during two-digit object hold.

PubMed

Winges, Sara A; Kornatz, Kurt W; Santello, Marco

2008-03-01

Anatomical and physiological evidence suggests that common input to motor neurons of hand muscles is an important neural mechanism for hand control. To gain insight into the synaptic input underlying the coordination of hand muscles, significant effort has been devoted to describing the distribution of common input across motor units of extrinsic muscles. Much less is known, however, about the distribution of common input to motor units belonging to different intrinsic muscles and to intrinsic-extrinsic muscle pairs. To address this void in the literature, we quantified the incidence and strength of near-simultaneous discharges of motor units residing in either the same or different intrinsic hand muscles (m. first dorsal, FDI, and m. first palmar interosseus, FPI) during two-digit object hold. To extend the characterization of common input to pairs of extrinsic muscles (previous work) and pairs of intrinsic muscles (present work), we also recorded electromyographic (EMG) activity from an extrinsic thumb muscle (m. flexor pollicis longus, FPL). Motor-unit synchrony across FDI and FPI was weak (common input strength, CIS, mean +/- SE: 0.17 +/- 0.02). Similarly, motor units from extrinsic-intrinsic muscle pairs were characterized by weak synchrony (FPL-FDI: 0.25 +/- 0.02; FPL-FPI: 0.29 +/- 0.03) although stronger than FDI-FPI. Last, CIS from within FDI and FPI was more than three times stronger (0.70 +/- 0.06 and 0.66 +/- 0.06, respectively) than across these muscles. We discuss present and previous findings within the framework of muscle-pair specific distribution of common input to hand muscles based on their functional role in grasping.

Spatial distribution of surface action potentials generated by individual motor units in the human biceps brachii muscle.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Falces, Javier; Negro, Francesco; Gonzalez-Izal, Miriam; Farina, Dario

2013-08-01

This study analyses the spatial distribution of individual motor unit potentials (MUPs) over the skin surface and the influence of motor unit depth and recording configuration on this distribution. Multichannel surface (13×5 electrode grid) and intramuscular (wire electrodes inserted with needles of lengths 15 and 25mm) electromyographic (EMG) signals were concurrently recorded with monopolar derivations from the biceps brachii muscle of 10 healthy subjects during 60-s isometric contractions at 20% of the maximum torque. Multichannel monopolar MUPs of the target motor unit were obtained by spike-triggered averaging of the surface EMG. Amplitude and frequency characteristics of monopolar and bipolar MUPs were calculated for locations along the fibers' direction (longitudinal), and along the direction perpendicular (transverse) to the fibers. In the longitudinal direction, monopolar and bipolar MUPs exhibited marked amplitude changes that extended for 16-32mm and 16-24mm over the innervation and tendon zones, respectively. The variation of monopolar and bipolar MUP characteristics was not symmetrical about the innervation zone. Motor unit depth had a considerable influence on the relative longitudinal variation of amplitude for monopolar MUPs, but not for bipolar MUPs. The transverse extension of bipolar MUPs ranged between 24 and 32mm, whereas that of monopolar MUPs ranged between 72 and 96mm. The mean power spectral frequency of surface MUPs was highly dependent on the transverse electrode location but not on depth. This study provides a basis for the interpretation of the contribution of individual motor units to the interference surface EMG signal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Program Predicts Nonlinear Inverter Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Al-Ayoubi, R. R.; Oepomo, T. S.

1985-01-01

Program developed for ac power distribution system on Shuttle orbiter predicts total load on inverters and node voltages at each of line replaceable units (LRU's). Mathematical model simulates inverter performance at each change of state in power distribution system.

Multiobjective assessment of distributed energy storage location in electricity networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro Gonçalves, José António; Neves, Luís Pires; Martins, António Gomes

2017-07-01

This paper presents a methodology to provide information to a decision maker on the associated impacts, both of economic and technical nature, of possible management schemes of storage units for choosing the best location of distributed storage devices, with a multiobjective optimisation approach based on genetic algorithms. The methodology was applied to a case study, a known distribution network model in which the installation of distributed storage units was tested, using lithium-ion batteries. The obtained results show a significant influence of the charging/discharging profile of batteries on the choice of their best location, as well as the relevance that these choices may have for the different network management objectives, for example, for reducing network energy losses or minimising voltage deviations. Results also show a difficult cost-effectiveness of an energy-only service, with the tested systems, both due to capital cost and due to the efficiency of conversion.

Investigating equality: The Rényi spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eliazar, Iddo

2017-09-01

An equality index is a score quantifying the socioeconomic egalitarianism of the distribution of wealth in human societies; the score takes values in the unit interval, with the unit upper bound characterizing purely communist societies. In this paper we explore the Rényi spectrum, a continuum of equality indices that: (i) is based on the moments of the societies' distributions of wealth; (ii) unifies various measures of socioeconomic inequality, including the Theil and Atkinson indices; (iii) displays a collection of amicable analytic properties; (iv) admits multiple Rényi-divergence representations; and (v) provides a high-resolution gauging of egalitarianism that is way beyond what can be offered by the common-practice measures of socioeconomic inequality, the Gini and Pietra indices. At large, the Rényi spectrum is applicable in the context of any distribution of non-negative sizes with a positive mean-yielding a high-resolution gauging of the distribution's inherent statistical heterogeneity.

Training the Trainers: Mission Analysis and Support for USAR Training Divisions

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-25

the Department of Defense (DOD),! mobilization expansion is a key factor In Limited Mobilization9 or Graduated Military Responseio theories of...less filled units of their personnel to fill earlier deploying units. After stripping units at random with 19 disastrous morale results it was decided...28 assigned) once all companies In the division are filled. This mission is identified in the unit’s Table of Distribution and Allowance ( TDA ) and

Abundance and Distribution of Geographically Isolated Wetlands across the Conterminous United States

EPA Science Inventory

Geographically isolated wetlands (GIWS) are important landscape elements involved in hydrologic, biogeochemical, and biological functioning. Their influence, under certain circumstances, can significantly affect other waters of the Unites States. However, there have been no data-...

12 CFR 347.105 - Permissible financial activities outside the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and brokerage. (10) Data processing. (11) Organizing, sponsoring, and managing a mutual fund if the fund's shares are not sold or distributed in the United States or to U.S. residents and the fund does...

Automated Power-Distribution System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomason, Cindy; Anderson, Paul M.; Martin, James A.

1990-01-01

Automated power-distribution system monitors and controls electrical power to modules in network. Handles both 208-V, 20-kHz single-phase alternating current and 120- to 150-V direct current. Power distributed to load modules from power-distribution control units (PDCU's) via subsystem distributors. Ring busses carry power to PDCU's from power source. Needs minimal attention. Detects faults and also protects against them. Potential applications include autonomous land vehicles and automated industrial process systems.

Determination of potential solar power sites in the United States based upon satellite cloud observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hiser, H. W.; Senn, H. V.; Bukkapatnam, S. T.; Akyuzlu, K.

1977-01-01

The use of cloud images in the visual spectrum from the SMS/GOES geostationary satellites to determine the hourly distribution of sunshine on a mesoscale in the continental United States excluding Alaska is presented. Cloud coverage and density as a function of time of day and season are evaluated through the use of digital data processing techniques. Low density cirrus clouds are less detrimental to solar energy collection than other types; and clouds in the morning and evening are less detrimental than those during midday hours of maximum insolation. Seasonal geographic distributions of cloud cover/sunshine are converted to langleys of solar radiation received at the earth's surface through relationships developed from long term measurements at six widely distributed stations.

Effect of the irradiance distribution from light curing units on the local micro-hardness of the surface of dental resins.

PubMed

Haenel, Thomas; Hausnerová, Berenika; Steinhaus, Johannes; Price, Richard B T; Sullivan, Braden; Moeginger, Bernhard

2015-02-01

An inhomogeneous irradiance distribution from a light-curing unit (LCU) can locally cause inhomogeneous curing with locally inadequately cured and/or over-cured areas causing e.g. monomer elution or internal shrinkage stresses, and thus reduce the lifetime of dental resin based composite (RBC) restorations. The aim of the study is to determine both the irradiance distribution of two light curing units (LCUs) and its influence on the local mechanical properties of a RBC. Specimens of Arabesk TOP OA2 were irradiated for 5, 20, and 80s using a Bluephase® 20i LCU in the Low mode (666mW/cm(2)), in the Turbo mode (2222mW/cm(2)) and a Celalux® 2 (1264mW/cm(2)). The degree of conversion (DC) was determined with an ATR-FTIR. The Knoop micro-hardness (average of five specimens) was measured on the specimen surface after 24h of dark and dry storage at room temperature. The irradiance distribution affected the hardness distribution across the surface of the specimens. The hardness distribution corresponded well to the inhomogeneous irradiance distributions of the LCU. The highest reaction rates occurred after approximately 2s light exposure. A DC of 40% was reached after 3.6 or 5.7s, depending on the LCU. The inhomogeneous hardness distribution was still evident after 80s of light exposure. The irradiance distribution from a LCU is reflected in the hardness distribution across the surface. Irradiance level of the LCU and light exposure time do not affect the pattern of the hardness distribution--only the hardness level. In areas of low irradiation this may result in inadequate resin polymerization, poor physical properties, and hence premature failure of the restorations as they are usually much smaller than the investigated specimens. It has to be stressed that inhomogeneous does not necessarily mean poor if in all areas of the restoration enough light intensity is introduced to achieve a high degree of cure. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Cluster Variation Method: A Primer for Neuroscientists.

PubMed

Maren, Alianna J

2016-09-30

Effective Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) require that the time-varying activation patterns of 2-D neural ensembles be modelled. The cluster variation method (CVM) offers a means for the characterization of 2-D local pattern distributions. This paper provides neuroscientists and BCI researchers with a CVM tutorial that will help them to understand how the CVM statistical thermodynamics formulation can model 2-D pattern distributions expressing structural and functional dynamics in the brain. The premise is that local-in-time free energy minimization works alongside neural connectivity adaptation, supporting the development and stabilization of consistent stimulus-specific responsive activation patterns. The equilibrium distribution of local patterns, or configuration variables , is defined in terms of a single interaction enthalpy parameter ( h ) for the case of an equiprobable distribution of bistate (neural/neural ensemble) units. Thus, either one enthalpy parameter (or two, for the case of non-equiprobable distribution) yields equilibrium configuration variable values. Modeling 2-D neural activation distribution patterns with the representational layer of a computational engine, we can thus correlate variational free energy minimization with specific configuration variable distributions. The CVM triplet configuration variables also map well to the notion of a M = 3 functional motif. This paper addresses the special case of an equiprobable unit distribution, for which an analytic solution can be found.

Optimal management of stationary lithium-ion battery system in electricity distribution grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purvins, Arturs; Sumner, Mark

2013-11-01

The present article proposes an optimal battery system management model in distribution grids for stationary applications. The main purpose of the management model is to maximise the utilisation of distributed renewable energy resources in distribution grids, preventing situations of reverse power flow in the distribution transformer. Secondly, battery management ensures efficient battery utilisation: charging at off-peak prices and discharging at peak prices when possible. This gives the battery system a shorter payback time. Management of the system requires predictions of residual distribution grid demand (i.e. demand minus renewable energy generation) and electricity price curves (e.g. for 24 h in advance). Results of a hypothetical study in Great Britain in 2020 show that the battery can contribute significantly to storing renewable energy surplus in distribution grids while being highly utilised. In a distribution grid with 25 households and an installed 8.9 kW wind turbine, a battery system with rated power of 8.9 kW and battery capacity of 100 kWh can store 7 MWh of 8 MWh wind energy surplus annually. Annual battery utilisation reaches 235 cycles in per unit values, where one unit is a full charge-depleting cycle depth of a new battery (80% of 100 kWh).

The Cluster Variation Method: A Primer for Neuroscientists

PubMed Central

Maren, Alianna J.

2016-01-01

Effective Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) require that the time-varying activation patterns of 2-D neural ensembles be modelled. The cluster variation method (CVM) offers a means for the characterization of 2-D local pattern distributions. This paper provides neuroscientists and BCI researchers with a CVM tutorial that will help them to understand how the CVM statistical thermodynamics formulation can model 2-D pattern distributions expressing structural and functional dynamics in the brain. The premise is that local-in-time free energy minimization works alongside neural connectivity adaptation, supporting the development and stabilization of consistent stimulus-specific responsive activation patterns. The equilibrium distribution of local patterns, or configuration variables, is defined in terms of a single interaction enthalpy parameter (h) for the case of an equiprobable distribution of bistate (neural/neural ensemble) units. Thus, either one enthalpy parameter (or two, for the case of non-equiprobable distribution) yields equilibrium configuration variable values. Modeling 2-D neural activation distribution patterns with the representational layer of a computational engine, we can thus correlate variational free energy minimization with specific configuration variable distributions. The CVM triplet configuration variables also map well to the notion of a M = 3 functional motif. This paper addresses the special case of an equiprobable unit distribution, for which an analytic solution can be found. PMID:27706022

Dose rate evaluation of workers on the operation floor in Fukushima-Daiichi Unit 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, Kaoru; Kurosawa, Masahiko; Shirai, Keisuke; Matsuoka, Ippei; Mukaida, Naoki

2017-09-01

At Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3, installation of a fuel handling machine is planned to support the removal of spent fuel. The dose rates at the workplace were calculated based on the source distribution measured using a collimator in order to confirm that the dose rates on the operation floor were within a manageable range. It was confirmed that the accuracy of the source distribution was C/M = 1.0-2.4. These dose rates were then used to plan the work on the operation floor.

Constraints on early events in Martian history as derived from the cratering record

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barlow, Nadine G.

1990-01-01

Constrains on early events in Martian history are derived using the planet's cratering record. Variations in the shapes of the crater size-frequency distribution curves are interpreted as indicative of the size-frequency distribution of the production populations, thus providing information about the age of the unit relative to the end of the heavy bombardment period. Results from the analysis of craters superposed on heavily cratered units across the Martian surface provide constraints on the hemispheric dichotomy and the early erosional conditions on Mars.

Computer Vision Tracking Using Particle Filters for 3D Position Estimation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the United States Government. This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is...probability distribution (unless otherwise noted) π proposal distribution ω importance weight i index of normalized weights δ Dirac -delta function x...p(x) and the importance weights, where δ is the Dirac delta function [2, p. 178]. p(x) = N∑ n=1 ωnδ (x − xn) (2.14) ωn ∝ p(x) π(x) (2.15) Applying

Freight transportation and the potential for invasions of exotic insects in urban and periurban forests of the United States.

PubMed

Colunga-Garcia, Manuel; Haack, Robert A; Adelaja, Adesoji O

2009-02-01

Freight transportation is an important pathway for the introduction and dissemination of exotic forest insects (EFI). Identifying the final destination of imports is critical in determining the likelihood of EFI establishment. We analyzed the use of regional freight transport information to characterize risk of urban and periurban areas to EFI introductions. Specific objectives were to 1) approximate the final distribution of selected imports among urban areas of the United States, 2) characterize the final distribution of imports in terms of their spatial aggregation and dominant world region of origin, and 3) assess the effect of the final distribution of imports on the level of risk to urban and periurban forests from EFI. Freight pattern analyses were conducted for three categories of imports whose products or packaging materials are associated with EFI: wood products, nonmetallic mineral products, and machinery. The final distribution of wood products was the most evenly distributed of the three selected imports, whereas machinery was most spatially concentrated. We found that the type of import and the world region of origin greatly influence the final distribution of imported products. Risk assessment models were built based on the amount of forestland and imports for each urban area The model indicated that 84-88% of the imported tonnage went to only 4-6% of the urban areas in the contiguous United States. We concluded that freight movement information is critical for proper risk assessment of EFI. Implications of our findings and future research needs are discussed.

An initial-abstraction, constant-loss model for unit hydrograph modeling for applicable watersheds in Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Asquith, William H.; Roussel, Meghan C.

2007-01-01

Estimation of representative hydrographs from design storms, which are known as design hydrographs, provides for cost-effective, riskmitigated design of drainage structures such as bridges, culverts, roadways, and other infrastructure. During 2001?07, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation, investigated runoff hydrographs, design storms, unit hydrographs,and watershed-loss models to enhance design hydrograph estimation in Texas. Design hydrographs ideally should mimic the general volume, peak, and shape of observed runoff hydrographs. Design hydrographs commonly are estimated in part by unit hydrographs. A unit hydrograph is defined as the runoff hydrograph that results from a unit pulse of excess rainfall uniformly distributed over the watershed at a constant rate for a specific duration. A time-distributed, watershed-loss model is required for modeling by unit hydrographs. This report develops a specific time-distributed, watershed-loss model known as an initial-abstraction, constant-loss model. For this watershed-loss model, a watershed is conceptualized to have the capacity to store or abstract an absolute depth of rainfall at and near the beginning of a storm. Depths of total rainfall less than this initial abstraction do not produce runoff. The watershed also is conceptualized to have the capacity to remove rainfall at a constant rate (loss) after the initial abstraction is satisfied. Additional rainfall inputs after the initial abstraction is satisfied contribute to runoff if the rainfall rate (intensity) is larger than the constant loss. The initial abstraction, constant-loss model thus is a two-parameter model. The initial-abstraction, constant-loss model is investigated through detailed computational and statistical analysis of observed rainfall and runoff data for 92 USGS streamflow-gaging stations (watersheds) in Texas with contributing drainage areas from 0.26 to 166 square miles. The analysis is limited to a previously described, watershed-specific, gamma distribution model of the unit hydrograph. In particular, the initial-abstraction, constant-loss model is tuned to the gamma distribution model of the unit hydrograph. A complex computational analysis of observed rainfall and runoff for the 92 watersheds was done to determine, by storm, optimal values of initial abstraction and constant loss. Optimal parameter values for a given storm were defined as those values that produced a modeled runoff hydrograph with volume equal to the observed runoff hydrograph and also minimized the residual sum of squares of the two hydrographs. Subsequently, the means of the optimal parameters were computed on a watershed-specific basis. These means for each watershed are considered the most representative, are tabulated, and are used in further statistical analyses. Statistical analyses of watershed-specific, initial abstraction and constant loss include documentation of the distribution of each parameter using the generalized lambda distribution. The analyses show that watershed development has substantial influence on initial abstraction and limited influence on constant loss. The means and medians of the 92 watershed-specific parameters are tabulated with respect to watershed development; although they have considerable uncertainty, these parameters can be used for parameter prediction for ungaged watersheds. The statistical analyses of watershed-specific, initial abstraction and constant loss also include development of predictive procedures for estimation of each parameter for ungaged watersheds. Both regression equations and regression trees for estimation of initial abstraction and constant loss are provided. The watershed characteristics included in the regression analyses are (1) main-channel length, (2) a binary factor representing watershed development, (3) a binary factor representing watersheds with an abundance of rocky and thin-soiled terrain, and (4) curve numb

School Leadership of the Future: How the National Education Institute in Slovenia Supported Schools to Develop Distributed Leadership Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sentocnik, Sonja; Rupar, Brigita

2009-01-01

Current educational literature suggests that distributing leadership in schools can facilitate individual and organizational development. While many state agencies in the United States and Europe are encouraging schools to reshape their leadership practice to distribute responsibilities for leadership tasks across roles, empirical research on how…

South Carolina | Midmarket Solar Policies in the United States | Solar

Science.gov Websites

voluntary renewable energy goal of 2% distributed energy in 2021. Carve-out: 0.25% of total generation from energy portfolio standard, but a goal for distributed generation by 2021. The Distributed Energy Resource Fast Track Process Study Process System size limit: Not specified; South Carolina Public Service

Historical and Current U.S. Strategies for Boosting Distributed Generation

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

Lowder, Travis; Schwabe, Paul; Zhou, Ella

2015-10-29

This report seeks to introduce a variety of top-down and bottom-up practices that, in concert with the macro-environment of cost-reduction globally and early adoption in Europe, helped boost the distributed generation photovoltaic market in the United States. These experiences may serve as a reference in China's quest to promote distributed renewable energy.

75 FR 24885 - Certain Coated Paper Suitable for High-Quality Print Graphics Using Sheet-Fed Presses From...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-06

...). During the POI, PD/TK/IK's U.S. sales were made through the following general channels of distribution... Act, we have applied the EP methodology for sales made through the first channel of distribution noted... purchaser in the United States prior to importation. Regarding the second channel of distribution noted...

60-Hz electric and magnetic fields generated by a distribution network.

PubMed

Héroux, P

1987-01-01

From a mobile unit, 60-Hz electric and magnetic fields generated by Hydro-Québec's distribution network were measured. Nine runs, representative of various human environments, were investigated. Typical values were 32 V/m and 0.16 microT. The electrical distribution networks investigated were major contributors to the electric and magnetic environments.

75 FR 43981 - Methyl Parathion; Rescision of Previously Issued Order and Issuance of Revised Cancellation Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-27

... cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject... December 31, 2012. Any distribution, sale, or use of existing stocks of the products identified in Table 1... sale, distribution and use of existing stocks of manufacturing-use products imported into the United...

Comparison of work related fatal injuries in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand: method and overall findings

PubMed Central

Feyer, A; Williamson, A; Stout, N; Driscoll, T; Usher, H; Langley, J

2001-01-01

Objectives—To compare the extent, distribution, and nature of fatal occupational injury in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Setting—Workplaces in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Methods—Data collections based on vital records were used to compare overall rates and distribution of fatal injuries covering the period 1989–92 in Australia and the United States, and 1985–94 in New Zealand. Household labour force data (Australia and the United States) and census data (New Zealand) provided denominator data for calculation of rates. Case definition, case inclusion criteria, and classification of occupation and industry were harmonised across the three datasets. Results—New Zealand had the highest average annual rate (4.9/100 000), Australia an intermediate rate (3.8/100 000), and the United States the lowest rate (3.2/100 000) of fatal occupational injury. Much of the difference between countries was accounted for by differences in industry distribution. In each country, male workers, older workers, and those working in agriculture, forestry and fishing, in mining and in construction, were consistently at higher risk. Intentional fatal injury was more common in the United States, being rare in both Australia and New Zealand. This difference is likely to be reflected in the more common incidence of work related fatal injuries for sales workers in the United States compared with Australia and New Zealand. Conclusions—The present results contrasted with those obtained by a recent study that used published omnibus statistics, both in terms of absolute rates and relative ranking of the three countries. Such differences underscore the importance of using like datasets for international comparisons. The consistency of high risk areas across comparable data from comparable nations provides clear targets for further attention. At this stage, however, it is unclear whether the same specific occupations and/or hazards are contributing to the aggregated industry and occupation group rates reported here. PMID:11289530

Hearings Before the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs of the United States Senate, Ninety-Second Congress, First Session on Nutrition and Human Needs. Part 8A--Food Distribution Program. Hearings Held Washington, D.C., September 15-16, 1971.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs.

The Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs held hearings on the "Food Distribution Program." The Program--often referred to as the "commodity distribution,""surplus distribution," or "direct distribution program"--has the dual purpose of alleviating farm surpluses and helping the poor. It presently feeds about 3.6 million Americans…

Epidemiology of Mental Retardation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heber, Rick

Prevalence data on mental retardation is presented including international estimates on general prevalence, age directions, geographical variations within the United States, racial and ethnic variations, economic class distributions, family variations, and population distribution in institutions. Statistics are also provided in areas of specific…

Modeling potential climate change impacts on the trees of the northeastern United States

Treesearch

Louis Iverson; Anantha Prasad; Stephen Matthews

2008-01-01

We evaluated 134 tree species from the eastern United States for potential response to several scenarios of climate change, and summarized those responses for nine northeastern United States. We modeled and mapped each species individually and show current and potential future distributions for two emission scenarios (A1fi [higher emission] and B1 [lower emission]) and...

Biomedical Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-01

distribution unlimited. United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362-0577 Qualified recuesters Qualified requesters may...FUNDING NUMBER5 I PROGRAM zfJECT TASK WORK UNIT ELEMENT NO. NO. ACCESSION NO. 62787A 30162787A87$ EA 138 Biomedical Imaging 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S...times larger. Usually they are expensive with commercially available units starting at around $100,000. Triangulation sensors are capable of range

Map of forest ownership in the conterminous United States. [Scale 1:7,500,000].

Treesearch

Mark D. Nelson; Greg C. Liknes; Brett J. Butler

2010-01-01

This map depicts the spatial distribution of forest land across the conterminous United States, in 2007, differentiated into public vs. private forest land, and the percentage of corporate ownership of private forest land. Notable differences between eastern and western United States are evident on the map. Over two-thirds of western forest land is publicly owned, the...

Pine Engraver, Ips pini, in the Western United States (FIDL)

Treesearch

Sandra J. Kegley; R. Ladd Livingston; Kenneth E. Gibson

1997-01-01

The pine engraver, Ips pini (Say), is one of the most common and widely distributed bark beetles in North America. It occurs from southern Appalachia north to Maine and Quebec, westward across the northern United States and Canada, into the interior of Alaska, throughout the Pacific Coast States and the Rocky Mountain region, to northern Mexico. In the western United...

Population Profiles; A Series of 14 Units, Plus Extras, for the Study of Demography. Numbers 8 and 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Everett S.; Bouvier, Leon F.

"Growth and Future of Cities" and "The Nation's Minorities" are units eight and nine, respectively from the fourteen-units series Population Profiles. The former initiates its consideration of our urban future with two divergent points of view on population distribution. Those views are brought into perspective by an historical investigation of…

A simulation of probabilistic wildfire risk components for the continental United States

Treesearch

Mark A. Finney; Charles W. McHugh; Isaac C. Grenfell; Karin L. Riley; Karen C. Short

2011-01-01

This simulation research was conducted in order to develop a large-fire risk assessment system for the contiguous land area of the United States. The modeling system was applied to each of 134 Fire Planning Units (FPUs) to estimate burn probabilities and fire size distributions. To obtain stable estimates of these quantities, fire ignition and growth was simulated for...

Talbot effect of the defective grating in deep Fresnel region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Shuyun; Wang, Junhong; Zhang, Wei; Cui, Yuwei

2015-02-01

Talbot effect of the grating with different defect is studied theoretically and experimentally in this paper. The defects of grating include the loss of the diffraction unit, the dislocation of the diffraction unit and the modulation of the unit separation. The exact diffraction distributions of three kinds of defective gratings are obtained according to the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The calculation results show the image of the missing or dislocating unit appears at the Talbot distance (as mentioned in K. Patorski Prog. Opt., 27, 1989, pp.1-108). This is the so-called self-repair ability of grating imaging. In addition, some more phenomena are discovered. The loss or the dislocation of diffraction unit causes the diffraction distortion within a certain radial angle. The regular modulation of unit separation changes the original diffraction, but the new periodicity of the diffraction distribution rebuilds. The self-imaging of grating with smaller random modulation still keeps the partial self-repair ability, and yet this characteristic depends on the modulation degree of defective grating. These diffraction phenomena of the defective gratings are explained by use of the diffraction theory of grating. The practical experiment is also performed and the experimental results confirm the theoretic predictions.

Method for estimating pesticide use for county areas of the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thelin, Gail P.; Gianessi, Leonard P.

2000-01-01

Information on the amount and distribution of pesticide compounds used throughout the United States is essential to evaluate the relation between water quality and pesticide use. This information is the basis of the U.S. Geological Survey?s National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program studies of the effects of pesticides on water quality in 57 major hydrologic systems, or study units, located throughout the conterminous United States. To support these studies, a method was devised to estimate county pesticide use for the conterminous United States by combining (1) state-level information on pesticide use rates available from the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, and (2) county-level information on harvested crop acreage from the Census of Agriculture. The average annual pesticide use, the total amount of pesticides applied (in pounds), and the corresponding area treated (in acres) were compiled for the 208 pesticide compounds that are applied to crops in the conterminous United States. Pesticide use was ranked by compound and crop on the basis of the amount of each compound applied to 86 selected crops. Tabular summaries of pesticide use for NAWQA study units and for the Nation were prepared, along with maps that show the distribution of selected pesticides to agricultural land.

Functionalization of SBA-15 mesoporous silica by Cu-phosphonate units: Probing of synthesis route

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

Laskowski, Lukasz, E-mail: lukasz.laskowski@kik.pcz.pl; Czestochowa University of Technology, Institute of Physics, Al. Armii Krajowej 19, 42-201 Czestochowa; Laskowska, Magdalena, E-mail: magdalena.laskowska@onet.pl

2014-12-15

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 containing propyl-copper phosphonate units was investigated. The structure of mesoporous samples was tested by N{sub 2} isothermal sorption (BET and BHJ analysis), TEM microscopy and X-Ray scattering. Quantitative analysis EDX has given information about proportions between component atoms in the sample. Quantitative elemental analysis has been carried out to support EDX. To examine bounding between copper atoms and phosphonic units the Raman spectroscopy was carried out. As a support of Raman scattering, the theoretical calculations were made based on density functional theory, with the B3LYP method. By comparison of the calculated vibrational spectra of the molecule withmore » experimental results, distribution of the active units inside silica matrix has been determined. - Graphical abstract: The present study is devoted to mesoporous silica SBA-15 containing propyl-copper phosphonate units. The species were investigated to confirm of synthesis procedure correctness by the micro-Raman technique combined with DFT numerical simulations. Complementary research was carried out to test the structure of mesoporous samples. - Highlights: • SBA-15 silica functionalized with propyl-copper phosphonate units was synthesized. • Synthesis efficiency probed by Raman study supported with DFT simulations. • Homogenous distribution of active units was proved. • Synthesis route enables precise control of distance between copper ions.« less

A microfluidic distribution system for an array of hollow microneedles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoel, Antonin; Baron, Nolwenn; Cabodevila, Gonzalo; Jullien, Marie-Caroline

2008-06-01

We report a microfluidic device able to control the ejection of fluid through a matrix of out-of-plane microneedles. The device comprises a matrix of open dispensing units connected to needles and filled by a common filling system. A deformable membrane (e.g. in PDMS) is brought into contact with the dispensing units. Pressure exerted on the deformable membrane closes (and thus individualizes) each dispensing unit and provokes the ejection of the dispensing unit content through the outlets. Sufficient pressure over the deformable membrane ensures that all dispensing units deliver a fixed volume (their content) irrespective of the hydrodynamic pressure outside the dispensing unit outlet. The size of the ensemble matrix of dispensing units, the number of liquid reservoirs, as well as the material can vary depending on the considered application of the device or on the conditions of use. In the present paper, the liquid reservoirs are geometrically identical. The geometrical parameters of the device are optimized to avoid as much dead volume as possible, as it was to handle plasmid DNA solutions which are very expensive. The conception, the fabrication and the experimental results are described in this paper. Our prototype is conceived to inject in a uniform way 10 µl of drug through 100 microneedles distributed over 1 cm2.

County-Scale Distribution of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Continental United States

PubMed Central

Eisen, Rebecca J.; Eisen, Lars; Beard, Charles B.

2016-01-01

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, is the primary vector to humans in the eastern United States of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, as well as causative agents of anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Its close relative in the far western United States, the western blacklegged tick Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls, is the primary vector to humans in that region of the Lyme disease and anaplasmosis agents. Since 1991, when standardized surveillance and reporting began, Lyme disease case counts have increased steadily in number and in geographical distribution in the eastern United States. Similar trends have been observed for anaplasmosis and babesiosis. To better understand the changing landscape of risk of human exposure to disease agents transmitted by I. scapularis and I. pacificus, and to document changes in their recorded distribution over the past two decades, we updated the distribution of these species from a map published in 1998. The presence of I. scapularis has now been documented from 1,420 (45.7%) of the 3,110 continental United States counties, as compared with 111 (3.6%) counties for I. pacificus. Combined, these vectors of B. burgdorferi and other disease agents now have been identified in a total of 1,531 (49.2%) counties spread across 43 states. This marks a 44.7% increase in the number of counties that have recorded the presence of these ticks since the previous map was presented in 1998, when 1,058 counties in 41 states reported the ticks to be present. Notably, the number of counties in which I. scapularis is considered established (six or more individuals or one or more life stages identified in a single year) has more than doubled since the previous national distribution map was published nearly two decades ago. The majority of county status changes occurred in the North-Central and Northeastern states, whereas the distribution in the South remained fairly stable. Two previously distinct foci for I. scapularis in the Northeast and North-Central states appear to be merging in the Ohio River Valley to form a single contiguous focus. Here we document a shifting landscape of risk for human exposure to medically important ticks and point to areas of re-emergence where enhanced vector surveillance and control may be warranted. PMID:26783367

9 CFR 112.4 - Subsidiaries, divisions, distributors, and permittees.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... relationship of the division or marketing unit to the licensee shall appear prominently on the label by use of... distribution by a division or marketing unit of the licensee shall be submitted in accordance with § 112.5. The...

Modelling conflicts with cluster dynamics in networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadić, Bosiljka; Rodgers, G. J.

2010-12-01

We introduce cluster dynamical models of conflicts in which only the largest cluster can be involved in an action. This mimics the situations in which an attack is planned by a central body, and the largest attack force is used. We study the model in its annealed random graph version, on a fixed network, and on a network evolving through the actions. The sizes of actions are distributed with a power-law tail, however, the exponent is non-universal and depends on the frequency of actions and sparseness of the available connections between units. Allowing the network reconstruction over time in a self-organized manner, e.g., by adding the links based on previous liaisons between units, we find that the power-law exponent depends on the evolution time of the network. Its lower limit is given by the universal value 5/2, derived analytically for the case of random fragmentation processes. In the temporal patterns behind the size of actions we find long-range correlations in the time series of the number of clusters and the non-trivial distribution of time that a unit waits between two actions. In the case of an evolving network the distribution develops a power-law tail, indicating that through repeated actions, the system develops an internal structure with a hierarchy of units.

Improving national-scale invasion maps: Tamarisk in the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jarnevich, C.S.; Evangelista, P.; Stohlgren, T.J.; Morisette, J.

2011-01-01

New invasions, better field data, and novel spatial-modeling techniques often drive the need to revisit previous maps and models of invasive species. Such is the case with the at least 10 species of Tamarix, which are invading riparian systems in the western United States and expanding their range throughout North America. In 2006, we developed a National Tamarisk Map by using a compilation of presence and absence locations with remotely sensed data and statistical modeling techniques. Since the publication of that work, our database of Tamarix distributions has grown significantly. Using the updated database of species occurrence, new predictor variables, and the maximum entropy (Maxent) model, we have revised our potential Tamarix distribution map for the western United States. Distance-to-water was the strongest predictor in the model (58.1%), while mean temperature of the warmest quarter was the second best predictor (18.4%). Model validation, averaged from 25 model iterations, indicated that our analysis had strong predictive performance (AUC = 0.93) and that the extent of Tamarix distributions is much greater than previously thought. The southwestern United States had the greatest suitable habitat, and this result differed from the 2006 model. Our work highlights the utility of iterative modeling for invasive species habitat modeling as new information becomes available. ?? 2011.

Self-employment, specialty choice, and geographical distribution of physicians in Japan: A comparison with the United States.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Masatoshi; Inoue, Kazuo; Bowman, Robert; Kajii, Eiji

2010-08-01

Geographic and specialty maldistributions of physicians are political concerns in Japan. This study examined the associations of physician employment status with the number and geographic distribution of the physicians in each specialty in Japan, in comparison with the US. The number of physicians per unit population, proportion of clinic (Japan) or office (US) based physicians, and Gini coefficient of physicians against population were calculated in each of 20 specialties in Japan, and 21 specialties in the US. The geographic unit of Gini coefficient was municipality in Japan, and county in the US. Correlations among these three variables were also examined. The lower the proportion of clinic-based physicians was, the lower the number of physicians and the higher the Gini coefficient were in Japanese specialties, while there was no association between office-based rate and Gini coefficient in the US specialties. In radiology, anaesthesiology, emergency medicine, and pathology, Japanese clinic-based rates were less than one-tenth, and the numbers of physicians per unit population were less than half of the US values, and the Gini coefficients were substantially higher than the US values. Difficulty in being self-employed created low numbers in some specialties, and highly urban-biased distributions of these specialists in Japan. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Terrestrial Ecosystems-Surficial Lithology of the Conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cress, Jill; Soller, David; Sayre, Roger G.; Comer, Patrick; Warner, Harumi

2010-01-01

As part of an effort to map terrestrial ecosystems, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has generated a new classification of the lithology of surficial materials to be used in creating maps depicting standardized, terrestrial ecosystem models for the conterminous United States. The ecosystems classification used in this effort was developed by NatureServe. A biophysical stratification approach, developed for South America and now being implemented globally, was used to model the ecosystem distributions. This ecosystem mapping methodology is transparent, replicable, and rigorous. Surficial lithology strongly influences the differentiation and distribution of terrestrial ecosystems, and is one of the key input layers in this biophysical stratification. These surficial lithology classes were derived from the USGS map 'Surficial Materials in the Conterminous United States,' which was based on texture, internal structure, thickness, and environment of deposition or formation of materials. This original map was produced from a compilation of regional surficial and bedrock geology source maps using broadly defined common map units for the purpose of providing an overview of the existing data and knowledge. For the terrestrial ecosystem effort, the 28 lithology classes of Soller and Reheis (2004) were generalized and then reclassified into a set of 17 lithologies that typically control or influence the distribution of vegetation types.

The Mobile Modular Surgical Hospital: the Army Medical Department’s Future Unit of Action

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-17

Freedom PROFIS Professional Filler System TDA Table of Distribution and Allowances viii ILLUSTRATIONS Page Figure 1. The 212th MASH Level III...nurses present at the unit. These PROFIS personnel are assigned both to permanent TDA facilities and the PROFIS (operational unit). In the event of...activation, the PROFIS personnel move from the TDA to the operational unit and deploy with them. PROFIS personnel are required to train at least five

Can technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units predict Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination?

PubMed

Aprea, Luigi; Cannova, Lucia; Firenze, Alberto; Bivona, Maria S; Amodio, Emanuele; Romano, Nino

2010-12-01

Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common colonizers of water environments, particularly dental unit waterlines. The aim of this study was to assess whether the technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units can influence the presence and the levels of opportunistic pathogens. Overall, 42 water samples were collected from dental units in a teaching hospital in Palermo, Italy, including 21 samples from the 21 taps supplied by the municipal water distribution system and 21 samples from oral rinsing cups at 21 dental units. L. pneumophila was present in 16 out of 21 water samples (76.2%) from dental units, and the median concentration was higher in samples from oral rinsing cups than in those from taps (P < 0.001). P. aeruginosa was equally distributed in water samples collected from oral rinsing cups and from taps. Some characteristics of dental units (age, number of chairs per room, number of patients per day and water temperature) were slightly associated with the presence of P. aeruginosa, but not with contamination by L. pneumophila. Our experience suggests that L. pneumophila is frequently detected in dental units, as reported in previous studies, whereas P. aeruginosa is not a frequent contaminant. As a consequence, microbiological control of water quality should be routinely performed, and should include the detection of opportunistic pathogens when bacterial contamination is expected.

Abundance and distribution of feral pigs at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, 2010-2013

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hess, Steven C.; Leopold, Christina R.; Kendall, Steven J.

2013-01-01

The Hakalau Forest Unit of the Big Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex has intensively managed feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and monitored feral pig presence with surveys of all managed areas since 1988. Results of all available data regarding pig management activities through 2004 were compiled and analyzed, but no further analyses had been conducted since then. The objective of this report was to analyze recent feral ungulate surveys at the Hakalau Forest Unit to determine current pig abundance and distribution. Activity indices for feral pigs, consisting of the presence of fresh or intermediate sign at 422 stations, each with approximately 20 sample plots, were compiled for years 2010–2013. A calibrated model based on the number of pigs removed from one management unit and concurrent activity surveys was applied to estimate pig abundance in other management units. Although point estimates appeared to decrease from 489.1 (±105.6) in 2010 to 407.6 (±88.0) in 2013, 95% confidence intervals overlapped, indicating no significant change in pig abundance within all management units. Nonetheless, there were significant declines in pig abundance over the four-year period within management units 1, 6, and 7. Areas where pig abundance remained high include the southern portion of Unit 2. Results of these surveys will be useful for directing management actions towards specific management units.

Geographic Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Metropolitan Centres in France and Australia

PubMed Central

Paquet, Catherine; Chaix, Basile; Howard, Natasha J.; Coffee, Neil T.; Adams, Robert J.; Taylor, Anne W.; Thomas, Frédérique; Daniel, Mark

2016-01-01

Understanding how health outcomes are spatially distributed represents a first step in investigating the scale and nature of environmental influences on health and has important implications for statistical power and analytic efficiency. Using Australian and French cohort data, this study aimed to describe and compare the extent of geographic variation, and the implications for analytic efficiency, across geographic units, countries and a range of cardiometabolic parameters (Body Mass Index (BMI) waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, HbA1c). Geographic clustering was assessed using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC) coefficients in biomedical cohorts from Adelaide (Australia, n = 3893) and Paris (France, n = 6430) for eight geographic administrative units. The median ICC was 0.01 suggesting 1% of risk factor variance attributable to variation between geographic units. Clustering differed by cardiometabolic parameters, administrative units and countries and was greatest for BMI and resting heart rate in the French sample, HbA1c in the Australian sample, and for smaller geographic units. Analytic inefficiency due to clustering was greatest for geographic units in which participants were nested in fewer, larger geographic units. Differences observed in geographic clustering across risk factors have implications for choice of geographic unit in sampling and analysis, and highlight potential cross-country differences in the distribution, or role, of environmental features related to cardiometabolic health. PMID:27213423

Flow units classification for geostatisitical three-dimensional modeling of a non-marine sandstone reservoir: A case study from the Paleocene Funing Formation of the Gaoji Oilfield, east China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Penghui; Zhang, Jinliang; Wang, Jinkai; Li, Ming; Liang, Jie; Wu, Yingli

2018-05-01

Flow units classification can be used in reservoir characterization. In addition, characterizing the reservoir interval into flow units is an effective way to simulate the reservoir. Paraflow units (PFUs), the second level of flow units, are used to estimate the spatial distribution of continental clastic reservoirs at the detailed reservoir description stage. In this study, we investigate a nonroutine methodology to predict the external and internal distribution of PFUs. The methodology outlined enables the classification of PFUs using sandstone core samples and log data. The relationships obtained between porosity, permeability and pore throat aperture radii (r35) values were established for core and log data obtained from 26 wells from the Funing Formation, Gaoji Oilfield, Subei Basin, China. The present study refines predicted PFUs at logged (0.125-m) intervals, whose scale is much smaller than routine methods. Meanwhile, three-dimensional models are built using sequential indicator simulation to characterize PFUs in wells. Four distinct PFUs are classified and located based on the statistical methodology of cluster analysis, and each PFU has different seepage ability. The results of this study demonstrate the obtained models are able to quantify reservoir heterogeneity. Due to different petrophysical characteristics and seepage ability, PFUs have a significant impact on the distribution of the remaining oil. Considering these allows a more accurate understanding of reservoir quality, especially within non-marine sandstone reservoirs.

Tectono-thermal evolution in a region with thin-skinned tectonics: the western nappes in the Cantabrian Zone (Variscan belt of NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bastida, F.; Brime, C.; García-López, S.; Sarmiento, G. N.

The palaeotemperature distribution in the transition from diagenesis to metamorphism in the western nappes of the Cantabrian Zone (Somiedo, La Sobia and Aramo Units) are analysed by conodont colour alteration index (CAI) and illite crystallinity (IC). Structural and stratigraphic control in distribution of CAI and IC values is observed. Both CAI and IC value distributions show that anchizonal conditions are reached in the lower part of the Somiedo Unit. A disruption of the thermal trend by basal thrusts is evidenced by CAI and IC values. There is an apparent discrepancy between the IC and CAI values in Carboniferous rocks of the Aramo Unit; the IC has mainly anchizonal values, whereas the CAI has diagenetic values. Discrepant IC values are explained as a feature inherited from the source area. In the Carboniferous rocks of the La Sobia Unit, both IC and CAI indicate diagenetic conditions. The anchimetamorphism predated completion of emplacement of the major nappes; it probably developed previously and/or during the early stages of motion of the units. Temperature probably decreased when the metamorphosed zones of the sheets rose along ramps and were intensely eroded. In the context of the Iberian Variscan belt, influence of tectonic factors on the metamorphism is greater in the internal parts, where the strain and cleavage are always present, than in the external parts (Cantabrian Zone), where brittle deformation and rock translation are dominant, with an increasing role of the burial on the metamorphism.

The hydrogeology of complex lens conditions in Qatar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, J. W.; Pike, J. G.; Eccleston, B. L.; Chidley, T. R. E.

1987-01-01

The emirate of Qatar lies on a peninsula extending northward from the mainland of Saudi Arabia into the Arabian Gulf. The peninsula is underlain by sedimentary rocks ranging from late Cretaceous to Holocene age but only two Lower Tertiary units are identified as aquifers. The groundwater distribution in these units is seen to be controlled by facies distributions related to tectonically controlled sedimentation and subsequent dissolution. Dissolution has created permeability, in the Umm er Rhaduma limestones and in the overlying Rus anhydrites. In the latter case the dissolution has lead to extensive surface collapse which has provided a mechanism for recharge from runoff. Despite very low rainfall and high evaporation rates, recharge related to storm runoff has resulted in the establishment of a complex fresh groundwater lens in both aquifer units. The lens is constrained by saline groundwaters which in the lower unit are controlled by heads in eastern Saudi Arabia but in the upper unit by the Arabian Gulf sea level. Groundwater abstraction is shown to be distorting the fresh groundwater lens configuration, and estimates of the resultant flow responses affecting the lens are given.

Gravity-induced stresses in stratified rock masses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Amadei, B.; Swolfs, H.S.; Savage, W.Z.

1988-01-01

This paper presents closed-form solutions for the stress field induced by gravity in anisotropic and stratified rock masses. These rocks are assumed to be laterally restrained. The rock mass consists of finite mechanical units, each unit being modeled as a homogeneous, transversely isotropic or isotropic linearly elastic material. The following results are found. The nature of the gravity induced stress field in a stratified rock mass depends on the elastic properties of each rock unit and how these properties vary with depth. It is thermodynamically admissible for the induced horizontal stress component in a given stratified rock mass to exceed the vertical stress component in certain units and to be smaller in other units; this is not possible for the classical unstratified isotropic solution. Examples are presented to explore the nature of the gravity induced stress field in stratified rock masses. It is found that a decrease in rock mass anisotropy and a stiffening of rock masses with depth can generate stress distributions comparable to empirical hyperbolic distributions previously proposed in the literature. ?? 1988 Springer-Verlag.

Investments in blood safety improve the availability of blood to underserved areas in a sub-Saharan African country

PubMed Central

Pitman, J. P.; Wilkinson, R.; Basavaraju, S. V.; von Finckenstein, B.; Sibinga, C. Smit; Marfin, A. A.; Postma, M. J.; Mataranyika, M.; Tobias, J.; Lowrance, D. W.

2015-01-01

Background and Objectives Since 2004, several African countries, including Namibia, have received assistance from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Gains have been documented in the safety and number of collected units in these countries, but the distribution of blood has not been described. Materials and Methods Nine years of data on blood requests and issues from Namibia were stratified by region to describe temporal and spatial changes in the number and type of blood components issued to Namibian healthcare facilities nationally. Results Between 2004 and 2007 (early years of PEPFAR support) and 2008–2011 (peak years of PEPFAR support), the average number of red cell units issued annually increased by 23.5% in seven densely populated but less-developed regions in northern Namibia; by 30% in two regions with urban centres; and by 35.1% in four sparsely populated rural regions. Conclusion Investments in blood safety and a policy decision to emphasize distribution of blood to underserved regions improved blood availability in remote rural areas and increased the proportion of units distributed as components. However, disparities persist in the distribution of blood between Namibia’s urban and rural regions. PMID:26478742

Creation of a United States Emergency Medical Services Administration Within the Department of Homeland Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

Little Philip and Ting-Ting, all my love. Thank you and God Bless ! 1 I. INTRODUCTION Emergency medical services personnel are critical resources ...equipment in times of duress. Resources must be available to distribute and utilize in times of need. FICEMS and the Office of Emergency Medical...DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE A 13. ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words

Biogeography of Anurans from the Poorly Known and Threatened Coastal Sandplains of Eastern Brazil.

PubMed

Xavier, Ariane Lima; Guedes, Thaís Barreto; Napoli, Marcelo Felgueiras

2015-01-01

The east coast of Brazil comprises an extensive area inserted in the Tropical Atlantic Domain and is represented by sandy plains of beach ridges commonly known as Restingas. The coastal environments are unique and house a rich amphibian fauna, the geographical distribution patterns of which are incipient. Biogeographical studies can explain the current distributional patterns and provide the identification of natural biogeographical units. These areas are important in elucidating the evolutionary history of the taxa and the areas where they occur. The aim of this study was to seek natural biogeographical units in the Brazilian sandy plains of beach ridges by means of distribution data of amphibians and to test the main predictions of the vicariance model to explain the patterns found. We revised and georeferenced data on the geographical distribution of 63 anuran species. We performed a search for latitudinal distribution patterns along the sandy coastal plains of Brazil using the non-metric multidimensional scaling method (NMDS) and the biotic element analysis to identify natural biogeographical units. The results showed a monotonic variation in anuran species composition along the latitudinal gradient with a break in the clinal pattern from 23°S to 25°S latitude (states of Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo). The major predictions of the vicariance model were corroborated by the detection of four biotic elements with significantly clustered distribution and by the presence of congeneric species distributed in distinct biotic elements. The results support the hypothesis that vicariance could be one of the factors responsible for the distribution patterns of the anuran communities along the sandy coastal plains of eastern Brazil. The results of the clusters are also congruent with the predictions of paleoclimatic models made for the Last Glacial Maximum of the Pleistocene, such as the presence of historical forest refugia and biogeographical patterns already detected for amphibians in the Atlantic Rainforest.

Biogeography of Anurans from the Poorly Known and Threatened Coastal Sandplains of Eastern Brazil

PubMed Central

Xavier, Ariane Lima; Guedes, Thaís Barreto; Napoli, Marcelo Felgueiras

2015-01-01

The east coast of Brazil comprises an extensive area inserted in the Tropical Atlantic Domain and is represented by sandy plains of beach ridges commonly known as Restingas. The coastal environments are unique and house a rich amphibian fauna, the geographical distribution patterns of which are incipient. Biogeographical studies can explain the current distributional patterns and provide the identification of natural biogeographical units. These areas are important in elucidating the evolutionary history of the taxa and the areas where they occur. The aim of this study was to seek natural biogeographical units in the Brazilian sandy plains of beach ridges by means of distribution data of amphibians and to test the main predictions of the vicariance model to explain the patterns found. We revised and georeferenced data on the geographical distribution of 63 anuran species. We performed a search for latitudinal distribution patterns along the sandy coastal plains of Brazil using the non-metric multidimensional scaling method (NMDS) and the biotic element analysis to identify natural biogeographical units. The results showed a monotonic variation in anuran species composition along the latitudinal gradient with a break in the clinal pattern from 23°S to 25°S latitude (states of Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo). The major predictions of the vicariance model were corroborated by the detection of four biotic elements with significantly clustered distribution and by the presence of congeneric species distributed in distinct biotic elements. The results support the hypothesis that vicariance could be one of the factors responsible for the distribution patterns of the anuran communities along the sandy coastal plains of eastern Brazil. The results of the clusters are also congruent with the predictions of paleoclimatic models made for the Last Glacial Maximum of the Pleistocene, such as the presence of historical forest refugia and biogeographical patterns already detected for amphibians in the Atlantic Rainforest. PMID:26047484

Monochloramine Cometabolism by Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria. Report #4341

EPA Science Inventory

Chloramine use is widespread in United States (US) drinking water distribution systems as a secondary disinfectant. In a recent survey of water utilities, 30% of the respondents used chloramines to maintain distribution system residual (AWWA Water Quality and Technology Division...

The interplay between cooperativity and diversity in model threshold ensembles

PubMed Central

Cervera, Javier; Manzanares, José A.; Mafe, Salvador

2014-01-01

The interplay between cooperativity and diversity is crucial for biological ensembles because single molecule experiments show a significant degree of heterogeneity and also for artificial nanostructures because of the high individual variability characteristic of nanoscale units. We study the cross-effects between cooperativity and diversity in model threshold ensembles composed of individually different units that show a cooperative behaviour. The units are modelled as statistical distributions of parameters (the individual threshold potentials here) characterized by central and width distribution values. The simulations show that the interplay between cooperativity and diversity results in ensemble-averaged responses of interest for the understanding of electrical transduction in cell membranes, the experimental characterization of heterogeneous groups of biomolecules and the development of biologically inspired engineering designs with individually different building blocks. PMID:25142516

Uncertainty in gridded CO 2 emissions estimates

DOE PAGES

Hogue, Susannah; Marland, Eric; Andres, Robert J.; ...

2016-05-19

We are interested in the spatial distribution of fossil-fuel-related emissions of CO 2 for both geochemical and geopolitical reasons, but it is important to understand the uncertainty that exists in spatially explicit emissions estimates. Working from one of the widely used gridded data sets of CO 2 emissions, we examine the elements of uncertainty, focusing on gridded data for the United States at the scale of 1° latitude by 1° longitude. Uncertainty is introduced in the magnitude of total United States emissions, the magnitude and location of large point sources, the magnitude and distribution of non-point sources, and from themore » use of proxy data to characterize emissions. For the United States, we develop estimates of the contribution of each component of uncertainty. At 1° resolution, in most grid cells, the largest contribution to uncertainty comes from how well the distribution of the proxy (in this case population density) represents the distribution of emissions. In other grid cells, the magnitude and location of large point sources make the major contribution to uncertainty. Uncertainty in population density can be important where a large gradient in population density occurs near a grid cell boundary. Uncertainty is strongly scale-dependent with uncertainty increasing as grid size decreases. In conclusion, uncertainty for our data set with 1° grid cells for the United States is typically on the order of ±150%, but this is perhaps not excessive in a data set where emissions per grid cell vary over 8 orders of magnitude.« less

Gauss-Kronrod-Trapezoidal Integration Scheme for Modeling Biological Tissues with Continuous Fiber Distributions

PubMed Central

Hou, Chieh; Ateshian, Gerard A.

2015-01-01

Fibrous biological tissues may be modeled using a continuous fiber distribution (CFD) to capture tension-compression nonlinearity, anisotropic fiber distributions, and load-induced anisotropy. The CFD framework requires spherical integration of weighted individual fiber responses, with fibers contributing to the stress response only when they are in tension. The common method for performing this integration employs the discretization of the unit sphere into a polyhedron with nearly uniform triangular faces (finite element integration or FEI scheme). Although FEI has proven to be more accurate and efficient than integration using spherical coordinates, it presents three major drawbacks: First, the number of elements on the unit sphere needed to achieve satisfactory accuracy becomes a significant computational cost in a finite element analysis. Second, fibers may not be in tension in some regions on the unit sphere, where the integration becomes a waste. Third, if tensed fiber bundles span a small region compared to the area of the elements on the sphere, a significant discretization error arises. This study presents an integration scheme specialized to the CFD framework, which significantly mitigates the first drawback of the FEI scheme, while eliminating the second and third completely. Here, integration is performed only over the regions of the unit sphere where fibers are in tension. Gauss-Kronrod quadrature is used across latitudes and the trapezoidal scheme across longitudes. Over a wide range of strain states, fiber material properties, and fiber angular distributions, results demonstrate that this new scheme always outperforms FEI, sometimes by orders of magnitude in the number of computational steps and relative accuracy of the stress calculation. PMID:26291492

A Gauss-Kronrod-Trapezoidal integration scheme for modeling biological tissues with continuous fiber distributions.

PubMed

Hou, Chieh; Ateshian, Gerard A

2016-01-01

Fibrous biological tissues may be modeled using a continuous fiber distribution (CFD) to capture tension-compression nonlinearity, anisotropic fiber distributions, and load-induced anisotropy. The CFD framework requires spherical integration of weighted individual fiber responses, with fibers contributing to the stress response only when they are in tension. The common method for performing this integration employs the discretization of the unit sphere into a polyhedron with nearly uniform triangular faces (finite element integration or FEI scheme). Although FEI has proven to be more accurate and efficient than integration using spherical coordinates, it presents three major drawbacks: First, the number of elements on the unit sphere needed to achieve satisfactory accuracy becomes a significant computational cost in a finite element (FE) analysis. Second, fibers may not be in tension in some regions on the unit sphere, where the integration becomes a waste. Third, if tensed fiber bundles span a small region compared to the area of the elements on the sphere, a significant discretization error arises. This study presents an integration scheme specialized to the CFD framework, which significantly mitigates the first drawback of the FEI scheme, while eliminating the second and third completely. Here, integration is performed only over the regions of the unit sphere where fibers are in tension. Gauss-Kronrod quadrature is used across latitudes and the trapezoidal scheme across longitudes. Over a wide range of strain states, fiber material properties, and fiber angular distributions, results demonstrate that this new scheme always outperforms FEI, sometimes by orders of magnitude in the number of computational steps and relative accuracy of the stress calculation.

Inequalities in Specialist Hand Surgeon Distribution across the United States.

PubMed

Rios-Diaz, Arturo J; Metcalfe, David; Singh, Mansher; Zogg, Cheryl K; Olufajo, Olubode A; Ramos, Margarita S; Caterson, Edward J; Talbot, Simon G

2016-05-01

Unequal access to hospital specialists for emergency care is an issue in the United States. The authors sought to describe the geographic distribution of specialist hand surgeons and associated factors in the United States. Geographic distributions of surgeons holding a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand and hand surgery fellowship positions were identified from the American Board of Medical Specialties Database and the literature (2013), respectively. State-level population and per capita income were ascertained using U.S. Census data. Variations in hand trauma admissions were determined using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project national/state inpatient databases. Risk-adjusted generalized linear models were used to assess independent association between hand surgeon density and hand trauma admission density, fellowship position density, and per capita income. Among 2019 specialist hand surgeons identified, 72.1 percent were orthopedic surgeons, 18.3 percent were plastic surgeons, and 9.6 percent were general surgeons. There were 157 hand surgery fellowship positions nationwide. There were 149,295 annual hand trauma admissions. The national density of specialist hand surgeons and density of trauma admission were 0.6 and 47.6, respectively. The density of specialist hand surgeons varied significantly between states. State-level variations in density of surgeons were independent and significantly associated with median per capita income (p < 0.001) and with density of fellowships (p = 0.014). Specialist hand surgeons are distributed unevenly across the United States. State-level analyses suggest that states with lower per capita incomes may be particularly underserved, which may contribute to regional disparities in access to emergency hand trauma care.

Future impacts of distributed power generation on ambient ozone and particulate matter concentrations in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

PubMed

Vutukuru, Satish; Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Brouwer, Jacob; Dabdub, Donald

2011-12-01

Distributed power generation-electricity generation that is produced by many small stationary power generators distributed throughout an urban air basin-has the potential to supply a significant portion of electricity in future years. As a result, distributed generation may lead to increased pollutant emissions within an urban air basin, which could adversely affect air quality. However, the use of combined heating and power with distributed generation may reduce the energy consumption for space heating and air conditioning, resulting in a net decrease of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. This work used a systematic approach based on land-use geographical information system data to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of distributed generation emissions in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin of California and simulated the potential air quality impacts using state-of-the-art three-dimensional computer models. The evaluation of the potential market penetration of distributed generation focuses on the year 2023. In general, the air quality impacts of distributed generation were found to be small due to the restrictive 2007 California Air Resources Board air emission standards applied to all distributed generation units and due to the use of combined heating and power. Results suggest that if distributed generation units were allowed to emit at the current Best Available Control Technology standards (which are less restrictive than the 2007 California Air Resources Board standards), air quality impacts of distributed generation could compromise compliance with the federal 8-hr average ozone standard in the region.

Future Impacts of Distributed Power Generation on Ambient Ozone and Particulate Matter Concentrations in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

PubMed

Vutukuru, Satish; Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Brouwer, Jacob; Dabdub, Donald

2011-12-01

Distributed power generation-electricity generation that is produced by many small stationary power generators distributed throughout an urban air basin-has the potential to supply a significant portion of electricity in future years. As a result, distributed generation may lead to increased pollutant emissions within an urban air basin, which could adversely affect air quality. However, the use of combined heating and power with distributed generation may reduce the energy consumption for space heating and air conditioning, resulting in a net decrease of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. This work used a systematic approach based on land-use geographical information system data to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of distributed generation emissions in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin of California and simulated the potential air quality impacts using state-of-the-art three-dimensional computer models. The evaluation of the potential market penetration of distributed generation focuses on the year 2023. In general, the air quality impacts of distributed generation were found to be small due to the restrictive 2007 California Air Resources Board air emission standards applied to all distributed generation units and due to the use of combined heating and power. Results suggest that if distributed generation units were allowed to emit at the current Best Available Control Technology standards (which are less restrictive than the 2007 California Air Resources Board standards), air quality impacts of distributed generation could compromise compliance with the federal 8-hr average ozone standard in the region. [Box: see text].

32 CFR 165.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... distributed across the specific number of units. The nonrecurring research, development, test, and evaluation... significant military equipment on the United States Munitions List having a nonrecurring research, development... for research, development, test, and evaluation shall be based on DoD obligations recorded to the date...

Identification of potential rockfall source areas at a regional scale using a DEM-based geomorphometric analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loye, A.; Jaboyedoff, M.; Pedrazzini, A.

2009-10-01

The availability of high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM) at a regional scale enables the analysis of topography with high levels of detail. Hence, a DEM-based geomorphometric approach becomes more accurate for detecting potential rockfall sources. Potential rockfall source areas are identified according to the slope angle distribution deduced from high resolution DEM crossed with other information extracted from geological and topographic maps in GIS format. The slope angle distribution can be decomposed in several Gaussian distributions that can be considered as characteristic of morphological units: rock cliffs, steep slopes, footslopes and plains. A terrain is considered as potential rockfall sources when their slope angles lie over an angle threshold, which is defined where the Gaussian distribution of the morphological unit "Rock cliffs" become dominant over the one of "Steep slopes". In addition to this analysis, the cliff outcrops indicated by the topographic maps were added. They contain however "flat areas", so that only the slope angles values above the mode of the Gaussian distribution of the morphological unit "Steep slopes" were considered. An application of this method is presented over the entire Canton of Vaud (3200 km2), Switzerland. The results were compared with rockfall sources observed on the field and orthophotos analysis in order to validate the method. Finally, the influence of the cell size of the DEM is inspected by applying the methodology over six different DEM resolutions.

Distribution of health care resources in Mongolia using the Gini coefficient.

PubMed

Erdenee, Oyunchimeg; Paramita, Sekar Ayu; Yamazaki, Chiho; Koyama, Hiroshi

2017-08-29

Attaining the perfect balance of health care resources is probably impracticable; however, it is possible to achieve improvements in the distribution of these resources. In terms of the distribution of health resources, equal access to these resources would make health services available to all people. The aim of this study was to compare the distributions of health care resources in urban, suburban, and rural areas of Mongolia. We compared urban and rural areas using the Mann-Whitney U test and further investigated the distribution equality of physicians, nurses, and hospital beds throughout Mongolia using the Gini coefficient-a common measure of distribution derived from the Lorenz curve. Two indicators were calculated: the distribution per 10 000 population and the distribution per 1000 km 2 area. Urban and rural areas were significantly different only in the distribution of physicians per population. However, in terms of the distribution per area, there were statistical differences in physicians, nurses, and hospital beds. We also found that distributions per population unit were equal, with Gini coefficients for physicians, nurses, and hospital beds of 0.18, 0.07, and 0.06, respectively. Distributions per area unit were highly unequal, with Gini coefficients for physicians, nurses, and hospital beds of 0.74, 0.67, and 0.69, respectively. Although the distributions of health care resources per population were adequate for the population size, a striking difference was found in terms of the distributions per geographical area. Because of the nomadic lifestyle of rural and remote populations in Mongolia, geographical imbalances need to be taken into consideration when formulating policy, rather than simply increasing the number of health care resources.

Branching out to residential lands: Missions and strategies of five tree distribution programs in the U.S.

Treesearch

Vi D. Nguyen; Lara A. Roman; Dexter H. Locke; Sarah K. Mincey; Jessica R. Sanders; Erica Smith Fichman; Mike Duran-Mitchell; Sarah Lumban Tobing

2017-01-01

Residential lands constitute a major component of existing and possible tree canopy in many cities in the United States. To expand the urban forest on these lands, some municipalities and nonprofit organizations have launched residential yard tree distribution programs, also known as tree giveaway programs. This paper describes the operations of five tree distribution...

Field Demonstration of a Centrifugal Ultra High Pressure (UHP) P-19

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

States Air Force  Tyndall Air Force Base, FL 32403-5323 DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. NOTICE AND SIGNATURE...PUBLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSIGNED DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT. ___//SIGNATURE//______________________ ___//SIGNATURE//______________________ R...PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8

Budget Stability, Revenue Volatility, and District Relations: Determinants of Georgia ELOST Distribution to Municipal School Districts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinagel, Tyler P.

2014-01-01

School districts across the United States are often forced into situations where limited public funds must be distributed among multiple districts. These are often reliant on distribution rates negotiated by district leadership and elected officials. An example of this is Georgia's 1% Education Local Option Sales Tax (ELOST). The tax is collected…

Combating Vigilance Decrements in a Sustained Attention Task: Examination of Two Cognitive Intervention Schedules for a Secondary Task

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

Vroom , V . H . (1964). Work and motivation . New York: Wiley. 16 Distribution A: Approved for public release; Distribution unlimited. 88 ABW Cleared...sustained attention tasks. Theorists have attempted to explain vigilance decrements as a function of arousal/ motivation ( Vroom , 1964; Yerkes & Dodson...DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT. Allen J. Rowe Gregory J. Barbato Work Unit Manager

Lysozyme Catalyzes the Formation of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles (POSTPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

2009 Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. See additional restrictions described on inside pages STINFO COPY © 2009...AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND UNITED STATES AIR FORCE i REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 The public reporting burden for this...DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Journal article published in ACS

Habitat Suitability Model for the Distribution of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Minnesota

PubMed Central

Johnson, T. L.; Bjork, J. K. H.; Neitzel, D. F.; Dorr, F. M.; Schiffman, E. K.; Eisen, R. J.

2016-01-01

Ixodes scapularis Say, the black-legged tick, is the primary vector in the eastern United States of several pathogens causing human diseases including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Over the past two decades, I. scapularis-borne diseases have increased in incidence as well as geographic distribution. Lyme disease exists in two major foci in the United States, one encompassing northeastern states and the other in the Upper Midwest. Minnesota represents a state with an appreciable increase in counties reporting I. scapularis-borne illnesses, suggesting geographic expansion of vector populations in recent years. Recent tick distribution records support this assumption. Here, we used those records to create a fine resolution, subcounty-level distribution model for I. scapularis using variable response curves in addition to tests of variable importance. The model identified 19% of Minnesota as potentially suitable for establishment of the tick and indicated with high accuracy (AUC = 0.863) that the distribution is driven by land cover type, summer precipitation, maximum summer temperatures, and annual temperature variation. We provide updated records of established populations near the northwestern species range limit and present a model that increases our understanding of the potential distribution of I. scapularis in Minnesota. PMID:27026161

Recent and historical distributions of Canada lynx in Maine and the Northeast

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoving, C.L.; Joseph, R.A.; Krohn, W.B.

2003-01-01

The contiguous United States population of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis Kerr) is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, the historic distribution of lynx in the Northeast is poorly understood. We used museum records, bibliographic records, and interviews to reconstruct the past distribution of lynx in Maine, which is at the current southern limit of the species' distribution in the eastern United States. We found a total of 118 records, representing at least 509 lynx in Maine. Lynx were observed throughout Maine, 1833-1912, with the exception of coastal areas. After 1913, lynx were most common in the forests of western and northern Maine, and absent to rare along the coast, but had not returned to southern Maine by 1999. Thirty-nine kittens representing at least 21 litters were distributed throughout northern and western Maine, 1864-1999. Populations apparently fluctuated, and in some years 200-300 lynx were harvested in Maine. Prior to the 1900s, lynx were much more widely distributed in the Northeast, ranging from Pennsylvania north into Quebec. Because Canada lynx have had a long presence in northern New England, and at times were relatively common, this species merits serious consideration in conservation planning in this region.

Differential pencil beam dose computation model for photons.

PubMed

Mohan, R; Chui, C; Lidofsky, L

1986-01-01

Differential pencil beam (DPB) is defined as the dose distribution relative to the position of the first collision, per unit collision density, for a monoenergetic pencil beam of photons in an infinite homogeneous medium of unit density. We have generated DPB dose distribution tables for a number of photon energies in water using the Monte Carlo method. The three-dimensional (3D) nature of the transport of photons and electrons is automatically incorporated in DPB dose distributions. Dose is computed by evaluating 3D integrals of DPB dose. The DPB dose computation model has been applied to calculate dose distributions for 60Co and accelerator beams. Calculations for the latter are performed using energy spectra generated with the Monte Carlo program. To predict dose distributions near the beam boundaries defined by the collimation system as well as blocks, we utilize the angular distribution of incident photons. Inhomogeneities are taken into account by attenuating the primary photon fluence exponentially utilizing the average total linear attenuation coefficient of intervening tissue, by multiplying photon fluence by the linear attenuation coefficient to yield the number of collisions in the scattering volume, and by scaling the path between the scattering volume element and the computation point by an effective density.

The distribution of common construction materials at risk to acid deposition in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipfert, Frederick W.; Daum, Mary L.

Information on the geographic distribution of various types of exposed materials is required to estimate the economic costs of damage to construction materials from acid deposition. This paper focuses on the identification, evaluation and interpretation of data describing the distributions of exterior construction materials, primarily in the United States. This information could provide guidance on how data needed for future economic assessments might be acquired in the most cost-effective ways. Materials distribution surveys from 16 cities in the U.S. and Canada and five related databases from government agencies and trade organizations were examined. Data on residential buildings are more commonly available than on nonresidential buildings; little geographically resolved information on distributions of materials in infrastructure was found. Survey results generally agree with the appropriate ancillary databases, but the usefulness of the databases is often limited by their coarse spatial resolution. Information on those materials which are most sensitive to acid deposition is especially scarce. Since a comprehensive error analysis has never been performed on the data required for an economic assessment, it is not possible to specify the corresponding detailed requirements for data on the distributions of materials.

Distributing Data from Desktop to Hand-Held Computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmore, Jason L.

2005-01-01

A system of server and client software formats and redistributes data from commercially available desktop to commercially available hand-held computers via both wired and wireless networks. This software is an inexpensive means of enabling engineers and technicians to gain access to current sensor data while working in locations in which such data would otherwise be inaccessible. The sensor data are first gathered by a data-acquisition server computer, then transmitted via a wired network to a data-distribution computer that executes the server portion of the present software. Data in all sensor channels -- both raw sensor outputs in millivolt units and results of conversion to engineering units -- are made available for distribution. Selected subsets of the data are transmitted to each hand-held computer via the wired and then a wireless network. The selection of the subsets and the choice of the sequences and formats for displaying the data is made by means of a user interface generated by the client portion of the software. The data displayed on the screens of hand-held units can be updated at rates from 1 to

Unit-Sphere Anisotropic Multiaxial Stochastic-Strength Model Probability Density Distribution for the Orientation of Critical Flaws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Noel

2013-01-01

Models that predict the failure probability of monolithic glass and ceramic components under multiaxial loading have been developed by authors such as Batdorf, Evans, and Matsuo. These "unit-sphere" failure models assume that the strength-controlling flaws are randomly oriented, noninteracting planar microcracks of specified geometry but of variable size. This report develops a formulation to describe the probability density distribution of the orientation of critical strength-controlling flaws that results from an applied load. This distribution is a function of the multiaxial stress state, the shear sensitivity of the flaws, the Weibull modulus, and the strength anisotropy. Examples are provided showing the predicted response on the unit sphere for various stress states for isotropic and transversely isotropic (anisotropic) materials--including the most probable orientation of critical flaws for offset uniaxial loads with strength anisotropy. The author anticipates that this information could be used to determine anisotropic stiffness degradation or anisotropic damage evolution for individual brittle (or quasi-brittle) composite material constituents within finite element or micromechanics-based software

Parallel Distributed Processing Theory in the Age of Deep Networks.

PubMed

Bowers, Jeffrey S

2017-12-01

Parallel distributed processing (PDP) models in psychology are the precursors of deep networks used in computer science. However, only PDP models are associated with two core psychological claims, namely that all knowledge is coded in a distributed format and cognition is mediated by non-symbolic computations. These claims have long been debated in cognitive science, and recent work with deep networks speaks to this debate. Specifically, single-unit recordings show that deep networks learn units that respond selectively to meaningful categories, and researchers are finding that deep networks need to be supplemented with symbolic systems to perform some tasks. Given the close links between PDP and deep networks, it is surprising that research with deep networks is challenging PDP theory. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Features of the use of time-frequency distributions for controlling the mixture-producing aggregate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedosenkov, D. B.; Simikova, A. A.; Fedosenkov, B. A.

2018-05-01

The paper submits and argues the information on filtering properties of the mixing unit as a part of the mixture-producing aggregate. Relevant theoretical data concerning a channel transfer function of the mixing unit and multidimensional material flow signals are adduced here. Note that ordinary one-dimensional material flow signals are defined in terms of time-frequency distributions of Cohen’s class representations operating with Gabor wavelet functions. Two time-frequencies signal representations are written about in the paper to show how one can solve controlling problems as applied to mixture-producing systems: they are the so-called Rihaczek and Wigner-Ville distributions. In particular, the latter illustrates low-pass filtering properties that are practically available in any of low-pass elements of a physical system.

The Performance Improvement of the Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model (LPDM) Using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

access to the GPU for general purpose processing .5 CUDA is designed to work easily with multiple programming languages , including Fortran. CUDA is a...Using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Computing by Leelinda P Dawson Approved for public release; distribution unlimited...The Performance Improvement of the Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model (LPDM) Using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Computing by Leelinda

Attack Helicopter Operations: Art or Science

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-13

ATTACK HELICOPTER OPERATIONS: ART OR SCIENCE ? BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAN CALLEN United States Army DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release...TASK IWORK UNIT ELEMENT NO. NO. NO. ACCESSION NC 11. TITLE (Include Socurity Classification) Attack Helicopter Operations: Art or Science ? 12. PERSONAL...OPERATIONS: ART OR SCIENCE ? AN INDIVIDUAL STUDY PROJECT by Lieutenant Colonel Jan Callen United States Army Colonel Greg Snelgrove Project Adviser U.S

From heavy-tailed to exponential distribution of interevent time in cellphone top-up behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Peng; Ma, Qiang

2017-05-01

Cellphone top-up is a kind of activities, to a great extent, driven by individual consumption rather than personal interest and this behavior should be stable in common sense. However, our researches find there are heavy-tails both in interevent time distribution and purchase frequency distribution at the global level. Moreover, we find both memories of interevent time and unit price series are negative, which is different from previous bursty activities. We divide individuals into five groups according to the purchase frequency and the average unit price respectively. Then, the group analysis shows some significant heterogeneity in this behavior. On one hand, we obtain only the individuals with high purchase frequency have the heavy-tailed nature in interevent time distribution. On the contrary, the negative memory is only caused by low purchase-frequency individuals without burstiness. On the other hand, the individuals with different preferential price also have different power-law exponents at the group level and there is no data collapse after rescaling between these distributions. Our findings produce the evidence for the significant heterogeneity of human activity in many aspects.

Mapping the potential distribution of the invasive Red Shiner, Cyprinella lutrensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) across waterways of the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poulos, Helen M.; Chernoff, Barry; Fuller, Pam L.; Butman, David

2012-01-01

Predicting the future spread of non-native aquatic species continues to be a high priority for natural resource managers striving to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function. Modeling the potential distributions of alien aquatic species through spatially explicit mapping is an increasingly important tool for risk assessment and prediction. Habitat modeling also facilitates the identification of key environmental variables influencing species distributions. We modeled the potential distribution of an aggressive invasive minnow, the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis), in waterways of the conterminous United States using maximum entropy (Maxent). We used inventory records from the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, native records for C. lutrensis from museum collections, and a geographic information system of 20 raster climatic and environmental variables to produce a map of potential red shiner habitat. Summer climatic variables were the most important environmental predictors of C. lutrensis distribution, which was consistent with the high temperature tolerance of this species. Results from this study provide insights into the locations and environmental conditions in the US that are susceptible to red shiner invasion.

Distributed trace using central performance counter memory

DOEpatents

Satterfield, David L; Sexton, James C

2013-10-22

A plurality of processing cores, are central storage unit having at least memory connected in a daisy chain manner, forming a daisy chain ring layout on an integrated chip. At least one of the plurality of processing cores places trace data on the daisy chain connection for transmitting the trace data to the central storage unit, and the central storage unit detects the trace data and stores the trace data in the memory co-located in with the central storage unit.

Distributed trace using central performance counter memory

DOEpatents

Satterfield, David L.; Sexton, James C.

2013-01-22

A plurality of processing cores, are central storage unit having at least memory connected in a daisy chain manner, forming a daisy chain ring layout on an integrated chip. At least one of the plurality of processing cores places trace data on the daisy chain connection for transmitting the trace data to the central storage unit, and the central storage unit detects the trace data and stores the trace data in the memory co-located in with the central storage unit.

Thermal gradients in Southwestern United States and the effect on bridge bearing loads : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-05-01

Thermal gradients became a component of bridge design after soffit cracking in prestressed concrete bridges was attributed to nonlinear temperature distribution through the depth of the bridge. While the effect of thermal gradient on stress distribut...

7 CFR 250.16 - Maintenance of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... processor, food service management company, warehouse, or other entity which contracts with a distributing... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL REGULATIONS AND POLICIES-FOOD DISTRIBUTION DONATION OF FOODS FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES...

39 CFR 501.19 - Intellectual property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Postal Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE POSTAGE PROGRAMS AUTHORIZATION TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE EVIDENCING SYSTEMS § 501.19 Intellectual property. Providers submitting Postage Evidencing Systems... that may be required to distribute their product in commerce and to allow the Postal Service to process...

21 CFR 606.160 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... blood and red blood cells during storage and immediately before distribution. (iii) Storage temperature... GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS Records and Reports § 606.160 Records. (a)(1..., processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of each unit of blood and blood components so...

21 CFR 606.160 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... blood and red blood cells during storage and immediately before distribution. (iii) Storage temperature... GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS Records and Reports § 606.160 Records. (a)(1..., processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of each unit of blood and blood components so...

21 CFR 606.160 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... blood and red blood cells during storage and immediately before distribution. (iii) Storage temperature... GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS Records and Reports § 606.160 Records. (a)(1..., processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of each unit of blood and blood components so...

21 CFR 606.160 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... blood and red blood cells during storage and immediately before distribution. (iii) Storage temperature... GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS Records and Reports § 606.160 Records. (a)(1..., processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of each unit of blood and blood components so...

21 CFR 606.160 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... blood and red blood cells during storage and immediately before distribution. (iii) Storage temperature... GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS Records and Reports § 606.160 Records. (a)(1..., processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of each unit of blood and blood components so...

77 FR 28901 - Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance; The UBS...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-16

... Partners, Inc., Corporate Center Division, Group Technology Infrastructure Services, Infrastructure Service... Infrastructure Services, Distributed Systems and Storage Group, Chicago, Illinois. The workers provide... unit formerly known as Group Technology Infrastructure Services, Distributed Systems and Storage is...

76 FR 174 - International Business Machines (IBM), Global Sales Operations Organization, Sales and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-03

...] International Business Machines (IBM), Global Sales Operations Organization, Sales and Distribution Business Manager Roles; One Teleworker Located in Charleston, WV; International Business Machines (IBM), Global Sales Operations Organization, Sales and Distribution Business Unit, Relations Analyst and Band 8...

7 CFR 275.7 - Selection of sub-units for review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD STAMP AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REPORTING SYSTEM Management Evaluation (ME... Food Stamp Program, exclusive of Post Offices which may issue coupons. Sub-units shall be classified...

DISTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC WASTEWATER CONTAMINANTS BETWEEN WATER AND SEDIMENT IN SURFACE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

Trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants have been determined in the surface waters of Europe and the United States. A preliminary report of substantially higher concentrations of pharmaceuticals in sediment suggests that bottom sediment ...

DISTRIBUTION OF DIOXINS, FURANS, AND COPLANAR PCBS IN DIFFERENT FAT MATRICES IN CATTLE

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently collaborated on a statistically-based, national survey of dioxin-like compounds, including dioxins, furans, and coplanar PCBs, in the back fat from slaughtered ...

9 CFR 115.2 - Inspections of biological products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... United States veterinary license number or a United States veterinary permit number or other mark...) When notified to stop distribution and sale of a serial or subserial of a veterinary biological product by the Secretary, veterinary biologics licensees or permittees shall: (1) Stop the preparation...

9 CFR 115.2 - Inspections of biological products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... United States veterinary license number or a United States veterinary permit number or other mark...) When notified to stop distribution and sale of a serial or subserial of a veterinary biological product by the Secretary, veterinary biologics licensees or permittees shall: (1) Stop the preparation...

Lignin-Derived Thioacidolysis Dimers: Reevaluation, New Products, Authentication, and Quantification

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

Yue, Fengxia; Lu, Fachuang; Regner, Matt

2017-01-26

Lignin structural studies play an essential role both in understanding the development of plant cell walls and for valorizing lignocellulosics as renewable biomaterials. Dimeric products released by selectively cleaving β–aryl ether linkages between lignin units reflect the distribution of recalcitrant lignin units, but have been neither absolutely defined nor quantitatively determined. Here in this work, 12 guaiacyl-type thioacidolysis dimers were identified and quantified using newly synthesized standards. One product previously attributed to deriving from β–1-coupled units was established as resulting from β–5 units, correcting an analytical quandary. Another longstanding dilemma, that no β–β dimers were recognized in thioacidolysis products frommore » gymnosperms, was resolved with the discovery of two such authenticated compounds. Finally, individual GC response factors for each standard compound allowed rigorous quantification of dimeric products released from softwood lignins, affording insight into the various interunit-linkage distributions in lignins and thereby guiding the valorization of lignocellulosics.« less

Lignin-Derived Thioacidolysis Dimers: Reevaluation, New Products, Authentication, and Quantification.

PubMed

Yue, Fengxia; Lu, Fachuang; Regner, Matt; Sun, Runcang; Ralph, John

2017-03-09

Lignin structural studies play an essential role both in understanding the development of plant cell walls and for valorizing lignocellulosics as renewable biomaterials. Dimeric products released by selectively cleaving β-aryl ether linkages between lignin units reflect the distribution of recalcitrant lignin units, but have been neither absolutely defined nor quantitatively determined. Here, 12 guaiacyl-type thioacidolysis dimers were identified and quantified using newly synthesized standards. One product previously attributed to deriving from β-1-coupled units was established as resulting from β-5 units, correcting an analytical quandary. Another longstanding dilemma, that no β-β dimers were recognized in thioacidolysis products from gymnosperms, was resolved with the discovery of two such authenticated compounds. Individual GC response factors for each standard compound allowed rigorous quantification of dimeric products released from softwood lignins, affording insight into the various interunit-linkage distributions in lignins and thereby guiding the valorization of lignocellulosics. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Newton/Poisson-Distribution Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowerman, Paul N.; Scheuer, Ernest M.

1990-01-01

NEWTPOIS, one of two computer programs making calculations involving cumulative Poisson distributions. NEWTPOIS (NPO-17715) and CUMPOIS (NPO-17714) used independently of one another. NEWTPOIS determines Poisson parameter for given cumulative probability, from which one obtains percentiles for gamma distributions with integer shape parameters and percentiles for X(sup2) distributions with even degrees of freedom. Used by statisticians and others concerned with probabilities of independent events occurring over specific units of time, area, or volume. Program written in C.

Modeling and mapping the probability of occurrence of invasive wild pigs across the contiguous United States.

PubMed

McClure, Meredith L; Burdett, Christopher L; Farnsworth, Matthew L; Lutman, Mark W; Theobald, David M; Riggs, Philip D; Grear, Daniel A; Miller, Ryan S

2015-01-01

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa), also known as wild swine, feral pigs, or feral hogs, are one of the most widespread and successful invasive species around the world. Wild pigs have been linked to extensive and costly agricultural damage and present a serious threat to plant and animal communities due to their rooting behavior and omnivorous diet. We modeled the current distribution of wild pigs in the United States to better understand the physiological and ecological factors that may determine their invasive potential and to guide future study and eradication efforts. Using national-scale wild pig occurrence data reported between 1982 and 2012 by wildlife management professionals, we estimated the probability of wild pig occurrence across the United States using a logistic discrimination function and environmental covariates hypothesized to influence the distribution of the species. Our results suggest the distribution of wild pigs in the U.S. was most strongly limited by cold temperatures and availability of water, and that they were most likely to occur where potential home ranges had higher habitat heterogeneity, providing access to multiple key resources including water, forage, and cover. High probability of occurrence was also associated with frequent high temperatures, up to a high threshold. However, this pattern is driven by pigs' historic distribution in warm climates of the southern U.S. Further study of pigs' ability to persist in cold northern climates is needed to better understand whether low temperatures actually limit their distribution. Our model highlights areas at risk of invasion as those with habitat conditions similar to those found in pigs' current range that are also near current populations. This study provides a macro-scale approach to generalist species distribution modeling that is applicable to other generalist and invasive species.

The National Map seamless digital elevation model specifications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Archuleta, Christy-Ann M.; Constance, Eric W.; Arundel, Samantha T.; Lowe, Amanda J.; Mantey, Kimberly S.; Phillips, Lori A.

2017-08-02

This specification documents the requirements and standards used to produce the seamless elevation layers for The National Map of the United States. Seamless elevation data are available for the conterminous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. territories, in three different resolutions—1/3-arc-second, 1-arc-second, and 2-arc-second. These specifications include requirements and standards information about source data requirements, spatial reference system, distribution tiling schemes, horizontal resolution, vertical accuracy, digital elevation model surface treatment, georeferencing, data source and tile dates, distribution and supporting file formats, void areas, metadata, spatial metadata, and quality assurance and control.

Healthcare "just around the corner": the role of geographic distribution strategies and healthcare costs.

PubMed

Keegan, Deborah Walker

2010-01-01

Proponents of the healthcare reform agenda continually compare per capita healthcare spending in the United States to other nations and cite this as one of the clear mandates for healthcare reform. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the cost of geographic distribution strategies adopted by healthcare organizations and the impact this has on per capita healthcare costs. It is important to quantify the cost of such strategies and to weigh their merits, if the intent is to substantially reduce the cost of healthcare in the United States.

Application of attachment modes in the control of large space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craig, Roy R., Jr.

1989-01-01

Various ways are examined to obtain reduced order mathematical models of structures for use in dynamic response analyses and in controller design studies. Attachment modes are deflection shapes of a structure subjected to specified unit load distributions. Attachment modes are frequently employed to supplement free-interface normal modes to improve the modeling of components (structures) employed in component mode synthesis analyses. Deflection shapes of structures subjected to generalized loads of some specified distribution and of unit magnitude can also be considered to be attachment modes. Several papers which were written under this contract are summarized herein.

Giant angular dependence of electromagnetic induced transparency in THz metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Changji; Huang, Yuanyuan; Yao, Zehan; Yu, Leilei; Jin, Yanping; Xu, Xinlong

2018-02-01

The giant electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon is observed in symmetrical metamaterials with angular dependence in the THz region. This is due to the asymmetrical electromagnetic field distribution on the surface of the metamaterials, which induces asymmetric current distribution. Blueshift with the increase of the unit cell period has been observed, which is due to the unusual electromagnetic interaction between units at oblique incidence. This EIT demonstrates an angular dependent high Q-factor, which is sensitive to the dielectric environment. The angle-induced EIT effect could pave the way for future tunable sensing applications in the THz region.

NURE aerial gamma ray and magnetic detail survey of portions of northeast Washington. Final report

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

Not Available

1981-11-01

The Northeast Washington Survey was performed under the United States Department of Energy's National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Program, which is designed to provide radioelement distribution information to assist in assessing the uraniferous material potential of the United States. The radiometric and ancilliary data were digitally recorded and processed. The results are presented in the form of stacked profiles, contour maps, flight path maps, statistical tables and frequency distribution histograms. These graphical outputs are presented at a scale of 1:62,500 and are contained in the individual Volume 2 reports.

Regional Management Units for Marine Turtles: A Novel Framework for Prioritizing Conservation and Research across Multiple Scales

PubMed Central

Wallace, Bryan P.; DiMatteo, Andrew D.; Hurley, Brendan J.; Finkbeiner, Elena M.; Bolten, Alan B.; Chaloupka, Milani Y.; Hutchinson, Brian J.; Abreu-Grobois, F. Alberto; Amorocho, Diego; Bjorndal, Karen A.; Bourjea, Jerome; Bowen, Brian W.; Dueñas, Raquel Briseño; Casale, Paolo; Choudhury, B. C.; Costa, Alice; Dutton, Peter H.; Fallabrino, Alejandro; Girard, Alexandre; Girondot, Marc; Godfrey, Matthew H.; Hamann, Mark; López-Mendilaharsu, Milagros; Marcovaldi, Maria Angela; Mortimer, Jeanne A.; Musick, John A.; Nel, Ronel; Pilcher, Nicolas J.; Seminoff, Jeffrey A.; Troëng, Sebastian; Witherington, Blair; Mast, Roderic B.

2010-01-01

Background Resolving threats to widely distributed marine megafauna requires definition of the geographic distributions of both the threats as well as the population unit(s) of interest. In turn, because individual threats can operate on varying spatial scales, their impacts can affect different segments of a population of the same species. Therefore, integration of multiple tools and techniques — including site-based monitoring, genetic analyses, mark-recapture studies and telemetry — can facilitate robust definitions of population segments at multiple biological and spatial scales to address different management and research challenges. Methodology/Principal Findings To address these issues for marine turtles, we collated all available studies on marine turtle biogeography, including nesting sites, population abundances and trends, population genetics, and satellite telemetry. We georeferenced this information to generate separate layers for nesting sites, genetic stocks, and core distributions of population segments of all marine turtle species. We then spatially integrated this information from fine- to coarse-spatial scales to develop nested envelope models, or Regional Management Units (RMUs), for marine turtles globally. Conclusions/Significance The RMU framework is a solution to the challenge of how to organize marine turtles into units of protection above the level of nesting populations, but below the level of species, within regional entities that might be on independent evolutionary trajectories. Among many potential applications, RMUs provide a framework for identifying data gaps, assessing high diversity areas for multiple species and genetic stocks, and evaluating conservation status of marine turtles. Furthermore, RMUs allow for identification of geographic barriers to gene flow, and can provide valuable guidance to marine spatial planning initiatives that integrate spatial distributions of protected species and human activities. In addition, the RMU framework — including maps and supporting metadata — will be an iterative, user-driven tool made publicly available in an online application for comments, improvements, download and analysis. PMID:21253007

Survey of spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder studies using the Web of Science.

PubMed

Zou, Benjing; Zhang, Yongli; Li, Yucheng; Wang, Zantao; Zhang, Ping; Zhang, Xiyin; Wang, Bingdong; Long, Zhixin; Wang, Feng; Song, Guo; Wang, Yan

2012-08-15

To identify global trends in research on spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder, through a bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science. We performed a bibliometric analysis of studies on spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder using the Web of Science. Data retrieval was performed using key words "spinal cord injury", "spinal injury", "neurogenic bladder", "neuropathic bladder", "neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction", "neurogenic voiding dysfunction", "neurogenic urination disorder" and "neurogenic vesicourethral dysfunction". (a) published peer-reviewed articles on spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder indexed in the Web of Science; (b) type of articles: original research articles and reviews; (c) year of publication: no limitation. (a) articles that required manual searching or telephone access; (b) Corrected papers and book chapters. (1) Annual publication output; (2) distribution according to journals; (3) distribution according to subject areas; (4) distribution according to country; (5) distribution according to institution; and (6) top cited publications. There were 646 research articles addressing spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder in the Web of Science. Research on spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder was found in the Science Citation Index-Expanded as of 1946. The United States, Ireland and Switzerland were the three major countries contributing to studies in spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder in the 1970s. However, in the 1990s, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan published more papers on spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder than Switzerland, and Ireland fell off the top ten countries list. In this century, the United States ranks first in spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder studies, followed by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. Subject categories including urology, nephrology and clinical neurology, as well as rehabilitation, are represented in spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder studies. From our analysis of the literature and research trends, we conclude that spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bladder is a hot topic that will continue to generate considerable research interest in the future.

Hydrogeologic Framework of Bedrock Units and Initial Salinity Distribution for a Simulation of Groundwater Flow for the Lake Michigan Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lampe, David C.

2009-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey is assessing groundwater availability in the Lake Michigan Basin. As part of the assessment, a variable-density groundwater-flow model is being developed to simulate the effects of groundwater use on water availability throughout the basin. The hydrogeologic framework for the Lake Michigan Basin model was developed by grouping the bedrock geology of the study area into hydrogeologic units on the basis of the functioning of each unit as an aquifer or confining layer within the basin. Available data were evaluated based on the areal extent of coverage within the study area, and procedures were established to characterize areas with sparse data coverage. Top and bottom altitudes for each hydrogeologic unit were interpolated in a geographic information system for input to the model and compared with existing maps of subsurface formations. Fourteen bedrock hydrogeologic units, making up 17 bedrock model layers, were defined, and they range in age from the Jurassic Period red beds of central Michigan to the Cambrian Period Mount Simon Sandstone. Information on groundwater salinity in the Lake Michigan Basin was compiled to create an input dataset for the variable-density groundwater-flow simulation. Data presented in this report are referred to as 'salinity data' and are reported in terms of total dissolved solids. Salinity data were not available for each hydrogeologic unit. Available datasets were assigned to a hydrogeologic unit, entered into a spatial database, and data quality was visually evaluated. A geographic information system was used to interpolate salinity distributions for each hydrogeologic unit with available data. Hydrogeologic units with no available data either were set equal to neighboring units or were vertically interpolated by use of values from units above and below.