Study of 3-D Dynamic Roughness Effects on Flow Over a NACA 0012 Airfoil Using Large Eddy Simulations at Low Reynolds Numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guda, Venkata Subba Sai Satish

There have been several advancements in the aerospace industry in areas of design such as aerodynamics, designs, controls and propulsion; all aimed at one common goal i.e. increasing efficiency --range and scope of operation with lesser fuel consumption. Several methods of flow control have been tried. Some were successful, some failed and many were termed as impractical. The low Reynolds number regime of 104 - 105 is a very interesting range. Flow physics in this range are quite different than those of higher Reynolds number range. Mid and high altitude UAV's, MAV's, sailplanes, jet engine fan blades, inboard helicopter rotor blades and wind turbine rotors are some of the aerodynamic applications that fall in this range. The current study deals with using dynamic roughness as a means of flow control over a NACA 0012 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers. Dynamic 3-D surface roughness elements on an airfoil placed near the leading edge aim at increasing the efficiency by suppressing the effects of leading edge separation like leading edge stall by delaying or totally eliminating flow separation. A numerical study of the above method has been carried out by means of a Large Eddy Simulation, a mathematical model for turbulence in Computational Fluid Dynamics, owing to the highly unsteady nature of the flow. A user defined function has been developed for the 3-D dynamic roughness element motion. Results from simulations have been compared to those from experimental PIV data. Large eddy simulations have relatively well captured the leading edge stall. For the clean cases, i.e. with the DR not actuated, the LES was able to reproduce experimental results in a reasonable fashion. However DR simulation results show that it fails to reattach the flow and suppress flow separation compared to experiments. Several novel techniques of grid design and hump creation are introduced through this study.

RDHWT/MARIAH II Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Diagnostics Dr. Gary Brown – Gas Dynamics Dr. Ihab Girgis – Modeling Dr. Dennis Mansfield – Experimental Ring Technical Services Dr. Leon Ring – Systems...wind tunnel (MSHWT) with Mach 8 to 15, true -temperature flight test capabilities. This research program was initiated in fiscal year (FY) 1998 and is...Force test capabilities that exist today. Performance goals of the MSHWT are true temperature, Mach 8 to 15, dynamic pressure of 500 to 2000 psf (24 to

Integration of Computational Geometry, Finite Element, and Multibody System Algorithms for the Development of New Computational Methodology for High-Fidelity Vehicle Systems Modeling and Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-11

vehicle dynamics. Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified UU 9 Dr. Paramsothy Jayakumar (586) 282-4896 Computational Dynamics Inc.   0    Name of...Technical Representative Dr. Paramsothy Jayakumar TARDEC Computational Dynamics Inc.   1    Project Summary This project aims at addressing and...applications. This literature review is being summarized and incorporated into the paper. The commentary provided by Dr. Jayakumar was addressed and

Dynamic Reciprocity in the Wound Microenvironment

PubMed Central

Schultz, Gregory S.; Davidson, Jeffrey M.; Kirsner, Robert S.; Bornstein, Paul; Herman, Ira M.

2011-01-01

Here, we define dynamic reciprocity (DR) as an ongoing, bidirectional interaction amongst cells and their surrounding microenvironment. In the review, we posit that DR is especially meaningful during wound healing as the DR-driven biochemical, biophysical and cellular responses to injury play pivotal roles in regulating tissue regenerative responses. Such cell-extracellular matrix interactions not only guide and regulate cellular morphology, but cellular differentiation, migration, proliferation, and survival during tissue development, including e.g. embryogenesis, angiogenesis, as well as during pathologic processes including cancer diabetes, hypertension and chronic wound healing. Herein, we examine DR within the wound microenvironment while considering specific examples across acute and chronic wound healing. This review also considers how a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain chronic wound pathophysiology, which may be understood within the DR framework. The implications of applying the principles of dynamic reciprocity to optimize wound care practice and future development of innovative wound healing therapeutics are also briefly considered. PMID:21362080

The Dynamic Range for Korean Standard Sentence Material: A Gender Comparison in a Male and a Female Speakers.

PubMed

Park, Kyeong-Yeon; Jin, In-Ki

2015-09-01

The purpose of this study was to identify differences between the dynamic ranges (DRs) of male and female speakers using Korean standard sentence material. Consideration was especially given to effects within the predefined segmentalized frequency-bands. We used Korean standard sentence lists for adults as stimuli. Each sentence was normalized to a root-mean-square of 65 dB sound pressure level. The sentences were then modified to ensure there were no pauses, and the modified sentences were passed through a filter bank in order to perform the frequency analysis. Finally, the DR was quantified using a histogram that showed the cumulative envelope distribution levels of the speech in each frequency band. In DRs that were averaged across all frequency bands, there were no significant differences between the male and the female speakers. However, when considering effects within the predefined frequency bands, there were significant differences in several frequency bands between the DRs of male speech and those of female speech. This study shows that the DR of speech for the male speaker differed from the female speaker in nine frequency bands among 21 frequency bands. These observed differences suggest that a standardized DR of male speech in the band-audibility function of the speech intelligibility index may differ from that of female speech derived in the same way. Further studies are required to derive standardized DRs for Korean speakers.

Dynamics Determine Signaling in a Multicomponent System Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Lindgren, Cecilia; Tyagi, Mohit; Viljanen, Johan; Toms, Johannes; Ge, Changrong; Zhang, Naru; Holmdahl, Rikard; Kihlberg, Jan; Linusson, Anna

2018-05-24

Strategies that target multiple components are usually required for treatment of diseases originating from complex biological systems. The multicomponent system consisting of the DR4 major histocompatibility complex type II molecule, the glycopeptide CII259-273 from type II collagen, and a T-cell receptor is associated with development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We introduced non-native amino acids and amide bond isosteres into CII259-273 and investigated the effect on binding to DR4 and the subsequent T-cell response. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that complexes between DR4 and derivatives of CII259-273 were highly dynamic. Signaling in the overall multicomponent system was found to depend on formation of an appropriate number of dynamic intramolecular hydrogen bonds between DR4 and CII259-273, together with the positioning of the galactose moiety of CII259-273 in the DR4 binding groove. Interestingly, the system tolerated modifications at several positions in CII259-273, indicating opportunities to use analogues to increase our understanding of how rheumatoid arthritis develops and for evaluation as vaccines to treat RA.

Winter Precipitation Efficiency of Mountain Ranges in the Colorado Rockies Under Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eidhammer, Trude; Grubišić, Vanda; Rasmussen, Roy; Ikdea, Kyoko

2018-03-01

Orographic precipitation depends on the environmental conditions and the barrier shape. In this study we examine the sensitivity of the precipitation efficiency (i.e., drying ratio (DR)), defined as the ratio of precipitation to incoming water flux, to mountain shape, temperature, stability, and horizontal velocity of the incoming air mass. Furthermore, we explore how the DR of Colorado mountain ranges might change under warmer and moister conditions in the future. For given environmental conditions, we find the DR to be primarily dependent on the upwind slope for mountain ranges wider than about 70 km and on both the slope and width for narrower ranges. Temperature is found to exert an influence on the DR for all Colorado mountain ranges, with DR decreasing with increasing temperature, under both the current and future climate conditions. The decrease of DR with temperature under warmer climate was found to be stronger for wider mountains than the narrower ones. We attribute this asymmetry to the sensitivity of DR to reduced horizontal velocity under warmer conditions. Specifically, while DR for wider mountains shows no sensitivity to changes in horizontal velocity, the DR for narrow ranges increases as the horizontal velocity decreases and more time is provided for precipitation to form. Thus, for narrower ranges, the horizontal velocity appears to offset the temperature effect slightly. The percentagewise decrease of DR for all examined mountain ranges is about 4%K-1. In comparison, the increase in precipitation is about 6%K-1 while the vapor flux increase is about 9%K-1.

Demand Response Potential for California SubLAPs and Local Capacity Planning Areas: An Addendum to the 2025 California Demand Response Potential Study – Phase 2

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

Alstone, Peter; Potter, Jennifer; Piette, Mary Ann

The 2025 California Demand Response Potential Study Phase 2 Report1 was released on March 1, 2017, and described a range of pathways for Demand Response (DR) to support a clean, stable, and cost-effective electric grid for California. One of the Report’s key findings was that while there appears to be very low future value for untargeted DR Shed aimed at system-wide peak load conditions, there could be significant value for locally focused Shed resources. Although the dynamics of renewable capacity expansion have reduced the pressure to build new thermal generation in general, there are still transmission-constrained areas of the statemore » where load growth needs to be managed with the addition of new local capacity, which could include DERs and/or DR. This Addendum to the Phase 2 Report presents a breakdown of the expected future “Local Shed” DR potential at a finer geographic resolution than what is available in the original report, with results summarized by SubLAP and Local Capacity Area (LCA).« less

2012 DR30, The Most Distant Solar System Object

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, Csaba; Szabó, G.; Pál, A.; Kiss, L.; Sárneczky, K.; Müller, T.; Vilenius, E.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Lellouch, E.; Conn, B.; Ortiz, J.; Duffard, R.; Morales, N.; Horner, J.; Bannister, M.; Stansberry, J.

2012-10-01

2012 DR30, the most distant TNO in the Solar System (a=1103 AU) has recently been observed with the Herschel Space Observatory. Radiometric model results using the far-infrared fluxes and visual range data show a dark and cratered surface (p_V = 6%) and provide a diameter of 200km. If considered as a Centaur, this is the fifth largest object known in this dynamical class. Recent visual range measurements indicate the presence of methane ice on the surface, a feature that has been seen previously for objects with diameters of >=1000km only (like Eris, Makemake and Pluto). The presence of methane ice can be explained assuming that the object spent most of its lifetime in a very cold environment and has been recently placed to its present orbit. This scenario is in agreement with the results of a dynamical study of the object's orbit, also suggesting an Oort-cloud origin. This research has been supported by the following grants: (1) The PECS program of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian Space Office, PECS-98073; (2) C.K. and A.P. acknowledges the support of the Bolyai Research Fellowship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Pore-size dependence and characteristics of water diffusion in slitlike micropores

DOE PAGES

Diallo, S. O.

2015-07-16

The temperature dependence of the dynamics of water inside microporous activated carbon fibers (ACF) is investigated by means of incoherent elastic and quasielastic neutron-scattering techniques. The aim is to evaluate the effect of increasing pore size on the water dynamics in these primarily hydrophobic slit-shaped channels. Using two different micropore sizes (similar to 12 and 18 angstrom, denoted, respectively, ACF-10 and ACF-20), a clear suppression of the mobility of the water molecules is observed as the pore gap or temperature decreases. Suppression, we found, is accompanied by a systematic dependence of the average translational diffusion coefficient D-r and relaxation timemore » [tau(0)] of the restricted water on pore size and temperature. We observed D-r values and tested against a proposed scaling law, in which the translational diffusion coefficient D-r of water within a porous matrix was found to depend solely on two single parameters, a temperature-independent translational diffusion coefficient D-c associated with the water bound to the pore walls and the ratio theta of this strictly confined water to the total water inside the pore, yielding unique characteristic parameters for water transport in these carbon channels across the investigated temperature range.« less

Digital radiography: optimization of image quality and dose using multi-frequency software.

PubMed

Precht, H; Gerke, O; Rosendahl, K; Tingberg, A; Waaler, D

2012-09-01

New developments in processing of digital radiographs (DR), including multi-frequency processing (MFP), allow optimization of image quality and radiation dose. This is particularly promising in children as they are believed to be more sensitive to ionizing radiation than adults. To examine whether the use of MFP software reduces the radiation dose without compromising quality at DR of the femur in 5-year-old-equivalent anthropomorphic and technical phantoms. A total of 110 images of an anthropomorphic phantom were imaged on a DR system (Canon DR with CXDI-50 C detector and MLT[S] software) and analyzed by three pediatric radiologists using Visual Grading Analysis. In addition, 3,500 images taken of a technical contrast-detail phantom (CDRAD 2.0) provide an objective image-quality assessment. Optimal image-quality was maintained at a dose reduction of 61% with MLT(S) optimized images. Even for images of diagnostic quality, MLT(S) provided a dose reduction of 88% as compared to the reference image. Software impact on image quality was found significant for dose (mAs), dynamic range dark region and frequency band. By optimizing image processing parameters, a significant dose reduction is possible without significant loss of image quality.

Dynamical Circularization of the Martian Orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bierbaum, Quinn Patrick; Brown, Cole; Williams, Darren M.

2018-06-01

As part of an investigation into the history of the orbital characteristics of the planet Mars, in conjunction with research being performed by Cole Brown and Dr. Darren Williams, I have run dynamical computer simulations of the solar system placing the eccentricity of the Martian orbit between 0.2 and 0.4 in order to discern the viability of eccentricity damping due to long-range planetary interactions as well as interactions with swarms of asteroids placed randomly between 0.5-2.0 AU. This research is one component of a hypothesis intended to explain the geological evidence of flowing water on the primordial Martian surface.

Effects of combined electrical stimulation of the dorsal column and dorsal roots on wide-dynamic range neuronal activity in nerve-injured rats

PubMed Central

Yang, Fei; Zhang, Tong; Tiwari, Vinod; Shu, Bin; Zhang, Chen; Wang, Yun; Vera-Portocarrero, Louis P.; Raja, Srinivasa N.; Guan, Yun

2015-01-01

Objectives Electrical stimulation at the dorsal column (DC) and dorsal root (DR) may inhibit spinal wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neuronal activity in nerve-injured rats. The objective of this study was to determine if applying electrical conditioning stimulation (CS) at both sites provides additive or synergistic benefits. Materials and Methods By conducting in vivo extracellular recordings of WDR neurons in rats that had undergone L5 spinal nerve ligation, we tested whether combining 50 Hz CS at the two sites in either a concurrent (2.5 minutes) or alternate (5 minutes) pattern inhibits WDR neuronal activity better than CS at DC alone (5 minutes). The intensities of CS were determined by recording antidromic compound action potentials to graded stimulation at the DC and DR. We measured the current thresholds that resulted in the first detectable Aα/β waveform (Ab0) and the peak Aα/β waveform (Ab1) to select CS intensity at each site. The same number of electrical pulses and amount of current were delivered in different patterns to allow comparison. Results At a moderate intensity of 50%(Ab0+Ab1), different patterns of CS all attenuated the C-component of WDR neurons in response to graded intracutaneous electrical stimuli (0.1-10 mA, 2 ms), and inhibited windup in response to repetitive noxious stimuli (0.5 Hz). However, the inhibitory effects did not differ significantly between different patterns. At the lower intensity (Ab0), no CS inhibited WDR neurons. Conclusions These findings suggest that combined stimulation of DC and DR may not be superior to DC stimulation alone for inhibition of WDR neurons. PMID:26307526

A Sensitive Dynamic and Active Pixel Vision Sensor for Color or Neural Imaging Applications.

PubMed

Moeys, Diederik Paul; Corradi, Federico; Li, Chenghan; Bamford, Simeon A; Longinotti, Luca; Voigt, Fabian F; Berry, Stewart; Taverni, Gemma; Helmchen, Fritjof; Delbruck, Tobi

2018-02-01

Applications requiring detection of small visual contrast require high sensitivity. Event cameras can provide higher dynamic range (DR) and reduce data rate and latency, but most existing event cameras have limited sensitivity. This paper presents the results of a 180-nm Towerjazz CIS process vision sensor called SDAVIS192. It outputs temporal contrast dynamic vision sensor (DVS) events and conventional active pixel sensor frames. The SDAVIS192 improves on previous DAVIS sensors with higher sensitivity for temporal contrast. The temporal contrast thresholds can be set down to 1% for negative changes in logarithmic intensity (OFF events) and down to 3.5% for positive changes (ON events). The achievement is possible through the adoption of an in-pixel preamplification stage. This preamplifier reduces the effective intrascene DR of the sensor (70 dB for OFF and 50 dB for ON), but an automated operating region control allows up to at least 110-dB DR for OFF events. A second contribution of this paper is the development of characterization methodology for measuring DVS event detection thresholds by incorporating a measure of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). At average SNR of 30 dB, the DVS temporal contrast threshold fixed pattern noise is measured to be 0.3%-0.8% temporal contrast. Results comparing monochrome and RGBW color filter array DVS events are presented. The higher sensitivity of SDAVIS192 make this sensor potentially useful for calcium imaging, as shown in a recording from cultured neurons expressing calcium sensitive green fluorescent protein GCaMP6f.

Gene Expression Ratios Lead to Accurate and Translatable Predictors of DR5 Agonism across Multiple Tumor Lineages.

PubMed

Reddy, Anupama; Growney, Joseph D; Wilson, Nick S; Emery, Caroline M; Johnson, Jennifer A; Ward, Rebecca; Monaco, Kelli A; Korn, Joshua; Monahan, John E; Stump, Mark D; Mapa, Felipa A; Wilson, Christopher J; Steiger, Janine; Ledell, Jebediah; Rickles, Richard J; Myer, Vic E; Ettenberg, Seth A; Schlegel, Robert; Sellers, William R; Huet, Heather A; Lehár, Joseph

2015-01-01

Death Receptor 5 (DR5) agonists demonstrate anti-tumor activity in preclinical models but have yet to demonstrate robust clinical responses. A key limitation may be the lack of patient selection strategies to identify those most likely to respond to treatment. To overcome this limitation, we screened a DR5 agonist Nanobody across >600 cell lines representing 21 tumor lineages and assessed molecular features associated with response. High expression of DR5 and Casp8 were significantly associated with sensitivity, but their expression thresholds were difficult to translate due to low dynamic ranges. To address the translational challenge of establishing thresholds of gene expression, we developed a classifier based on ratios of genes that predicted response across lineages. The ratio classifier outperformed the DR5+Casp8 classifier, as well as standard approaches for feature selection and classification using genes, instead of ratios. This classifier was independently validated using 11 primary patient-derived pancreatic xenograft models showing perfect predictions as well as a striking linearity between prediction probability and anti-tumor response. A network analysis of the genes in the ratio classifier captured important biological relationships mediating drug response, specifically identifying key positive and negative regulators of DR5 mediated apoptosis, including DR5, CASP8, BID, cFLIP, XIAP and PEA15. Importantly, the ratio classifier shows translatability across gene expression platforms (from Affymetrix microarrays to RNA-seq) and across model systems (in vitro to in vivo). Our approach of using gene expression ratios presents a robust and novel method for constructing translatable biomarkers of compound response, which can also probe the underlying biology of treatment response.

Gene Expression Ratios Lead to Accurate and Translatable Predictors of DR5 Agonism across Multiple Tumor Lineages

PubMed Central

Reddy, Anupama; Growney, Joseph D.; Wilson, Nick S.; Emery, Caroline M.; Johnson, Jennifer A.; Ward, Rebecca; Monaco, Kelli A.; Korn, Joshua; Monahan, John E.; Stump, Mark D.; Mapa, Felipa A.; Wilson, Christopher J.; Steiger, Janine; Ledell, Jebediah; Rickles, Richard J.; Myer, Vic E.; Ettenberg, Seth A.; Schlegel, Robert; Sellers, William R.

2015-01-01

Death Receptor 5 (DR5) agonists demonstrate anti-tumor activity in preclinical models but have yet to demonstrate robust clinical responses. A key limitation may be the lack of patient selection strategies to identify those most likely to respond to treatment. To overcome this limitation, we screened a DR5 agonist Nanobody across >600 cell lines representing 21 tumor lineages and assessed molecular features associated with response. High expression of DR5 and Casp8 were significantly associated with sensitivity, but their expression thresholds were difficult to translate due to low dynamic ranges. To address the translational challenge of establishing thresholds of gene expression, we developed a classifier based on ratios of genes that predicted response across lineages. The ratio classifier outperformed the DR5+Casp8 classifier, as well as standard approaches for feature selection and classification using genes, instead of ratios. This classifier was independently validated using 11 primary patient-derived pancreatic xenograft models showing perfect predictions as well as a striking linearity between prediction probability and anti-tumor response. A network analysis of the genes in the ratio classifier captured important biological relationships mediating drug response, specifically identifying key positive and negative regulators of DR5 mediated apoptosis, including DR5, CASP8, BID, cFLIP, XIAP and PEA15. Importantly, the ratio classifier shows translatability across gene expression platforms (from Affymetrix microarrays to RNA-seq) and across model systems (in vitro to in vivo). Our approach of using gene expression ratios presents a robust and novel method for constructing translatable biomarkers of compound response, which can also probe the underlying biology of treatment response. PMID:26378449

Dynamic Stall Data for 2-D and 3-D Test Cases

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-01

CASES Professor R A McD Galbraith Dr F N Coton Dr R B Green Dr M Vezza University of Glasgow INTRODUCTION Background Although substantial work has...aerofoil shape, aspect ratio, surface finish , data reduction software and Mach number, all but the Mach number had no effect on the observed trends

Lightening the Load

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-09

Research, Engineering and Systems) Dr. John C. Sommerer NRAC, Vice Chair; Director, S&T, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Dr. Walt...O’Donohue, Staff Officer General Dynamics Robotic Systems John H. Northrop & Associates Mr. John H. Northrop, Executive Director General Dynamics...Equipment, US Army LtCol John Lemondes, PM Soldier as a System LTL Efforts US Army Mr. Bob Conklin, Staff UK LTL Efforts Equipment Capability

Signal-independent noise in intracortical brain-computer interfaces causes movement time properties inconsistent with Fitts’ law

PubMed Central

Willett, Francis R.; Murphy, Brian A.; Memberg, William D.; Blabe, Christine H.; Pandarinath, Chethan; Walter, Benjamin L.; Sweet, Jennifer A.; Miller, Jonathan P.; Henderson, Jaimie M.; Shenoy, Krishna V.; Hochberg, Leigh R.; Kirsch, Robert F.; Ajiboye, A. Bolu

2017-01-01

Objective Do movements made with an intracortical BCI (iBCI) have the same movement time properties as able-bodied movements? Able-bodied movement times typically obey Fitts’ law: MT = a + b log2(D/R ) (where MT is movement time, D is target distance, R is target radius, and a,b are parameters). Fitts’ law expresses two properties of natural movement that would be ideal for iBCIs to restore: (1) that movement times are insensitive to the absolute scale of the task (since movement time depends only on the ratio D/R) and (2) that movements have a large dynamic range of accuracy (since movement time is logarithmically proportional to D/R). Approach Two participants in the BrainGate2 pilot clinical trial made cortically controlled cursor movements with a linear velocity decoder and acquired targets by dwelling on them. We investigated whether the movement times were well described by Fitts’ law. Main Results We found that movement times were better described by the equation MT = a + bD + cR−2, which captures how movement time increases sharply as the target radius becomes smaller, independently of distance. In contrast to able-bodied movements, the iBCI movements we studied had a low dynamic range of accuracy (absence of logarithmic proportionality) and were sensitive to the absolute scale of the task (small targets had long movement times regardless of the D/R ratio). We argue that this relationship emerges due to noise in the decoder output whose magnitude is largely independent of the user’s motor command (signal-independent noise). Signal-independent noise creates a baseline level of variability that cannot be decreased by trying to move slowly or hold still, making targets below a certain size very hard to acquire with a standard decoder. Significance The results give new insight into how iBCI movements currently differ from able-bodied movements and suggest that restoring a Fitts’ law-like relationship to iBCI movements may require nonlinear decoding strategies. PMID:28177925

Signal-independent noise in intracortical brain-computer interfaces causes movement time properties inconsistent with Fitts’ law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willett, Francis R.; Murphy, Brian A.; Memberg, William D.; Blabe, Christine H.; Pandarinath, Chethan; Walter, Benjamin L.; Sweet, Jennifer A.; Miller, Jonathan P.; Henderson, Jaimie M.; Shenoy, Krishna V.; Hochberg, Leigh R.; Kirsch, Robert F.; Bolu Ajiboye, A.

2017-04-01

Objective. Do movements made with an intracortical BCI (iBCI) have the same movement time properties as able-bodied movements? Able-bodied movement times typically obey Fitts’ law: \\text{MT}=a+b{{log}2}(D/R) (where MT is movement time, D is target distance, R is target radius, and a,~b are parameters). Fitts’ law expresses two properties of natural movement that would be ideal for iBCIs to restore: (1) that movement times are insensitive to the absolute scale of the task (since movement time depends only on the ratio D/R ) and (2) that movements have a large dynamic range of accuracy (since movement time is logarithmically proportional to D/R ). Approach. Two participants in the BrainGate2 pilot clinical trial made cortically controlled cursor movements with a linear velocity decoder and acquired targets by dwelling on them. We investigated whether the movement times were well described by Fitts’ law. Main results. We found that movement times were better described by the equation \\text{MT}=a+bD+c{{R}-2} , which captures how movement time increases sharply as the target radius becomes smaller, independently of distance. In contrast to able-bodied movements, the iBCI movements we studied had a low dynamic range of accuracy (absence of logarithmic proportionality) and were sensitive to the absolute scale of the task (small targets had long movement times regardless of the D/R ratio). We argue that this relationship emerges due to noise in the decoder output whose magnitude is largely independent of the user’s motor command (signal-independent noise). Signal-independent noise creates a baseline level of variability that cannot be decreased by trying to move slowly or hold still, making targets below a certain size very hard to acquire with a standard decoder. Significance. The results give new insight into how iBCI movements currently differ from able-bodied movements and suggest that restoring a Fitts’ law-like relationship to iBCI movements may require non-linear decoding strategies.

Integration of Computational Geometry, Finite Element, and Multibody System Algorithms for the Development of New Computational Methodology for High-Fidelity Vehicle Systems Modeling and Simulation. ADDENDUM

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-12

Dr. Paramsothy Jayakumar (586) 282-4896 Computational Dynamics Inc.   0    Name of Contractor Computational Dynamics Inc. (CDI) 1809...Dr. Paramsothy Jayakumar TARDEC Computational Dynamics Inc.   1    Project Summary This project aims at addressing and remedying the serious...Shabana, A.A., Jayakumar , P., and Letherwood, M., “Soil Models and Vehicle System Dynamics”, Applied Mechanics Reviews, Vol. 65(4), 2013, doi

Effects of Loading Frequency on Fatigue Behavior, Residual Stress, and Microstructure of Deep-Rolled Stainless Steel AISI 304 at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, I.; Juijerm, P.

2018-02-01

The effects of loading frequency on the fatigue behavior of non-deep-rolled (NDR) and deep-rolled (DR) austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 were systematically clarified at elevated temperatures, especially at temperatures exhibiting the dynamic strain aging (DSA) phenomena. Tension-compression fatigue tests were performed isothermally at temperatures of 573 K and 773 K (300 °C and 500 °C) with different loading frequencies of 5, 0.5, 0.05, and 0.005 Hz. For the DR condition, the residual stresses and work-hardening states will be presented. It was found that DSA would be detected at appropriate temperatures and deformation rates. The cyclic deformation curves and the fatigue lives of the investigated austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 are considerably affected by the DSA, especially on the DR condition having high dislocation densities at the surface and in near-surface regions. In the temperature range of the DSA, residual stresses and work-hardening states of the DR condition seem to be stabilized. The microstructural alterations were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At an appropriate temperature with low loading frequency, the plastic deformation mechanism shifted from a wavy slip manner to a planar slip manner in the DSA regimes, whereas the dislocation movements were obstructed.

A Wireless Fiber Photometry System Based on a High-Precision CMOS Biosensor With Embedded Continuous-Time Modulation.

PubMed

Khiarak, Mehdi Noormohammadi; Martianova, Ekaterina; Bories, Cyril; Martel, Sylvain; Proulx, Christophe D; De Koninck, Yves; Gosselin, Benoit

2018-06-01

Fluorescence biophotometry measurements require wide dynamic range (DR) and high-sensitivity laboratory apparatus. Indeed, it is often very challenging to accurately resolve the small fluorescence variations in presence of noise and high-background tissue autofluorescence. There is a great need for smaller detectors combining high linearity, high sensitivity, and high-energy efficiency. This paper presents a new biophotometry sensor merging two individual building blocks, namely a low-noise sensing front-end and a order continuous-time modulator (CTSDM), into a single module for enabling high-sensitivity and high energy-efficiency photo-sensing. In particular, a differential CMOS photodetector associated with a differential capacitive transimpedance amplifier-based sensing front-end is merged with an incremental order 1-bit CTSDM to achieve a large DR, low hardware complexity, and high-energy efficiency. The sensor leverages a hardware sharing strategy to simplify the implementation and reduce power consumption. The proposed CMOS biosensor is integrated within a miniature wireless head mountable prototype for enabling biophotometry with a single implantable fiber in the brain of live mice. The proposed biophotometry sensor is implemented in a 0.18- CMOS technology, consuming from a 1.8- supply voltage, while achieving a peak dynamic range of over a 50- input bandwidth, a sensitivity of 24 mV/nW, and a minimum detectable current of 2.46- at a 20- sampling rate.

Limitations of an ocular surface inflammatory biomarker in impression cytology specimens.

PubMed

Yafawi, Rolla; Ko, Mira; Sace, Frederick P; John-Baptiste, Annette

2013-03-01

A number of ocular conditions, such as dry eye, are associated with inflammation on the surface of the eye leading to irritation and ocular pain. Many drugs such as chemotherapeutics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzymes and so forth also cause dry eye but currently there are no validated ocular surface biomarkers available. We evaluated sample stability, assay sensitivity, reproducibility and overall performance of impression cytology (IC) utilizing the cellular surface biomarker human leukocyte antigen DR-1 (HLA-DR) as an ocular surface inflammatory biomarker by flow cytometry in a fit-for-purpose validation study. Additionally, subjects classified as normal or having various degrees of dry eye were evaluated to determine if HLA-DR could demonstrate a clear separation between normal and dry eye samples. The assay demonstrated high dynamic range detecting a broad range of fluorescent intensities in healthy donors. Additionally, inter, intra and stability assay results demonstrated strong concordance and low variability. Overall CV% for both assays were less than 25% for all measured parameters. However, high variability was observed for donor samples assayed beyond day 10 post IC sample collection (4.2-110.8 CV%). HLA-DR expression demonstrated a progressive increase in patients with mild to severe levels of dry eye disease providing sufficient evidence it is sensitive enough to monitor inflammatory effects of dry eye when coupled with additional biomarkers and/or methodologies such as cytokine analysis or ICAM-1. This biomarker can be used to monitor ocular surface disorders in patients and to evaluate potential treatment options during drug development. Although our results demonstrate this methodology is reproducible for routine evaluation, limitations around sample integrity exist. The ocular cell surface inflammatory biomarker, HLA-DR coupled with impression cytology is a simple non-invasive robust, specific and reproducible assay that can be utilized to measure inflammatory infiltrates on the surface of the eye in IC samples less than 10-days old.

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

Kim, Joyce Jihyun; Schetrit, Oren; Yin, Rongxin

Demand response (DR) – allowing customers to respond to reliability requests and market prices by changing electricity use from their normal consumption pattern – continues to be seen as an attractive means of demand-side management and a fundamental smart-grid improvement that links supply and demand. From October 2011 to December 2013, the Demand Response Research Center at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and partners Honeywell and Akuacom, have conducted a demonstration project enabling Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR) in large commercial buildings located in New York City using Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR)more » communication protocols. In particular, this project focuses on demonstrating how the OpenADR platform, enabled by Akuacom, can automate and simplify interactions between buildings and various stakeholders in New York State and enable the automation of customers’ price response to yield bill savings under dynamic pricing. In this paper, the cost control opportunities under day-ahead hourly pricing and Auto-DR control strategies are presented for four demonstration buildings; present the breakdown of Auto-DR enablement costs; summarize the field test results and their load impact; and show potential bill savings by enabling automated price response under Consolidated Edison’s Mandatory Hourly Pricing (MHP) tariff. For one of the sites, the potential bill savings at the site’s current retail rate are shown. Facility managers were given granular equipment-level opt-out capability to ensure full control of the sites during the Auto-DR implementation. The expected bill savings ranged from 1.1% to 8.0% of the total MHP bill. The automation and enablement costs ranged from $70 to $725 per kW shed. The results show that OpenADR can facilitate the automation of price response, deliver savings to the customers and opt-out capability of the implementation retains control of the sites by facility managers.« less

Dynamic ride-sharing: Theory and practice

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

Hall, R.W.; Qureshi, A.

1997-08-01

Dynamic Ride-sharing (DR) is envisioned as an automated process by which individuals find ride-matches on a trip by trip basis. This paper examines the DR concept on both a theoretical basis and on the basis of actual implementation in Los Angeles. Specifically, the paper investigates the likelihood that the user of a DR system would be successful in finding a ride-match. In a theoretical sense, this paper shows that dynamic ride-sharing is a viable concept. For a congested freeway corridor, the number of trips generated per unit time and space should be sufficient to yield a reasonably large population ofmore » potential ride-matches for a DR system. Unfortunately, as demonstrated in the experiment, theory and practice are not the same. Even when individuals share common trip patterns, consummating a ride-match is no easy task for logistical reasons. At best, one might expect a one in five change of someone offering a ride when trip patterns are similar. This probability would decline for casual trips, and when contacting individuals who have not expressed a prior willingness to carpool.« less

The Response of Frozen Soils to Vibratory Loads

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-01

Construction. i | The report was technically reviewed by Dr. Y . Nakano of USA CRREL, and A.F. Müller of the Office of Chief of Engineers. Their suggestions...B.I.S. Helme, Jr., t M.J. Dabney III, F. Berrego, R.N. Lachenmaier and D.J. Coombes. Dr. T.M. Lee, Dr. D.M. Norris, Jr. and Dr. Y . Nakano gave... y /g stress static confining pressure, (a, + 2a ^/3 axial (vertical) static pressure lateral static pressure dynamic stress (peak) phase shift

USAF/SCEEE Summer Faculty Research Program (1982). Management Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

Patrick J. Sweeney, Ph.D., P.E. Mary Doddy, M.S. ABSTRACT This dynamic simulation computer model demonstrates the affects of C-forces upon the eyeball...Assistant Professor Specialty: Numerical Modeling and University of Lowell Computer Simulation of Mathematics Department Geophysical Problems Lowell...Problems And Promises 25 Modeling And Tracking Saccadic Dr. John D. Enderle Eye Movements 26 Dynamic Response Of Doubly Curved Dr. Fernando E. Fagundo

Nanojets: Electrification, Energetics, Dynamics, Stability and Breakup

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-31

OF: 17. LIMITATION OF 18 . NUMBER 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE ABSTRACT OF Dr Uzi Landman PAGES SU 19b. TELEPHONE...F(Ei )dE,. = Fm,, (Ero, )F,,h (Er,,b)dEro, dEwbh. (8) 16 where F,.ot( Erot ), and Fvwb(Evib) are the normalized rotational and vibrational Maxwell...corresponding to the concentrated solution, while the jet 18 dimensions are associated with radii in the range between 2.3 and 3.29 nm, with the larger

Collective dynamic dipole moment and orientation fluctuations, cooperative hydrogen bond relaxations, and their connections to dielectric relaxation in ionic acetamide deep eutectics: Microscopic insight from simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Suman; Biswas, Ranjit; Mukherjee, Biswaroop

2016-08-01

The paper reports a detailed simulation study on collective reorientational relaxation, cooperative hydrogen bond (H-bond) fluctuations, and their connections to dielectric relaxation (DR) in deep eutectic solvents made of acetamide and three uni-univalent electrolytes, lithium nitrate (LiNO3), lithium bromide (LiBr), and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4). Because cooperative H-bond fluctuations and ion migration complicate the straightforward interpretation of measured DR timescales in terms of molecular dipolar rotations for these conducting media which support extensive intra- and inter-species H-bonding, one needs to separate out the individual components from the overall relaxation for examining the microscopic origin of various timescales. The present study does so and finds that reorientation of ion-complexed acetamide molecules generates relaxation timescales that are in sub-nanosecond to nanosecond range. This explains in molecular terms the nanosecond timescales reported by recent giga-Hertz DR measurements. Interestingly, the simulated survival timescale for the acetamide-Li+ complex has been found to be a few tens of nanosecond, suggesting such a cation-complexed species may be responsible for a similar timescale reported by mega-Hertz DR measurements of acetamide/potassium thiocyanate deep eutectics near room temperature. The issue of collective versus single particle relaxation is discussed, and jump waiting time distributions are determined. Dependence on anion-identity in each of the cases has been examined. In short, the present study demonstrates that assumption of nano-sized domain formation is not required for explaining the DR detected nanosecond and longer timescales in these media.

SSC San Diego Command History Calendar Year 2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

Lichtenstein, Robert Clark, Celia Metz, Rod Anderson, Michael Dwyer , Dr. Randall Moore, Kate Schemensky, Wanda Parise, Jorge Mora, Ken Kaufman, John Laccone...Dynamically Tunable Wavelength Filters" Distinguished Rachel Goshorn, Code 2373 Dr. Visarath In, Code 2373 David Fogliatti, Code 2373 Dr. Joseph Neff, Code...Information Center Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6218 (4) SSC San Diego Liaison Office C/ O PEO-SCS Arlington, VA 22202-4804 (1) Center for Naval Analyses

A portrait of the extreme solar system object 2012 DR30

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, Cs.; Szabó, Gy.; Horner, J.; Conn, B. C.; Müller, T. G.; Vilenius, E.; Sárneczky, K.; Kiss, L. L.; Bannister, M.; Bayliss, D.; Pál, A.; Góbi, S.; Verebélyi, E.; Lellouch, E.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Ortiz, J. L.; Duffard, R.; Morales, N.

2013-07-01

2012 DR30 is a recently discovered solar system object on a unique orbit, with a high eccentricity of 0.9867, a perihelion distance of 14.54 AU, and a semi-major axis of 1109 AU, in this respect outscoring the vast majority of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We performed Herschel/PACS and optical photometry to uncover the sizeand albedo of 2012 DR30, together with its thermal and surface properties. The body is 185 km in diameter and has a relatively low V-band geometric albedo of ~8%. Although the colours of the object indicate that 2012 DR30 is an RI taxonomy class TNO or Centaur, we detected an absorption feature in the Z-band that is uncommon among these bodies. A dynamical analysis of the target's orbit shows that 2012 DR30 moves on a relatively unstable orbit and was most likely only recently placed on its current orbit from the most distant and still highly unexplored regions of the solar system. If categorised on dynamical grounds 2012 DR30 is the largest Damocloid and/or high inclination Centaur observed so far. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Defense Planning for the 1990s and the Changing International Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

Atlantic Alliance: Looking Ahead ................. 87 Dr. Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr. The Future of the American NATO Commitment ......... 109 Dr...avenues of approach to the ques- tion. Dr. George H. Quester approached NATO’s future from the peespective of American political philosophy. Dr. Robert L...offices whose assign- ment would be to conduct long-range planning on a continuing basis. 85 The Atlantic Alliance: Looking Ahead Dr. Robert L. Pfaltzgraff

High dynamic range adaptive real-time smart camera: an overview of the HDR-ARTiST project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapray, Pierre-Jean; Heyrman, Barthélémy; Ginhac, Dominique

2015-04-01

Standard cameras capture only a fraction of the information that is visible to the human visual system. This is specifically true for natural scenes including areas of low and high illumination due to transitions between sunlit and shaded areas. When capturing such a scene, many cameras are unable to store the full Dynamic Range (DR) resulting in low quality video where details are concealed in shadows or washed out by sunlight. The imaging technique that can overcome this problem is called HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. This paper describes a complete smart camera built around a standard off-the-shelf LDR (Low Dynamic Range) sensor and a Virtex-6 FPGA board. This smart camera called HDR-ARtiSt (High Dynamic Range Adaptive Real-time Smart camera) is able to produce a real-time HDR live video color stream by recording and combining multiple acquisitions of the same scene while varying the exposure time. This technique appears as one of the most appropriate and cheapest solution to enhance the dynamic range of real-life environments. HDR-ARtiSt embeds real-time multiple captures, HDR processing, data display and transfer of a HDR color video for a full sensor resolution (1280 1024 pixels) at 60 frames per second. The main contributions of this work are: (1) Multiple Exposure Control (MEC) dedicated to the smart image capture with alternating three exposure times that are dynamically evaluated from frame to frame, (2) Multi-streaming Memory Management Unit (MMMU) dedicated to the memory read/write operations of the three parallel video streams, corresponding to the different exposure times, (3) HRD creating by combining the video streams using a specific hardware version of the Devebecs technique, and (4) Global Tone Mapping (GTM) of the HDR scene for display on a standard LCD monitor.

What is the effect of fasting on the lifespan of neurons?

PubMed

Kalsi, Dilraj S

2015-11-01

Medical advancements have increased life expectancy but have consequently increased the incidence of age-related disease. Fasting or dietary restriction (DR) can help prevent these via anti-ageing effects; however, these effects in neurons are less well characterized. Here, a series of animal and human studies of the effects of DR on the structural and functional integrity of neurons and the underlying mechanisms are analyzed. DR improves the integrity of animal neurons via a wide range of possible mechanisms including changes in metabolism, oxidative damage, stress responses, growth factors, and gene expression. These mechanisms are extensively interlinked and point to an optimum range of calorie intake, above calorie deprivation and below burdensome calorie excess. Human studies also suggest that DR improves neuron integrity; however, due to ethical and methodological limitations, the most conclusive data on DR hinge upon on-going life-long monkey experiments. Rather than developing pharmacological mimetics of DR, our focus should be on educating the public about DR in order to minimize age-related disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Collective dynamic dipole moment and orientation fluctuations, cooperative hydrogen bond relaxations, and their connections to dielectric relaxation in ionic acetamide deep eutectics: Microscopic insight from simulations

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

Das, Suman; Biswas, Ranjit, E-mail: ranjit@bose.res.in, E-mail: biswaroop.mukherjee@gmail.com; Thematic Unit for Excellence – Computational Materials Science, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block-JD, Sector-III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700098

The paper reports a detailed simulation study on collective reorientational relaxation, cooperative hydrogen bond (H-bond) fluctuations, and their connections to dielectric relaxation (DR) in deep eutectic solvents made of acetamide and three uni-univalent electrolytes, lithium nitrate (LiNO{sub 3}), lithium bromide (LiBr), and lithium perchlorate (LiClO{sub 4}). Because cooperative H-bond fluctuations and ion migration complicate the straightforward interpretation of measured DR timescales in terms of molecular dipolar rotations for these conducting media which support extensive intra- and inter-species H-bonding, one needs to separate out the individual components from the overall relaxation for examining the microscopic origin of various timescales. The presentmore » study does so and finds that reorientation of ion-complexed acetamide molecules generates relaxation timescales that are in sub-nanosecond to nanosecond range. This explains in molecular terms the nanosecond timescales reported by recent giga-Hertz DR measurements. Interestingly, the simulated survival timescale for the acetamide-Li{sup +} complex has been found to be a few tens of nanosecond, suggesting such a cation-complexed species may be responsible for a similar timescale reported by mega-Hertz DR measurements of acetamide/potassium thiocyanate deep eutectics near room temperature. The issue of collective versus single particle relaxation is discussed, and jump waiting time distributions are determined. Dependence on anion-identity in each of the cases has been examined. In short, the present study demonstrates that assumption of nano-sized domain formation is not required for explaining the DR detected nanosecond and longer timescales in these media.« less

Gafchromic EBT-XD film: Dosimetry characterization in high-dose, volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

PubMed

Miura, Hideharu; Ozawa, Shuichi; Hosono, Fumika; Sumida, Naoki; Okazue, Toshiya; Yamada, Kiyoshi; Nagata, Yasushi

2016-11-08

Radiochromic films are important tools for assessing complex dose distributions. Gafchromic EBT-XD films have been designed for optimal performance in the 40-4,000 cGy dose range. We investigated the dosimetric characteristics of these films, including their dose-response, postexposure density growth, and dependence on scanner orientation, beam energy, and dose rate with applications to high-dose volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) verification. A 10 MV beam from a TrueBeam STx linear accelerator was used to irradiate the films with doses in the 0-4,000 cGy range. Postexposure coloration was analyzed at postirradiation times ranging from several minutes to 48 h. The films were also irradiated with 6 MV (dose rate (DR): 600 MU/min), 6 MV flattening filter-free (FFF) (DR: 1,400 MU/ min), and 10 MV FFF (DR: 2,400 MU/min) beams to determine the energy and dose-rate dependence. For clinical examinations, we compared the dose distribu-tion measured with EBT-XD films and calculated by the planning system for four VMAT cases. The red channel of the EBT-XD film exhibited a wider dynamic range than the green and blue channels. Scanner orientation yielded a variation of ~ 3% in the net optical density (OD). The difference between the film front and back scan orientations was negligible, with variation of ~ 1.3% in the net OD. The net OD increased sharply within the first 6 hrs after irradiation and gradually afterwards. No significant difference was observed for the beam energy and dose rate, with a variation of ~ 1.5% in the net OD. The gamma passing rates (at 3%, 3 mm) between the film- measured and treatment planning system (TPS)-calculated dose distributions under a high dose VMAT plan in the absolute dose mode were more than 98.9%. © 2016 The Authors.

Gafchromic EBT‐XD film: Dosimetry characterization in high‐dose, volumetric‐modulated arc therapy

PubMed Central

Ozawa, Shuichi; Hosono, Fumika; Sumida, Naoki; Okazue, Toshiya; Yamada, Kiyoshi; Nagata, Yasushi

2016-01-01

Radiochromic films are important tools for assessing complex dose distributions. Gafchromic EBT‐XD films have been designed for optimal performance in the 40–4,000 cGy dose range. We investigated the dosimetric characteristics of these films, including their dose‐response, postexposure density growth, and dependence on scanner orientation, beam energy, and dose rate with applications to high‐dose volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) verification. A 10 MV beam from a TrueBeam STx linear accelerator was used to irradiate the films with doses in the 0–4,000 cGy range. Postexposure coloration was analyzed at postirradiation times ranging from several minutes to 48 h. The films were also irradiated with 6 MV (dose rate (DR): 600 MU/min), 6 MV flattening filter‐free (FFF) (DR: 1,400 MU/ min), and 10 MV FFF (DR: 2,400 MU/min) beams to determine the energy and dose‐rate dependence. For clinical examinations, we compared the dose distribution measured with EBT‐XD films and calculated by the planning system for four VMAT cases. The red channel of the EBT‐XD film exhibited a wider dynamic range than the green and blue channels. Scanner orientation yielded a variation of ∼3% in the net optical density (OD). The difference between the film front and back scan orientations was negligible, with variation of ∼1.3% in the net OD. The net OD increased sharply within the first 6 hrs after irradiation and gradually afterwards. No significant difference was observed for the beam energy and dose rate, with a variation of ∼1.5% in the net OD. The gamma passing rates (at 3%, 3 mm) between the film‐ measured and treatment planning system (TPS)‐calculated dose distributions under a high dose VMAT plan in the absolute dose mode were more than 98.9%. PACS number(s): 87.56 Fc PMID:27929504

Global Proliferation-Dynamics, Acquisition Strategies, and Responses. Volume 2. Nuclear Proliferation

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

due to Marvin Atkins, Joel Bengston. Richard Blumstein. John Bulger, James Bushong, Burrus Carnahan, Alexis Castor, Emerory Chase, Edward Chaves...SCIENCE BOARDATTN: DR P G K MINSKI OSD (DDR&E) ATTN: DR VICTOR REIS DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OSD COMPTROLLER ATTN: JANE MATTHIAS ATTN: HONORABLE JOHN

Video- Water Injected Into Bubble Onboard the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Saturday Morning Science, the science of opportunity series of applied experiments and demonstrations, performed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by Expedition 6 astronaut Dr. Don Pettit, revealed some remarkable findings. In this video, Dr. Pettit demonstrates using a syringe to inject water into a bubble. The result amazed Dr. Pettit and his crew mates. They observed that the droplets may bounce around for 5 or 6 collisions within the bubble, and then may partially or all at once exchange masses with the bubble. Dr. Pettit speculates the dynamics as a possible interplay between tension forces of kinetic energy and momentum, and possibly even charged forces.

Final Report on A. R. A. P.’s Model for the Atmospheric Marine Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

Around Airports," NASA CR-2752, prepared by A.R.A.P. for Marshall Space Center. 25. Brost , R.A. and Wyngaard, N.C., 1978: "A Model Study of the...FRANCE DR. R. A. BROST NCAR P.O. BOX 3000 BOULDER, CO 80307 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV. APPLIED PHYSICS LAB R.E. GIBSON LIBRARY JOHNS HOPKINS ROAD...RESEARCH LABS BOULDER, CO 80303 DR. GEORGE L. HELLOR GEOPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS LAE PRINCETON, NJ 08540 DR. TETSUJI YAMADA LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LAB

The lifespan-reproduction trade-off under dietary restriction is sex-specific and context-dependent.

PubMed

Adler, Margo I; Cassidy, Elizabeth J; Fricke, Claudia; Bonduriansky, Russell

2013-06-01

Adult dietary restriction (DR) extends lifespan, but the mechanisms that underlie this effect are not well understood. Many DR studies have demonstrated that lifespan extension tends to be accompanied by a reduction in female fecundity - a correlation widely interpreted as evidence that DR triggers an adaptive re - allocation of resources from reproduction to somatic maintenance. Yet, recent evidence suggests that survival and fecundity need not always trade off under DR, calling the re-allocation hypothesis into question. Because the effects of DR on both survival and reproduction have rarely been tested in both sexes, or under a range of ecologically-relevant environments, the generality of this trade-off remains unclear. We examined the effects of DR on survival and reproduction in both sexes and across a range of environments (larval diet quality and adult sex ratio) in the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis. We found that the lifespan-reproduction trade-off is both context- and sex-dependent. Although DR extended lifespan in both sexes by 65% and rendered females completely infertile, costs of DR on male fecundity were subtle and evident only in particular environmental combinations. Our findings suggest that a re-allocation of resources may not underlie the lifespan extension response to DR. Instead, full feeding may be associated with increased costs in comparison to DR, such that lifespan extension may be achieved without an increased resource investment to the soma. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disturbance rejection control for vibration suppression of piezoelectric laminated thin-walled structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S. Q.; Li, H. N.; Schmidt, R.; Müller, P. C.

2014-02-01

Thin-walled piezoelectric integrated smart structures are easily excited to vibrate by unknown disturbances. In order to design and simulate a control strategy, firstly, an electro-mechanically coupled dynamic finite element (FE) model of smart structures is developed based on first-order shear deformation (FOSD) hypothesis. Linear piezoelectric constitutive equations and the assumption of constant electric field through the thickness are considered. Based on the dynamic FE model, a disturbance rejection (DR) control with proportional-integral (PI) observer using step functions as the fictitious model of disturbances is developed for vibration suppression of smart structures. In order to achieve a better dynamic behavior of the fictitious model of disturbances, the PI observer is extended to generalized proportional-integral (GPI) observer, in which sine or polynomial functions can be used to represent disturbances resulting in better dynamics. Therefore the disturbances can be estimated either by PI or GPI observer, and then the estimated signals are fed back to the controller. The DR control is validated by various kinds of unknown disturbances, and compared with linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) control. The results illustrate that the vibrations are better suppressed by the proposed DR control.

Diabetic Retinopathy in the Asia-Pacific.

PubMed

Chua, Jacqueline; Lim, Claire Xin Ying; Wong, Tien Yin; Sabanayagam, Charumathi

2018-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in middle-aged and elderly in the Asia-Pacific. It has been estimated that 51% of all those with blindness due to DR globally (n = 424,400) and 56% of those with visual impairment due to DR (2.1 million) come from the Asia-Pacific. Prevalence of DR among those with diabetes ranged from 10% in India to 43% in Indonesia within the Asia-Pacific. Awareness of DR among persons with diabetes ranged from 28% to 84%. Most common modifiable risk factors for DR in the Asia-Pacific were hyperglycemia, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Implementation of systematic screening programs for DR and advancement in telemedicine screening methods have increased patient coverage and cost-effectiveness, though there are still numerous factors impeding screening uptake in the low-middle income regions of the Asia-Pacific. Management and treatment of DR in the Asia-Pacific is mainly limited to traditional laser retinopexy, but it is suboptimal despite new clinical approaches such as use of intravitreal anti.vascular endothelial growth factor and steroids due to limited resources. Further research and data are required to structure a more cost-effective public healthcare program and more awareness-building initiatives to increase the effectiveness of DR screening programs. Copyright 2017 Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

Astrometry and dynamics of Solar System Objects with Gaia GDR observations and catalogues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hestroffer, Daniel J. G. J.; Tanga, Paolo

2017-06-01

The Gaia ESA space mission has started to provide its harvest with the first Gaia data release DR1, published in September 2016. Gaia DR1 provides positions for about 1 billion stars and proper motion for the Tycho-Gaia TGAS of 2 million stars with unprecedented accuracy. The second data release DR2 will be the major step in the Gaia mission, providing all astrometric parameters (including parallax and proper motion) for a billion stars, in an absolute reference frame - to become the optical ICRF. Gaia DR2 will also provide epoch astrometry for about 13000 asteroids from its direct observations, down to magnitude V≈20.7. We will discuss the improvement brought by Gaia over 5 years of nominal mission, starting with DR1, and focusing especially on the dynamics of asteroids and other Solar System Objects. This includes use of the catalogue for calibrating future and past photometric and astrometric observations (in particular new reduction of ancient photographic plates digitalised by the NAROO programme), new perspectives for orbit determination and stellar occultations, detection of small acceleration or perturbations for the asteroids. Also we illustrate the ground-based activity coordinated by the Gaia-FUN-SSO network for follow-up observations of newly discovered Near Earth Object.

Relation of exact Gaussian basis methods to the dephasing representation: Theory and application to time-resolved electronic spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulc, Miroslav; Hernandez, Henar; Martinez, Todd J.; Vanicek, Jiri

2014-03-01

We recently showed that the Dephasing Representation (DR) provides an efficient tool for computing ultrafast electronic spectra and that cellularization yields further acceleration [M. Šulc and J. Vaníček, Mol. Phys. 110, 945 (2012)]. Here we focus on increasing its accuracy by first implementing an exact Gaussian basis method (GBM) combining the accuracy of quantum dynamics and efficiency of classical dynamics. The DR is then derived together with ten other methods for computing time-resolved spectra with intermediate accuracy and efficiency. These include the Gaussian DR (GDR), an exact generalization of the DR, in which trajectories are replaced by communicating frozen Gaussians evolving classically with an average Hamiltonian. The methods are tested numerically on time correlation functions and time-resolved stimulated emission spectra in the harmonic potential, pyrazine S0 /S1 model, and quartic oscillator. Both the GBM and the GDR are shown to increase the accuracy of the DR. Surprisingly, in chaotic systems the GDR can outperform the presumably more accurate GBM, in which the two bases evolve separately. This research was supported by the Swiss NSF Grant No. 200021_124936/1 and NCCR Molecular Ultrafast Science & Technology (MUST), and by the EPFL.

An analysis of variation in the long-range genomic organization of the human major histocompatibility complex class II region by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Dunham, I; Sargent, C A; Dawkins, R L; Campbell, R D

1989-11-01

The class II region of the human major histocompatibility complex in seven common HLA haplotypes has been analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes that cut genomic DNA infrequently, and Southern blotting. This analysis has revealed that there are differences in the amount of DNA present in the DQ and DR subregions dependent on the haplotype. The class II region of the DR3 haplotype spans approximately 750 kb and has the same amount of DNA as the class II region of the DR5 and DR6 haplotypes. However, the DR2 haplotype has approximately 30 kb more DNA within the DR subregion. The DR4 haplotype has an additional approximately 110 kb of DNA within the DQ or DR subregions compared to the DR3, DR5, and DR6 haplotypes. These haplotype-specific differences could have some bearing both on the analysis of disease susceptibility and on the ability of chromosomes possessing different HLA haplotypes to recombine within the DQ/DR subregions.

PKI: The DoD’s Critical Supporting Infrastructure for Information Assurance

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

Allen Hamilton,AF PKI SPO,4241 E Piedras Dr STE 210,San Antonio,TX,78228 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY...4241 E Piedras DR STE 210 San Antonio,TX 78228 Phone: (210) 925-9129 Fax: (210) 925-2644 E-mail: susan.chandler.3.ctr@ us.af.mil Jerrod Loyless is a...Professional. General Dynamics C4 Systems AF PKI SPO 4241 E Piedras DR STE 210 San Antonio,TX 78228 Phone: (210) 925-2073 Fax: (210) 925-2644 E-mail

Low energy range dielectronic recombination of Fluorine-like Fe17+ at the CSRm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Nadir; Huang, Zhong-Kui; Wen, Wei-Qiang; Mahmood, Sultan; Dou, Li-Jun; Wang, Shu-Xing; Xu, Xin; Wang, Han-Bing; Chen, Chong-Yang; Chuai, Xiao-Ya; Zhu, Xiao-Long; Zhao, Dong-Mei; Mao, Li-Jun; Li, Jie; Yin, Da-Yu; Yang, Jian-Cheng; Yuan, You-Jin; Zhu, Lin-Fan; Ma, Xin-Wen

2018-05-01

The accuracy of dielectronic recombination (DR) data for astrophysics related ions plays a key role in astrophysical plasma modeling. The absolute DR rate coefficient of Fe17+ ions was measured at the main cooler storage ring at the Institute of Modern Physics, Lanzhou, China. The experimental electron-ion collision energy range covers the first Rydberg series up to n = 24 for the DR resonances associated with the {}2P1/2\\to {}2P3/2{{Δ }}n=0 core excitations. A theoretical calculation was performed by using FAC code and compared with the measured DR rate coefficient. Overall reasonable agreement was found between the experimental results and calculations. Moreover, the plasma rate coefficient was deduced from the experimental DR rate coefficient and compared with the available results from the literature. At the low energy range, significant discrepancies were found, and the measured resonances challenge state-of-the-art theory at low collision energies. Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFA0402300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China through (11320101003, U1732133, 11611530684) and Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences, CAS (QYZDY-SSW-SLH006)

Emigration dynamics in South Asia, IOM / UNFPA workshop, 2-3 September 1996, IOM headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

PubMed

Appleyard, R

1996-01-01

This paper describes the six research monographs that were presented at the Emigration Dynamic Workshops in South Asia in September 1996. Research reports were presented by Associate Professor Nasra Shah on an overview of emigration dynamics, Dr. Godfrey Gunatilleke on the role of networks and community structures in migration from Sri Lanka, Dr. Raisul Awal Mahmood on illegal migration from Bangladesh to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Delhi due to desperate poverty, Dr. Farooq-i-Azam on high and low labor-sending migration districts in Pakistan, Dr. Mahendra K. Premi on the impact of internal Indian migration on international migration, and Dr. P.R. Gopinathan Nair on emigration from Kerala, India, to the Middle East. Representatives of South Asian governments discussed the implications of the research findings. Pakistan's representative urged cooperation and joint strategies among labor-sending countries. He cautioned that income and remittance estimates were unstable and unrealistic for inclusion in economic development plans. The Indian representative noted that, although Indian emigration is low, it is highly visible in the press. He agreed with the suggestion for greater cooperation between sending countries. The Bangladesh representative stated that the country needed to locate new markets for Bangladeshi emigrants, to guarantee the rights of emigrant workers, and to prevent trafficking in illegal migrant workers. Three major topics were discussed in the workshop session on the implementation of programs based on research findings. Workshop participants recommended updated information on migration trends, updated information on labor markets in receiving countries, formal and regular policy dialogue between sending countries, and promotion of continuing research by the International Organization on Migration.

CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 22, Number 7, Nov/Dec 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

an MBA, and is a Certified Corporate Trainer. Booz Allen Hamilton AF PKI SPO 4241 E Piedras DR STE 210 San Antonio,TX 78228 Phone: (210) 925-9129...Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional, and a Project Management Professional. General Dynamics C4 Systems AF PKI SPO 4241 E Piedras DR STE 210

The Wonder Years: A Profile of Madhav Chavan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mukerji, Shalini

2017-01-01

An idea took shape in the slums of Mumbai in the early nineties and went on to become a peoples' movement to address the problem of providing quality education for all of India's children. This piece profiles Dr. Madhav Chavan, the man who provided the dynamic vision for and creative leadership of that mission/movement. Dr. Chavan combined the…

Emigration dynamics in the Arab region. IOM / UNFPA workshop, 7-8 October 1996, Geneva, Switzerland.

PubMed

Appleyard, R

1996-01-01

This paper describes the four research monographs on emigration that were presented at the December 1995 Regional Workshop in the Arab Region. The workshop was an exchange of views and discussion of policy implications of emigration. Monographs were presented by Dr. Mayar Farrag on emigration in Egypt, Professor Nadji Safir on migration in the Maghreb, Dr. Setenay Shami on emigration dynamics in Jordan, and Dr. Lynn Evans on behalf of Dr. Ivy Papps on migration in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Dr. Farrag identified three periods of migration. During the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, migrants were officially encouraged by Egypt to fill education positions. During the 1970s, many migrants left for the oil-producing countries on a temporary basis. Since the mid-1980s, the influences on Egyptian migration have been the economic recession and oil prices in the Gulf states, the completion of infrastructure projects in most Gulf states, and the replacement of foreign labor with nationals. Dr. Farrag recommended improving the migrants' skills in English and technology in order to maintain a dominant flow of temporary migrants to the Gulf region. Professor Safir reported that persons from the Maghreb region (Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) migrated to France before independence and subsequently to West Germany and the Benelux countries. Algeria had the highest migration potential, and Morocco had the highest migration. Morocco had established networks in destination countries, high population growth rates, and high unemployment. Maghreb countries are receiving migrants from the south. Professor Safir recommended regional integration. Dr. Shami separated step migration from stepwise migration, which complicates push-pull theories. Dr. Papps argued that use of foreign labor may not be the best option for development, and that sending countries should be more aware of skill needs in GCC countries.

Elucidating energy and electron transfer dynamics within molecular assemblies for solar energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morseth, Zachary Aaron

The use of sunlight to make chemical fuels (i.e. solar fuels) is an attractive approach in the quest to develop sustainable energy sources. Using nature as a guide, assemblies for artificial photosynthesis will need to perform multiple functions. They will need to be able to harvest light across a broad region of the solar spectrum, transport excited-state energy to charge-separation sites, and then transport and store redox equivalents for use in the catalytic reactions that produce chemical fuels. This multifunctional behavior will require the assimilation of multiple components into a single macromolecular system. A wide variety of different architectures including porphyrin arrays, peptides, dendrimers, and polymers have been explored, with each design posing unique challenges. Polymer assemblies are attractive due to their relative ease of production and facile synthetic modification. However, their disordered nature gives rise to stochastic dynamics not present in more ordered assemblies. The rational design of assemblies requires a detailed understanding of the energy and electron transfer events that follow light absorption, which can occur on timescales ranging from femtoseconds to hundreds of microseconds, necessitating the use of sophisticated techniques. We have used a combination of time-resolved absorption and emission spectroscopies with observation times that span nine orders of magnitude to follow the excited-state evolution within single-site and polymer-based molecular assemblies. We complement experimental observations with electronic structure calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and kinetic modeling to develop a microscopic view of these dynamics. This thesis provides an overview of work on single-site molecular assemblies and polymers decorated with pendant chromophores, both in solution and on surfaces. This work was made possible through extensive collaboration with Dr. Kirk Schanze's and Dr. John Reynolds' research groups who synthesized the samples for study.

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

Wu, Q.

In memory of the significant contribution of Dr. Jacques Ovadia to electron beam techniques, this session will review recent, advanced techniques which are reinvigorating the science of electron beam radiation therapy. Recent research efforts in improving both the applicability and quality of the electron beam therapy will be discussed, including modulated electron beam radiotherapy (MERT) and dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR). Learning Objectives: To learn about recent advances in electron beam therapy, including modulated electron beam therapy and dynamic electron arc therapy (DEAR). Put recent advances in the context of work that Dr. Ovadia pursued during his career in medicalmore » physics.« less

Disability risk in pediatric motor vehicle crash occupants.

PubMed

Doud, Andrea N; Schoell, Samantha L; Weaver, Ashley A; Talton, Jennifer W; Barnard, Ryan T; Petty, John K; Stitzel, Joel D

2017-05-01

Mortality rates among children in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are typically low; however, nonfatal injuries can vary in severity by imposing differing levels of short- and long-term disability. To better discriminate the severity of nonfatal MVC injuries, a pediatric-specific disability risk (DR) metric was created. The National Automotive Sampling System 2000 to 2011 was used to define the top 95% most common Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2+ injuries among pediatric MVC occupants. Functional Independence Measure scores were abstracted from the National Trauma Data Bank 2002 to 2006. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. The DR and coinjury-adjusted DR (DRMAIS) of the most common AIS 2+ MVC-induced injuries were calculated for 7-year-old to 18-year-old children by determining the proportion of those disabled after an injury to those sustaining the injury. DR and DRMAIS values ranged from 0 to 1, representing 0% to 100% DR. The mean DR and DRMAIS of all injuries were 0.290 and 0.191, respectively. DR and DRMAIS were greatest for injuries to the head (DR, 0.340; DRMAIS, 0.279), thorax (DR, 0.320; DRMAIS, 0.233), and spine (DR, 0.315; DRMAIS, 0.200). The mean DR and DRMAIS increased with increasing AIS severity but there was significant variation and overlapping values across AIS severity levels. Comparison of DRMAIS to coinjury-adjusted mortality risk (MRMAIS) revealed that among 118 injuries with MRMAIS of 0.000, DRMAIS ranged from 0.000 to 0.429. Incorporation of DR metrics into injury severity metrics may improve the ability to distinguish between the severity of different nonfatal injuries. This is especially crucial in the pediatric population where permanent disability can result in a high number of years lost due to disability. The accuracy of such severity metrics is crucial to the success of pediatric triage algorithms such as Advanced Automatic Crash Notification algorithms. Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III.

Collected Papers in Structural Mechanics Honoring Dr. James H. Starnes, Jr.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr. (Compiler); Nemeth, Michael P. (Compiler); Malone, John B. (Compiler)

2006-01-01

This special publication contains a collection of structural mechanics papers honoring Dr. James H. Starnes, Jr. presented at the 46th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference held in Austin, Texas, April 18-21, 2005. Contributors to this publication represent a small number of those influenced by Dr. Starnes' technical leadership, his technical prowess and diversity, and his technical breath and depth in engineering mechanics. These papers cover some of the research areas Dr. Starnes investigated, which included buckling, postbuckling, and collapse of structures; composite structural mechanics, residual strength and damage tolerance of metallic and composite structures; and aircraft structural design, certification and verification. He actively pursued technical understanding and clarity, championed technical excellence, and modeled humility and perseverance.

Modeling, Analysis, and Optimization Issues for Large Space Structures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

There are numerous opportunities - provided by new advances in computer hardware, firmware, software , CAD/CAM systems, computational algorithms and...Institute Department of Mechanical Engineering Dept. of Civil Engineering & Mechanics Troy, NY 12181 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19104 Dr...Mechanical Engineering Hampton, VA 23665 Washington, DC 20059 Dr. K. T. Alfriend Mr. Siva S. Banda Department of the Navy Flight Dynamics LaboratoryNaval

Dielectronic recombination data for dynamic finite-density plasmas. XV. The silicon isoelectronic sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Jagjit; Gorczyca, T. W.; Badnell, N. R.

2018-02-01

Context. We aim to present a comprehensive theoretical investigation of dielectronic recombination (DR) of the silicon-like isoelectronic sequence and provide DR and radiative recombination (RR) data that can be used within a generalized collisional-radiative modelling framework. Aims: Total and final-state level-resolved DR and RR rate coefficients for the ground and metastable initial levels of 16 ions between P+ and Zn16+ are determined. Methods: We carried out multi-configurational Breit-Pauli DR calculations for silicon-like ions in the independent processes, isolated resonance, distorted wave approximation. Both Δnc = 0 and Δnc = 1 core excitations are included using LS and intermediate coupling schemes. Results: Results are presented for a selected number of ions and compared to all other existing theoretical and experimental data. The total dielectronic and radiative recombination rate coefficients for the ground state are presented in tabulated form for easy implementation into spectral modelling codes. These data can also be accessed from the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) OPEN-ADAS database. This work is a part of an assembly of a dielectronic recombination database for the modelling of dynamic finite-density plasmas.

Feasibility of online IMPT adaptation using fast, automatic and robust dose restoration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernatowicz, Kinga; Geets, Xavier; Barragan, Ana; Janssens, Guillaume; Souris, Kevin; Sterpin, Edmond

2018-04-01

Intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) offers excellent dose conformity and healthy tissue sparing, but it can be substantially compromised in the presence of anatomical changes. A major dosimetric effect is caused by density changes, which alter the planned proton range in the patient. Three different methods, which automatically restore an IMPT plan dose on a daily CT image were implemented and compared: (1) simple dose restoration (DR) using optimization objectives of the initial plan, (2) voxel-wise dose restoration (vDR), and (3) isodose volume dose restoration (iDR). Dose restorations were calculated for three different clinical cases, selected to test different capabilities of the restoration methods: large range adaptation, complex dose distributions and robust re-optimization. All dose restorations were obtained in less than 5 min, without manual adjustments of the optimization settings. The evaluation of initial plans on repeated CTs showed large dose distortions, which were substantially reduced after restoration. In general, all dose restoration methods improved DVH-based scores in propagated target volumes and OARs. Analysis of local dose differences showed that, although all dose restorations performed similarly in high dose regions, iDR restored the initial dose with higher precision and accuracy in the whole patient anatomy. Median dose errors decreased from 13.55 Gy in distorted plan to 9.75 Gy (vDR), 6.2 Gy (DR) and 4.3 Gy (iDR). High quality dose restoration is essential to minimize or eventually by-pass the physician approval of the restored plan, as long as dose stability can be assumed. Motion (as well as setup and range uncertainties) can be taken into account by including robust optimization in the dose restoration. Restoring clinically-approved dose distribution on repeated CTs does not require new ROI segmentation and is compatible with an online adaptive workflow.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Descemetorhexis: A Novel Technique in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PubMed

Pilger, Daniel; von Sonnleithner, Christoph; Bertelmann, Eckart; Joussen, Antonia M; Torun, Necip

2016-10-01

To explore the feasibility of femtosecond laser-assisted descemetorhexis (DR) to facilitate Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. Six pseudophakic patients suffering from Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy underwent femtosecond laser-assisted DMEK surgery. DR was performed using the LenSx femtosecond laser, followed by manual removal of the Descemet membrane. Optical coherence tomography images were used to measure DR parameters. Patients were followed up for 1 month to examine best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell loss, flap detachment, and structure of the anterior chamber of the eye. The diameter of the DR approximated the intended diameter closely [mean error of 34 μm (0.45%) and 54 μm (0.67%) in the x- and y-diameter, respectively] and did not require manual correction. The median visual acuity increased from 0.4 logMAR (range 0.6-0.4 logMAR) preoperative to 0.2 logMAR (range 0-0.4 logMAR) postoperative. The median endothelial cell loss was 22% (range 7%-34%). No clinically significant flap detachments were noted. All patients had clear corneas after surgery, and no side effects or damage to structures of the anterior chamber were noted. Femtosecond laser-assisted DR is a safe and precise method for facilitating DMEK surgery.

Efficient Synthesis of Differentiated syn-1,2-Diol Derivatives by Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation-Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of α-Alkoxy-Substituted β-Ketoesters.

PubMed

Monnereau, Laure; Cartigny, Damien; Scalone, Michelangelo; Ayad, Tahar; Ratovelomanana-Vidal, Virginie

2015-08-10

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation was applied to a wide range of racemic aryl α-alkoxy-β-ketoesters in the presence of well-defined, commercially available, chiral catalyst Ru(II) -(N-p-toluenesulfonyl-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine) and a 5:2 mixture of formic acid and triethylamine as the hydrogen source. Under these conditions, dynamic kinetic resolution was efficiently promoted to provide the corresponding syn α-alkoxy-β-hydroxyesters derived from substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes with a high level of diastereoselectivity (diastereomeric ratio (d.r.)>99:1) and an almost perfect enantioselectivity (enantiomeric excess (ee)>99 %). Additionally, after extensive screening of the reaction conditions, the use of Ru(II) - and Rh(III) -tethered precatalysts extended this process to more-challenging substrates that bore alkenyl-, alkynyl-, and alkyl substituents to provide the corresponding syn α-alkoxy-β-hydroxyesters with excellent enantiocontrol (up to 99 % ee) and good to perfect diastereocontrol (d.r.>99:1). Lastly, the synthetic utility of the present protocol was demonstrated by application to the asymmetric synthesis of chiral ester ethyl (2S)-2-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propanoate, which is an important pharmacophore in a number of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ dual agonist advanced drug candidates used for the treatment of type-II diabetes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Stress Dependence of Microstructures in Experimentally Deformed Calcite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platt, J. P.; De Bresser, J. H. P.

2017-12-01

Measurements of dynamically recrystallized grain size (Dr), subgrain size (Sg), minimum bulge size (Blg), and the maximum scale length for surface-energy driven grain-boundary migration (γGBM) in experimentally deformed Cararra marble help define the dependence of these microstructural features on stress and temperature. Measurements were made optically on ultra-thin sections in order to allow these features to be defined during measurement on the basis of microstructural setting and geometry. Taken together with previously published data Dr defines a paleopiezometer with a stress exponent of -1.09. There is no discernible temperature dependence over the 500°C temperature range of the experiments. Recrystallization occured mainly by bulging and subgrain rotation, and the two processes operated together, so that it is not possible to separate grains nucleated by the two mechanisms. Sg and Dr measured in the same samples are closely similar in size, suggesting that new grains do not grow significantly after nucleation, and that subgrain size is likely to be the primary control on recrystallized grain size. Blg and γGBM measured on each sample define a relationship to stress with an exponent of approximately -1.6, which helps define the boundary in stress - grain-size space between a region of dominant strain-energy-driven grain-boundary migration at high stress, from a region of dominant surface-energy-driven grain-boundary migration at low stress.

Microscopic relaxations in a protein sustained down to 160K in a non-glass forming organic solvent.

PubMed

Mamontov, E; O'Neill, H

2017-01-01

We have studied microscopic dynamics of a protein in carbon disulfide, a non-glass forming solvent, down to its freezing temperature of ca. 160K. We have utilized quasielastic neutron scattering. A comparison of lysozyme hydrated with water and dissolved in carbon disulfide reveals a stark difference in the temperature dependence of the protein's microscopic relaxation dynamics induced by the solvent. In the case of hydration water, the common protein glass-forming solvent, the protein relaxation slows down in response to a large increase in the water viscosity on cooling down, exhibiting a well-known protein dynamical transition. The dynamical transition disappears in non-glass forming carbon disulfide, whose viscosity remains a weak function of temperature all the way down to freezing at just below 160K. The microscopic relaxation dynamics of lysozyme dissolved in carbon disulfide is sustained down to the freezing temperature of its solvent at a rate similar to that measured at ambient temperature. Our results demonstrate that protein dynamical transition is not merely solvent-assisted, but rather solvent-induced, or, more precisely, is a reflection of the temperature dependence of the solvent's glass-forming dynamics. We hypothesize that, if the long debated idea regarding the direct link between the microscopic relaxations and the biological activity in proteins is correct, then not only the microscopic relaxations, but also the activity, could be sustained in proteins all the way down to the freezing temperature of a non-glass forming solvent with a weak temperature dependence of its viscosity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

United States Air Force Summer Faculty Research Program (1983). Program Management Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

845-5011 Dr. John Eoll Degree: Ph.D., Astrophysics, 1976 Assistant Professor Specialty: Radiaton Transport , Fluid Lernir-Rhyne College Dynamics...Applications Newark, DE 19711 Assigned: RADC (302) 738-8173 Dr. Gregory Jones Degree: Ph.D., Mathematics, 1972 Associate Professor Specialty: Computability...1965 Associate Professor Specialty: Magnetic Resonance, University of Dayton Transport Properties Physics Department Assigned: ML Dayton, OH 45469 5

Solution Techniques for Large Eigenvalue Problems in Structural Dynamics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

Pasadena, California 91109 Washington, D.C. 20553 Professor Paul M. Naghdi National Academy of Sciences University of California National Research...Engineering Washington, D.C. 20064 : S oProfessor Burt Paul University of Pennsylvania Dr. Samuel B. Batdorf Towns School of Civil and University of...Universities (Con’t) Dr. V. K. Varadan Professor V. H. Neubert Ohio State University Research Foundation Pennsylvania State University Department of

Dust Cloud Models: Sensitivity of Calculated Transmittances to Variations in Input Parameters

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

Artillery School ATTN: DELEW-M-STO (Dr. Steven Kovel) ATTN: ATSF- CF -R (CPT James M. Watson) White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002 Fort Sill, OK 73503 Office...STEWS-PT-AL (Laurel B. Saunders) ATTN: ATSF- CF -R White Sands Missile Range, RM 88002 Fort Sill, OK 73503 Commander Commandant US Army RAD Coordinator...Army Field Artillery School ATTN: OELEW-M-STO (Dr. Steven Kovel) ATTN: ATSF- CF -R (CPT James M. Watson) White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002 Fort Sill, OK

PREFACE: Turbulent Mixing and Beyond Turbulent Mixing and Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abarzhi, Snezhana I.; Gauthier, Serge; Rosner, Robert

2008-10-01

The goals of the International Conference `Turbulent Mixing and Beyond' are to expose the generic problem of Turbulence and Turbulent Mixing in Unsteady Flows to a wide scientific community, to promote the development of new ideas in tackling the fundamental aspects of the problem, to assist in the application of novel approaches in a broad range of phenomena, where the non-canonical turbulent processes occur, and to have a potential impact on technology. The Conference provides the opportunity to bring together scientists from the areas which include, but are not limited to, high energy density physics, plasmas, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, material science, geophysics, astrophysics, optics and telecommunications, applied mathematics, probability and statistics, and to have their attention focused on the long-standing formidable task. The Turbulent Mixing and Turbulence in Unsteady Flows, including multiphase flows, plays a key role in a wide variety of phenomena, ranging from astrophysical to nano-scales, under either high or low energy density conditions. Inertial confinement and magnetic fusion, light-matter interaction and non-equilibrium heat transfer, properties of materials under high strain rates, strong shocks, explosions, blast waves, supernovae and accretion disks, stellar non-Boussinesq and magneto-convection, planetary interiors and mantle-lithosphere tectonics, premixed and non-premixed combustion, oceanography, atmospheric flows, unsteady boundary layers, hypersonic and supersonic flows, are a few examples to list. A grip on unsteady turbulent processes is crucial for cutting-edge technology such as laser-micromachining and free-space optical telecommunications, and for industrial applications in aeronautics. Unsteady Turbulent Processes are anisotropic, non-local and multi-scale, and their fundamental scaling, spectral and invariant properties depart from the classical Kolmogorov scenario. The singular aspects and similarity of the mixing dynamics are interplayed with fundamental properties of the Euler and compressible Navier-Stokes equations, with the problem sensitivity to the initial conditions and to the boundary conditions at the discontinuities, and with its stochastic description. The state-of-the-art numerical simulations of the multi-phase non-equilibrium dynamics suggest new methods for capturing discontinuities and singularities and shock-interface interaction, for predictive modeling of the multi-scale dynamics in fluids and plasmas, for error estimate and uncertainty quantification as well as for novel data assimilation techniques. The First International Conference `Turbulent Mixing and Beyond' (TMB-2007), was held on 18-26 August 2007 at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy. This was a highly informative and exciting meeting, by all the standards a major success. The Conference brought together 120 participants (307 authors) from five continents, ranging from students to members of National Academies of Sciences and Engineering and including researchers from the Universities, National Laboratories, Leading Scientific Institutions and Industry. TMB-2007 covered 16 different topics, maintaining the scope and the interdisciplinary character of the meeting, and kept the focus on a fundamental fluid dynamic problem of unsteady turbulent processes and the Conference Objectives. The success of the TMB-07 was a result of the successful work of all the participants, who were serious and professional people, caring for the quality of their research and sharing their scientific vision. The level of presentations was high, and the presentations included 87 oral contributions, 32 invited lectures and 5 tutorials and over 30 poster contributions. The round table discussions held at TMB-2007 investigated the organization of a Collaborative Computing Environment for the Turbulent Mixing and Beyond Community. The abstracts of the 150 accepted Conference presentations were published in the Book of Abstracts, International Conference `Turbulent Mixing and Beyond', August 18-26, 2007, Copyright 2007 Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy, ISBN 92-95003-36-5. This Topical Issue consists of nearly 60 articles accepted for publication in the Conference Proceedings and reflects a substantial part of the Conference contributions. The articles cover a broad variety of TMB-2007 themes and are sorted alphabetically by the last name of the first author within each of the following topics: Canonical Turbulence and Turbulent Mixing (invariant, scaling, spectral properties, scalar transports) Wall-bounded Flows (structure and fundamentals, unsteady boundary layers, super-sonic flows, shock - boundary layer interaction) Interfacial Dynamics (Rayleigh-Taylor, Richtmyer-Meshkov and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities) Unsteady Turbulent Processes (turbulence and turbulent mixing in unsteady, multiphase and anisotropic flows) High Energy Density Physics (laser-material interaction, Z-pinches, laser-driven, heavy-ion and magnetic fusion) Astrophysics (supernovae, interstellar medium, star formation, stellar interiors, early Universe, cosmic micro-wave background) Magneto-hydrodynamics (magneto-convection, magneto-rotational instability, accretion disks, dynamo) Plasmas in Ionosphere (coupled plasmas, anomalous resistance, ionosphere) Physics of Atmosphere (environmental fluid dynamics, forecasting, data analysis, error estimate) Geophysics (turbulent convection in stratified, rotating and active flows) Combustion (dynamics of flames, fires, blast waves and explosions) Mathematical Aspects of Multi-Scale Dynamics (vortex dynamics, singularities, discontinuities, asymptotic dynamics, weak solutions, well- and ill-posedness) Statistical Approaches, Stochastic Processes and Probabilistic Description (uncertainty quantification, anomalous diffusion, long-tail distributions, wavelets) Advanced Numerical Simulations (continuous DNS/LES/RANS, Molecular dynamics, Monte-Carlo, predictive modeling) New Experimental Diagnostics (novel methods for flow visualization and control, high-tech) The First International Conference `Turbulent Mixing and Beyond' was organized by the following members of the Organizing Committee: Snezhana I Abarzhi (chairperson, Chicago, USA) Malcolm J Andrews (Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA) Sergei I Anisimov (Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, Russia) Serge Gauthier (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, France) Donald Q Lamb (The University of Chicago, USA) Katsunobu Nishihara (Institute for Laser Engineering, Osaka, Japan) Bruce A Remington (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA) Robert Rosner (Argonne National Laboratory, USA) Katepalli R Sreenivasan (International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy) Alexander L Velikovich (Naval Research Laboratory, USA) The Organizing Committee gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Conference Sponsors: National Science Foundation (NSF), USA (Divisions and Programs Directors: Drs A G Detwiler, L M Jameson, E L Lomon, P E Phelan, G A Prentice, J A Raper, W Schultz, P R Westmoreland; PI: Dr S I Abarzhi) Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), USA (Program Director: Dr J D Schmisseur; PI: Dr S I Abarzhi) European Office of Aerospace Research and Development (EOARD) of the AFOSR, UK (Program Chief: Dr S Surampudi; PI: Dr S I Abarzhi) International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy (Centre's Director: Dr K R Sreenivasan) The University of Chicago and The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), USA (Laboratory's Director: Dr R Rosner) Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), France (Directeur de Recherche: Dr S Gauthier) Department of Energy, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), USA (Program manager: Dr R J Hanrahan; Group Leader: Dr M J Andrew) The DOE ASC Alliance Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes, The University of Chicago, USA (Center's Director: Dr D Q Lamb) Institute for Laser Engineering (ILE), Osaka, Japan (Division Head: Dr K Nishihara) Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, USA (College of Science and Letters, Department of Applied Mathematics: Dr S I Abarji) and thanks them for making this event possible. The Organizing Committee appreciates the assistance of Suzie Radosic (administrator and assistant, ICTP) Daniil Ilyin (web-master, Chicago) Elena Magnus (assistant, Chicago) We express our gratitude for the help with the Conference Program to the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee S I Abarzhi (The University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, USA) G Ahlers (University of California at Santa Barbara, USA) M J Andrews (Los Alamos National Laboratory, Texas A & M University, USA) S I Anisimov (Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, Russia) E Bodenschatz (Max Plank Institute, Gottingen, Germany) S Dalziel (DAMTP, University of Cambridge, UK) R Ecke (Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA) H J Fernando (Arizona State University, USA) S Gauthier (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, France) G A Glatzmaier (University of California at Santa Cruz, USA) W A Goddard III (California Institute of Technology, USA) L P Kadanoff (The University of Chicago, USA) D Q Lamb (The University of Chicago, USA) D P Lathrop (University of Maryland, USA) S Lebedev (Imperial College, UK) P Manneville (Ecole Polytechnique, France) D I Meiron (California Institute of Technology, USA) H Nagib (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA) J Niemela (International Center for Theoretical Physics, Italy) K Nishihara (Institute for Laser Engineering, Osaka, Japan) S A Orszag (Yale University, USA) E Ott (University of Maryland, USA) N Peters (RWTS, Aachen, Germany) S B Pope (Cornell, USA) B A Remington (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA) R Rosner (Argonne National Laboratory and The University of Chicago, USA) A Schmidt (Naval Research Laboratory, USA) K R Sreenivasan (International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy) V Steinberg (Weiznmann Institute, Israel) A L Velikovich (Naval Research Laboratory, USA) P K Yeung (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) F A Williams (University of California at San Diego, USA) We would like to thank all the authors and the referees for their contributions to this Topical Issue and for offering their expertise, time and effort We cordially invite the reader to take a look at this Topical Issue for information on the frontiers of theoretical, numerical and experimental research and technology The Organizing Committee hopes the TMB Conference will serve to advance the state-of-the-art in understanding of fundamental physical properties of turbulent mixing and turbulence in unsteady flows and will have an impact on predictive modeling capabilities, physical description and, ultimately, control of these complex processes Snezhana I Abarzhi, Serge Gauthier, Robert Rosner Chicago, 20 Nov 2008

Shockwave dynamics: a comparison between stochastic and periodic porous architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branch, Brittany; Ionite, Axinte; Clements, Bradford; Montgomery, David; Schmalzer, Andrew; Patterson, Brian; Mueller, Alexander; Jensen, Brian; Dattelbaum, Dana

Polymeric foams are used extensively as structural supports and load mitigating materials in which they are subjected to compressive loading at a range of strain rates, up to the high strain rates encountered in blast and shockwave loading. To date, there have been few insights into compaction phenomena in porous structures at the mesoscale, and the influence of structure on shockwave localization. Of particular interest is when the properties of the inherent mesoscopic, periodic structure begin to emerge, versus the discrete behavior of the individual cell. Here, we illustrate, for the first time, modulation of shockwave dynamics controlled at micron-length scales in additively manufactured periodic porous structures measured using in situ, time-resolved x-ray phase contrast imaging at the Advanced Photon Source. Further, we demonstrate how the shockwave dynamics in periodic structures differ from stochastic foams of similar density and we conclude that microstructural control in elastomer foams has a dramatic effect on shockwave dynamics and can be tailored towards a variety of applications. Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program at Los Alamos National Laboratory (project# 20160103DR) and DOE/NNSA Campaign 2.

Enhanced ν-optical time domain reflectometry using gigahertz sinusoidally gated InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuping; Shi, Yuanlei; Shan, Yuanyuan; Sun, Zhenhong; Qiao, Weiyan; Zhang, Yixin

2016-09-01

Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) is one of the most successful diagnostic tools for nondestructive attenuation measurement of a fiber link. To achieve better sensitivity, spatial resolution, and avoid dead-zone in conversional OTDR, a single-photon detector has been introduced to form the photon-counting OTDR (ν-OTDR). We have proposed a ν-OTDR system using a gigahertz sinusoidally gated InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD). Benefiting from the superior performance of a sinusoidal gated SPAD on dark count probability, gating frequency, and gate duration, our ν-OTDR system has achieved a dynamic range (DR) of 33.4 dB with 1 μs probe pulse width after an equivalent measurement time of 51 s. This obtainable DR corresponds to a sensing length over 150 km. Our system has also obtained a spatial resolution of 5 cm at the end of a 5-km standard single-mode fiber. By employing a sinusoidal gating technique, we have improved the ν-OTDR spatial resolution and significantly reduced the measurement time.

Technial Programme Committee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-06-01

Chairpersons Dr Dinesh Sathyamoorthy, Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE), Ministry of Defence, Malaysia Associate Professor Sr Dr Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia Dr Ahmad Fikri Abdullah, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia Dr Farrah Melissa Muharram, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia Members Professor Dr Li Jing, Beijing Normal University, China Professor Dr Iyyanki Muralikrishna, Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), India Professor Dr Alias Abdul Rahman, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia Professor Dr Ismat Mohamed El Hassan, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia Professor Dr George Miliaresis, Open University of Cyprus, Cyprus Professor Dr Christine Pohl, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia Professor Dr Mahender Kotha, Goa University, India Associate Professor Dr Paolo Gamba, University of Pavia, Italy Associate Professor Dr Behara Seshadri Daya Sagar, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), India Associate Professor Sr Ranjit Singh, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir Matori, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Malaysia Associate Dr Lucian Dragut, West University of Timişoara, Romania Associate Professor Dr Saied Pirasteh, Islamic Azad University, Iran Associate Professor Dr Peter Yuen, Cranfield University, United Kingdom Associate Professor Dr Lim Hwee San, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Wayan Suparta, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Tuong Thuy Vu, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Maged Mahmoud Marghany, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Rami Al-Ruzouq, University of Sharjah, UAE Associate Professor Dr Biswajeet Pradhan, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd Shafri, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Benny Peter, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Norzailawati Mohd Nor, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Malaysia Dr Josée Lévesque, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), Canada Dr Ali Ariapour, Islamic Azad University, Iran Dr Zulkiflee Abd Latif, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia Dr Lim Tien Sze, Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia Dr Ruzinoor Che Mat, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Malaysia Dr Eran Sadek Said Md Sadek, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia Dr Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Dr Ramin Nourqolipour, National Organization of Forest, Range and Watershed Manage Sr Mohktar Azizi Mohd Din, Universiti Malaya Col (Rt) Frederic Hernoust, Magelli Marzieh Mokarram, University of Isf Mohd Fadhil Abuhan, Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysia

An Automated Detection System for Microaneurysms That Is Effective across Different Racial Groups.

PubMed

Saleh, George Michael; Wawrzynski, James; Caputo, Silvestro; Peto, Tunde; Al Turk, Lutfiah Ismail; Wang, Su; Hu, Yin; Da Cruz, Lyndon; Smith, Phil; Tang, Hongying Lilian

2016-01-01

Patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) represent a large proportion of the caseload seen by the DR screening service so reliable recognition of the absence of DR in digital fundus images (DFIs) is a prime focus of automated DR screening research. We investigate the use of a novel automated DR detection algorithm to assess retinal DFIs for absence of DR. A retrospective, masked, and controlled image-based study was undertaken. 17,850 DFIs of patients from six different countries were assessed for DR by the automated system and by human graders. The system's performance was compared across DFIs from the different countries/racial groups. The sensitivities for detection of DR by the automated system were Kenya 92.8%, Botswana 90.1%, Norway 93.5%, Mongolia 91.3%, China 91.9%, and UK 90.1%. The specificities were Kenya 82.7%, Botswana 83.2%, Norway 81.3%, Mongolia 82.5%, China 83.0%, and UK 79%. There was little variability in the calculated sensitivities and specificities across the six different countries involved in the study. These data suggest the possible scalability of an automated DR detection platform that enables rapid identification of patients without DR across a wide range of races.

Quantitative Methods for Long-Range Environmental Forecasting. Long-Wave European Projections. Volume 2. Technical Volume

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-03-01

approaches to specific problems within the foreign affairs community ( e . g. , within DoD). The lag resulted from a variety of factors, in...ICATIOH / Prepared by: Herman M. Weil Airon Greenberg Larry German Douglas Hartwick Michael R. Leavitt Sponsored by: Defense Advanced...I Dr. G. Robert Franco, Project Director Dr. Herman M. Weil Mr. Aaron Greenberg Mr. Larry German Mr. Douglas Hartwick Dr. Michael

Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly(ethylene imine) and Lithium Salts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-01

plots of AC impedance data obtained over the frequency range from 100 Nz to 13 az12 . AC impedance was determined using a computerized Hewlett-Packard...E. Yasger repartment of Chemistry Dr. Sam Perone Case Western Reserve University Chemitry & Materials Cleveland, Ohio 41106 1 Scifnte Department...1 Dr. Carl Kannewurf borthvestern University Dr. Joseph Gordon, I1 Dipartment of Electrical Engineering IB Corporation and Computer Science X33/281

Dynamics of hairpin vortices and polymer-induced turbulent drag reduction.

PubMed

Kim, Kyoungyoun; Adrian, Ronald J; Balachandar, S; Sureshkumar, R

2008-04-04

It has been known for over six decades that the dissolution of minute amounts of high molecular weight polymers in wall-bounded turbulent flows results in a dramatic reduction in turbulent skin friction by up to 70%. First principles simulations of turbulent flow of model polymer solutions can predict the drag reduction (DR) phenomenon. However, the essential dynamical interactions between the coherent structures present in turbulent flows and polymer conformation field that lead to DR are poorly understood. We examine this connection via dynamical simulations that track the evolution of hairpin vortices, i.e., counter-rotating pairs of quasistreamwise vortices whose nonlinear autogeneration and growth, decay and breakup are centrally important to turbulence stress production. The results show that the autogeneration of new vortices is suppressed by the polymer stresses, thereby decreasing the turbulent drag.

Structured Counseling for Auditory Dynamic Range Expansion.

PubMed

Gold, Susan L; Formby, Craig

2017-02-01

A structured counseling protocol is described that, when combined with low-level broadband sound therapy from bilateral sound generators, offers audiologists a new tool for facilitating the expansion of the auditory dynamic range (DR) for loudness. The protocol and its content are specifically designed to address and treat problems that impact hearing-impaired persons who, due to their reduced DRs, may be limited in the use and benefit of amplified sound from hearing aids. The reduced DRs may result from elevated audiometric thresholds and/or reduced sound tolerance as documented by lower-than-normal loudness discomfort levels (LDLs). Accordingly, the counseling protocol is appropriate for challenging and difficult-to-fit persons with sensorineural hearing losses who experience loudness recruitment or hyperacusis. Positive treatment outcomes for individuals with the former and latter conditions are highlighted in this issue by incremental shifts (improvements) in LDL and/or categorical loudness judgments, associated reduced complaints of sound intolerance, and functional improvements in daily communication, speech understanding, and quality of life leading to improved hearing aid benefit, satisfaction, and aided sound quality, posttreatment.

An HDR imaging method with DTDI technology for push-broom cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wu; Han, Chengshan; Xue, Xucheng; Lv, Hengyi; Shi, Junxia; Hu, Changhong; Li, Xiangzhi; Fu, Yao; Jiang, Xiaonan; Huang, Liang; Han, Hongyin

2018-03-01

Conventionally, high dynamic-range (HDR) imaging is based on taking two or more pictures of the same scene with different exposure. However, due to a high-speed relative motion between the camera and the scene, it is hard for this technique to be applied to push-broom remote sensing cameras. For the sake of HDR imaging in push-broom remote sensing applications, the present paper proposes an innovative method which can generate HDR images without redundant image sensors or optical components. Specifically, this paper adopts an area array CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) with the digital domain time-delay-integration (DTDI) technology for imaging, instead of adopting more than one row of image sensors, thereby taking more than one picture with different exposure. And then a new HDR image by fusing two original images with a simple algorithm can be achieved. By conducting the experiment, the dynamic range (DR) of the image increases by 26.02 dB. The proposed method is proved to be effective and has potential in other imaging applications where there is a relative motion between the cameras and scenes.

Structured Counseling for Auditory Dynamic Range Expansion

PubMed Central

Gold, Susan L.; Formby, Craig

2017-01-01

A structured counseling protocol is described that, when combined with low-level broadband sound therapy from bilateral sound generators, offers audiologists a new tool for facilitating the expansion of the auditory dynamic range (DR) for loudness. The protocol and its content are specifically designed to address and treat problems that impact hearing-impaired persons who, due to their reduced DRs, may be limited in the use and benefit of amplified sound from hearing aids. The reduced DRs may result from elevated audiometric thresholds and/or reduced sound tolerance as documented by lower-than-normal loudness discomfort levels (LDLs). Accordingly, the counseling protocol is appropriate for challenging and difficult-to-fit persons with sensorineural hearing losses who experience loudness recruitment or hyperacusis. Positive treatment outcomes for individuals with the former and latter conditions are highlighted in this issue by incremental shifts (improvements) in LDL and/or categorical loudness judgments, associated reduced complaints of sound intolerance, and functional improvements in daily communication, speech understanding, and quality of life leading to improved hearing aid benefit, satisfaction, and aided sound quality, posttreatment. PMID:28286367

Stability Analysis of Plates and Shells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr. (Compiler); Nemeth, Michael P. (Compiler)

1998-01-01

This special publication contains the papers presented at the special sessions honoring Dr. Manuel Stein during the 38th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference held in Kissimmee, Florida, Apdl 7-10, 1997. This volume, and the SDM special sessions, are dedicated to the memory of Dr. Manuel Stein, a major pioneer in structural mechanics, plate and shell buckling, and composite structures. Many of the papers presented are the work of Manny's colleagues and co-workers and are a result, directly or indirectly, of his influence. Dr. Stein earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1958. He worked in the Structural Mechanics Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center from 1943 until 1989. Following his retirement, Dr. Stein continued his involvement with NASA as a Distinguished Research Associate.

Mechanical Systems Technology Branch Research Summary, 1985-1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

the author or co-author of over 20 technical papers describing experimental and analytical research in the fields of gear and transmission dynamics ...Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, Sept. 13-16, 1992. Kahraman A., Ozguven, H.N., Houser D.R., and Zakrajsek, JJ.: Dynamic Analysis of Geared Rotors by Finite...18 Gear Noise Rig-Facility Design and Installation .................................. 20 Gear Dynamics

Mode-coupling theory for active Brownian particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liluashvili, Alexander; Ónody, Jonathan; Voigtmann, Thomas

2017-12-01

We present a mode-coupling theory (MCT) for the slow dynamics of two-dimensional spherical active Brownian particles (ABPs). The ABPs are characterized by a self-propulsion velocity v0 and by their translational and rotational diffusion coefficients Dt and Dr, respectively. Based on the integration-through-transients formalism, the theory requires as input only the equilibrium static structure factors of the passive system (where v0=0 ). It predicts a nontrivial idealized-glass-transition diagram in the three-dimensional parameter space of density, self-propulsion velocity, and rotational diffusivity that arise because at high densities, the persistence length of active swimming ℓp=v0/Dr interferes with the interaction length ℓc set by the caging of particles. While the low-density dynamics of ABPs is characterized by a single Péclet number Pe=v02/DrDt , close to the glass transition the dynamics is found to depend on Pe and ℓp separately. At fixed density, increasing the self-propulsion velocity causes structural relaxation to speed up, while decreasing the persistence length slows down the relaxation. The active-MCT glass is a nonergodic state that is qualitatively different from the passive glass. In it, correlations of initial density fluctuations never fully decay, but also an infinite memory of initial orientational fluctuations is retained in the positions.

Acoustic Blind Deconvolution and Frequency-Difference Beamforming in Shallow Ocean Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

acoustic field experiment (FAF06) conducted in July 2006 off the west coast of Italy. Dr. Heechun Song of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography...from seismic surveying and whale calls recorded on a vertical array with 12 elements. The whale call frequencies range from 100 to 500 Hz and the water...underway. Together Ms. Abadi and Dr. Thode had considerable success simulating the experimental environment, deconvolving whale calls, ranging the

United States Air Force Summer Faculty Research Program (1983). Technical Report. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

1968 Aerospace Engineering Department Specialty: Physical Fluid Dynamics Tullahoma, TN 37388 Assigned: AEDC e (613) 455-0631 Dr. Richard Conte...aLid Psycho- Psychology Department metrics Norfolk, VA 23508 Assigned: HRL/B -’ (804) 440-4235 Dr Fred E . Domann Degree: Ph.D., Physics, 1975...Assigned: APL Dayton, OH 45469(513) 229-2835 -*7* S.. * . e "-i..’i’._.:’,’,’-.:’,,-.. . - ... ,- . . • .,-- ". -’. ,, ..v

DDDAMS-based Urban Surveillance and Crowd Control via UAVs and UGVs

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-04

for crowd dynamics modeling by incorporating multi-resolution data, where a grid-based method is used to model crowd motion with UAVs’ low -resolution...information and more computational intensive (and time-consuming). Given that the deployment of fidelity selection results in simulation faces computational... low fidelity information FOV y (A) DR x (A) DR y (A) Not detected high fidelity information Table 1: Parameters for UAV and UGV for their detection

An Exploratory Study of Ram Accelerator Principles

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

deeply indebted to their students, Carl Knowlen, Alan Kull, Ed Burnham, Kelley Ann Scott, Alfred Alvarez, Dai Murakami, Ivan Stonich, Dean Brackett, Dale...Conference, Honolulu, HI, June 8-10, 1987. 15. D.R. Stull and M. Prophet, project directors, JANAF Thermochemical Tables, U.S. Government Printing...Propulsion, Pergamon Press, New York, 1957. A-2. W.G. Vincenti and C.H. Kruger, Introduction to Physical Gas Dynamics, Wiley, New York, 1965. A-3. D.R. Stull

2011 International Infantry and Joint Services Small Arms Systems Symposium, Exhibition and Firing Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-26

Machine Gun 24 12.7mm NATO Nominated Weapon United States – General Dynamics M2 Heavy Barrel Machine Gun 25...Explosively-Clad Refractory Barrel Liners for Small Caliber Machine Guns , Dr. Douglas Taylor, TPL, Inc. 12299 - The HAMR Project, Mr. Xavier Gavage, FN Herstal... Barrel Liners for Small Caliber Machine Guns Dr. Douglas Taylor, TPL, Inc. 12330 - 40mm Low Velocity Air-Burst Munitions System Mr.

CDAC Student Report: Summary of LLNL Internship

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

Herriman, Jane E.

Multiple objectives motivated me to apply for an internship at LLNL: I wanted to experience the work environment at a national lab, to learn about research and job opportunities at LLNL in particular, and to gain greater experience with code development, particularly within the realm of high performance computing (HPC). This summer I was selected to participate in LLNL's Computational Chemistry and Material Science Summer Institute (CCMS). CCMS is a 10 week program hosted by the Quantum Simulations group leader, Dr. Eric Schwegler. CCMS connects graduate students to mentors at LLNL involved in similar re- search and provides weekly seminarsmore » on a broad array of topics from within chemistry and materials science. Dr. Xavier Andrade and Dr. Erik Draeger served as my co-mentors over the summer, and Dr. Andrade continues to mentor me now that CCMS has concluded. Dr. Andrade is a member of the Quantum Simulations group within the Physical and Life Sciences at LLNL, and Dr. Draeger leads the HPC group within the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC). The two have worked together to develop Qb@ll, an open-source first principles molecular dynamics code that was the platform for my summer research project.« less

A "Sweet 16" of Rules About Teamwork

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laufer, Alexander (Editor)

2002-01-01

The following "Sweet 16" rules included in this paper derive from a longer paper by APPL Director Dr. Edward Hoffman and myself entitled " 99 Rules for Managing Faster, Better, Cheaper Projects." Our sources consisted mainly of "war stories" told by master project managers in my book Simultaneous Management: Managing Projects in a Dynamic Environment (AMACOM, The American Management Association, 1996). The Simultaneous Management model was a result of 10 years of intensive research and testing conducted with the active participation of master project managers from leading private organizations such as AT&T, DuPont, Exxon, General Motors, IBM, Motorola and Procter & Gamble. In a more recent study, led by Dr. Hoffman, we learned that master project managers in leading public organizations employ most of these rules as well. Both studies, in private and public organizations, found that a dynamic environment calls for dynamic management, and that is especially clear in how successful project managers think about their teams.

Three-Dimensional Static Articulation Accuracy of Virtual Models-Part II: Effect of Model Scanner-CAD Systems and Articulation Method.

PubMed

Yee, Sophia Hui Xin; Esguerra, Roxanna Jean; Chew, Amelia Anya Qin'An; Wong, Keng Mun; Tan, Keson Beng Choon

2018-02-01

Accurate maxillomandibular relationship transfer is important for CAD/CAM prostheses. This study compared the 3D-accuracy of virtual model static articulation in three laboratory scanner-CAD systems (Ceramill Map400 [AG], inEos X5 [SIR], Scanner S600 Arti [ZKN]) using two virtual articulation methods: mounted models (MO), interocclusal record (IR). The master model simulated a single crown opposing a 3-unit fixed partial denture. Reference values were obtained by measuring interarch and interocclusal reference features with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). MO group stone casts were articulator-mounted with acrylic resin bite registrations while IR group casts were hand-articulated with poly(vinyl siloxane) bite registrations. Five test model sets were scanned and articulated virtually with each system (6 test groups, 15 data sets). STL files of the virtual models were measured with CMM software. dR R , dR C , and dR L , represented interarch global distortions at right, central, and left sides, respectively, while dR M , dX M , dY M , and dZ M represented interocclusal global and linear distortions between preparations. Mean interarch 3D distortion ranged from -348.7 to 192.2 μm for dR R , -86.3 to 44.1 μm for dR C , and -168.1 to 4.4 μm for dR L . Mean interocclusal distortion ranged from -257.2 to -85.2 μm for dR M , -285.7 to 183.9 μm for dX M , -100.5 to 114.8 μm for dY M , and -269.1 to -50.6 μm for dZ M . ANOVA showed that articulation method had significant effect on dR R and dX M , while system had a significant effect on dR R , dR C , dR L , dR M , and dZ M . There were significant differences between 6 test groups for dR R, dR L dX M , and dZ M . dR R and dX M were significantly greater in AG-IR, and this was significantly different from SIR-IR, ZKN-IR, and all MO groups. Interarch and interocclusal distances increased in MO groups, while they decreased in IR groups. AG-IR had the greatest interarch distortion as well as interocclusal superior-inferior distortion. The other groups performed similarly to each other, and the overall interarch distortion did not exceed 0.7%. In these systems and articulation methods, interocclusal distortions may result in hyper- or infra-occluded prostheses. © 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digital Static Interocclusal Registration by Three Intraoral Scanner Systems.

PubMed

Wong, Kuan Yee; Esguerra, Roxanna Jean; Chia, Vanessa Ai Ping; Tan, Ying Han; Tan, Keson Beng Choon

2018-02-01

Prior studies have defined the accuracy of intraoral scanner (IOS) systems but the accuracy of the digital static interocclusal registration function of these systems has not been reported. This study compared the three-dimensional (3D) accuracy of the digital static interocclusal registration of 3 IOS systems using the buccal bite scan function. Three IOS systems compared were 3M TM True Definition Scanner (TDS), TRIOS Color (TRC), and CEREC AC with CEREC Omnicam (CER). Using each scanner, 7 scans (n = 7) of the mounted and articulated SLA master models were obtained. The measurement targets (SiN reference spheres and implant abutment analogs) were in the opposing models at the right (R), central (C), and left (L) regions; abutments #26 and #36, respectively. A coordinate measuring machine with metrology software compared the physical and virtual targets to derive the global 3D linear distortion between the centroids of the respective target reference spheres and abutment analogs (dR R , dR C , dR L , and dR M ) and 2D distances between the pierce points of the abutment analogs (dX M , dY M , dZ M ), with 3 measurement repetitions for each scan. Mean 3D distortion ranged from -471.9 to 31.7 μm for dR R , -579.0 to -87.0 μm for dR C , -381.5 to 69.4 μm for dR L , and -184.9 to -23.1 μm for dR M . Mean 2D distortion ranged from -225.9 to 0.8 μm for dX M , -130.6 to -126.1 μm for dY M , and -34.3 to 26.3 μm for dZ M . Significant differences were found for interarch distortions across the three systems. For dR R and dR L , all three test groups were significantly different, whereas for dR C , the TDS was significantly different from the TRC and CER. For 2D distortion, significant differences were found for dX M only. Interarch and global interocclusal distortions for the three IOS systems were significantly different. TRC performed overall the best and TDS was the worst. The interarch (dR R , dR C , dR L ) and interocclusal (dX M ) distortions observed will affect the magnitude of occlusal contacts of restorations clinically. The final restoration may be either hyperoccluded or infraoccluded, requiring compensations during the CAD design stage or clinical adjustments at issue. © 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Electrotactile stimulation on the tongue: intensity perception, discrimination and cross-modality estimation

PubMed Central

Lozano, Cecil A.; Kaczmarek, Kurt A.; Santello, Marco

2010-01-01

Due to its high sensitivity and conductivity, electrotactile stimulation (ETS) on the tongue has proven to be a useful and technically convenient tool to substitute and/or augment sensory capabilities. However, most of its applications have only provided spatial attributes and little is known about (a) the ability of the tongue's sensory system to process electrical stimuli of varying magnitudes and (b) how modulation of ETS intensity affects subjects' ability to decode stimulus intensity. We addressed these questions by quantifying: (1) the magnitude of the dynamic range (DR; maximal comfortable intensity/perception threshold) and its sensitivity to prolonged exposure; (2) subjects' ability to perceive intensity changes; and (3) subjects' ability to associate intensity with angular excursions of a protractor's handle. We found that the average DR (17 dB) was generally large in comparison with other tactile loci and of a relatively constant magnitude among subjects, even after prolonged exposure, despite a slight but significant upward drift (P < 0.001). Additionally, our results showed that as stimulus intensity increased, subjects' ability to discriminate ETS stimuli of different intensities improved (P < 0.05) while estimation accuracy, in general, slightly decreased (increasing underestimation). These results suggest that higher ETS intensity may increase recruitment of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor fibers, as these are specialized for coding stimulus differences rather than absolute intensities. Furthermore, our study revealed that the tongue's sensory system can effectively convey electrical stimuli despite minimal practice and when information transfer is limited by memory and DR drift. PMID:19697262

Acquisition Review Quarterly. Vol. 3, No. 2, Fall 1996

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-11-02

ACQUISITION Fall 1996 TABLE OF CONTENTS OPINION 79 - "CYCLE TIME" - A MILITARY IMPERATIVE Dr. Walter B. LaBerge Emphasis on "minimum cycle time" and...MILITARY IMPERATIVE AS WELL Dr. Walter B. LaBerge Dean Clubb, President of the Defense Systems of Electronics Group, Texas Instruments, Inc., makes in his...lives of resources to provide a broad range of tech- American personnel involved. Also, today Dr. LaBerge is Visiting Professor, Executive Institute at

Structural Optimization of a Distributed Actuation System in a Flexible In-Plane Morphing Wing

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

Captain, USAF Approved: /signed/ 11 Jun 2007 Dr. Robert Canfield (Chairman) date /signed/ 11 Jun 2007 Dr. Brian Sanders (Member) date /signed/ 11 Jun...can be seen here at the Camp Roberts Flight Test Range [11]. separation, which ultimately increased the overall lift. During wind tunnel tests, the...Matlabr . The outermost loop was written by Mark Spillman and Dr. Robert Canfield and was based on Schittkowski’s Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP

Genomics, molecular imaging, bioinformatics, and bio-nano-info integration are synergistic components of translational medicine and personalized healthcare research.

PubMed

Yang, Jack Y; Yang, Mary Qu; Arabnia, Hamid R; Deng, Youping

2008-09-16

Supported by National Science Foundation (NSF), International Society of Intelligent Biological Medicine (ISIBM), International Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design and International Journal of Functional Informatics and Personalized Medicine, IEEE 7th Bioinformatics and Bioengineering attracted more than 600 papers and 500 researchers and medical doctors. It was the only synergistic inter/multidisciplinary IEEE conference with 24 Keynote Lectures, 7 Tutorials, 5 Cutting-Edge Research Workshops and 32 Scientific Sessions including 11 Special Research Interest Sessions that were designed dynamically at Harvard in response to the current research trends and advances. The committee was very grateful for the IEEE Plenary Keynote Lectures given by: Dr. A. Keith Dunker (Indiana), Dr. Jun Liu (Harvard), Dr. Brian Athey (Michigan), Dr. Mark Borodovsky (Georgia Tech and President of ISIBM), Dr. Hamid Arabnia (Georgia and Vice-President of ISIBM), Dr. Ruzena Bajcsy (Berkeley and Member of United States National Academy of Engineering and Member of United States Institute of Medicine of the National Academies), Dr. Mary Yang (United States National Institutes of Health and Oak Ridge, DOE), Dr. Chih-Ming Ho (UCLA and Member of United States National Academy of Engineering and Academician of Academia Sinica), Dr. Andy Baxevanis (United States National Institutes of Health), Dr. Arif Ghafoor (Purdue), Dr. John Quackenbush (Harvard), Dr. Eric Jakobsson (UIUC), Dr. Vladimir Uversky (Indiana), Dr. Laura Elnitski (United States National Institutes of Health) and other world-class scientific leaders. The Harvard meeting was a large academic event 100% full-sponsored by IEEE financially and academically. After a rigorous peer-review process, the committee selected 27 high-quality research papers from 600 submissions. The committee is grateful for contributions from keynote speakers Dr. Russ Altman (IEEE BIBM conference keynote lecturer on combining simulation and machine learning to recognize function in 4D), Dr. Mary Qu Yang (IEEE BIBM workshop keynote lecturer on new initiatives of detecting microscopic disease using machine learning and molecular biology, http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/servlet/opac?punumber=4425386) and Dr. Jack Y. Yang (IEEE BIBM workshop keynote lecturer on data mining and knowledge discovery in translational medicine) from the first IEEE Computer Society BioInformatics and BioMedicine (IEEE BIBM) international conference and workshops, November 2-4, 2007, Silicon Valley, California, USA.

Genomics, molecular imaging, bioinformatics, and bio-nano-info integration are synergistic components of translational medicine and personalized healthcare research

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

Supported by National Science Foundation (NSF), International Society of Intelligent Biological Medicine (ISIBM), International Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design and International Journal of Functional Informatics and Personalized Medicine, IEEE 7th Bioinformatics and Bioengineering attracted more than 600 papers and 500 researchers and medical doctors. It was the only synergistic inter/multidisciplinary IEEE conference with 24 Keynote Lectures, 7 Tutorials, 5 Cutting-Edge Research Workshops and 32 Scientific Sessions including 11 Special Research Interest Sessions that were designed dynamically at Harvard in response to the current research trends and advances. The committee was very grateful for the IEEE Plenary Keynote Lectures given by: Dr. A. Keith Dunker (Indiana), Dr. Jun Liu (Harvard), Dr. Brian Athey (Michigan), Dr. Mark Borodovsky (Georgia Tech and President of ISIBM), Dr. Hamid Arabnia (Georgia and Vice-President of ISIBM), Dr. Ruzena Bajcsy (Berkeley and Member of United States National Academy of Engineering and Member of United States Institute of Medicine of the National Academies), Dr. Mary Yang (United States National Institutes of Health and Oak Ridge, DOE), Dr. Chih-Ming Ho (UCLA and Member of United States National Academy of Engineering and Academician of Academia Sinica), Dr. Andy Baxevanis (United States National Institutes of Health), Dr. Arif Ghafoor (Purdue), Dr. John Quackenbush (Harvard), Dr. Eric Jakobsson (UIUC), Dr. Vladimir Uversky (Indiana), Dr. Laura Elnitski (United States National Institutes of Health) and other world-class scientific leaders. The Harvard meeting was a large academic event 100% full-sponsored by IEEE financially and academically. After a rigorous peer-review process, the committee selected 27 high-quality research papers from 600 submissions. The committee is grateful for contributions from keynote speakers Dr. Russ Altman (IEEE BIBM conference keynote lecturer on combining simulation and machine learning to recognize function in 4D), Dr. Mary Qu Yang (IEEE BIBM workshop keynote lecturer on new initiatives of detecting microscopic disease using machine learning and molecular biology, http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/servlet/opac?punumber=4425386) and Dr. Jack Y. Yang (IEEE BIBM workshop keynote lecturer on data mining and knowledge discovery in translational medicine) from the first IEEE Computer Society BioInformatics and BioMedicine (IEEE BIBM) international conference and workshops, November 2-4, 2007, Silicon Valley, California, USA. PMID:18831773

Nanoarchitectured electrochemical cytosensors for selective detection of leukemia cells and quantitative evaluation of death receptor expression on cell surfaces.

PubMed

Zheng, Tingting; Fu, Jia-Ju; Hu, Lihui; Qiu, Fan; Hu, Minjin; Zhu, Jun-Jie; Hua, Zi-Chun; Wang, Hui

2013-06-04

The variable susceptibility to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment observed in various types of leukemia cells is related to the difference in the expression levels of death receptors, DR4 and DR5, on the cell surfaces. Quantifying the DR4/DR5 expression status on leukemia cell surfaces is of vital importance to the development of diagnostic tools to guide death receptor-based leukemia treatment. Taking the full advantages of novel nanobiotechnology, we have developed a robust electrochemical cytosensing approach toward ultrasensitive detection of leukemia cells with detection limit as low as ~40 cells and quantitative evaluation of DR4/DR5 expression on leukemia cell surfaces. The optimization of electron transfer and cell capture processes at specifically tailored nanobiointerfaces and the incorporation of multiple functions into rationally designed nanoprobes provide unique opportunities of integrating high specificity and signal amplification on one electrochemical cytosensor. The high sensitivity and selectivity of this electrochemical cytosensing approach also allows us to evaluate the dynamic alteration of DR4/DR5 expression on the surfaces of living cells in response to drug treatments. Using the TRAIL-resistant HL-60 cells and TRAIL-sensitive Jurkat cells as model cells, we have further verified that the TRAIL susceptibility of various types of leukemia cells is directly correlated to the surface expression levels of DR4/DR5. This versatile electrochemical cytosensing platform is believed to be of great clinical value for the early diagnosis of human leukemia and the evaluation of therapeutic effects on leukemia patients after radiation therapy or drug treatment.

Development of a real-time digital radiography system using a scintillator-type flat-panel detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Shigeyuki; Suzuki, Katsumi; Ishikawa, Ken; Okajima, Kenichi

2001-06-01

In order to study the advantage and remaining problems of FPD (flat panel detector) for clinical use by the real-time DR (digital radiography) system, we developed a prototype system using a scintillator type FPD and which was compared with previous I.I.-CCD type real-time DR. We replaced the X- ray detector of DR-2000X from I.I.-4M (4 million pixels)-CCD camera to the scintillator type dynamic FPD(7' X 9', 127 micrometers ), which can take both radiographic and fluoroscopic images. We obtained the images of head and stomach phantoms, and discussed about the image quality with medical doctors.

Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Monitoring Using Retinal Fundus Image Analysis.

PubMed

Bhaskaranand, Malavika; Ramachandra, Chaithanya; Bhat, Sandeep; Cuadros, Jorge; Nittala, Muneeswar Gupta; Sadda, SriniVas; Solanki, Kaushal

2016-02-16

Diabetic retinopathy (DR)-a common complication of diabetes-is the leading cause of vision loss among the working-age population in the western world. DR is largely asymptomatic, but if detected at early stages the progression to vision loss can be significantly slowed. With the increasing diabetic population there is an urgent need for automated DR screening and monitoring. To address this growing need, in this article we discuss an automated DR screening tool and extend it for automated estimation of microaneurysm (MA) turnover, a potential biomarker for DR risk. The DR screening tool automatically analyzes color retinal fundus images from a patient encounter for the various DR pathologies and collates the information from all the images belonging to a patient encounter to generate a patient-level screening recommendation. The MA turnover estimation tool aligns retinal images from multiple encounters of a patient, localizes MAs, and performs MA dynamics analysis to evaluate new, persistent, and disappeared lesion maps and estimate MA turnover rates. The DR screening tool achieves 90% sensitivity at 63.2% specificity on a data set of 40 542 images from 5084 patient encounters obtained from the EyePACS telescreening system. On a subset of 7 longitudinal pairs the MA turnover estimation tool identifies new and disappeared MAs with 100% sensitivity and average false positives of 0.43 and 1.6 respectively. The presented automated tools have the potential to address the growing need for DR screening and monitoring, thereby saving vision of millions of diabetic patients worldwide. © 2016 Diabetes Technology Society.

A Generalized Formulation of Demand Response under Market Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Minh Y.; Nguyen, Duc M.

2015-06-01

This paper presents a generalized formulation of Demand Response (DR) under deregulated electricity markets. The problem is scheduling and controls the consumption of electrical loads according to the market price to minimize the energy cost over a day. Taking into account the modeling of customers' comfort (i.e., preference), the formulation can be applied to various types of loads including what was traditionally classified as critical loads (e.g., air conditioning, lights). The proposed DR scheme is based on Dynamic Programming (DP) framework and solved by DP backward algorithm in which the stochastic optimization is used to treat the uncertainty, if any occurred in the problem. The proposed formulation is examined with the DR problem of different loads, including Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and a newly DR on the water supply systems of commercial buildings. The result of simulation shows significant saving can be achieved in comparison with their traditional (On/Off) scheme.

Impacts of demand response and renewable generation in electricity power market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhechong

This thesis presents the objective of the research which is to analyze the impacts of uncertain wind power and demand response on power systems operation and power market clearing. First, in order to effectively utilize available wind generation, it is usually given the highest priority by assigning zero or negative energy bidding prices when clearing the day-ahead electric power market. However, when congestion occurs, negative wind bidding prices would aggravate locational marginal prices (LMPs) to be negative in certain locations. A load shifting model is explored to alleviate possible congestions and enhance the utilization of wind generation, by shifting proper amount of load from peak hours to off peaks. The problem is to determine proper amount of load to be shifted, for enhancing the utilization of wind generation, alleviating transmission congestions, and making LMPs to be non-negative values. The second piece of work considered the price-based demand response (DR) program which is a mechanism for electricity consumers to dynamically manage their energy consumption in response to time-varying electricity prices. It encourages consumers to reduce their energy consumption when electricity prices are high, and thereby reduce the peak electricity demand and alleviate the pressure to power systems. However, it brings additional dynamics and new challenges on the real-time supply and demand balance. Specifically, price-sensitive DR load levels are constantly changing in response to dynamic real-time electricity prices, which will impact the economic dispatch (ED) schedule and in turn affect electricity market clearing prices. This thesis adopts two methods for examining the impacts of different DR price elasticity characteristics on the stability performance: a closed-loop iterative simulation method and a non-iterative method based on the contraction mapping theorem. This thesis also analyzes the financial stability of DR load consumers, by incorporating explicit LMP formulations and consumer payment requirements into the network-constrained unit commitment (NCUC) problem. The proposed model determines the proper amount of DR loads to be shifted from peak hours to off-peaks under ISO's direct load control, for reducing the operation cost and ensuring that consumer payments of DR loads will not deteriorate significantly after load shifting. Both MINLP and MILP models are discussed, and improved formulation strategies are presented.

Critical role of surfactants in the formation of digestively-ripened, ultra-small (r<2 nm) copper oxide quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talluri, Bhusankar; Prasad, Edamana; Thomas, Tiju

2018-04-01

Synthesis of ultra-small (r < 2 nm) and monodispersed semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have gained considerable attention due to their wide range of applications, ranging from photovoltaics to sensing. Digestive ripening (DR), a method for preparing uniformly-sized particles is critically influenced by nature and concentrations of the starting materials, solvent, and surfactant. To better understand the DR process there is a need to study the effect of each synthetic parameter. In this work, we investigate the effect of surfactant on a ceramic-DR process, with copper oxide as the chosen material. To study the influence of surfactant; aminoalcohols (triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine), alkylamines (ethyl amine) and aqua ligands are chosen. Digestively ripened quantum dots (QDs) are formed in case of all surfactants except ethyl amine and water. Aminoalchols based surfactants which contain both hydroxyl and amine moieties are efficient ligands (due to their chelation ability) for achieving DR. With the increase of denticity of the ligand, average size of QDs do not vary; however the variance in size does. QDs formed using aminoalchols are more monodispersed when compared to alkyl amine and aqua ligand systems. Furthermore, absorption and photoluminescence spectra suggest that choice of surfactant is important for achieving DR in ceramic nanostructures (when compared to other parameters). Hard-soft-acid-base-interactions between surfactant and copper oxide seem primarily responsible for the observed DR in copper oxide QDs. The absorption and photoluminescence spectra indicate that the energy migration and relaxation pathways taking place in DR QDs depend on the type of capping agent used.

Dynamics and Control of Vehicles

Science.gov Websites

Contacts Researchers Thrust Area 1: Dynamics and Control of Vehicles Thrust Area Leader: Dr. Tulga Ersal economy, mobility, and safety of modern vehicles heavily rely on the numerous control systems that fulfill storage in electrified powertrains. All these vehicle control systems rely in turn on a solid

Structure and Dynamics of the Quiet Solar Chromosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalkofen, Wolfgang; Wagner, William (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

For the meeting of the AAS/SPD in Albuquerque, NM, I organized a Topical Session of the AAS on Structure and Dynamics of Chromospheres. The grant support was used to bring to the US two of the speakers from abroad. I had invited them for presentations at the Session: Dr. Klaus Wilhelm, the former PI of the SUMER instrument on SOHO, from the Max-Planck Institut in Lindau, Germany, and Dr. Sirajul Hasan, from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore, India. Both speakers preceded their trip to the AAS meeting with a stay at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, where they interacted with members of the Solar and Stellar Physics division. The highlights of the visits were the talks at the AAS/SPD meeting, in which six invited speakers told the audience of astronomers about current problems in solar physics and their relation to stellar problems. An important result of the visits is a paper by Dr. Wilhelm and me on 'Observations of the upper solar chromosphere with SUMER on SOHO', which has been submitted to Astronomy and Astrophysics for publication.

The Cohesive Element Approach to Dynamic Fragmentation: The Question of Energy Convergence

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

fracture. Advances in Applied Mechanics 1962 ; 7:55–129. 9. Xu XP, Needleman A. Numerical simulations of fast crack growth in brittle solids. Journal of... EGLIN AFB FL 32542 3 DARPA L CHRISTODOULOU W COBLENZ S WAX 3701 N FAIRFAX DR ARLINGTON VA 22203-1714 1 DIRECTOR US ARMY...DR E WARINGHAM 10 PLACE GEORGES CLEMENCEOUX 92211 SAINT CLOUD CEDEX FRANCE 1 LMT CACHAN J F MOLINARI 61 AVE DU PRESIDENT WILSON

Software Package on Integrated Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling and Field Oriented Control (FOC) of Permanent Magnet (PM) Motor for High Performance Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Louis Chow, David Woodburn, Lei Zhou, Jared Bindl, Yang Hu, and Wendell Brokaw University of Central Florida JANUARY 2011 Interim Report...Magnet (PM) Motor % % Written in SI or MKS Unit System. % % Authors: % David Woodburn % Dr. Lei Zhou % Dr. Thomas X. Wu clear all...Initial phase winding resistance [ ohm ] id = 0; % Phase d current [A] iq = 0; % Phase q current [A] did_dt = 0

Phoenix, a High-Performance UNIX with an Emphasis on Dynamic Modification, Real-Time Response and Survivability

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-12

Communications COM-28, (April 1980 ) 425-432. [6] Munch-Anderson, B. and T.U. Zahle, Scheduling According to Job Priority With Prevention of Deadlock and...Interconnection, IEEE Transactions on Communications COM-28, (April 1980 ) 425-432. (4] Cook, R.P., StarMod, A Language for Distributed Programming...Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 Attention: Dr. David W. Hislop * Electronics Division 51 Dr. David W. Hislop Electronics Division U. S. Army Research

Modeling, Analysis, and Control of Demand Response Resources

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

Mathieu, Johanna L.

2012-05-01

While the traditional goal of an electric power system has been to control supply to fulfill demand, the demand-side can plan an active role in power systems via Demand Response (DR), defined by the Department of Energy (DOE) as “a tariff or program established to motivate changes in electric use by end-use customers in response to changes in the price of electricity over time, or to give incentive payments designed to induce lower electricity use at times of high market prices or when grid reliability is jeopardized” [29]. DR can provide a variety of benefits including reducing peak electric loadsmore » when the power system is stressed and fast timescale energy balancing. Therefore, DR can improve grid reliability and reduce wholesale energy prices and their volatility. This dissertation focuses on analyzing both recent and emerging DR paradigms. Recent DR programs have focused on peak load reduction in commercial buildings and industrial facilities (C&I facilities). We present methods for using 15-minute-interval electric load data, commonly available from C&I facilities, to help building managers understand building energy consumption and ‘ask the right questions’ to discover opportunities for DR. Additionally, we present a regression-based model of whole building electric load, i.e., a baseline model, which allows us to quantify DR performance. We use this baseline model to understand the performance of 38 C&I facilities participating in an automated dynamic pricing DR program in California. In this program, facilities are expected to exhibit the same response each DR event. We find that baseline model error makes it difficult to precisely quantify changes in electricity consumption and understand if C&I facilities exhibit event-to-event variability in their response to DR signals. Therefore, we present a method to compute baseline model error and a metric to determine how much observed DR variability results from baseline model error rather than real variability in response. We find that, in general, baseline model error is large. Though some facilities exhibit real DR variability, most observed variability results from baseline model error. In some cases, however, aggregations of C&I facilities exhibit real DR variability, which could create challenges for power system operation. These results have implications for DR program design and deployment. Emerging DR paradigms focus on faster timescale DR. Here, we investigate methods to coordinate aggregations of residential thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), including air conditioners and refrigerators, to manage frequency and energy imbalances in power systems. We focus on opportunities to centrally control loads with high accuracy but low requirements for sensing and communications infrastructure. Specifically, we compare cases when measured load state information (e.g., power consumption and temperature) is 1) available in real time; 2) available, but not in real time; and 3) not available. We develop Markov Chain models to describe the temperature state evolution of heterogeneous populations of TCLs, and use Kalman filtering for both state and joint parameter/state estimation. We present a look-ahead proportional controller to broadcast control signals to all TCLs, which always remain in their temperature dead-band. Simulations indicate that it is possible to achieve power tracking RMS errors in the range of 0.26–9.3% of steady state aggregated power consumption. Results depend upon the information available for system identification, state estimation, and control. We find that, depending upon the performance required, TCLs may not need to provide state information to the central controller in real time or at all. We also estimate the size of the TCL potential resource; potential revenue from participation in markets; and break-even costs associated with deploying DR-enabling technologies. We find that current TCL energy storage capacity in California is 8–11 GWh, with refrigerators contributing the most. Annual revenues from participation in regulation vary from $10 to $220 per TCL per year depending upon the type of TCL and climate zone, while load following and arbitrage revenues are more modest at $2 to $35 per TCL per year. These results lead to a number of policy recommendations that will make it easier to engage residential loads in fast timescale DR.« less

MSeqDR: A Centralized Knowledge Repository and Bioinformatics Web Resource to Facilitate Genomic Investigations in Mitochondrial Disease.

PubMed

Shen, Lishuang; Diroma, Maria Angela; Gonzalez, Michael; Navarro-Gomez, Daniel; Leipzig, Jeremy; Lott, Marie T; van Oven, Mannis; Wallace, Douglas C; Muraresku, Colleen Clarke; Zolkipli-Cunningham, Zarazuela; Chinnery, Patrick F; Attimonelli, Marcella; Zuchner, Stephan; Falk, Marni J; Gai, Xiaowu

2016-06-01

MSeqDR is the Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource, a centralized and comprehensive genome and phenome bioinformatics resource built by the mitochondrial disease community to facilitate clinical diagnosis and research investigations of individual patient phenotypes, genomes, genes, and variants. A central Web portal (https://mseqdr.org) integrates community knowledge from expert-curated databases with genomic and phenotype data shared by clinicians and researchers. MSeqDR also functions as a centralized application server for Web-based tools to analyze data across both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, including investigator-driven whole exome or genome dataset analyses through MSeqDR-Genesis. MSeqDR-GBrowse genome browser supports interactive genomic data exploration and visualization with custom tracks relevant to mtDNA variation and mitochondrial disease. MSeqDR-LSDB is a locus-specific database that currently manages 178 mitochondrial diseases, 1,363 genes associated with mitochondrial biology or disease, and 3,711 pathogenic variants in those genes. MSeqDR Disease Portal allows hierarchical tree-style disease exploration to evaluate their unique descriptions, phenotypes, and causative variants. Automated genomic data submission tools are provided that capture ClinVar compliant variant annotations. PhenoTips will be used for phenotypic data submission on deidentified patients using human phenotype ontology terminology. The development of a dynamic informed patient consent process to guide data access is underway to realize the full potential of these resources. © 2016 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

MSeqDR: A Centralized Knowledge Repository and Bioinformatics Web Resource to Facilitate Genomic Investigations in Mitochondrial Disease

PubMed Central

Shen, Lishuang; Diroma, Maria Angela; Gonzalez, Michael; Navarro-Gomez, Daniel; Leipzig, Jeremy; Lott, Marie T.; van Oven, Mannis; Wallace, Douglas C.; Muraresku, Colleen Clarke; Zolkipli-Cunningham, Zarazuela; Chinnery, Patrick F.; Attimonelli, Marcella; Zuchner, Stephan

2016-01-01

MSeqDR is the Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource, a centralized and comprehensive genome and phenome bioinformatics resource built by the mitochondrial disease community to facilitate clinical diagnosis and research investigations of individual patient phenotypes, genomes, genes, and variants. A central Web portal (https://mseqdr.org) integrates community knowledge from expert-curated databases with genomic and phenotype data shared by clinicians and researchers. MSeqDR also functions as a centralized application server for Web-based tools to analyze data across both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, including investigator-driven whole exome or genome dataset analyses through MSeqDR-Genesis. MSeqDR-GBrowse supports interactive genomic data exploration and visualization with custom tracks relevant to mtDNA variation and disease. MSeqDR-LSDB is a locus specific database that currently manages 178 mitochondrial diseases, 1,363 genes associated with mitochondrial biology or disease, and 3,711 pathogenic variants in those genes. MSeqDR Disease Portal allows hierarchical tree-style disease exploration to evaluate their unique descriptions, phenotypes, and causative variants. Automated genomic data submission tools are provided that capture ClinVar-compliant variant annotations. PhenoTips is used for phenotypic data submission on de-identified patients using human phenotype ontology terminology. Development of a dynamic informed patient consent process to guide data access is underway to realize the full potential of these resources. PMID:26919060

Renormalized dynamics of the Dean-Kawasaki model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bidhoodi, Neeta; Das, Shankar P.

2015-07-01

We study the model of a supercooled liquid for which the equation of motion for the coarse-grained density ρ (x ,t ) is the nonlinear diffusion equation originally proposed by Dean and Kawasaki, respectively, for Brownian and Newtonian dynamics of fluid particles. Using a Martin-Siggia-Rose (MSR) field theory we study the renormalization of the dynamics in a self-consistent form in terms of the so-called self-energy matrix Σ . The appropriate model for the renormalized dynamics involves an extended set of field variables {ρ ,θ } , linked through a nonlinear constraint. The latter incorporates, in a nonperturbative manner, the effects of an infinite number of density nonlinearities in the dynamics. We show that the contributing element of Σ which renormalizes the bare diffusion constant D0 to DR is same as that proposed by Kawasaki and Miyazima [Z. Phys. B Condens. Matter 103, 423 (1997), 10.1007/s002570050396]. DR sharply decreases with increasing density. We consider the likelihood of a ergodic-nonergodic (ENE) transition in the model beyond a critical point. The transition is characterized by the long-time limit of the density correlation freezing at a nonzero value. From our analysis we identify an element of Σ which arises from the above-mentioned nonlinear constraint and is key to the viability of the ENE transition. If this self-energy would be zero, then the model supports a sharp ENE transition with DR=0 as predicted by Kawasaki and Miyazima. With the full model having nonzero value for this self-energy, the density autocorrelation function decays to zero in the long-time limit. Hence the ENE transition is not supported in the model.

Contrasting dynamics of fragile and non-fragile polyalcohols through the glass, and dynamical, transitions: A comparison of neutron scattering and dielectric relaxation data for sorbitol and glycerol.

PubMed

Migliardo, F; Angell, C A; Magazù, S

2017-01-01

Glycerol and sorbitol are glass-forming hydrogen-bonded systems characterized by intriguing properties which make these systems very interesting also from the applications point of view. The goal of this work is to relate the hydrogen-bonded features, relaxation dynamics, glass transition properties and fragility of these systems, in particular to seek insight into their very different liquid fragilities. The comparison between glycerol and sorbitol is carried out by collecting the elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS) intensity as a function of temperature and of the instrumental energy resolution. Intensity data vs temperature and resolution are analyzed in terms of thermal restraint and Resolution Elastic Neutron Scattering (RENS) approaches. The number of OH groups, which are related to the connecting sites, is a significant parameter both in the glass transition and in the dynamical transition. On the other hand, the disordered nature of sorbitol is confirmed by the existence of different relaxation processes. From the applications point of view, glycerol and sorbitol have remarkable bioprotectant properties which make these systems useful in different technological and industrial fields. Furthermore, polyols are rich in glassforming liquid phenomenology and highly deserving of study in their own right. The comparison of EINS and calorimetric data on glycerol and sorbitol helps provide a connection between structural relaxation, dynamical transition, glass transition, and fragility. The evaluation of the inflection point in the elastic intensity behavior as a function of temperature and instrumental energy resolution provides a confirmation of the validity of the RENS approach. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Predictability and Coupled Dynamics of MJO During DYNAMO

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

1 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Predictability and Coupled Dynamics of MJO During DYNAMO ... DYNAMO time period. APPROACH We are working as a team to study MJO dynamics and predictability using several models as team members of the ONR DRI...associated with the DYNAMO experiment. This is a fundamentally collaborative proposal that involves close collaboration with Dr. Hyodae Seo of the

Applied Meteorology Unit Quarterly Report. First Quarter FY-13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2013-01-01

The AMU team worked on five tasks for their customers: (1) Ms. Crawford continued work on the objective lightning forecast task for airports in east-central Florida. (2) Ms. Shafer continued work on the task for Vandenberg Air Force Base to create an automated tool that will help forecasters relate pressure gradients to peak wind values. (3) Dr. Huddleston began work to develop a lightning timing forecast tool for the Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station area. (3) Dr. Bauman began work on a severe weather forecast tool focused on east-central Florida. (4) Dr. Watson completed testing high-resolution model configurations for Wallops Flight Facility and the Eastern Range, and wrote the final report containing the AMU's recommendations for model configurations at both ranges.

Degradation and annealing studies on gamma rays irradiated COTS PPD CISs at different dose rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zujun; Ma, Yingwu; Liu, Jing; Xue, Yuan; He, Baoping; Yao, Zhibin; Huang, Shaoyan; Liu, Minbo; Sheng, Jiangkun

2016-06-01

The degradation and annealing studies on Colbalt-60 gamma-rays irradiated commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensors (CISs) at the various dose rates are presented. The irradiation experiments of COTS PPD CISs are carried out at 0.3, 3.0 and 30.0 rad(Si)/s. The COTS PPD CISs are manufactured using a standard 0.18-μm CMOS technology with four-transistor pixel PPD architecture. The behavior of the tested CISs shows a remarkable degradation after irradiation and differs in the dose rates. The dark current, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), random noise, saturation output, signal to noise ratio (SNR), and dynamic range (DR) versus the total ionizing dose (TID) at the various dose rates are investigated. The tendency of dark current, DSNU, and random noise increase and saturation output, SNR, and DR to decrease at 3.0 rad(Si)/s are far greater than those at 0.3 and 30.0 rad(Si)/s. The damage mechanisms caused by TID irradiation at the various dose rates are also analyzed. The annealing tests are carried out at room temperature with unbiased conditions after irradiation.

Learning to REDUCE: A Reduced Electricity Consumption Prediction Ensemble

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

Aman, Saima; Chelmis, Charalampos; Prasanna, Viktor

Utilities use Demand Response (DR) to balance supply and demand in the electric grid by involving customers in efforts to reduce electricity consumption during peak periods. To implement and adapt DR under dynamically changing conditions of the grid, reliable prediction of reduced consumption is critical. However, despite the wealth of research on electricity consumption prediction and DR being long in practice, the problem of reduced consumption prediction remains largely un-addressed. In this paper, we identify unique computational challenges associated with the prediction of reduced consumption and contrast this to that of normal consumption and DR baseline prediction.We propose a novelmore » ensemble model that leverages different sequences of daily electricity consumption on DR event days as well as contextual attributes for reduced consumption prediction. We demonstrate the success of our model on a large, real-world, high resolution dataset from a university microgrid comprising of over 950 DR events across a diverse set of 32 buildings. Our model achieves an average error of 13.5%, an 8.8% improvement over the baseline. Our work is particularly relevant for buildings where electricity consumption is not tied to strict schedules. Our results and insights should prove useful to the researchers and practitioners working in the sustainable energy domain.« less

New modeling method for the dielectric relaxation of a DRAM cell capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Sujin; Sun, Wookyung; Shin, Hyungsoon

2018-02-01

This study proposes a new method for automatically synthesizing the equivalent circuit of the dielectric relaxation (DR) characteristic in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) without frequency dependent capacitance measurement. Charge loss due to DR can be observed by a voltage drop at the storage node and this phenomenon can be analyzed by an equivalent circuit. The Havariliak-Negami model is used to accurately determine the electrical characteristic parameters of an equivalent circuit. The DRAM sensing operation is performed in HSPICE simulations to verify this new method. The simulation demonstrates that the storage node voltage drop resulting from DR and the reduction in the sensing voltage margin, which has a critical impact on DRAM read operation, can be accurately estimated using this new method.

CancerDR: cancer drug resistance database.

PubMed

Kumar, Rahul; Chaudhary, Kumardeep; Gupta, Sudheer; Singh, Harinder; Kumar, Shailesh; Gautam, Ankur; Kapoor, Pallavi; Raghava, Gajendra P S

2013-01-01

Cancer therapies are limited by the development of drug resistance, and mutations in drug targets is one of the main reasons for developing acquired resistance. The adequate knowledge of these mutations in drug targets would help to design effective personalized therapies. Keeping this in mind, we have developed a database "CancerDR", which provides information of 148 anti-cancer drugs, and their pharmacological profiling across 952 cancer cell lines. CancerDR provides comprehensive information about each drug target that includes; (i) sequence of natural variants, (ii) mutations, (iii) tertiary structure, and (iv) alignment profile of mutants/variants. A number of web-based tools have been integrated in CancerDR. This database will be very useful for identification of genetic alterations in genes encoding drug targets, and in turn the residues responsible for drug resistance. CancerDR allows user to identify promiscuous drug molecules that can kill wide range of cancer cells. CancerDR is freely accessible at http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/cancerdr/

MS Musgrave tethered to starboard sill longeron floats outside PLB

NASA Image and Video Library

1983-04-07

STS006-22-036 (7 April 1983) --- Astronaut F. Story Musgrave, one of two STS-6 mission specialists, participates in a safety tether dynamics checkout procedure during the mission’s April 7 extravehicular activity (EVA). Dr. Musgrave is tethered to both the near and far slide wire systems in this 35mm frame, exposed by astronaut Donald H. Peterson, who shared the cargo bay with Dr. Musgrave for the EVA. Clouds and mountains are visible on Earth below. Photo credit: NASA

The Conference on the Dynamics of Molecular Collisions Held in Oglebay Park, Wheeling, West Virginia on 12-17 July 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-17

Yuhua Guan, Gillian C. Lynch and Donald L. Thompson Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 Classical trajectories...P20 PHOTOFRAGMrTATION OF ALKYL IODIDES -- Photofragmentation Channels and Energy Partitioning of the Fragments Qihe Zhu, Shouling Huang, J.R. Cao , Ye...Chemistry (314) 553-5344 Upton, NY 11973 (516) 282-4348 Dr. William L. Hase Wayne State University Dr. Yuhua Guan 435 Chemistry Department of Chemistry

Symposium on Business and Management and Dynamic Simulation Models Supporting Management Strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seimenis, Ioannis; Sakas, Damianos P.

2009-08-01

This preface presents the purpose, content and results of one of the ICCMSE 2008 symposiums organized by Prof. Ioannis Seimenis and Dr. Damianos P. Sakas. The present symposium aims at investigating Business and Management disciplines, as well as the prospect of strategic decision analysis by means of dynamic simulation models.

Thinking Inclusively about Gifted Education: A Tribute to Judy Lupart

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porath, Marion

2012-01-01

Dr. Judy Lupart's distinguished career is highlighted by her important contributions to the education of students with exceptional learning needs. The breadth of her vision and the range of exceptional learning needs she considered in her thinking about inclusive education changed the landscape of special education in Canada and elsewhere. Dr.…

Reproducibility and Prognosis of Quantitative Features Extracted from CT Images12

PubMed Central

Balagurunathan, Yoganand; Gu, Yuhua; Wang, Hua; Kumar, Virendra; Grove, Olya; Hawkins, Sam; Kim, Jongphil; Goldgof, Dmitry B; Hall, Lawrence O; Gatenby, Robert A; Gillies, Robert J

2014-01-01

We study the reproducibility of quantitative imaging features that are used to describe tumor shape, size, and texture from computed tomography (CT) scans of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CT images are dependent on various scanning factors. We focus on characterizing image features that are reproducible in the presence of variations due to patient factors and segmentation methods. Thirty-two NSCLC nonenhanced lung CT scans were obtained from the Reference Image Database to Evaluate Response data set. The tumors were segmented using both manual (radiologist expert) and ensemble (software-automated) methods. A set of features (219 three-dimensional and 110 two-dimensional) was computed, and quantitative image features were statistically filtered to identify a subset of reproducible and nonredundant features. The variability in the repeated experiment was measured by the test-retest concordance correlation coefficient (CCCTreT). The natural range in the features, normalized to variance, was measured by the dynamic range (DR). In this study, there were 29 features across segmentation methods found with CCCTreT and DR ≥ 0.9 and R2Bet ≥ 0.95. These reproducible features were tested for predicting radiologist prognostic score; some texture features (run-length and Laws kernels) had an area under the curve of 0.9. The representative features were tested for their prognostic capabilities using an independent NSCLC data set (59 lung adenocarcinomas), where one of the texture features, run-length gray-level nonuniformity, was statistically significant in separating the samples into survival groups (P ≤ .046). PMID:24772210

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Suspended Sediment Yields in Nested Urban Catchments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemper, J. T.; Miller, A. J.; Welty, C.

2017-12-01

In a highly regulated area such as the Chesapeake Bay watershed, suspended sediment is a matter of primary concern. Near real-time turbidity and discharge data have been collected continuously for more than four years at five stream gages representing three nested watershed scales (1-2 sq km, 5-6 sq km, 14 sq km) in the highly impervious Dead Run watershed, located in Baltimore County, MD. Using turbidity-concentration relationships based on sample analyses at the gage site, sediment yields for each station can be quantified for a variety of temporal scales. Sediment yields have been calculated for 60+ different storms across four years. Yields show significant spatial variation, both at equivalent sub-watershed scales and from headwaters to mouth. Yields are higher at the headwater station with older development and virtually no stormwater management (DR5) than at the station with more recent development and more extensive stormwater management (DR2). However, this pattern is reversed for the stations at the next larger scale: yields are lower at DR4, downstream of DR5, than at DR3, downstream of DR2. This suggests spatial variation in the dominant sediment sources within each subwatershed. Additionally, C-Q hysteresis curves display consistent counterclockwise behavior at the DR4 station, in contrast to the consistent clockwise behavior displayed at the DR3 station. This further suggests variation in dominant sediment sources (perhaps distal vs local, respectively). We observe consistent seasonal trends in the relative magnitudes of sediment yield for different subwatersheds (e.g. DR3>DR4 in summer, DR5>DR2 in spring). We also observe significant year-to-year variation in sediment yield at the headwater and intermediate scales, whereas yields at the 14 sq km scale are largely similar across the monitored years. This observation would be consistent with the possibility that internal storage and remobilization tend to modulate downstream yields even with spatial and temporal variation in upstream sources. The fine-scale design of this study represents a unique opportunity to compare and contrast sediment yields across a variety of spatial and temporal scales, and provide insight into sediment transport dynamics within an urbanized watershed.

Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt, a life for astronautics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaganescu, Nicolae-Florin

2004-12-01

Irene Bredt (b.1911 at Bonn) obtained her Doctorate in Physics in 1937; in the same year she became a scientific researcher at the German Research Center for Aviation at Trauen, led by Prof. Dr. Eugen Sänger. Soon, the young but efficient Dr. Irene Bredt became the first assistant of Dr. Sänger, who married her (1951). During 1973-1978, Dr. Bredt was in correspondence with Prof. Dr. Nikolae-Florin Zaganescu and helped him to familiarize the Romanian readers with Prof. Sänger's life and achievements. As for Dr. Bredt's life, she specified three main periods of her activity: 1937-1942, when she was researcher in charge of thermodynamic problems of liquid-fuelled rocket engines at Trauen 1942-1945, when she was Senior Researcher in charge of Ramjet in flight performances at Ainring, and also coauthored the Top Secret Technical report entitled 'A Rocket Engine for a Long-Range Bomber', which was finished in 1941 but edited only in 1944 the post world war II period, when she was Scientific Advisor or Director at various civil and military research institutes, universities, etc. Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt helped her husband to develop many scientific theories like Ramjet thermodynamic theory, and photon rocket theory and also in establishing IAF and IAA. In 1970, Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt was honored with 'Hermann Oberth Gold Medal' for her impressive scientific activity.

The S-layer Protein DR_2577 Binds Deinoxanthin and under Desiccation Conditions Protects against UV-Radiation in Deinococcus radiodurans

PubMed Central

Farci, Domenica; Slavov, Chavdar; Tramontano, Enzo; Piano, Dario

2016-01-01

Deinococcus radiodurans has the puzzling ability to withstand over a broad range of extreme conditions including high doses of ultraviolet radiation and deep desiccation. This bacterium is surrounded by a surface layer (S-layer) built of a regular repetition of several proteins, assembled to form a paracrystalline structure. Here we report that the deletion of a main constituent of this S-layer, the gene DR_2577, causes a decrease in the UVC resistance, especially in desiccated cells. Moreover, we show that the DR_2577 protein binds the carotenoid deinoxanthin, a strong protective antioxidant specific of this bacterium. A further spectroscopical characterization of the deinoxanthin-DR_2577 complex revealed features which could suggest a protective role of DR_2577. We propose that, especially under desiccation, the S-layer shields the bacterium from incident ultraviolet light and could behave as a first lane of defense against UV radiation. PMID:26909071

The S-layer Protein DR_2577 Binds Deinoxanthin and under Desiccation Conditions Protects against UV-Radiation in Deinococcus radiodurans.

PubMed

Farci, Domenica; Slavov, Chavdar; Tramontano, Enzo; Piano, Dario

2016-01-01

Deinococcus radiodurans has the puzzling ability to withstand over a broad range of extreme conditions including high doses of ultraviolet radiation and deep desiccation. This bacterium is surrounded by a surface layer (S-layer) built of a regular repetition of several proteins, assembled to form a paracrystalline structure. Here we report that the deletion of a main constituent of this S-layer, the gene DR_2577, causes a decrease in the UVC resistance, especially in desiccated cells. Moreover, we show that the DR_2577 protein binds the carotenoid deinoxanthin, a strong protective antioxidant specific of this bacterium. A further spectroscopical characterization of the deinoxanthin-DR_2577 complex revealed features which could suggest a protective role of DR_2577. We propose that, especially under desiccation, the S-layer shields the bacterium from incident ultraviolet light and could behave as a first lane of defense against UV radiation.

Theoretical Studies of Dissociative Recombination of Electrons with SH+ Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashinski, D. O.; di Nallo, O. E.; Hickman, A. P.; Mezei, J. Zs.; Schneider, I. F.; Talbi, D.

2015-05-01

We are investigating the dissociative recombination (DR) of electrons with the molecular ion SH+. (The process is e- +SH+ --> S + H .) SH+ is found in the interstellar medium (ISM), and little is known concerning its interstellar chemistry. The abundance of SH+ in the ISM suggests that destruction processes, like DR, are inefficient. Understanding the role of DR as a destruction pathway for SH+ will lead to more accurate astrophysical models. Large active-space multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) electronic structure calculations were performed to obtain excited-state potential energy curves (PECs) for several values of SH separation. Excited Rydberg states have proven to be of importance. The block diagonalization method was used to disentangle interacting states, forming a diabatic representation of the PECs. Currently we are performing Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT) dynamics calculations to obtain DR rates. The status of the work will be presented at the conference. Work supported by the French CNRS, the NSF, the XSEDE, and USMA.

Enabling Automated Dynamic Demand Response: From Theory to Practice

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

Frincu, Marc; Chelmis, Charalampos; Aman, Saima

2015-07-14

Demand response (DR) is a technique used in smart grids to shape customer load during peak hours. Automated DR offers utilities a fine grained control and a high degree of confidence in the outcome. However the impact on the customer's comfort means this technique is more suited for industrial and commercial settings than for residential homes. In this paper we propose a system for achieving automated controlled DR in a heterogeneous environment. We present some of the main issues arising in building such a system, including privacy, customer satisfiability, reliability, and fast decision turnaround, with emphasis on the solutions wemore » proposed. Based on the lessons we learned from empirical results we describe an integrated automated system for controlled DR on the USC microgrid. Results show that while on a per building per event basis the accuracy of our prediction and customer selection techniques varies, it performs well on average when considering several events and buildings.« less

Ninth Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakowski, Barbara (Compiler)

1999-01-01

The Ninth Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS 98) was held at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, Ohio from August 31 to September 4, 1998. The theme for the hands-on training workshop and conference was "Integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer into the Design Process." Highlights of the workshop (in addition to the papers published herein) included an address by the NASA Chief Engineer, Dr. Daniel Mulville; a CFD short course by Dr. John D. Anderson of the University of Maryland; and a short course by Dr. Robert Cochran of Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, lectures and hands-on training were offered in the use of several cutting-edge engineering design and analysis-oriented CFD and Heat Transfer tools. The workshop resulted in international participation of over 125 persons representing aerospace and automotive industries, academia, software providers, government agencies, and private corporations. The papers published herein address issues and solutions related to the integration of computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer into the engineering design process. Although the primary focus is aerospace, the topics and ideas presented are applicable to many other areas where these and other disciplines are interdependent.

Visualization of Atmospheric Water Vapor Data for SAGE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kung, Mou-Liang; Chu, W. P. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The goal of this project was to develop visualization tools to study the water vapor dynamics using the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment 11 (SAGE 11) water vapor data. During the past years, we completed the development of a visualization tool called EZSAGE, and various Gridded Water Vapor plots, tools deployed on the web to provide users with new insight into the water vapor dynamics. Results and experiences from this project, including papers, tutorials and reviews were published on the main Web page. Additional publishing effort has been initiated to package EZSAGE software for CD production and distribution. There have been some major personnel changes since Fall, 1998. Dr. Mou-Liang Kung, a Professor of Computer Science assumed the PI position vacated by Dr. Waldo Rodriguez who was on leave. However, former PI, Dr. Rodriguez continued to serve as a research adviser to this project to assure smooth transition and project completion. Typically in each semester, five student research assistants were hired and trained. Weekly group meetings were held to discuss problems, progress, new research direction, and activity planning. Other small group meetings were also held regularly for different objectives of this project. All student research assistants were required to submit reports for conference submission.

Orbital Transfer Rocket Engine Technology High Velocity Ratio Diffusing Crossover

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

The rotor was segmented into 10 weight groups and 25 finite elements. The bearings were represented as translational springs to ground ( rigid casing...personnel: Advanced Rotating Machinery: Mr. Robert Sutton Mr. Tim Irvin Mr. Hal Buddenbohm Mr. A] Uttle Fluid Dynamics : Dr. Eugene Jackson Mr. Anthony...1 7 Dynamic Soft Wear Ring Seals ................................... #,.................so

Archaebacterial Involvement in Microbial Metal Corrosion

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-19

viand /or + I A󈧅-o- - iP’ " ’ I m I I | | A more complete study using a wider range of sizes of organo groups is currently being completed to further...replaced with Dr. Boopathy, who comes from the University of Missouri. Through Dr. Rajogopal’s visit last year to work with the French-Georgia group ( Le

Dr. Biswell's influence on the development of prescribed burning in California

Treesearch

Jan W.\\t van Wagtendonk

1995-01-01

Prescribed burning in California has evolved from the original practices of the Native Americans, through years of experimentation and controversy, to finally become an accepted ecosystem management activity. When Dr. Harold Biswell arrived in California, he began research on improving game range by using prescribed fires and on understory burning in ponderosa pine (...

A Gas-Surface Interaction Model based on Accelerated Reactive Molecular Dynamics for Hypersonic Conditions including Thermal Conduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-28

Interaction Model based on Accelerated Reactive Molecular Dynamics for Hypersonic conditions including Thermal Conduction FA9550-09-1-0157 Schwartzentruber...Dynamics for Hypersonic Conditions including Thermal Conduction Grant/Contract Number: FA9550-09-1-0157 Program Manager: Dr. John Schmisseur PI...through the boundary layer and may chemically react with the vehicle’s thermal protection system (TPS). Many TPS materials act as a catalyst for the

Retinal photography screening programs to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy in rural and urban Australia: a review.

PubMed

Tapp, Robyn J; Svoboda, Jean; Fredericks, Bronwyn; Jackson, A Jonathan; Taylor, Hugh R

2015-02-01

This review assessed the effectiveness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening programs, using retinal photography in Australian urban and rural settings, and considered implications for public health strategy and policy. An electronic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase for studies published between 1 January 1996 and the 30 June 2013 was undertaken. Key search terms were "diabetic retinopathy," "screening," "retinal photography" and "Australia." Twelve peer-reviewed publications were identified. The 14 DR screening programs identified from the 12 publications were successfully undertaken in urban, rural and remote communities across Australia. Locations included a pathology collection center, and Indigenous primary health care and Aboriginal community controlled organizations. Each intervention using retinal photography was highly effective at increasing the number of people who underwent screening for DR. The review identified that prior to commencement of the screening programs a median of 48% (range 16-85%) of those screened had not undergone a retinal examination within the recommended time frame (every year for Indigenous people and every 2 years for non-Indigenous people in Australia). A median of 16% (range 0-45%) of study participants had evidence of DR. This review has shown there have been many pilot and demonstration projects in rural and urban Australia that confirm the effectiveness of retinal photography-based screening for DR.

Ion Storage Ring Measurements of Low Temperature Dielectronic Recombination Rate Coefficients for Modeling X-Ray Photoionized Cosmic Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savin, D. W.; Gwinner, G.; Schwalm, D.; Wolf, A.; Mueller, A.; Schippers, S.

2002-01-01

Low temperature dielectronic recombination (DR) is the dominant recombination mechanism for most ions in X-ray photoionized cosmic plasmas. Reliably modeling and interpreting spectra from these plasmas requires accurate low temperature DR rate Coefficients. Of particular importance are the DR rate coefficients for the iron L-shell ions (Fe XVII-Fe XXIV). These ions are predicted to play an important role in determining the thermal structure and line emission of X-ray photoionized plasmas, which form in the media surrounding accretion powered sources such as X-ray binaries (XRBs), active galactic nuclei (AGN), and cataclysmic variables (Savin et al., 2000). The need for reliable DR data of iron L-shell ions has become particularly urgent after the launches of Chandra and XMM-Newton. These satellites are now providing high-resolution X-ray spectra from a wide range of X-ray photoionized sources. Interpreting the spectra from these sources requires reliable DR rate coefficients. However, at the temperatures relevant, for X-ray photoionized plasmas, existing theoretical DR rate coefficients can differ from one another by factors of two to orders of magnitudes.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Blindness in Indonesian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Sasongko, Muhammad Bayu; Widyaputri, Felicia; Agni, Angela Nurini; Wardhana, Firman Setya; Kotha, Satyaprabha; Gupta, Prateek; Widayanti, Tri Wahyu; Haryanto, Supanji; Widyaningrum, Rifa; Wong, Tien Yin; Kawasaki, Ryo; Wang, Jie Jin

2017-09-01

To report the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and DR-related blindness in an Indonesian population with type 2 diabetes. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Community health centers. We recruited 1184 people aged older than 30 years with type 2 diabetes residing in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Multistage, clustered random sampling based on regencies and districts in Jogjakarta was used. Detailed interviews, general and eye examinations, and anthropometric measurement were performed. Disc- and macula-centered retinal photographs were taken to assess DR. The definition of DR followed a modified Airlie House classification system and was categorized into mild, moderate, and vision-threatening DR (VTDR). Prevalence and severity of DR. The median (range) age and diabetes duration of participants was 59 (52-65) and 4 (2-9) years. The prevalence of DR was 43.1% (95% confidence interval 39.6%-46.6%), with mild, moderate, and severe NPDR and PDR to be 9.41%, 7.46%, 11.1%, and 12.1%, respectively. The prevalence of VTDR was 26.3% (23.1%-29.5%). Longer diabetes duration, higher fasting glucose, presence of hypertension, and foot ulcers were associated with DR and VTDR. The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 4% and 7.7% in persons with DR and VTDR. This study reports a high prevalence of any DR and VTDR among Indonesian adults with type 2 diabetes in urban and rural areas: approximately 1 in 4 adults with diabetes had VTDR and 1 in 12 of those with VTDR was bilaterally blind, suggesting the need for appropriate screening and management of DR among the Indonesian population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in a Clinic Population from Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Neisha M; Aguilar, Stephanie

2016-07-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a preventable or treatable cause of blindness in the adult population. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Puerto Ricans is the highest among Hispanics. This study evaluated the prevalence of DR in a screening program of DM subjects in a clinic system in Puerto Rico. A retrospective cross-sectional health records study of DM patients referred by primary care physicians for dilated retinal evaluation to the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry Juana Diaz Eye Institute Clinic between 2001 and 2009 was performed. All subjects underwent a complete eye evaluation including fundus photography. Photographs were graded following the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocols. A total of 411 randomly selected health records of DM subjects older than 30 years were included. The estimated prevalence of DR among all subjects is 37.7%. DR was more common in males (47.2%) than females (33.7%). The age range with higher frequency of DR is among ages 60 to 69 (34.8%) and the lowest between ages 30 and 39 (3.9%). The average number of years since initial DM diagnosis was 12.48. Probability of developing DR increases with longer duration of DM (p < 0.05). The most common stage was mild non-proliferative DR (22.6%). Our data revealed that prevalence of DR was high among Puerto Ricans. Mild stage retinopathy was most prevalent and there exists an increase in probability to develop DR with duration of DM. The prevalence of DR in total population may be different than the findings presented in this paper. Comprehensive studies are needed to understand and estimate the progression and impact of DR in this population.

Development of Fracture Mechanics Maps for Composite Materials. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

AD-A169 663 DEP 1/3UR OIOST l uNCL~ss~~n HUCI S I B M 11 1*2 AF,:P,.-TR-?5,-4150 DEVELOPMENT OF FRACTURE MECHANICS MAPS FOR COMPOSITE MATERIALS Dr. H...coIo. Development of N/A N/A N/A N/A Fracture Mechanics Maps for Composite Materials 12. PERSONAL AUTHORISI Editor (Dr. H. W. Bergmann) 13. TYPE OF...GROUP SUB GR. Fiber Reinforced Composites , Dynamic Test, Thermal Cycling, 1I1 04 Quality Control, Static Test, Stress Concentrations 01 03 19

Prognostic Value of Dynamic Monitoring of Cellular Immunity and HMGB1 in Severe Sepsis: Delayed Chronic Inflammation may be the Leading Cause of Death in Late Severe Sepsis.

PubMed

Yu, Han; Qi, Zhijiang; Zhao, Lianxing; Shao, Rui; Fang, Yingying; Li, Chunsheng

2016-12-01

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection with a high mortality rate. In order to explore the prognostic value of dynamic monitoring of cellular immunity during late severe sepsis, we assessed levels of Tlymphocyte subsets, the human leukocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR), and the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein. Study participants included 247 consecutive severe sepsis patients who were admitted to Beijing ChaoYang Hospital's Emergency Intensive Care Unit. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 90-day survival rates, and clinical data were collected. T-lymphocyte subsets on days 1 and 7, HLA-DR on days 1 and 12, and HMGB1 on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 12 were analyzed. Counts of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ T cells on day 1 in non-survivors were lower than those in survivors. By day 7, counts of all three types of T cells had increased in both survivors and non-survivors, but CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells remained lower in non-survivors than in survivors. There was no significant difference in HLA-DR levels between survivors and non-survivors on day 1, but HLA-DR levels increased in survivors and decreased in non-survivors by day 12. In contrast, over days 1 - 12, HMGB1 levels increased in non-survivors and decreased in survivors. Patients with severe sepsis present with cellular immune dysfunction and persistent chronic inflammation, both of which may lead to death in the late phase of severe sepsis. Dynamic monitoring of indicators of cellular immunity and HMGB1 is useful for evaluating the immune status, chronic inflammation processes, and prognoses of patients with severe sepsis.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-01-24

Dr. Dr. Robert F. Berg (right), principal investigator and Dr. Micheal R. Moldover (left), co-investigator, for the Critical Viscosity of Xenon (CVX/CVX-2) experiment. They are with the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. The Critical Viscosity of Xenon Experiment (CVX-2) on the STS-107 Research 1 mission in 2002 will measure the viscous behavior of xenon, a heavy inert gas used in flash lamps and ion rocket engines, at its critical point. Although it does not easily combine with other chemicals, its viscosity at the critical point can be used as a model for a range of chemicals.

Critical Viscosity of Xenon investigators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Dr. Dr. Robert F. Berg (right), principal investigator and Dr. Micheal R. Moldover (left), co-investigator, for the Critical Viscosity of Xenon (CVX/CVX-2) experiment. They are with the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. The Critical Viscosity of Xenon Experiment (CVX-2) on the STS-107 Research 1 mission in 2002 will measure the viscous behavior of xenon, a heavy inert gas used in flash lamps and ion rocket engines, at its critical point. Although it does not easily combine with other chemicals, its viscosity at the critical point can be used as a model for a range of chemicals.

PREFACE: Fourh Workshop on Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Supercooled Fluids, Glasses and Amorphous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreozzi, Laura; Giordano, Marco; Leporini, Dino; Tosi, Mario

2007-04-01

This special issue of Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter presents the Proceedings of the Fourh Workshop on Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Supercooled Fluids, Glasses and Amorphous Materials, held in Pisa from 17-22 September 2006. This was the fourth of a series of workshops on this theme started in 1995 as a joint initiative of the Università di Pisa and the Scuola Normale Superiore. The 2006 edition was attended by about 200 participants from Europe, Asia and the Americas. As for the earlier workshops, the main objective was to bring together scientists from different areas of science, technology and engineering, to comparatively discuss experimental facts and theoretical predictions on the dynamical processes that occur in supercooled fluids and other disordered materials in non-equilibrium states. The underlying conceptual unity of the field provides a common background for the scientific community working in its various areas. In this edition the number of sessions was increased to cover a wider range of topics of general and current interest, in a larger number of stimulating lectures. The core of the workshop was a set of general lectures followed by more specific presentations on current issues in the main areas of the field. The sessions were in sequence devoted to: non-equilibrium dynamics, aging and secondary relaxations, biomaterials, polyamorphism and water, polymer dynamics I, complex systems, pressure-temperature scaling, thin films, nanometre length-scale studies, folded states of proteins and polymer crystals, theoretical aspects and energy landscape approaches, relaxation and heterogeneous dynamics, rheology in fluids and entangled polymers, biopolymers, and polymer dynamics II. We thank the session chairmen and all speakers for the high quality of their contributions. The structure of this issue of the proceedings follows the sequence of the oral presentations in the workshop, complemented by some papers selected from the poster sessions. Two round-table discussion sessions were organized to discuss issues that have special impact on our current understanding (or lack of it) of the dynamics of glass transition: 'Low-energy excitations and relaxations in glasses' and 'An assessment of current theories: interconnections and relevance to experiments'. We are very grateful to M A Ramos and R Bömer, and to P G Debenedetti and H Z Cummins for organizing and leading these two activities. Two very active and profitable poster sessions collected contributions on the themes of relaxation processes, cooperativity in polymers and mixtures, polyamorphism and water, biomaterials, relaxation, aging phenomena in thin films, confined and complex systems, and theoretical aspect, energy landscape and molecular dynamics, low temperature, glass and PT procedures, tracer dynamics, heterogeneity and relaxation in glass formers We acknowledge the generous support given to the workshop by our institutions, and in particular by Scuola Normale Superiore. The organization of the events in its beautiful rooms and corridors, as well as the lunches and coffee breaks held in its courtyard, especially favoured meetings and discussions between the participants. Several public and private Institutions have also supported our efforts and we would like to thank them warmly: they are the 'Soft Matter' Center of Rome, the INFN Section in Pisa, the CNR/INFM Polylab, and Ital Scientifica, TA Instruments, Novocontrol Technologies, Up Group, Isole e Olena. Finally, we express our gratitude to all those individuals—we mention here in particular Dr Ciro Autiero, Dr Massimo Faetti, Dr Fabio Zulli, Ms Patrizia Pucci, and Ms Caterina D'Elia—who have given their work and time to the making and running of the Workshop.

Improving Delivery Accuracy of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy to a Moving Tumor Using Simplified Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

PubMed Central

Ko, Young Eun; Cho, Byungchul; Kim, Su Ssan; Song, Si Yeol; Choi, Eun Kyung; Ahn, Seung Do; Yi, Byongyong

2016-01-01

Purpose To develop a simplified volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique for more accurate dose delivery in thoracic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials For each of the 22 lung SBRT cases treated with respiratory-gated VMAT, a dose rate modulated arc therapy (DrMAT) plan was retrospectively generated. A dynamic conformal arc therapy plan with 33 adjoining coplanar arcs was designed and their beam weights were optimized by an inverse planning process. All sub-arc beams were converted into a series of control points with varying MLC segment and dose rates and merged into an arc beam for a DrMAT plan. The plan quality of original VMAT and DrMAT was compared in terms of target coverage, compactness of dose distribution, and dose sparing of organs at risk. To assess the delivery accuracy, the VMAT and DrMAT plans were delivered to a motion phantom programmed with the corresponding patients’ respiratory signal; results were compared using film dosimetry with gamma analysis. Results The plan quality of DrMAT was equivalent to that of VMAT in terms of target coverage, dose compactness, and dose sparing for the normal lung. In dose sparing for other critical organs, DrMAT was less effective than VMAT for the spinal cord, heart, and esophagus while being well within the limits specified by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Delivery accuracy of DrMAT to a moving target was similar to that of VMAT using a gamma criterion of 2%/2mm but was significantly better using a 2%/1mm criterion, implying the superiority of DrMAT over VMAT in SBRT for thoracic/abdominal tumors with respiratory movement. Conclusion We developed a DrMAT technique for SBRT that produces plans of a quality similar to that achieved with VMAT but with better delivery accuracy. This technique is well-suited for small tumors with motion uncertainty. PMID:27333199

ANSMET 2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Mitzi L.

2014-01-01

From December 2013 to January 2014, MSFC Planetary Scientist Dr. Barbara Cohen participated in the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) 2013-2014 season. With a team of eight, a systematic search of the Antarctic ice in the South Miller Range turned up 333 samples; one of the largest is seen here with Dr. Cohen for scale. Since 1976, ANSMET has recovered more than 25,000 specimens from the ice along the Transantarctic Mountains. The icy surfaces of this area are particularly well suited for meteorite searches because of surface stranding: the surfaces must have bare ice, must be composed of large volumes, and the ice must flow out of the area more slowly than new ice arrives. The ANSMET specimens are currently the only reliable, continuous source of new, nonmicroscopic extraterrestrial material, and will continue to be until planetary sample-return missions are successful. The ANSMET program is supported by grants from the Solar System Exploration Division of NASA. Polar logistics are provided by the Office of Polar Programs of the U.S. National Science Foundation. The Principal Investigator of the current grant is Dr. Ralph P. Harvey at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Barbara Cohen is seen with a large meteorite from the Antarctic's Miller Range

PREFACE: Sixth International Conference on Dissociative Recombination: Theory, Experiments and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Andreas; Lammich, Lutz; Schmelcher, Peter

2005-01-01

Dissociative recombination between electrons and molecular ions is an elementary reaction in electron-induced chemistry attracting strong attention across discipline boundaries, from fundamental questions of intramolecular dynamics to astrophysics, plasma science, as well as atmospheric and planetary physics. The process is explored on the level of atomic quantum dynamics both experimentally and theoretically, employing cold collisions at temperatures down to 10 Kelvin involving small molecules or also very large systems ranging up to biomolecules. Dissociative recombination (DR) and related processes, such as dissociative excitation, collisional cooling of vibrations and rotations, photodissociation via high-lying electronic states, resonant electron attachment, and electron-induced processes in large molecules and clusters, are studied by a variety of experimental methods, including stored and trapped molecular ions, plasma techniques such as stationary and flowing afterglow, and laser spectroscopic diagnostic of molecular excitations. The Sixth International Conference on Dissociative Recombination: Theory, Experiments and Applications (DR2004) was organized by the Research Group on Atomic and Molecular Physics with Stored Ions at the Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany, and held near Heidelberg in the town of Mosbach in July 2004. It was attended by about 90 scientists working in atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics, plasma- and biophysics. International Conferences on Dissociative Recombination and related processes were held before at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada (1988), Saint Jacut, Brittany, France (1992), Ein Gedi, Israel (1995), Nässlingen, Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden (1999), and last within a symposium at the American Chemical Society meeting in Chicago, USA (2001). The presentations of this conference document a strong development of theoretical ideas towards the understanding of DR in particular in polyatomic systems. Strong attention was given to the elementary triatomic benchmark system H3+, characterized by ambitious, complementary experimental projects. Interaction of experiment and theory improves in particular the understanding of non-adiabatic molecular interactions involving electronic continuum states. New experimental techniques focus on a detailed control of the internal molecular excitation on the level of single quantum states, which gives increasing importance to laser interactions and ion storage at cryogenic temperatures. Apart from its place in the series of "DR conferences", this meeting is also the final assembly of the EU Research Training Network "Electron Transfer Reactions" (ETR) which in the period from 2000 to 2004 helped to establish many invaluable links between 15 experimental and theoretical institutes active in the field of DR and related processes. We express our gratitude to the EU for the support through the Research Training Network Programme, which has made possible the attendance of many students and young researchers. Furthermore, generous financial support for this conference was provided by the Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg. The efficient support of the conference center "Alte Mälzerei", operated by the city of Mosbach, is gratefully acknowledged. Finally we warmly thank the staff and the students of the Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics for the dedicated help during the conference.

Study methodology and diabetes control in patients from the non-English diabetes management project (NEDMP).

PubMed

Dirani, Mohamed; Dang, Trung M; Xie, Jing; Gnanasekaran, Sivashanth; Nicolaou, Theona; Rees, Gwyneth; Fenwick, Eva; Lamoureux, Ecosse L

2017-03-01

To describe the clinical characteristics of non-English speaking patients from the Diabetes Management Project (NEDMP), and compare their diabetes management and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with the English-speaking DMP sample (EDMP). A prospective study was conducted on non-English speaking adults with diabetes who attended the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. 136 (90.1%) non-English speaking adults were assessed, with a mean age of 72.2 years (range: 50-88 years); 74 (54.4%) were male. Participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and underwent visual acuity, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, biochemistry and anthropometric measurements. The EDMP assessed 609 patients in 2009 using a similar protocol. Type and duration of diabetes, diabetes control and diabetic retinopathy. A total of 127 (93.4%) and 8 (5.9%) participants reported having type 2 and type 1 diabetes, respectively, with a median (IQR) duration of 17 (14) years. The proportion of patients with poor diabetes control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) in the NEDMP was similar to the EDMP (64.0% and 68.2%, respectively; P = 0.411). A significantly higher proportion of patients with DR in the NEDMP were found to have poor diabetes control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) compared to those without DR (80.9% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.003). Almost two-thirds of NEDMP patients (74/118) had DR and 23% (27/115) had diabetic macular edema. The prevalence of DR was similar between the NEDMP and EDMP studies, ranging from 25-30% and 28-29%. The clinical characteristics, diabetes control, and DR severity of English and non-English-speaking patients were similar. The high proportion of poor diabetes management in non-English speaking patients with DR suggests educational and behavioural interventions to improve glycaemic control are warranted. © 2016 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

The Primary Glucose-Lowering Effect of Metformin Resides in the Gut, Not the Circulation: Results From Short-term Pharmacokinetic and 12-Week Dose-Ranging Studies.

PubMed

Buse, John B; DeFronzo, Ralph A; Rosenstock, Julio; Kim, Terri; Burns, Colleen; Skare, Sharon; Baron, Alain; Fineman, Mark

2016-02-01

Delayed-release metformin (Met DR) is formulated to deliver the drug to the lower bowel to leverage the gut-based mechanisms of metformin action with lower plasma exposure. Met DR was assessed in two studies. Study 1 compared the bioavailability of single daily doses of Met DR to currently available immediate-release metformin (Met IR) and extended-release metformin (Met XR) in otherwise healthy volunteers. Study 2 assessed glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) over 12 weeks. Study 1 was a phase 1, randomized, four-period crossover study in 20 subjects. Study 2 was a 12-week, phase 2, multicenter, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study in 240 subjects with T2DM randomized to receive Met DR 600, 800, or 1,000 mg administered once daily; blinded placebo; or unblinded Met XR 1,000 or 2,000 mg (reference). The bioavailability of 1,000 mg Met DR b.i.d. was ∼50% that of Met IR and Met XR (study 1). In study 2, 600, 800, and 1,000 mg Met DR q.d. produced statistically significant, clinically relevant, and sustained reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels over 12 weeks compared with placebo, with an ∼40% increase in potency compared with Met XR. The placebo-subtracted changes from baseline in HbA1c level at 12 weeks were consistent with changes in FPG levels. All treatments were generally well tolerated, and adverse events were consistent with Glucophage/Glucophage XR prescribing information. Dissociation of the glycemic effect from plasma exposure with gut-restricted Met DR provides strong evidence for a predominantly lower bowel-mediated mechanism of metformin action. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Coma Berenices: The First Evidence for Incomplete Vertical Phase-mixing in Local Velocity Space with RAVE—Confirmed with Gaia DR2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monari, G.; Famaey, B.; Minchev, I.; Antoja, T.; Bienaymé, O.; Gibson, B. K.; Grebel, E. K.; Kordopatis, G.; McMillan, P.; Navarro, J.; Parker, Q. A.; Quillen, A. C.; Reid, W.; Seabroke, G.; Siebert, A.; Steinmetz, M.; Wyse, R. F. G.; Zwitter, T.

2018-05-01

Before the publication of the Gaia DR2 we confirmed with RAVE and TGAS an observation recently made with the GALAH survey by Quillen ey al. concerning the Coma Berenices moving group in the Solar neighbourhood, namely that it is only present at negative Galactic latitudes. This allowed us to show that it is coherent in vertical velocity, providing a first evidence for incomplete vertical phase-mixing. We estimated for the first time from dynamical arguments that the moving group must have formed at most ~ 1.5 Gyr ago, and related this to a pericentric passage of the Sagittarius dwarf satellite galaxy. The present note is a rewritten version of the original arXiv post on this result now also including a confirmation of our finding with Gaia DR2.

Laboratory Measurements of the Dielectronic Recombination Satellite Transitions of He-Like FE XXV and H-Like FE XXVI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gu, M. F.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Brown, G. V.; Graf, A.; Kelley, R. I.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Porter, F. S.; Kahn, S. M,

2012-01-01

We present laboratory spectra of dielectronic recombination (DR) satellite transitions attached to the He-like and H-like iron resonance lines obtained with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center X-ray calorimeter and produced by a thermal plasma simu1ation technique on the EBIT-I electron beam ion trap at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We demonstrate that the calorimeter has sufficient spectral resolution in the 6-9 keV range to provide reliable measurements not only of standard DR satellite to resonance line intensities but also of DR satellite to DR satellite ratios that can be used to diagnose nonthermal electron distributions. Electron temperatures derived from the measured line intensities are consistent with the temperature of the simulated plasma. Temperature measurements based on DR satellite transitions have significant advantages over those based on collisional ionization equilibrium or continuum shape. Thus, successful demonstration of this method with the X-ray calorimeter is an important step fur its application in X-ray astronomy.

Postoperative imaging of orthopaedic hardware in the hand and wrist: is there an added value for tomosynthesis?

PubMed

De Silvestro, A; Martini, K; Becker, A S; Kim-Nguyen, T D L; Guggenberger, R; Calcagni, M; Frauenfelder, T

2018-02-01

To prospectively investigate digital tomosynthesis (DTS) as an alternative to digital radiography (DR) for postoperative imaging of orthopaedic hardware after trauma or arthrodesis in the hand and wrist. Thirty-six consecutive patients (12 female, median age 36 years, range 19-86 years) were included in this institutional review board approved clinical trial. Imaging was performed with DTS in dorso-palmar projection and DR was performed in dorso-palmar, lateral, and oblique views. Images were evaluated by two independent radiologists for qualitative and diagnosis-related imaging parameters using a four-point Likert scale (1=excellent, 4not diagnostic) and nominal scale. Interobserver agreement between the two readers was assessed with Cohen's kappa (k). Differences between DTS and CR were tested with Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Regarding image quality, interobserver agreement was higher for DTS compared to DR, especially for fracture-related parameters (delineation osteosynthesis material [OSM]: K DTS 0.96 versus K DR 0.45; delineation fracture margins: K DTS 0.78 versus K DR 0.35). Delineation of fracture margins and delineation of adjacent joint spaces scored significant better for DTS compared to DR (delineation fracture margins: DTS1.54, DR2.28, p0.001; delineation adjacent joint spaces: DTS1.31, DR2.24, p0.001). Regarding diagnosis-related findings, interobserver agreement was almost equal. DTS showed a significant higher sharpness of fracture margins (DTS1.94, DR2.33, p0.04). Mean dose area product (DAP) for DTS was significant higher compared to DR (mean DR0.219 Gy·cm 2 , mean DTS0.903 Gy·cm 2 , p0.001). Fracture healing is more visible and interobserver agreement is higher for DTS compared to DR in the postoperative assessment of orthopaedic hardware in the hand and wrist. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased Burden of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Retinopathy.

PubMed

Sanahuja, Jordi; Alonso, Núria; Diez, Javier; Ortega, Emilio; Rubinat, Esther; Traveset, Alícia; Alcubierre, Núria; Betriu, Àngels; Castelblanco, Esmeralda; Hernández, Marta; Purroy, Francisco; Arcidiacono, Maria Vittoria; Jurjo, Carmen; Fernández, Elvira; Puig-Domingo, Manuel; Groop, Per-Henrik; Mauricio, Dídac

2016-09-01

We sought to examine the presence and severity of brain small vessel disease (SVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared with those without DR. We evaluated 312 patients with type 2 diabetes without previous cardiovascular disease (men 51%; mean age 57 years; age range 40-75 years); 153 patients (49%) had DR. MRI was performed to evaluate the presence and severity (age-related white matter changes scale) of white matter lesions (WMLs) and lacunes, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the Gosling pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The prevalence of lesions of cerebral SVD (WML and/or lacunes) was higher in patients with DR (40.2% vs. 30.1% without DR, P = 0.04). Age (P < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.02) were associated with the presence of SVD. The severity of SVD was associated with age and the presence of DR (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). Patients with DR showed a higher MCA PI compared with those without DR (P < 0.01). Age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and retinopathy and its severity were associated with an increased MCA PI (P < 0.01 for all variables). A positive correlation was found between MCA PI values and the presence and severity of SVD (P < 0.01 for both variables). Patients with type 2 diabetes who have DR have an increased burden of cerebral SVD compared with those without DR. Our findings suggest that the brain is a target organ for microangiopathy, similar to other classic target organs, like the retina. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association.

Photometric Analysis of the Jovian Ring System and Modeling of Ring Origin and Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Esposito, L. W.

2003-01-01

We have successfully completed the work described in our proposal. The work supported by this grant resulted in the publication of the following paper: Brooks, S. M., L. W. Esposito, M. R. Showalter, and H. B. Throop. 2002. The size distribution of Jupiter's main ring from Galileo imaging and spectroscopy. Icarus, in press. This was also the major part of Dr. Shawn Brooks PhD dissertation. Dr. Brooks gave oral presentations on this work at the Lunar and Planetary Conference, the annual meetings of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, the annual meetings of the European Geophysical Society, the international Jupiter Conference in Boulder, the Jupiter after Galileo and Cassini Conference in Lisbon and to the Working Group in Non-Linear Dynamics in Potsdam, Germany. This work was reviewed in: Esposito, L. W. 2002. Planetary rings. Rep. hog. Phys. 65, 1741-1783. Planetary rings. LASP reprint 874. Online at http://stacks.iop.org/RoPP/65/1741. Dr. Esposito gave presentations at schools and over the internet on the results of this work. Dr. Brooks lectured in undergraduate and graduate classes on Jupiter's rings, and on the meaning of his research. In August 2003, Dr. Shawn Brooks received the Phd degree from the University of Colorado in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences.

Yellow fever vaccination elicits broad functional CD4+ T cell responses that recognize structural and nonstructural proteins.

PubMed

James, Eddie A; LaFond, Rebecca E; Gates, Theresa J; Mai, Duy T; Malhotra, Uma; Kwok, William W

2013-12-01

Yellow fever virus (YFV) can induce acute, life-threatening disease that is a significant health burden in areas where yellow fever is endemic, but it is preventable through vaccination. The live attenuated 17D YFV strain induces responses characterized by neutralizing antibodies and strong T cell responses. This vaccine provides an excellent model for studying human immunity. While several studies have characterized YFV-specific antibody and CD8(+) T cell responses, less is known about YFV-specific CD4(+) T cells. Here we characterize the epitope specificity, functional attributes, and dynamics of YFV-specific T cell responses in vaccinated subjects by investigating peripheral blood mononuclear cells by using HLA-DR tetramers. A total of 112 epitopes restricted by seven common HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified. Epitopes were present within all YFV proteins, but the capsid, envelope, NS2a, and NS3 proteins had the highest epitope density. Antibody blocking demonstrated that the majority of YFV-specific T cells were HLA-DR restricted. Therefore, CD4(+) T cell responses could be effectively characterized with HLA-DR tetramers. Ex vivo tetramer analysis revealed that YFV-specific T cells persisted at frequencies ranging from 0 to 100 cells per million that are detectable years after vaccination. Longitudinal analysis indicated that YFV-specific CD4(+) T cells reached peak frequencies, often exceeding 250 cells per million, approximately 2 weeks after vaccination. As frequencies subsequently declined, YFV-specific cells regained CCR7 expression, indicating a shift from effector to central memory. Cells were typically CXCR3 positive, suggesting Th1 polarization, and produced gamma interferon and other cytokines after reactivation in vitro. Therefore, YFV elicits robust early effector CD4(+) T cell responses that contract, forming a detectable memory population.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Elicits Broad Functional CD4+ T Cell Responses That Recognize Structural and Nonstructural Proteins

PubMed Central

James, Eddie A.; LaFond, Rebecca E.; Gates, Theresa J.; Mai, Duy T.; Malhotra, Uma

2013-01-01

Yellow fever virus (YFV) can induce acute, life-threatening disease that is a significant health burden in areas where yellow fever is endemic, but it is preventable through vaccination. The live attenuated 17D YFV strain induces responses characterized by neutralizing antibodies and strong T cell responses. This vaccine provides an excellent model for studying human immunity. While several studies have characterized YFV-specific antibody and CD8+ T cell responses, less is known about YFV-specific CD4+ T cells. Here we characterize the epitope specificity, functional attributes, and dynamics of YFV-specific T cell responses in vaccinated subjects by investigating peripheral blood mononuclear cells by using HLA-DR tetramers. A total of 112 epitopes restricted by seven common HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified. Epitopes were present within all YFV proteins, but the capsid, envelope, NS2a, and NS3 proteins had the highest epitope density. Antibody blocking demonstrated that the majority of YFV-specific T cells were HLA-DR restricted. Therefore, CD4+ T cell responses could be effectively characterized with HLA-DR tetramers. Ex vivo tetramer analysis revealed that YFV-specific T cells persisted at frequencies ranging from 0 to 100 cells per million that are detectable years after vaccination. Longitudinal analysis indicated that YFV-specific CD4+ T cells reached peak frequencies, often exceeding 250 cells per million, approximately 2 weeks after vaccination. As frequencies subsequently declined, YFV-specific cells regained CCR7 expression, indicating a shift from effector to central memory. Cells were typically CXCR3 positive, suggesting Th1 polarization, and produced gamma interferon and other cytokines after reactivation in vitro. Therefore, YFV elicits robust early effector CD4+ T cell responses that contract, forming a detectable memory population. PMID:24049183

Protein dynamics as seen by (quasi) elastic neutron scattering.

PubMed

Magazù, S; Mezei, F; Falus, P; Farago, B; Mamontov, E; Russina, M; Migliardo, F

2017-01-01

Elastic and quasielastic neutron scattering studies proved to be efficient probes of the atomic mean square displacement (MSD), a fundamental parameter for the characterization of the motion of individual atoms in proteins and its evolution with temperature and compositional environment. We present a technical overview of the different types of experimental situations and the information quasi-elastic neutron scattering approaches can make available. In particular, MSD can crucially depend on the time scale over which the averaging (building of the "mean") takes place, being defined by the instrumental resolution. Due to their high neutron scattering cross section, hydrogen atoms can be particularly sensitively observed with little interference by the other atoms in the sample. A few examples, including new data, are presented for illustration. The incoherent character of neutron scattering on hydrogen atoms restricts the information obtained to the self-correlations in the motion of individual atoms, simplifying at the same time the data analysis. On the other hand, the (often overlooked) exploration of the averaging time dependent character of MSD is crucial for unambiguous interpretation and can provide a wealth of information on micro- and nanoscale atomic motion in proteins. By properly exploiting the broad range capabilities of (quasi)elastic neutron scattering techniques to deliver time dependent characterization of atomic displacements, they offer a sensitive, direct and simple to interpret approach to exploration of the functional activity of hydrogen atoms in proteins. Partial deuteration can add most valuable selectivity by groups of hydrogen atoms. "This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo". Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

World's Most Advanced Planetarium Opens; University Partners Sought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, Douglas K.

2015-01-01

The 40 year old-Fiske Planetarium at the Univ. of Colorado has remodeled as the most advanced planetarium ever built. The 20m diameter dome features a stunning video image 8,000 x 8,000 pixels, up to 60 frames per second, produced by 6 JVC projectors. It also features the first US installation of the Megastar IIa Opto-mechanical planetarium that projects 20 million individual stars and 170 deep sky objects. You can use binoculars indoor and see individual Milky Way stars.The video projectors have high dynamic range, but not as great as the eye. In order to preserve the remarkable Megastar sky while still using video, each projector shines through a computer controlled variable density filter than extends the dynamic range by about 4 magnitudes. It therefore is possible to show a Mauna Kea quality star field and also beautiful bright videos.Unlike most planetariums, the #1 audience of Fiske is college students - the more than 2,000 who take Introductory Astronomy at Colorado each year. WE ARE SEEKING OTHER UNIVERSITIES WITH FULL-DOME VIDEO PLANETARIUMS to join us in the production of college-level material. We already have a beautiful production studio funded by Hewlett Packard and an experienced full-time Video Producer for Educational Programs. Please seek out Fiske Director Dr. Doug Duncan if interested in possible collaboration.

2016 Summer Series - Kenneth Cheung: Building Blocks for Aerospace Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-06-16

Strong, ultra-lightweight materials are expected to play a key role in the design of future aircraft and space vehicles. Lower structural mass leads to improved performance, maneuverability, efficiency, range and payload capacity. Dr. Kenneth Cheung is developing cellular composite building blocks, or digital materials, to create transformable aerostructures. In his presentation, Dr. Cheung will discuss the implications of the digital materials and morphing structures.

Training in time-limited dynamic psychotherapy: A systematic comparison of pre- and post-training cases treated by one therapist.

PubMed

Anderson, Timothy; Strupp, Hans H

2015-01-01

This qualitative study systematically compared cases treated by the same therapist in order to understand the group comparison findings of a larger study on training of experienced therapists (the "Vanderbilt II" psychotherapy project). The therapist, Dr C., was selected based on the therapist's overall treatment successes. His two patients were selected based on their outcomes and the relative training cohort from which they were drawn: a case with successful outcome from the pre-training cohort and a case of negligible improvement from the post-training cohort. Dr C. demonstrated a variety of interpersonal skills throughout his pre-training case, though there was also poor interpersonal process throughout. However, in the second case he had considerable difficulty in adapting his typical therapeutic approach to the requirements of the time-limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP) manual, even while appearing to work hard to find ways to use the manual. Dr C.'s spontaneity, and his unique set of interpersonal skills may enhanced his initial rapport and alliance building with clients and yet may not have interfaced well with TLDP. His unique interpersonal skills also may have contributed to problems of interpersonal process. Future research may benefit from examining the interaction of between therapist interpersonal skills and the implementation of the treatment manual.

United States Air Force Research Initiation Program for 1987. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

Influence of Microstructural Variations Dr. Ravinder Diwan on the Thermomechanical Processing in Dynamic Material Modeling of Titanium Aluminides , 760,7MG...7MG-077 INFLUENCE OF MICROSTRUCTURAL VARIATIONS ON THE THERMOMECHANICAL PROCESSING IN DYNAMIC MATERIAL MODELING OF TITANIUM ALUMINIDES MARCH 15, 1989...provided on this project. Final Report Submitted: March 15, 1989. 75-1 ABSTRACT Titanium aluminides with strong thermodynamically stable intermetallic phases

Mechanisms of Dynamic Deformation and Dynamic Failure in Aluminum Nitride

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and...completing and reviewing the collection information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information...INTERNATIONAL RSRCH ASSOCIATES INC D ORPHAL CAGE 06EXO 5274 BLACKBIRD DR PLEASANTON CA 94566 1 BOB SKAGGS CONSULTANT S R

Environmental Monitoring for Situation Assessment using Mobile and Fixed Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fikes, Richard

2004-01-01

This project was co-led by Dr. Sheila McIlraith and Prof. Richard Fikes. Substantial research results and published papers describing those results were produced in multiple technology areas, including the following: 1) Monitoring a Complex Physical System using a Hybrid Dynamic Bayes Net; 2) A Formal Theory of Testing for Dynamical Systems; 3) Diagnosing Hybrid Systems Using a Bayesian Model Selection Approach.

Animal Models of Diabetic Retinopathy: Summary and Comparison

PubMed Central

Lo, Amy C. Y.

2013-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication associated with chronic exposure to hyperglycemia and is a major cause of blindness worldwide. Although clinical assessment and retinal autopsy of diabetic patients provide information on the features and progression of DR, its underlying pathophysiological mechanism cannot be deduced. In order to have a better understanding of the development of DR at the molecular and cellular levels, a variety of animal models have been developed. They include pharmacological induction of hyperglycemia and spontaneous diabetic rodents as well as models of angiogenesis without diabetes (to compensate for the absence of proliferative DR symptoms). In this review, we summarize the existing protocols to induce diabetes using STZ. We also describe and compare the pathological presentations, in both morphological and functional aspects, of the currently available DR animal models. The advantages and disadvantages of using different animals, ranging from zebrafish, rodents to other higher-order mammals, are also discussed. Until now, there is no single model that displays all the clinical features of DR as seen in human. Yet, with the understanding of the pathological findings in these animal models, researchers can select the most suitable models for mechanistic studies or drug screening. PMID:24286086

Evaluation of Liquid Dynamic Loads in Slack LNG Cargo Tanks

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

Syjateno Cmwr.~ d U. S. Geohogioal Survey MW. W. N. HANNAN W. C. J. ITFSTCOhE Vio. Pr. dent Chief Engineer American Bu au of Shipping Mlitary SeaZift C...CDR J. C. CARD MR. T. V. CHAPMN CDRJ. A. SAZAL JR. MR. A. B. STAVOVY (Chaiman) CDR W. N. SItEPSOk. JR. MR. D . STEIN NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND U. S...0. NAWR DR. D . I, DR. W. M4CLIAN MR. I. L. STIN MW. F. SEBOLD Mr. N. TOULA N40NAL ACADEfY OF SCIENCES INTURNATIONAL SHIr STRUCTURES CONGRESS SHIP

Nitrogen cycle dynamics in the Late Cretaceous Greenhouse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junium, Christopher K.; Meyers, Stephen R.; Arthur, Michael A.

2018-01-01

Great attention has been paid to the origin of anomalously low nitrogen isotope values during the Late Cretaceous. Nitrogen isotope values are often as low as - 3 ‰ and are typically less than + 2 ‰, even in relatively organic matter-lean sediments. Here we evaluate nitrogen isotope variability during a relatively quiescent phase of the Late Cretaceous Greenhouse, between Oceanic Anoxic Events 2 and 3, using the black shales of Demerara Rise (DR). Selection of this site allows us to isolate some of the factors that control nitrogen cycle dynamics and contribute to low nitrogen isotope values. New N-isotope measurements from ODP Site 1259 reveal δ15N values that range from + 0.2 ‰ to -3.5‰ and oscillate by 1.5‰ to 3‰ over 1.6 million years (Ma). Temporal calibration of our data using a new astronomical time scale reveals a strong ∼100 thousand year (ka) eccentricity cyclicity in δ15N. We attribute this cyclicity to oscillations in the position of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) over DR that modulate upwelling intensity, chemocline depth and the degree of 15N-depletion. We also recognize a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.0022) between the TEX86 indices and δ15N, with the lowest δ15N corresponding to the highest TEX86 indices. This relationship suggests that the activity and ecology of ammonia oxidizing Thaumarchaeota and the δ15N of dissolved inorganic nitrogen utilized by primary producers are linked. We therefore interpret the observed variability in the δ15N data and TEX86 indices as primarily reflecting fluctuation of upwelling intensity and chemocline depth, and the significant inverse relationship between these data sets suggests that caution should be exercised when interpreting the TEX86 in terms of temperature in similar paleoenvironmental settings.

The effect of dietary restriction on reproduction: a meta-analytic perspective.

PubMed

Moatt, Joshua P; Nakagawa, Shinichi; Lagisz, Malgorzata; Walling, Craig A

2016-10-07

Dietary restriction (DR), a reduction in the amount of food or particular nutrients eaten, is the most consistent environmental manipulation to extend lifespan and protect against age related diseases. Current evolutionary theory explains this effect as a shift in the resolution of the trade-off between lifespan and reproduction. However, recent studies have questioned the role of reproduction in mediating the effect of DR on longevity and no study has quantitatively investigated the effect of DR on reproduction across species. Here we report a comprehensive comparative meta-analysis of the effect of DR on reproduction. In general, DR reduced reproduction across taxa, but several factors moderated this effect. The effect of DR on reproduction was greater in well-studied model species (yeast, nematode worms, fruit flies and rodents) than non-model species. This mirrors recent results for longevity and, for reproduction, seems to result from a faster rate of decline with decreasing resources in model species. Our results also suggested that not all reproductive traits are affected equally by DR. High and moderate cost reproductive traits suffered a significant reduction with DR, but low cost traits, such as ejaculate production, did not. Although the effect of DR on reproduction was stronger in females than males, this sex difference reduced to near zero when accounting for other co-factors such as the costliness of the reproductive trait. Thus, sex differences in the effect of DR on longevity may be due to a failure to expose males to as complete a range of the costs of reproduction as females. We suggest that to better understand the generality of the effect of DR, future studies should attempt to address the cause of the apparent model species bias and ensure that individuals are exposed to as many of the costs of reproduction as possible. Furthermore, our meta-analytic approach reveals a general shortage of DR studies that record reproduction, particularly in males, as well as a lack of direct side-by-side comparisons of the effect of DR on males and females.

Is the detection rate of 18F-choline PET/CT influenced by androgen-deprivation therapy?

PubMed

Chondrogiannis, Sotirios; Marzola, Maria Cristina; Ferretti, Alice; Grassetto, Gaia; Maffione, Anna Margherita; Rampin, Lucia; Fanti, Stefano; Giammarile, Francesco; Rubello, Domenico

2014-07-01

To evaluate if the detection rate (DR) of (18)F-choline (18F-CH) PET/CT is influenced by androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer (PC) already treated with radical intent and presenting biochemical relapse. We have retrospectively evaluated (18)F-CH PET/CT scans of 325 consecutive PC patients enrolled in the period November 2009 to December 2012 previously treated with radical intent and referred to our centre to perform (18)F-CH PET/CT for biochemical relapse. Two different groups of patients were evaluated. group A included the whole sample of 325 patients (mean age 70 years, range: 49-86) who presented trigger PSA between 0.1 and 80 ng/ml (mean 5.5 ng/ml), and group B included 187 patients (mean age 70 years, range 49-86) with medium-low levels of trigger PSA ranging between 0.5 and 5 ng/ml (mean PSA 2.1 ng/ml); group B was chosen in order to obtain a more homogeneous group of patients in terms of PSA values also excluding both very low and very high PSA levels avoiding the "a priori" higher probability of negative or positive PET scan, respectively. At the time of examination, 139 patients from group A and 72 patients from group B were under ADT: these patients were considered to be hormone-resistant PC patients because from their oncologic history (>18 months) an increase of PSA levels emerged despite the ongoing ADT. The relationship between (18)F-CH PET/CT findings and possible clinical predictors was investigated using both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, including trigger PSA and ADT. Considering the whole population, overall DR of (18)F-CH PET was 58.2 % (189/325 patients). In the whole sample of patients (group A), both at the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, trigger PSA and ADT were significantly correlated with the DR of (18)F-CH PET (p < 0.05). Moreover, the DR in patients under ADT (mean PSA 7.8 ng/ml) was higher than in patients not under ADT (mean PSA 3.9 ng/ml), (DR was 70.5 % and 48.9 %, respectively; p < 0.001), therefore, demonstrating the existence of a significant correlation between the DR of (18)F-CH PET and ADT. In group B patients only trigger PSA resulted a reliable predictor of the (18)F-CH positivity, since ADT was not correlated to the DR of (18)F-CH PET (p = 0.061). Also in group B the DR of (18)F-CH PET in patients under ADT was higher than in patients not under ADT (65.3 % and 51.3 %, respectively) but the difference was not significant without a statistically significant correlation in the Mann Whitney test (p = 0.456) therefore, suggesting the lack of correlation between DR (18)F-CH PET/CT and ADT. Similarly to previous published studies, in our series the overall DR of (18)F-CH PET/CT was 58 % and was significantly correlated to trigger PSA. The most important finding of the present study is that ADT does not negatively influence DR of (18)F-CH PET/CT in PC patients with biochemical relapse; therefore, it can be suggested that it is not necessary to withdraw ADT before performing (18)F-CH PET/CT.

Binding modes of phosphotriesterase-like lactonase complexed with δ-nonanoic lactone and paraoxon using molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Guan, Shanshan; Zhao, Li; Jin, Hanyong; Shan, Ning; Han, Weiwei; Wang, Song; Shan, Yaming

2017-02-01

Phosphotriesterase-like lactonases (PLLs) have received much attention because of their physical and chemical properties. They may have widespread applications in various fields. For example, they show potential for quorum-sensing signaling pathways and organophosphorus (OP) detoxification in agricultural science. However, the mechanism by which PLLs hydrolyze, which involves OP compounds and lactones and a variety of distinct catalytic efficiencies, has only rarely been explored. In the present study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to characterize and contrast the structural dynamics of DrPLL, a member of the PLL superfamily in Deinococcus radiodurans, bound to two substrates, δ-nonanoic lactone and paraoxon. It has been observed that there is a 16-fold increase in the catalytic efficiency of the two mutant strains of DrPLL (F26G/C72I) vs. the wild-type enzyme toward the hydrolysis of paraoxon, but an explanation for this behavior is currently lacking. The analysis of the molecular trajectories of DrPLL bound to δ-nonanoic lactone indicated that lactone-induced conformational changes take place in loop 8, which is near the active site. Binding to paraoxon may lead to conformational displacement of loop 1 residues, which could lead to the deformation of the active site and so trigger the entry of the paraoxon into the active site. The efficiency of the F26G/C72I mutant was increased by decreasing the displacement of loop 1 residues and increasing the flexibility of loop 8 residues. These results provide a molecular-level explanation for the experimental behavior.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Large-Scale Teleretinal Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

PubMed Central

Vasquez, Carolina; Martinez, Carlos; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Mangione, Carol M.

2017-01-01

Importance Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in adults of working age in the United States. In the Los Angeles County safety net, a nonvertically integrated system serving underinsured and uninsured patients, the prevalence of DR is approximately 50%, and owing to limited specialty care resources, the average wait times for screening for DR have been 8 months or more. Objective To determine whether a primary care–based teleretinal DR screening (TDRS) program reduces wait times for screening and improves timeliness of needed care in the Los Angeles County safety net. Design, Setting, and Participants Quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest evaluation of exposure to primary care–based TDRS at 5 of 15 Los Angeles County Department of Health Services safety net clinics from September 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, with a subgroup analysis of random samples of 600 patients before and after the intervention (1200 total). Exposure Primary care clinic–based teleretinal screening for DR. Main Outcomes and Measures Annual rates of screening for DR before and after implementation of the TDRS program across the 5 clinics, time to screening for DR in a random sample of patients from these clinics, and a description of the larger framework of program implementation. Results Among the 21 222 patients who underwent the screening (12 790 female, 8084 male, and 348 other gender or not specified; mean [SD] age, 57.4 [9.6] years), the median time to screening for DR decreased from 158 days (interquartile range, 68-324 days) before the intervention to 17 days (interquartile range, 8-50 days) after initiation of the program (P < .001). Overall annual screening rates for DR increased from 5942 of 14 633 patients (40.6%) before implementation to 7470 of 13 133 patients (56.9%) after initiation of the program at all 15 targeted clinics (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9; P = .002). Of the 21 222 patients who were screened, 14 595 (68.8%) did not require referral to an eye care professional, 4160 (19.6%) were referred for treatment or monitoring of DR, and 2461 (11.6%) were referred for other ophthalmologic conditions. Conclusions and Relevance A digital TDRS program was successfully implemented for the largest publicly operated county safety net population in the United States, resulting in the elimination of the need for more than 14 000 visits to specialty care professionals, a 16.3% increase in annual rates of screening for DR, and an 89.2% reduction in wait times for screening. Teleretinal DR screening programs have the potential to maximize access and efficiency in the safety net, where the need for such programs is most critical. PMID:28346590

Fetal shielding combined with state of the art CT dose reduction strategies during maternal chest CT.

PubMed

Chatterson, Leslie C; Leswick, David A; Fladeland, Derek A; Hunt, Megan M; Webster, Stephen; Lim, Hyun

2014-07-01

Custom bismuth-antimony shields were previously shown to reduce fetal dose by 53% on an 8DR (detector row) CT scanner without dynamic adaptive section collimation (DASC), automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) or adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR). The purpose of this study is to compare the effective maternal and average fetal organ dose reduction both with and without bismuth-antimony shields on a 64DR CT scanner using DASC, ATCM and ASiR during maternal CTPA. A phantom with gravid prosthesis and a bismuth-antimony shield were used. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) measured fetal radiation dose. The average fetal organ dose and effective maternal dose were determined using 100 kVp, scanning from the lung apices to the diaphragm utilizing DASC, ATCM and ASiR on a 64DR CT scanner with and without shielding in the first and third trimester. Isolated assessment of DASC was done via comparing a new 8DR scan without DASC to a similar scan on the 64DR with DASC. Average third trimester unshielded fetal dose was reduced from 0.22 mGy ± 0.02 on the 8DR to 0.13 mGy ± 0.03 with the conservative 64DR protocol that included 30% ASiR, DASC and ATCM (42% reduction, P<0.01). Use of a shield further reduced average third trimester fetal dose to 0.04 mGy ± 0.01 (69% reduction, P<0.01). The average fetal organ dose reduction attributable to DASC alone was modest (6% reduction from 0.17 mGy ± 0.02 to 0.16 mGy ± 0.02, P=0.014). First trimester fetal organ dose on the 8DR protocol was 0.07 mGy ± 0.03. This was reduced to 0.05 mGy ± 0.03 on the 64DR protocol without shielding (30% reduction, P=0.009). Shields further reduced this dose to below accurately detectable levels. Effective maternal dose was reduced from 4.0 mSv on the 8DR to 2.5 mSv on the 64DR scanner using the conservative protocol (38% dose reduction). ASiR, ATCM and DASC combined significantly reduce effective maternal and fetal organ dose during CTPA. Shields continue to be an effective means of fetal dose reduction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wind Engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Dr. Jack Cermak, Director of Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion Laboratory, developed the first wind tunnel to simulate the changing temperatures, directions and velocities of natural winds. In this work, Cermak benefited from NASA technology related to what is known as the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL).

Theoretical Studies of Dissociative Recombination of Electrons with SH+ Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashinski, D. O.; di Nallo, O. E.; Hickman, A. P.; Mezei, J. Zs.; Colboc, F.; Schneider, I. F.; Chakrabarti, K.; Talbi, D.

2017-04-01

We are investigating the dissociative recombination (DR) of electrons with the molecular ion SH+, i.e. e- +SH+ -> S + H . SH+ is found in the interstellar medium (ISM), and little is known concerning its chemistry. Understanding the role of DR of electrons with SH+ will lead to more accurate astrophysical models. Large active-space multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) electronic structure calculations were performed using the GAMESS code to obtain ground and excited 2 Π state potential energy curves (PECs) for several values of SH separation. Core-excited Rydberg states have proven to be of huge importance. The block diagonalization method was used to disentangle interacting states and form a diabatic representation of the PECs. Currently we are performing dynamics calculations using Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT) to obtain DR rates. The status of the work will be presented at the conference. Work supported by the French CNRS, the NSF, the XSEDE, and USMA.

A wonderful laboratory and a great researcher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikh, N. M.

2004-05-01

It was great to be associated with Prof. Dr. Karl Rawer. He devoted his life to make use of the wonderful laboratory of Nature, the Ionosphere. Through acquisition of the experimental data from AEROS satellites and embedding it with data from ground stations, it was possible to achieve a better empirical model, the International Reference Ionosphere. Prof. Dr. Karl Rawer has been as dynamic as the Ionosphere. His vision about the ionospheric data is exceptional and has helped the scientific and engineering community to make use of his vision in advancing the dimensions of empirical modelling. As a human being, Prof. Dr. Karl Rawer has all the traits of an angel from Heaven. In short he developed a large team of researchers forming a blooming tree from the parent node. Ionosphere still plays an important role in over the horizon HF Radar and GPs satellite data reduction.

TPSLVM: a dimensionality reduction algorithm based on thin plate splines.

PubMed

Jiang, Xinwei; Gao, Junbin; Wang, Tianjiang; Shi, Daming

2014-10-01

Dimensionality reduction (DR) has been considered as one of the most significant tools for data analysis. One type of DR algorithms is based on latent variable models (LVM). LVM-based models can handle the preimage problem easily. In this paper we propose a new LVM-based DR model, named thin plate spline latent variable model (TPSLVM). Compared to the well-known Gaussian process latent variable model (GPLVM), our proposed TPSLVM is more powerful especially when the dimensionality of the latent space is low. Also, TPSLVM is robust to shift and rotation. This paper investigates two extensions of TPSLVM, i.e., the back-constrained TPSLVM (BC-TPSLVM) and TPSLVM with dynamics (TPSLVM-DM) as well as their combination BC-TPSLVM-DM. Experimental results show that TPSLVM and its extensions provide better data visualization and more efficient dimensionality reduction compared to PCA, GPLVM, ISOMAP, etc.

Theoretical Studies of Dissociative Recombination of Electrons with SH+ Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashinski, D. O.; di Nallo, O. E.; Hickman, A. P.; Mezei, J. Zs.; Colboc, F.; Schneider, I. F.; Chakrabarti, K.; Talbi, D.

2016-05-01

We are investigating the dissociative recombination (DR) of electrons with the molecular ion SH+, i.e. e- +SH+ --> S + H . SH+ is found in the interstellar medium (ISM), and little is known concerning its chemistry. Understanding the role of DR of electrons with SH+ will lead to more accurate astrophysical models. Large active-space multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) electronic structure calculations were performed using the GAMESS code to obtain ground and excited 2 Π state potential energy curves (PECs) for several values of SH separation. Core-excited Rydberg states have proven to be of huge importance. The block diagonalization method was used to disentangle interacting states and form a diabatic representation of the PECs. Currently we are performing dynamics calculations using Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT) to obtain DR rates. The status of the work will be presented at the conference. work supported by the French CNRS, the NSF, the XSEDE, and USMA.

[Theoretical evaluation of the risk of decompression illness during simulated extravehicular activity].

PubMed

Nikolaev, V P

2008-01-01

Theoretical analysis of the risk of decompression illness (DI) during extravehicular activity following the Russian and NASA decompression protocols (D-R and D-US, respectively) was performed. In contrast to the tradition approach to decompression stress evaluation by the factor of tissue supersaturation with nitrogen, our probabilistic theory of decompression safety provides a completely reasoned evaluation and comparison of the levels of hazard of these decompression protocols. According to this theory, the function of cumulative DI risk is equal to the sum of functions of cumulative risk of lesion of all body tissues by gas bubbles and their supersaturation by solute gases. Based on modeling of dynamics of these functions, growth of the DI cumulative risk in the course of D-R and D-US follows essentially similar trajectories within the time-frame of up to 330 minutes. However, further extension of D-US but not D-R raises the risk of DI drastically.

Firing Range Contaminants and Climate Change Tool: Spreadsheet User Instructions

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-18

Chief, CEERD-EPR; Mr. Warren Lorenz was Branch Chief, CEERD-EP; and Dr. Elizabeth Ferguson, CEERD- EM -J was the Technical Director for Environmental...changes. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Bombing and gunnery ranges, Rifle-ranges, Pollutants, Soil pollution-- Climatic factors, Climatic changes 16. SECURITY

A Proposal to Study the Scientific Uses of Solar Electric Propulsion for Space Physics Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurth, William S.

1999-01-01

This effort was for the participation of Dr. William S. Kurth in the study of the application of spacecraft using solar electric propulsion (SEP) for a range of space physics missions. This effort included the participation of Dr. Kurth in the Tropix Science Definition Team but also included the generalization to various space physics and planetary missions, including specific Explorer mission studies.

DR HAGIS-a fundus image database for the automatic extraction of retinal surface vessels from diabetic patients.

PubMed

Holm, Sven; Russell, Greg; Nourrit, Vincent; McLoughlin, Niall

2017-01-01

A database of retinal fundus images, the DR HAGIS database, is presented. This database consists of 39 high-resolution color fundus images obtained from a diabetic retinopathy screening program in the UK. The NHS screening program uses service providers that employ different fundus and digital cameras. This results in a range of different image sizes and resolutions. Furthermore, patients enrolled in such programs often display other comorbidities in addition to diabetes. Therefore, in an effort to replicate the normal range of images examined by grading experts during screening, the DR HAGIS database consists of images of varying image sizes and resolutions and four comorbidity subgroups: collectively defined as the diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, age-related macular degeneration, and Glaucoma image set (DR HAGIS). For each image, the vasculature has been manually segmented to provide a realistic set of images on which to test automatic vessel extraction algorithms. Modified versions of two previously published vessel extraction algorithms were applied to this database to provide some baseline measurements. A method based purely on the intensity of images pixels resulted in a mean segmentation accuracy of 95.83% ([Formula: see text]), whereas an algorithm based on Gabor filters generated an accuracy of 95.71% ([Formula: see text]).

An ILP based Algorithm for Optimal Customer Selection for Demand Response in SmartGrids

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

Kuppannagari, Sanmukh R.; Kannan, Rajgopal; Prasanna, Viktor K.

Demand Response (DR) events are initiated by utilities during peak demand periods to curtail consumption. They ensure system reliability and minimize the utility’s expenditure. Selection of the right customers and strategies is critical for a DR event. An effective DR scheduling algorithm minimizes the curtailment error which is the absolute difference between the achieved curtailment value and the target. State-of-the-art heuristics exist for customer selection, however their curtailment errors are unbounded and can be as high as 70%. In this work, we develop an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation for optimally selecting customers and curtailment strategies that minimize the curtailmentmore » error during DR events in SmartGrids. We perform experiments on real world data obtained from the University of Southern California’s SmartGrid and show that our algorithm achieves near exact curtailment values with errors in the range of 10 -7 to 10 -5, which are within the range of numerical errors. We compare our results against the state-of-the-art heuristic being deployed in practice in the USC SmartGrid. We show that for the same set of available customer strategy pairs our algorithm performs 103 to 107 times better in terms of the curtailment errors incurred.« less

Prospective evaluation of long-term safety of dual-release hydrocortisone replacement administered once daily in patients with adrenal insufficiency

PubMed Central

Nilsson, A G; Marelli, C; Fitts, D; Bergthorsdottir, R; Burman, P; Dahlqvist, P; Ekman, B; Edén Engström, B; Olsson, T; Ragnarsson, O; Ryberg, M; Wahlberg, J; Lennernäs, H; Skrtic, S; Johannsson, G

2014-01-01

Objective The objective was to assess the long-term safety profile of dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). Design Randomised, open-label, crossover trial of DR-HC or thrice-daily hydrocortisone for 3 months each (stage 1) followed by two consecutive, prospective, open-label studies of DR-HC for 6 months (stage 2) and 18 months (stage 3) at five university clinics in Sweden. Methods Sixty-four adults with primary AI started stage 1, and an additional 16 entered stage 3. Patients received DR-HC 20–40 mg once daily and hydrocortisone 20–40 mg divided into three daily doses (stage 1 only). Main outcome measures were adverse events (AEs) and intercurrent illness (self-reported hydrocortisone use during illness). Results In stage 1, patients had a median 1.5 (range, 1–9) intercurrent illness events with DR-HC and 1.0 (1–8) with thrice-daily hydrocortisone. AEs during stage 1 were not related to the cortisol exposure-time profile. The percentage of patients with one or more AEs during stage 1 (73.4% with DR-HC; 65.6% with thrice-daily hydrocortisone) decreased during stage 2, when all patients received DR-HC (51% in the first 3 months; 54% in the second 3 months). In stages 1–3 combined, 19 patients experienced 27 serious AEs, equating to 18.6 serious AEs/100 patient-years of DR-HC exposure. Conclusions This long-term prospective trial is the first to document the safety of DR-HC in patients with primary AI and demonstrates that such treatment is well tolerated during 24 consecutive months of therapy. PMID:24944332

Prospective evaluation of long-term safety of dual-release hydrocortisone replacement administered once daily in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

PubMed

Nilsson, A G; Marelli, C; Fitts, D; Bergthorsdottir, R; Burman, P; Dahlqvist, P; Ekman, B; Engström, B Edén; Olsson, T; Ragnarsson, O; Ryberg, M; Wahlberg, J; Lennernäs, H; Skrtic, S; Johannsson, G

2014-09-01

The objective was to assess the long-term safety profile of dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). Randomised, open-label, crossover trial of DR-HC or thrice-daily hydrocortisone for 3 months each (stage 1) followed by two consecutive, prospective, open-label studies of DR-HC for 6 months (stage 2) and 18 months (stage 3) at five university clinics in Sweden. Sixty-four adults with primary AI started stage 1, and an additional 16 entered stage 3. Patients received DR-HC 20-40 mg once daily and hydrocortisone 20-40 mg divided into three daily doses (stage 1 only). Main outcome measures were adverse events (AEs) and intercurrent illness (self-reported hydrocortisone use during illness). In stage 1, patients had a median 1.5 (range, 1-9) intercurrent illness events with DR-HC and 1.0 (1-8) with thrice-daily hydrocortisone. AEs during stage 1 were not related to the cortisol exposure-time profile. The percentage of patients with one or more AEs during stage 1 (73.4% with DR-HC; 65.6% with thrice-daily hydrocortisone) decreased during stage 2, when all patients received DR-HC (51% in the first 3 months; 54% in the second 3 months). In stages 1-3 combined, 19 patients experienced 27 serious AEs, equating to 18.6 serious AEs/100 patient-years of DR-HC exposure. This long-term prospective trial is the first to document the safety of DR-HC in patients with primary AI and demonstrates that such treatment is well tolerated during 24 consecutive months of therapy. © 2014 The authors.

Effect of isothermal dilution on emission factors of organic carbon and n-alkanes in the particle and gas phases of diesel exhaust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujitani, Yuji; Saitoh, Katsumi; Fushimi, Akihiro; Takahashi, Katsuyuki; Hasegawa, Shuich; Tanabe, Kiyoshi; Kobayashi, Shinji; Furuyama, Akiko; Hirano, Seishiro; Takami, Akinori

2012-11-01

To investigate the effect of isothermal dilution (30 °C) on emission factors (EFs) of semivolatile and nonvolatile compounds of heavy-duty diesel exhaust, we measured EFs for particulate matter (PM), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) in the particle phase, and EFs for n-alkanes in both the particle phase and the gas phase of exhaust produced under high-idle engine operating conditions at dilution ratios (DRs) ranging from 8 to 1027. The EC EFs did not vary with DR, whereas the OC EFs in the particle phase determined at DR = 1027 were 13% of the EFs determined at DR = 8, owing to evaporation of organic compounds. Using partitioning theory and n-alkane EFs measured at DR = 14 and 238, we calculated the distributions of compounds between the particle and gas phases at DR = 1760, which corresponds to the DR for tailpipe emissions as they move from the tailpipe to the roadside atmosphere. The gas-phase EF of a compound with a vapor pressure of 10-7 Pa was 0.01 μg kg-1-fuel at DR = 14, and this value is 1/330 the value derived at DR = 1760. Our results suggest that the EFs of high-volatility compounds in the particle phase will be overestimated and that the EFs of low-volatility compounds in the gas phase will be underestimated if the estimates are derived from data obtained at the low DRs and they are applied to the real world. Therefore, extrapolation from EFs derived at low DR values to EFs at atmospherically relevant DRs will be a source of error in predictions of the concentrations of particulate matter and gas-phase precursors to secondary organic aerosols in air quality models.

Costs to Automate Demand Response - Taxonomy and Results from Field Studies and Programs

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

Piette, Mary A.; Schetrit, Oren; Kiliccote, Sila

During the past decade, the technology to automate demand response (DR) in buildings and industrial facilities has advanced significantly. Automation allows rapid, repeatable, reliable operation. This study focuses on costs for DR automation in commercial buildings with some discussion on residential buildings and industrial facilities. DR automation technology relies on numerous components, including communication systems, hardware and software gateways, standards-based messaging protocols, controls and integration platforms, and measurement and telemetry systems. This report compares cost data from several DR automation programs and pilot projects, evaluates trends in the cost per unit of DR and kilowatts (kW) available from automated systems,more » and applies a standard naming convention and classification or taxonomy for system elements. Median costs for the 56 installed automated DR systems studied here are about $200/kW. The deviation around this median is large with costs in some cases being an order of magnitude great or less than the median. This wide range is a result of variations in system age, size of load reduction, sophistication, and type of equipment included in cost analysis. The costs to automate fast DR systems for ancillary services are not fully analyzed in this report because additional research is needed to determine the total cost to install, operate, and maintain these systems. However, recent research suggests that they could be developed at costs similar to those of existing hot-summer DR automation systems. This report considers installation and configuration costs and does include the costs of owning and operating DR automation systems. Future analysis of the latter costs should include the costs to the building or facility manager costs as well as utility or third party program manager cost.« less

Distributed Energy Systems Integration and Demand Optimization for Autonomous Operations and Electric Grid Transactions

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

Ghatikar, Girish; Mashayekh, Salman; Stadler, Michael

Distributed power systems in the U.S. and globally are evolving to provide reliable and clean energy to consumers. In California, existing regulations require significant increases in renewable generation, as well as identification of customer-side distributed energy resources (DER) controls, communication technologies, and standards for interconnection with the electric grid systems. As DER deployment expands, customer-side DER control and optimization will be critical for system flexibility and demand response (DR) participation, which improves the economic viability of DER systems. Current DER systems integration and communication challenges include leveraging the existing DER and DR technology and systems infrastructure, and enabling optimized cost,more » energy and carbon choices for customers to deploy interoperable grid transactions and renewable energy systems at scale. Our paper presents a cost-effective solution to these challenges by exploring communication technologies and information models for DER system integration and interoperability. This system uses open standards and optimization models for resource planning based on dynamic-pricing notifications and autonomous operations within various domains of the smart grid energy system. It identifies architectures and customer engagement strategies in dynamic DR pricing transactions to generate feedback information models for load flexibility, load profiles, and participation schedules. The models are tested at a real site in California—Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL). Furthermore, our results for FHL show that the model fits within the existing and new DR business models and networked systems for transactive energy concepts. Integrated energy systems, communication networks, and modeling tools that coordinate supply-side networks and DER will enable electric grid system operators to use DER for grid transactions in an integrated system.« less

Dynamic Decision Making in Complex Task Environments: Principles and Neural Mechanisms

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Dynamical models of cognition . Mathematical models of mental processes. Human performance optimization. U U U U Dr. Jay Myung 703-696-8487 Reset 1...we have continued to develop a neurodynamic theory of decision making, using a combination of computational and experimental approaches, to address...a long history in the field of human cognitive psychology. The theoretical foundations of this research can be traced back to signal detection

[Comparison of red edge parameters of winter wheat canopy under late frost stress].

PubMed

Wu, Yong-feng; Hu, Xin; Lü, Guo-hua; Ren, De-chao; Jiang, Wei-guo; Song, Ji-qing

2014-08-01

In the present study, late frost experiments were implemented under a range of subfreezing temperatures (-1 - -9 degrees C) by using a field movable climate chamber (FMCC) and a cold climate chamber, respectively. Based on the spectra of winter wheat canopy measured at noon on the first day after the frost experiments, red edge parameters REP, Dr, SDr, Dr(min), Dr/Dr(min) and Dr/SDr were extracted using maximum first derivative spectrum method (FD), linear four-point interpolation method (FPI), polynomial fitting method (POLY), inverted Gaussian fitting method (IG) and linear extrapolation technique (LE), respectively. The capacity of the red edge parameters to detect late frost stress was explicated from the aspects of the early, sensitivity and stability through correlation analysis, linear regression modeling and fluctuation analysis. The result indicates that except for REP calculated from FPI and IG method in Experiment 1, REP from the other methods was correlated with frost temperatures (P < 0.05). Thereinto, significant levels (P) of POLY and LE methods all reached 0.01. Except for POLY method in Experiment 2, Dr/SDr from the other methods were all significantly correlated with frost temperatures (P < 0.01). REP showed a trend to shift to short-wave band with decreasing temperatures. The lower the temperature, the more obvious the trend is. Of all the REP, REP calculated by LE method had the highest correlation with frost temperatures which indicated that LE method is the best for REP extraction. In Experiment 1 and 2, only Dr(min) and Dr/Dr(min), calculated by FD method simultaneously achieved the requirements for the early (their correlations with frost temperatures showed a significant level P < 0.01), sensitivity (abso- lute value of the slope of fluctuation coefficient is greater than 2.0) and stability (their correlations with frost temperatures al- ways keep a consistent direction). Dr/SDr calculated from FD and IG methods always had a low sensitivity in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the sensitivity of Dr/SDr from FD was moderate and IG was high. REP calculated from LE method had a lowest sensitivity in the two experiments. Totally, Dr(min) and Dr/Dr(min) calculated by FD method have the strongest detection capacity for frost temperature, which will be helpful to conducting the research on early diagnosis of late frost injury to winter wheat.

Hi-GAL, the Herschel infrared Galactic Plane Survey: photometric maps and compact source catalogues. First data release for the inner Milky Way: +68° ≥ l ≥ -70°

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molinari, S.; Schisano, E.; Elia, D.; Pestalozzi, M.; Traficante, A.; Pezzuto, S.; Swinyard, B. M.; Noriega-Crespo, A.; Bally, J.; Moore, T. J. T.; Plume, R.; Zavagno, A.; di Giorgio, A. M.; Liu, S. J.; Pilbratt, G. L.; Mottram, J. C.; Russeil, D.; Piazzo, L.; Veneziani, M.; Benedettini, M.; Calzoletti, L.; Faustini, F.; Natoli, P.; Piacentini, F.; Merello, M.; Palmese, A.; Del Grande, R.; Polychroni, D.; Rygl, K. L. J.; Polenta, G.; Barlow, M. J.; Bernard, J.-P.; Martin, P. G.; Testi, L.; Ali, B.; André, P.; Beltrán, M. T.; Billot, N.; Carey, S.; Cesaroni, R.; Compiègne, M.; Eden, D.; Fukui, Y.; Garcia-Lario, P.; Hoare, M. G.; Huang, M.; Joncas, G.; Lim, T. L.; Lord, S. D.; Martinavarro-Armengol, S.; Motte, F.; Paladini, R.; Paradis, D.; Peretto, N.; Robitaille, T.; Schilke, P.; Schneider, N.; Schulz, B.; Sibthorpe, B.; Strafella, F.; Thompson, M. A.; Umana, G.; Ward-Thompson, D.; Wyrowski, F.

2016-07-01

Aims: We present the first public release of high-quality data products (DR1) from Hi-GAL, the Herschel infrared Galactic Plane Survey. Hi-GAL is the keystone of a suite of continuum Galactic plane surveys from the near-IR to the radio and covers five wavebands at 70, 160, 250, 350 and 500 μm, encompassing the peak of the spectral energy distribution of cold dust for 8 ≲ T ≲ 50 K. This first Hi-GAL data release covers the inner Milky Way in the longitude range 68° ≳ ℓ ≳ -70° in a | b | ≤ 1° latitude strip. Methods: Photometric maps have been produced with the ROMAGAL pipeline, which optimally capitalizes on the excellent sensitivity and stability of the bolometer arrays of the Herschel PACS and SPIRE photometric cameras. It delivers images of exquisite quality and dynamical range, absolutely calibrated with Planck and IRAS, and recovers extended emission at all wavelengths and all spatial scales, from the point-spread function to the size of an entire 2°× 2° "tile" that is the unit observing block of the survey. The compact source catalogues were generated with the CuTEx algorithm, which was specifically developed to optimise source detection and extraction in the extreme conditions of intense and spatially varying background that are found in the Galactic plane in the thermal infrared. Results: Hi-GAL DR1 images are cirrus noise limited and reach the 1σ-rms predicted by the Herschel Time Estimators for parallel-mode observations at 60'' s-1 scanning speed in relatively low cirrus emission regions. Hi-GAL DR1 images will be accessible through a dedicated web-based image cutout service. The DR1 Compact Source Catalogues are delivered as single-band photometric lists containing, in addition to source position, peak, and integrated flux and source sizes, a variety of parameters useful to assess the quality and reliability of the extracted sources. Caveats and hints to help in this assessment are provided. Flux completeness limits in all bands are determined from extensive synthetic source experiments and greatly depend on the specific line of sight along the Galactic plane because the background strongly varies as a function of Galactic longitude. Hi-GAL DR1 catalogues contain 123210, 308509, 280685, 160972, and 85460 compact sources in the five bands. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.The images and the catalogues are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/591/A149

Optical investigation of domain resonances in magnetic garnet films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahlmann, N.; Gerhardt, R.; Dötsch, H.

1996-08-01

Magnetic garnet films of composition (Y,Bi) 3(Fe,Al) 5O 12 are grown by liquid phase epitaxy on [111] oriented substrates of Gd 3Ga 5O 12. Lattices of parallel stripe domains are stabilized by a static induction applied in the film plane. The two branches DR ± of the domain resonance and the domain wall resonance DWR are excited by microwave magnetic fields in the frequency range up to 6 GHz. Light passing the stripe domain lattice parallel to the film normal is modulated at the excitation frequency. A modulation bandwidth of more than 2 GHz is observed. The resonances can be calculated with high accuracy by a hybridization model, if the quality factor Q of the film exceeds 0.5. For Q < 0.5 a simple approximation is used to describe the superposition of the DR + and DR - resonances. The superposition model predicts two stability states of the resonance DR + which are observed experimentally. From the optical measurements precession angles of the resonance DR - of nearly 6° and wall oscillation amplitudes up to 25 nm are derived.

Neurogenic contributions made by dietary regulation to hippocampal neurogenesis.

PubMed

Park, Hee Ra; Lee, Jaewon

2011-07-01

Adult neural stem cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus are negatively and positively regulated by a broad range of environmental stimuli that include aging, stress, social interaction, physical activity, and dietary modulation. Interestingly, dietary regulation has a distinct outcome, such that reduced dietary intake enhances neurogenesis, whereas excess calorie intake by a high-fat diet has a negative effect. As a type of metabolic stress, dietary restriction (DR) is also known to extend life span and increase resistance to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential application of DR as a "neurogenic enhancer" in humans remains problematic because of the severity of restriction and the protracted duration of the treatment required. Therefore, the authors consider that an understanding of the neurogenic mechanisms of DR would provide a basis for the identification of the pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions that mimic the beneficial effects of DR without limiting caloric intake. The current review describes the regulatory effect of DR on hippocampal neurogenesis and presents a possible neurogenic mechanism. © 2011 New York Academy of Sciences.

Solution NMR views of dynamical ordering of biomacromolecules.

PubMed

Ikeya, Teppei; Ban, David; Lee, Donghan; Ito, Yutaka; Kato, Koichi; Griesinger, Christian

2018-02-01

To understand the mechanisms related to the 'dynamical ordering' of macromolecules and biological systems, it is crucial to monitor, in detail, molecular interactions and their dynamics across multiple timescales. Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an ideal tool that can investigate biophysical events at the atomic level, in near-physiological buffer solutions, or even inside cells. In the past several decades, progress in solution NMR has significantly contributed to the elucidation of three-dimensional structures, the understanding of conformational motions, and the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic properties of biomacromolecules. This review discusses recent methodological development of NMR, their applications and some of the remaining challenges. Although a major drawback of NMR is its difficulty in studying the dynamical ordering of larger biomolecular systems, current technologies have achieved considerable success in the structural analysis of substantially large proteins and biomolecular complexes over 1MDa and have characterised a wide range of timescales across which biomolecular motion exists. While NMR is well suited to obtain local structure information in detail, it contributes valuable and unique information within hybrid approaches that combine complementary methodologies, including solution scattering and microscopic techniques. For living systems, the dynamic assembly and disassembly of macromolecular complexes is of utmost importance for cellular homeostasis and, if dysregulated, implied in human disease. It is thus instructive for the advancement of the study of the dynamical ordering to discuss the potential possibilities of solution NMR spectroscopy and its applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biophysical Exploration of Dynamical Ordering of Biomolecular Systems" edited by Dr. Koichi Kato. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An HPLC method associated with a thermodynamic analysis to compare the binding of TRAIL and its nanovectorized form to death receptors DR4 and DR5 and their relationship to cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Guillaume, Yves Claude; Lethier, Lydie; André, Claire

2016-11-15

TRAIL is a member of the TNF family of cytokines which induces apoptosis of cancer cells via its binding to its cognate receptors, DR5 a high affinity site and DR4 a site of low affinity. Our working group has recently demonstrated that nanovectorization of TRAIL with single wall carbon nanotubes (abbreviated NPT) enhanced TRAIL affinity to the high affinity site DR5 and increased pro apoptotic potential in different human tumor cell lines. In this paper, the DR4 low affinity site was immobilized on a chromatographic support and the effect of temperature on a wide temperature range 1°C-50°C was studied to calculate the thermodynamic parameters of the binding of TRAIL and NPT to DR4 and DR5 receptors. For the first time the heat capacity changes for the different binding processes were determined. At a physiological pH (7.4) the heat capacity changes for the binding of NPT to DR4 and DR5 were respectively equal to -0.91kJ/molK and -0.28kJ/molK and those obtained for the binding of TRAIL to DR4 and DR5 were respectively equal to -1.54kJ/molK and -1.05kJ/molK. By the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a phase transition (∼12°C for DR5, ∼4°C for DR4) between a disordered (low temperature) and an ordered (high temperature) solid like state visualized in the receptor structure confirmed the temperature dependence of binding affinity enthalpy ΔH for soluble TRAIL and its nanovectorized form to its cognate receptors. In the low temperature domain, the positive ΔH values contribute non-favourably to the free energy of binding, TRAIL and NPT described similar affinities for DR4 and DR5. For the high temperature domain, negative ΔH values indicated that van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding are engaged favourably at the ligand - receptor interface. Above 30°C, their rank-ordered affinities were thus strongly different in the sequence: TRAIL DR4

Cost of diabetic eye, renal and foot complications: a methodological review.

PubMed

Schirr-Bonnans, Solène; Costa, Nadège; Derumeaux-Burel, Hélène; Bos, Jérémy; Lepage, Benoît; Garnault, Valérie; Martini, Jacques; Hanaire, Hélène; Turnin, Marie-Christine; Molinier, Laurent

2017-04-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) represent a public health and economic concern that may be assessed with cost-of-illness (COI) studies. (1) To review COI studies published between 2000 and 2015, about DR, DKD and DFU; (2) to analyse methods used. Disease definition, epidemiological approach, perspective, type of costs, activity data sources, cost valuation, sensitivity analysis, cost discounting and presentation of costs may be described in COI studies. Each reviewed study was assessed with a methodological grid including these nine items. The five following items have been detailed in the reviewed studies: epidemiological approach (59 % of studies described it), perspective (75 %), type of costs (98 %), activity data sources (91 %) and cost valuation (59 %). The disease definition and the presentation of results were detailed in fewer studies (respectively 50 and 46 %). In contrast, sensitivity analysis was only performed in 14 % of studies and cost discounting in 7 %. Considering the studies showing an average cost per patient and per year with a societal perspective, DR cost estimates were US $2297 (range 5-67,486), DKD cost ranged from US $1095 to US $16,384, and DFU cost was US $10,604 (range 1444-85,718). This review reinforces the need to adequately describe the method to facilitate literature comparisons and projections. It also recalls that COI studies represent complementary tools to cost-effectiveness studies to help decision makers in the allocation of economic resources for the management of DR, DKD and DFU.

Past, Present, and Future of Neurosurgery in Uganda.

PubMed

Haglund, Michael M; Warf, Benjamin; Fuller, Anthony; Freischlag, Kyle; Muhumuza, Michael; Ssenyonjo, Hussein; Mukasa, John; Mugamba, John; Kiryabwire, Joel

2017-04-01

Neurosurgery in Uganda was virtually non-existent up until late 1960s. This changed when Dr. Jovan Kiryabwire spearheaded development of a neurosurgical unit at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. His work ethic and vision set the stage for rapid expansion of neurosurgical care in Uganda.At the beginning of the 2000s, Uganda was a country of nearly 30 million people, but had only 4 neurosurgeons. Neurosurgery's progress was plagued by challenges faced by many developing countries, such as difficulty retaining specialists, lack of modern hospital resources, and scarce training facilities. To combat these challenges 2 distinct programs were launched: 1 by Dr. Benjamin Warf in collaboration with CURE International, and the other by Dr. Michael Haglund from Duke University. Dr. Warf's program focused on establishing a facility for pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Haglund's program to increase neurosurgical capacity was founded on a "4 T's Paradigm": Technology, Twinning, Training, and Top-Down. Embedded within this paradigm was the notion that Uganda needed to train its own people to become neurosurgeons, and thus Duke helped establish the country's first neurosurgery residency training program.Efforts from overseas, including the tireless work of Dr. Benjamin Warf, have saved thousands of children's lives. The influx of the Duke Program caused a dynamic shift at Mulago Hospital with dramatic effects, as evidenced by the substantial increase in neurosurgical capacity. The future looks bright for neurosurgery in Uganda and it all traces back to a rural village where 1 man had a vision to help the people of his country. Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Performance of an untethered micro-optical pressure sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioppolo, Tindaro; Manzo, Maurizio; Krueger, Paul

2012-11-01

We present analytical and computational studies of the performance of a novel untethered micro-optical pressure sensor for fluid dynamics measurements. In particular, resolution and dynamic range will be presented. The sensor concept is based on the whispering galley mode (WGM) shifts that are observed in micro-scale dielectric optical cavities. A micro-spherical optical cavity (liquid or solid) is embedded in a thin polymeric sheet. The applied external pressure perturbs the morphology of the optical cavity leading to a shift in its optical resonances. The optical sensors are interrogated remotely, by embedding quantum dots or fluorescent dye in the micro-optical cavity. This allows a free space coupling of excitation and monitoring of the optical modes without the need of optical fibers or other cabling. With appropriate excitation and monitoring equipment, the micro-scale sensors can be distributed over a surface (e.g., including flexible biological surfaces) to monitor the local pressure field. We acknowledge the financial support from the National Science Foundation through grant CBET-1133876 with Dr. Horst Henning Winter as the program director.

VIRIAL BLACK HOLE MASS ESTIMATES FOR 280,000 AGNs FROM THE SDSS BROADBAND PHOTOMETRY AND SINGLE-EPOCH SPECTRA

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

Kozłowski, Szymon, E-mail: simkoz@astrouw.edu.pl

2017-01-01

We use the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Quasar Data Release 12 (DR12Q), containing nearly 300,000 active galactic nuclei (AGNs), to calculate the monochromatic luminosities at 5100, 3000, and 1350 Å, derived from the broadband extinction-corrected SDSS magnitudes. After matching these sources to their counterparts from the SDSS Quasar Data Release 7 (DR7Q), we find very high correlations between our luminosities and DR7Q spectra-based luminosities with minute mean offsets (∼0.01 dex) and dispersions of differences of 0.11, 0.10, and 0.12 dex, respectively, across a luminosity range of 2.5 dex. We then estimate the black hole (BH) masses of the AGNsmore » using the broad line region radius–disk luminosity relations and the FWHM of the Mg ii and C iv emission lines, to provide a catalog of 283,033 virial BH mass estimates (132,451 for Mg ii, 213,071 for C iv, and 62,489 for both) along with the estimates of the bolometric luminosity and Eddington ratio for 0.1 <  z  < 5.5 and for roughly a quarter of the sky covered by SDSS. The BH mass estimates from Mg ii turned out to be closely matched to the ones from DR7Q with a dispersion of differences of 0.34 dex across a BH mass range of ∼2 dex. We uncovered a bias in the derived C iv FWHMs from DR12Q as compared to DR7Q, which we correct empirically. The C iv BH mass estimates should be used with caution because the C iv line is known to cause problems in the estimation of BH mass from single-epoch spectra. Finally, after the FWHM correction, the AGN BH mass estimates from C iv closely match the DR7Q ones (with a dispersion of 0.28 dex), and more importantly the Mg ii and C iv BH masses agree internally with a mean offset of 0.07 dex and a dispersion of 0.39 dex.« less

Comparison of the direct and indirect reduction techniques during the surgical management of posterior malleolar fractures.

PubMed

Shi, Hong-Fei; Xiong, Jin; Chen, Yi-Xin; Wang, Jun-Fei; Qiu, Xu-Sheng; Huang, Jie; Gui, Xue-Yang; Wen, Si-Yuan; Wang, Yin-He

2017-03-14

The optimal method for the reduction and fixation of posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) remains inconclusive. Currently, both of the indirect and direct reduction techniques are widely used. We aimed to compare the reduction quality and clinical outcome of posterior malleolar fracture managed with the direct reduction technique through posterolateral approach or the indirect reduction technique using ligamentotaxis. Patients with a PMF involving over 25% of the articular surface were recruited and assigned to the direct reduction (DR) group or the indirect reduction (IR) group. Following reduction and fixation of the fracture, the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated in post-operative CT images. Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then at 6 month-intervals postoperatively. Functional outcome (AOFAS score), ankle range of motion, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were evaluated at the last follow-up. Statistical differences were compared between the DR and IR groups considering the patient demographics, quality of fracture reduction, AOFAS score, and VAS. Totally 116 patients were included, wherein 64 cases were assigned to the DR group and 52 cases were assigned to the IR group. The quality of fracture reduction was significant higher in the DR group (P = 0.038). In the patients who completed a minimum of 12 months' follow-up, a median AOFAS score of 87 was recorded in the DR group, which was significantly higher than that recorded in the IR group (a median score of 80). The ankle range of motion was slightly better in the DR group, with the mean dorsiflexion restriction recorded to be 5.2° and 6.1° in the DR and IR group respectively (P = 0.331). Similar VAS score was observed in the two groups (P = 0.419). The direct reduction technique through a posterolateral approach provide better quality of fracture reduction and functional outcome in the management of PMF over 25% of articular surface, as compared with the indirect reduction technique using ligamentotaxis. NCT02801474 (retrospectively registered, June 2016, ClinicalTrails.gov).

Demonstration Report for the Former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range. Project 200504: Practical Discrimination Strategies for Application to Live Sites, Ver. 2.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-22

05-C-0018 ESTCP 200504Dr. Stephen Billings, Leonard Pasion , Jon Jacobson, Stacey Kingsbury - Sky Research, Inc. Dr Douglas Oldenburg, Laurens Beran...For the EM-61, 3-dipole instantaneous amplitude models were fit to the available 4 time-channels, while for the EM-63, 3-dipole Pasion -Oldenburg...retrospective Pasion -Oldenburg and Lti classifiers. ..................................................................... 53 Figure 29. Analysis of

PRESIDENT KENNEDY TOURS CAPE CANAVERAL FACILITIES WITH DR. KURT H. DEBUS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1962-01-01

President Kennedy and Dr. Kurt Debus head for the car that will take them on a tour of our Nation's space facilities. The President, Vice President, and the Space Committee are among those being briefed at four locations on our space program. The tour includes Marshall Space Flight Center at Huntsville, Alabama, Atlantic Missile Range, Manned Space Flight Center, Houston, Texas, and McDonnell Aircraft at St. Louis, Mo.

Interaction of older donor age and survival after weight-matched pediatric heart transplantation.

PubMed

Westbrook, Thomas C; Morales, David L S; Khan, Muhammad S; Bryant, Roosevelt; Castleberry, Chesney; Chin, Clifford; Zafar, Farhan

2017-05-01

Donors are matched for weight in pediatric heart transplantation (PHT), yet age differences are not considered in this decision. In this study we attempt to identify the effect of age differences in weight-matched patients and the effect these differences have on post-transplant survival. The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for the period from October 1987 to March 2014 for all pediatric heart transplant patients. Transplants with donor-to-recipient (D-R) weight ratios of 0.8 to 1.5 were identified (weight-matched). D-R age differences were categorized as: donors 5 years younger than recipients (DR+5). A total of 4,408 patients were identified as weight-matched transplants. Of these transplants, 681 were D>R+5, 3,596 were D=R±5 and 131 were DR+5 transplants were found to be associated with decreased post-transplant survival compared with D=R±5 (p = 0.002). Rates of acute rejection were similar among all groups but post-transplant coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was more prevalent in D>R+5 than D=R±5 patients (28% and 18%, respectively; p < 0.001). Increasing age difference by each year was associated with decreasing median post-transplant survival time (p < 0.001; hazard ratio 1.018, range 1.011 to 1.025). The overall negative association with mortality was due to the adolescent cohort (11 to 17 years), specifically D>R+5 transplants, utilizing organs from donors >25 of age. In PHT, increasing D-R age difference decreases survival; however, this effect is driven by recipients 11 to 17 years old and donors >25 years old. Allocation of younger donor organs to adolescent recipients should be a priority. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigating Deinococcus radiodurans RecA protein filament formation on dsDNA by a real-time single-molecule approach

PubMed Central

Hsu, Hsin-Fang; Ngo, Khanh V.; Chitteni-Pattu, Sindhu; Cox, Michael M.; Li, Hung-Wen

2011-01-01

With the aid of an efficient, precise, and almost error-free DNA repair system, Deinococcus radiodurans can survive hundreds of double strand breaks inflicted by high doses of irradiation or desiccation. The RecA of Deinococcus radiodurans (DrRecA) plays a central role both in the early phase of repair by an extended synthesis-dependent strand annealing process and in the later more general homologous recombination phase. Both roles likely require DrRecA filament formation on duplex DNA. We have developed single-molecule tethered particle motion (TPM) experiments to study the assembly dynamics of RecA proteins on individual duplex DNA molecules by observing changes in DNA tether length resulting from RecA binding. We demonstrate that DrRecA nucleation on dsDNA is much faster than Escherichia coli (Ec) RecA protein, but the extension is slower. This combination of attributes would tend to increase the number and decrease the length of DrRecA filaments relative to those of EcRecA, a feature that may reflect the requirement to repair hundreds of genomic double strand breaks concurrently in irradiated Deinococcus cells. PMID:21853996

A PERSONAL PARTICLE SPECIATION SAMPLER

EPA Science Inventory

Dr. Susanne Hering of Aerosol Dynamics Inc and her colleagues expect to design and validate a personal monitoring sampler for particles smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) that is suitable for subsequent chemical speciation work. The investigators believe the result will be a...

Supersonic Combustion Ramjet Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

was in collaboration with Prof. R. Bowersox (Texas A&M University) and Dr. K. Kobayashi ( Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA). 4.2 Ignition... cinema stereoscopic PIV system for the measurement of micro- and meso-scale turbulent premixed flame dynamics,” Paper B13, 5th US Combustion

Testing & Evaluation of Close-Range SAR for Monitoring & Automatically Detecting Pavement Conditions

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report summarizes activities in support of the DOT contract on Testing & Evaluating Close-Range SAR for Monitoring & Automatically Detecting Pavement Conditions & Improve Visual Inspection Procedures. The work of this project was performed by Dr...

Integrated dynamic landscape analysis and modeling system (IDLAMS) : installation manual.

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

Li, Z.; Majerus, K. A.; Sundell, R. C.

The Integrated Dynamic Landscape Analysis and Modeling System (IDLAMS) is a prototype, integrated land management technology developed through a joint effort between Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the US Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL). Dr. Ronald C. Sundell, Ms. Pamela J. Sydelko, and Ms. Kimberly A. Majerus were the principal investigators (PIs) for this project. Dr. Zhian Li was the primary software developer. Dr. Jeffrey M. Keisler, Mr. Christopher M. Klaus, and Mr. Michael C. Vogt developed the decision analysis component of this project. It was developed with funding support from the Strategic Environmental Research andmore » Development Program (SERDP), a land/environmental stewardship research program with participation from the US Department of Defense (DoD), the US Department of Energy (DOE), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). IDLAMS predicts land conditions (e.g., vegetation, wildlife habitats, and erosion status) by simulating changes in military land ecosystems for given training intensities and land management practices. It can be used by military land managers to help predict the future ecological condition for a given land use based on land management scenarios of various levels of training intensity. It also can be used as a tool to help land managers compare different land management practices and further determine a set of land management activities and prescriptions that best suit the needs of a specific military installation.« less

Diversity in cell motility reveals the dynamic nature of the formation of zebrafish taste sensory organs.

PubMed

Soulika, Marina; Kaushik, Anna-Lila; Mathieu, Benjamin; Lourenço, Raquel; Komisarczuk, Anna Z; Romano, Sebastian Alejo; Jouary, Adrien; Lardennois, Alicia; Tissot, Nicolas; Okada, Shinji; Abe, Keiko; Becker, Thomas S; Kapsimali, Marika

2016-06-01

Taste buds are sensory organs in jawed vertebrates, composed of distinct cell types that detect and transduce specific taste qualities. Taste bud cells differentiate from oropharyngeal epithelial progenitors, which are localized mainly in proximity to the forming organs. Despite recent progress in elucidating the molecular interactions required for taste bud cell development and function, the cell behavior underlying the organ assembly is poorly defined. Here, we used time-lapse imaging to observe the formation of taste buds in live zebrafish larvae. We found that tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells form taste buds and get rearranged within the forming organs. In addition, differentiating cells move from the epithelium to the forming organs and can be displaced between developing organs. During organ formation, tg(fgf8a.dr17) and type II taste bud cells are displaced in random, directed or confined mode relative to the taste bud they join or by which they are maintained. Finally, ascl1a activity in the 5-HT/type III cell is required to direct and maintain tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells into the taste bud. We propose that diversity in displacement modes of differentiating cells acts as a key mechanism for the highly dynamic process of taste bud assembly. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

[Presence of the trace elements from carbon dioxide absorbent containing lime using a circular apparatus during general anesthesia. ].

PubMed

Macheta, A; Słodowski, W; Kocot, M; Muszyński, T; Rokita, E; Andres, J

2001-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate release of the trace elements from carbon dioxide absorbent containing soda lime during general anesthesia. We compared two suppliers Polish "Polfa" and German "Dräger". Following trace elements were evaluated: chromium, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel in soda lime. In blood of the patients we evaluated: copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, bromine, rubidium, iron, mercury. Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) was used to measure concentrations of the elements. Probes of soda lime were analyzed before anesthesia (Polfa, Dräger), 6 hr after the use (Polfa only) and after 10 weeks (Dräger only). 10 patients were divided in two equal groups, one was anesthetized using soda lime from Polfa and another one from Dräger. Blood samples were taken before anesthesia, immediately after and the next day. Mean values of the concentrations of the elements in soda lime coming from Polfa ranged from 0.20 ppm (nickel) to 7.19 ppm (zinc). In Dräger the measurements were from 0.22 ppm (nickel) to 3.70 ppm (zinc). Mean concentrations of trace elements in blood samples were between 0.20 ppm (lead) and 487 ppm (iron) for the patients anesthetized with Polfa soda lime. In Dräger the measurements ranged from 0.15 ppm (lead) to 485 ppm (iron). Concentrations of cadmium and mercury were below the method's limit. Mean values were almost the same in all time points. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-tests. Values of P < 0.05 were consider significant. We concluded that there were no statistically significant differences between examined groups. Thus, we can say that trace elements were not released from soda lime and concentrations of examined elements in patients' blood were not affected by general anesthesia.

Impaired reduction of nocturnal systolic blood pressure and severity of diabetic retinopathy

PubMed Central

Felício, João Soares; Pacheco, Juliana Torres; Ferreira, Sandra Roberta; Plavnik, Frida; Moisés, Valdir; Junior, Oswaldo Kohlmann; Ribeiro, Artur Beltrame; Zanella, Maria Tereza

2007-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of elevated levels of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) on diabetic retinopathy (DR). A total of 88 diabetic hypertensive patients were divided according to the stage of DR. They underwent 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring and ophthalmological evaluation, and their average level of fasting blood glucose as well as their glycemic control index (percentage of fasting blood glucose higher than 11.2 mmol/L over the previous four years) were calculated. When diabetic patients with retinopathy (n=29) (group 1) were compared with patients without retinopathy (n=59) (group 2), a significant difference was observed in diabetes duration (124 months [range six to 460 months] versus 43 months [range six to 365 months], respectively; P<0.05). In addition, group 1 showed higher levels of nocturnal systolic BP (NSBP) (141 ± 22 mmHg versus 132±18 mmHg; P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups (group 1 and group 2) when diurnal pressoric levels were compared (diurnal systolic BP, 153±19 mmHg versus 146±19 mmHg, P not significant; and diurnal diastolic BP, 91±9 mmHg versus 91±13 mmHg, P not significant). DR correlated with diabetes duration (r=0.26; P<0.05) and with glycemic control index (r=0.24; P<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed NSBP to be an independent predictor of DR (r2=0.12; P<0.01). Moreover, patients with severe stages of DR (preproliferative, proliferative or macular edema) showed a lower decrease of NSBP than the other patients (3.9±6.0 mmHg versus 9.2±6.0 mmHg; P<0.05). The present study suggests that the absence of 24 h normal pressoric rhythm can interfere with the prevalence and severity of DR. PMID:18650998

SU-F-T-125: Radial Dose Distributions From Carbon Ions of Therapeutic Energies Calculated with Geant4-DNA

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

Vassiliev, O

Purpose: Radial dose distribution D(r) is the dose as a function of lateral distance from the path of a heavy charged particle. Its main application is in modelling of biological effects of heavy ions, including applications to hadron therapy. It is the main physical parameter of a broad group of radiobiological models known as the amorphous track models. Our purpose was to calculate D(r) with Monte Carlo for carbon ions of therapeutic energies, find a simple formula for D(r) and fit it to the Monte Carlo data. Methods: All calculations were performed with Geant4-DNA code, for carbon ion energies frommore » 10 to 400 MeV/u (ranges in water: ∼ 0.4 mm to 27 cm). The spatial resolution of dose distribution in the lateral direction was 1 nm. Electron tracking cut off energy was 11 eV (ionization threshold). The maximum lateral distance considered was 10 µm. Over this distance, D(r) decreases with distance by eight orders of magnitude. Results: All calculated radial dose distributions had a similar shape dominated by the well-known inverse square dependence on the distance. Deviations from the inverse square law were observed close to the beam path (r<10 nm) and at large distances (r >1 µm). At small and large distances D(r) decreased, respectively, slower and faster than the inverse square of distance. A formula for D(r) consistent with this behavior was found and fitted to the Monte Carlo data. The accuracy of the fit was better than 10% for all distances considered. Conclusion: We have generated a set of radial dose distributions for carbon ions that covers the entire range of therapeutic energies, for distances from the ion path of up to 10 µm. The latter distance is sufficient for most applications because dose beyond 10 µm is extremely low.« less

[Output characteristics of rainfall runoff phosphorus pollution from a typical small watershed in Yimeng mountainous area].

PubMed

Yu, Xing-xiu; Li, Zhen-wei; Liu, Qian-jin; Jing, Guang-hua

2012-08-01

Relationships between phosphorus pollutant concentrations and precipitation-runoff were analyzed by monitoring pollutant losses at outlets of the Menglianggu watershed in 2010. A typical small watershed was selected to examine the runoff and quality parameters such as total phosphorus (TP), particle phosphorus (PP), dissolve phosphorus (DP) and dissolve inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in rainfall-runoff of 10 rainfall events. Precipitation was above 2 mm for all the 10 rainfall events. The results showed that the peak of phosphorus concentrations occurred before the peak of water flows, whereas change processes of the phosphorus fluxes were consistent with that of the water flows and the phosphorus flux also have a strong linear relationship with the water flows. The minimums of the phosphorus concentrations in every 10 natural rainfall events have small differences with each other, but the maximum and EMCs of the phosphorus concentrations have significant differences with each rainfall event. This was mainly influenced by the precipitation, maximum rainfall intensity and mean rainfall intensity (EMCs) and was less influenced by rainfall duration. DP and TP were mainly composed of DIP and PP, respectively. There were no significant correlations between DIP/DP dynamic changes and rainfall characteristics, whereas significant correlations between PP/TP dynamic changes and maximum rainfall intensity were detected. The production of DIP, DP, AND TP were mainly influenced by the direct runoff (DR) and base flow (BF). The EMCs of DIP, DP, TP and the variations of DIP/DP were all found to have significant polynomial relationships with DR/TR., but the dynamic changes of PP/ TP and the EMCS of PP were less influenced by the DR/TR.

Reliability Analysis of the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

Cleveland, Ohio, who assisted in obtaining related research materials and provided feedback on our efforts to produce a dynamic analysis tool useful to...System software that we used to do our analysis of the electrical power system. Thanks are due to Dr. Vira Chankong, my thesis advisor, for his...a frequency duration analysis . Using a transition rate matrix with a model of the photovoltaic and solar dynamic systems, they have one model that

Mind or brain? Where does therapeutic change originate? A reaction to "The reunion process: A new focus in short-term dynamic psychotherapy.".

PubMed

Binder, Jeffrey L

2007-06-01

In "The Reunion Process: A New Focus in Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy," by Dr. Sandler (see record 2007-09422-001), addresses posttreatment relapse by a new therapeutic strategy based on attachment theory and recent research findings concerning the neurobiology of memory. This strategy involves the discovery or creation of positive childhood maternal attachment memories as a method of overcoming the dominance of negative memories. Dr. Sandler makes assumptions about what can be achieved in short-term therapies, the pace of therapeutic change, as well as the role in treatment outcome of techniques versus therapist skill and relationship factors. These assumptions are not supported by psychotherapy research. While the attempt to use new discoveries from neurobiology to guide the development of therapeutic techniques is admirable, the author appears to engage in a fair amount of speculative theoretical reductionism in attempting to explain the eventually positive outcome of the case he presents. I offer a more parsimonious psychological explanation, which is consistent with the short-term dynamic psychotherapy theory of change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Morphology and morphometry of upland lakes over lateritic crust, Serra dos Carajás, southeastern Amazon region.

PubMed

Silva, Marcio S DA; Guimarães, José T F; Souza Filho, Pedro W M; Nascimento Júnior, Wilson; Sahoo, Prafulla K; Costa, Francisco R DA; Silva Júnior, Renato O; Rodrigues, Tarcísio M; Costa, Marlene F DA

2018-01-01

High-resolution satellite images, digital elevation models, bathymetric and sedimentological surveys coupled with statistical analysis were used to understand the physical environment and discuss their influence on water quality of the five upland lakes of Serra Sul dos Carajás, southeast Amazonia. The lakes have mid-altitude ranges (elevation), very small (catchment) and shallow to very shallow (central basins). Based on the length, area and volume, Violão and TI (Três Irmãs)-3 lakes may present large vertical movements of the water due to wind action and weakly stratified waters. Trophic conditions based on depth and shore development (Ld) parameters must be used with caution, since Amendoim Lake is relatively deep, but it is oligotrophic to ultra-oligotrophic. Ld values suggest that the lakes are circular to subcircular and are likely formed by solution process, as also suggested by volume development. TI-2 Lake is only presenting convex central basin and has highest dynamic ratio (DR), thus it may have high sedimentation and erosion rates. Based on the relationship between studied parameters, morphometric index and DR likely influence temperature and dissolved oxygen of waters of TI-2 Lake due to its depth profile and wind-induced surface mixing. Nevertheless, water quality parameters are controlled by catchment characteristics of the lakes.

Computational fluid dynamics assisted characterization of parafoveal hemodynamics in normal and diabetic eyes using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

PubMed

Lu, Yang; Bernabeu, Miguel O; Lammer, Jan; Cai, Charles C; Jones, Martin L; Franco, Claudio A; Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Sun, Jennifer K

2016-12-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual loss in working-age adults worldwide. Previous studies have found hemodynamic changes in the diabetic eyes, which precede clinically evident pathological alterations of the retinal microvasculature. There is a pressing need for new methods to allow greater understanding of these early hemodynamic changes that occur in DR. In this study, we propose a noninvasive method for the assessment of hemodynamics around the fovea (a region of the eye of paramount importance for vision). The proposed methodology combines adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and computational fluid dynamics modeling. We compare results obtained with this technique with in vivo measurements of blood flow based on blood cell aggregation tracking. Our results suggest that parafoveal hemodynamics, such as capillary velocity, wall shear stress, and capillary perfusion pressure can be noninvasively and reliably characterized with this method in both healthy and diabetic retinopathy patients.

Computational fluid dynamics assisted characterization of parafoveal hemodynamics in normal and diabetic eyes using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

PubMed Central

Lu, Yang; Bernabeu, Miguel O.; Lammer, Jan; Cai, Charles C.; Jones, Martin L.; Franco, Claudio A.; Aiello, Lloyd Paul; Sun, Jennifer K.

2016-01-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual loss in working-age adults worldwide. Previous studies have found hemodynamic changes in the diabetic eyes, which precede clinically evident pathological alterations of the retinal microvasculature. There is a pressing need for new methods to allow greater understanding of these early hemodynamic changes that occur in DR. In this study, we propose a noninvasive method for the assessment of hemodynamics around the fovea (a region of the eye of paramount importance for vision). The proposed methodology combines adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and computational fluid dynamics modeling. We compare results obtained with this technique with in vivo measurements of blood flow based on blood cell aggregation tracking. Our results suggest that parafoveal hemodynamics, such as capillary velocity, wall shear stress, and capillary perfusion pressure can be noninvasively and reliably characterized with this method in both healthy and diabetic retinopathy patients. PMID:28078170

Magnetic Field Generation and B-Dot Sensor Characterization in the High Frequency Band

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

date Dr. Andrew J, Terzuoli, PhD (Member) date Dr. Michael J. Havrilla, PhD (Member) date AFIT/GE/ENG/12-20 Abstract Designing a high frequency ( HF ...large wavelengths in the HF range make it difficult to accurately estimate from which direction a magnetic field is emitting. Accurate DF estimates are...necessary for search and rescue operations and geolocating RF emitters of interest. The primary goal of this research is to characterize the

Prediction of Marginal Mass Required for Successful Islet Transplantation

PubMed Central

Papas, Klearchos K.; Colton, Clark K.; Qipo, Andi; Wu, Haiyan; Nelson, Rebecca A.; Hering, Bernhard J.; Weir, Gordon C.; Koulmanda, Maria

2013-01-01

Islet quality assessment methods for predicting diabetes reversal (DR) following transplantation are needed. We investigated two islet parameters, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and OCR per DNA content, to predict transplantation outcome and explored the impact of islet quality on marginal islet mass for DR. Outcomes in immunosuppressed diabetic mice were evaluated by transplanting mixtures of healthy and purposely damaged rat islets for systematic variation of OCR/DNA over a wide range. The probability of DR increased with increasing transplanted OCR and OCR/DNA. On coordinates of OCR versus OCR/DNA, data fell into regions in which DR occurred in all, some, or none of the animals with a sharp threshold of around 150-nmol/min mg DNA. A model incorporating both parameters predicted transplantation outcome with sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 94%, respectively. Marginal mass was not constant, depended on OCR/DNA, and increased from 2,800 to over 100,000 islet equivalents/kg body weight as OCR/DNA decreased. We conclude that measurements of OCR and OCR/DNA are useful for predicting transplantation outcome in this model system, and OCR/DNA can be used to estimate the marginal mass required for reversing diabetes. Because human clinical islet preparations in a previous study had OCR/DNA values in the range of 100–150-nmol/min mg DNA, our findings suggest that substantial improvement in transplantation outcome may accompany increasedOCR/DNAin clinical islet preparations. PMID:20233002

Toward comprehensive detection of sight threatening retinal disease using a multiscale AM-FM methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agurto, C.; Barriga, S.; Murray, V.; Murillo, S.; Zamora, G.; Bauman, W.; Pattichis, M.; Soliz, P.

2011-03-01

In the United States and most of the western world, the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and glaucoma. In the last decade, research in automatic detection of retinal lesions associated with eye diseases has produced several automatic systems for detection and screening of AMD, DR, and glaucoma. However. advanced, sight-threatening stages of DR and AMD can present with lesions not commonly addressed by current approaches to automatic screening. In this paper we present an automatic eye screening system based on multiscale Amplitude Modulation-Frequency Modulation (AM-FM) decompositions that addresses not only the early stages, but also advanced stages of retinal and optic nerve disease. Ten different experiments were performed in which abnormal features such as neovascularization, drusen, exudates, pigmentation abnormalities, geographic atrophy (GA), and glaucoma were classified. The algorithm achieved an accuracy detection range of [0.77 to 0.98] area under the ROC curve for a set of 810 images. When set to a specificity value of 0.60, the sensitivity of the algorithm to the detection of abnormal features ranged between 0.88 and 1.00. Our system demonstrates that, given an appropriate training set, it is possible to use a unique algorithm to detect a broad range of eye diseases.

A cost analysis of single-row versus double-row and suture bridge rotator cuff repair methods.

PubMed

Bisson, Leslie; Zivaljevic, Nikola; Sanders, Samuel; Pula, David

2015-02-01

To calculate the costs to the US healthcare system of transition from single-row (SR) to double-row (DR) rotator cuff repair (RCR) and to calculate the decrease in re-operations for re-tear that DR RCR would need to accomplish in order to render the transition cost-neutral. Standard accounting methods were used to determine the cost of a single RCR, the annual cost to the US healthcare system of rotator cuff surgery, the cost of a single-revision RCR, and the decrease in revision for re-tear rate necessary to make DR or suture bridge (SB) methods cost-neutral in comparison with SR methods. We varied tear size, operating room cost, time required for implant placement, annual tear size distribution, and repair method. The cost of RCR ranged from $7,572 (SR, <1 cm tear) to $12,979 (DR, >5 cm tear). Complete conversion from SR RCR to a DR technique without an associated decrease in revision surgeries would increase the annual US healthcare cost between $80 million and $262 million per year. To obtain cost neutrality, use of DR or SB methods would need to result in one fewer revision in every 17 primary repairs (for tears <1 cm) to one fewer in every four primary repairs (for tears >5 cm). Conversion from SR to DR or SB RCR techniques would result in considerable increases in healthcare expenditures. Since the large decreases in revision surgery rates necessary to justify DR or SB repairs purely on a cost basis may not be realistic or even possible, the use of these methods should be supported by evidence of improved structural healing rates and quality-adjusted life years in comparison with SR methods. IV.

Analysis on frequency response of trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement in optical signal detection system using lock-in amplifier (LIA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ji-Hoon; Jeon, Su-Jin; Ji, Myung-Gi; Park, Jun-Hee; Choi, Young-Wan

2017-02-01

Lock-in amplifier (LIA) has been widely used in optical signal detection systems because it can measure small signal under high noise level. Generally, The LIA used in optical signal detection system is composed of transimpedance amplifier (TIA), phase sensitive detector (PSD) and low pass filter (LPF). But commercial LIA using LPF is affected by flicker noise. To avoid flicker noise, there is 2ω detection LIA using BPF. To improve the dynamic reserve (DR) of the 2ω LIA, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the TIA should be improved. According to the analysis of frequency response of the TIA, the noise gain can be minimized by proper choices of input capacitor (Ci) and feed-back network in the TIA in a specific frequency range. In this work, we have studied how the SNR of the TIA can be improved by a proper choice of frequency range. We have analyzed the way to control this frequency range through the change of passive component in the TIA. The result shows that the variance of the passive component in the TIA can change the specific frequency range where the noise gain is minimized in the uniform gain region of the TIA.

Detection of low-abundance biomarker lipocalin 1 for diabetic retinopathy using optoelectrokinetic bead-based immunosensing.

PubMed

Wang, Jhih-Cheng; Ku, Hu-Yao; Chen, Tain-Song; Chuang, Han-Sheng

2017-03-15

Early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is vital but challenging. DR is a common complication and a major cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes mellitus. Without appropriate medical intervention, visual impairment may become a great burden to our healthcare system. In clinical practice, the current diagnostic methods, such as fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography, remain constrained by non-quantitative examinations and individual ophthalmologists' experiences. Late diagnosis often prevents early treatment. To address the constraints on current diagnostics, this study developed an optoelectrokinetic bead-based immunosensing technique for detecting lipocalin 1 (LCN1), a DR biomarker. The concentration level of LCN1 in the tears of DR patients increases with DR severity. The immunoassay was dependent on the formation of sandwiched immunocomplexes on the particles. A secondary antibody labeled with dyes/quantum dots (QDs) was used to visualize the presence of the target antigens. Rapid electrokinetic patterning (REP), an optoelectrokinetic technique, was used to dynamically enhance the fluorescent signal by concentrating the modified particles. The limit of detection (LOD) of the technique could reach 110pg/mL. Only 1.5μL of a sample fluid was required for the measurement. Our results showed that highly sensitive and improved LOD is subjected to particle stacking, small particle size, and compact cluster. By labeling different particle sizes with dyes/QDs for LCN1 and TNF-α, we successfully used REP to detect the two DR biomarkers on the same platform. The development of an optoelectrokinetic bead-based immunosensing technique can provide new insights into diagnosing other low-abundance diseases in the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sarilumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Cooper, Simon

2016-01-01

Simon Cooper has >18 years of global experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He joined Sanofi in July 2014 as the Vice President, Global Project Head. In his current position at Sanofi, Dr Cooper is responsible for the clinical development of sarilumab and the worldwide submission in rheumatoid arthritis. He joined Sanofi after serving as the Global Program Medical Director at Novartis since 2012. In this role, Dr Cooper acted as the clinical lead for secukinumab psoriasis submission. Prior to Novartis, Dr Cooper held various posts at Human Genome Sciences, USA, including Executive Director of Clinical Research, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Director of Clinical Research. During his tenure at Human Genome Sciences, USA, Dr Cooper was involved in the submission of belimumab leading to its approval for SLE, and was responsible for its subsequent clinical development program. Dr Cooper has also previously held positions at MedImmune Ltd, UK, Roche, Napp Pharmaceutical Research Ltd, Wyeth Research and Medeval Ltd. In these roles, his responsibilities ranged from medical oversight of clinical trials to medical support for commercial, medical affairs and business development. He received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from University of Newcastle upon Tyne Medical School.

Measurement of Entrance Surface Dose on an Anthropomorphic Thorax Phantom Using a Miniature Fiber-Optic Dosimeter

PubMed Central

Yoo, Wook Jae; Shin, Sang Hun; Jeon, Dayeong; Hong, Seunghan; Sim, Hyeok In; Kim, Seon Geun; Jang, Kyoung Won; Cho, Seunghyun; Youn, Won Sik; Lee, Bongsoo

2014-01-01

A miniature fiber-optic dosimeter (FOD) system was fabricated using a plastic scintillating fiber, a plastic optical fiber, and a multi-pixel photon counter to measure real-time entrance surface dose (ESD) during radiation diagnosis. Under varying exposure parameters of a digital radiography (DR) system, we measured the scintillating light related to the ESD using the sensing probe of the FOD, which was placed at the center of the beam field on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom. Also, we obtained DR images using a flat panel detector of the DR system to evaluate the effects of the dosimeter on image artifacts during posteroanterior (PA) chest radiography. From the experimental results, the scintillation output signals of the FOD were similar to the ESDs including backscatter simultaneously obtained using a semiconductor dosimeter. We demonstrated that the proposed miniature FOD can be used to measure real-time ESDs with minimization of DR image artifacts in the X-ray energy range of diagnostic radiology. PMID:24694678

Measurement of entrance surface dose on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom using a miniature fiber-optic dosimeter.

PubMed

Yoo, Wook Jae; Shin, Sang Hun; Jeon, Dayeong; Hong, Seunghan; Sim, Hyeok In; Kim, Seon Geun; Jang, Kyoung Won; Cho, Seunghyun; Youn, Won Sik; Lee, Bongsoo

2014-04-01

A miniature fiber-optic dosimeter (FOD) system was fabricated using a plastic scintillating fiber, a plastic optical fiber, and a multi-pixel photon counter to measure real-time entrance surface dose (ESD) during radiation diagnosis. Under varying exposure parameters of a digital radiography (DR) system, we measured the scintillating light related to the ESD using the sensing probe of the FOD, which was placed at the center of the beam field on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom. Also, we obtained DR images using a flat panel detector of the DR system to evaluate the effects of the dosimeter on image artifacts during posteroanterior (PA) chest radiography. From the experimental results, the scintillation output signals of the FOD were similar to the ESDs including backscatter simultaneously obtained using a semiconductor dosimeter. We demonstrated that the proposed miniature FOD can be used to measure real-time ESDs with minimization of DR image artifacts in the X-ray energy range of diagnostic radiology.

pH-sensitive fluorescent sensors based on europium(III) complexes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolin; Jiao, Yang; Jing, Xu; Wu, Hongmei; He, Guangjie; Duan, Chunying

2011-03-21

New europium(III) complexes Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ and Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 were designed and synthesized as new fluorescent pH probes (where HDSQ = 5-(dimethylamino)-N-(4-(2-((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbonyl)phenyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, DR1 = N(1)-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-N(2)-(rhodamine-6G) lactamethylene-diamine and TTA = thiophentrifluoroacetone). Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ exhibited high sensitivity in monitoring pH changes in neutral aqueous solution with negligible background fluorescence. Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 comprised a green light emitting Rhodamine 6G fluorophore and a Eu(III) moiety as the origin of red light. These pH-sensitive emitter components have pK(a) values of 5.0 and 7.2 respectively, and exhibit isolated protonated steps within one molecule. Luminescence titrations demonstrate that Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 was able to detect pH values at both near neutral pH and acidic pH ranges, and was also able to detect pH in both cultured cells and in vivo.

PREFACE: EDS2010 Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heggie, Malcolm I.

2011-03-01

The biennial international conference on Extended Defects in Semiconductors started in 1978 with a meeting in Hünfeld, Germany. Subsequent meetings rotated between Poland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Russia and Italy, culminating in EDS2004 in Chernogolovka, EDS2006 in Halle and EDS2008 in Poitiers. EDS2010 was held at the University of Sussex at Brighton, UK from September 19th to 24th. An extension of the tabulation of this history, which first appeared on the EDS2006 website, is given in the attached PDF. It is with sadness that we note one of the founders of the series, Prof. Dr Helmut Alexander, passed away on 3 December 2009 and we were proud to dedicate EDS2010 to his memory. It has become a tradition to make an award in his name, and this year it was made to Ivan Isacov for his poster "Electrical levels of dislocation networks in p- and n-type silicon". A short and warm celebration of Prof. Dr Alexander's life by his friends and colleagues, Prof. Drs Helmut Gottschalk, Eicke Weber and Wolfgang Schröter, is included in this volume. The conference was a forum for the state-of-the-art of investigation and modelling of extended defects in semiconductors. Scientists from universities, research institutes and industry made contributions to a deeper understanding of extended defects, their interaction with point defects and their role in the development of semiconductor technology. The remit of the conference included extended defects, nanostructures, nanoparticles, quantum dots and interfaces within semiconducting materials ranging from narrow to wide band gaps, including graphene-derived materials and diamond. Scientific interests range from defect geometry, electronic structure, dynamics, spectroscopy, microscopy, reactions and chemistry to introduction mechanisms, such as implantation and strained layers and the operation of devices such as integrated circuits, heterostructures, and solar cells. The organisers were confronted with a long period between the afternoon outing to Arundel Castle and dinner in the evening at Wiston House, a mansion of Tudor origin near Steyning, West Sussex. So a short audience-participation seminar was held in the conference room of the manor, covering the history of dislocations and the history of the conference series. We were also able to extend the appreciation of the life of Prof. Yuri Ossipyan (15 Feb 1931 - 10 Sep 2008) briefly given at EDS2008. EDS2010 continued the drive into graphene-based materials with a session devoted to them, and it gave immense pleasure to many of us who were his former students to dedicate a session to the work of Professor R Jones. We are grateful to his present and former co-workers who came and presented an impressive perspective on their work with him and a vision of a vigorous future for him in his retirement and for AIMPRO, the current Density Functional Theory code that derives from the one he established with his former student, Dr Patrick Briddon. For EDS2010 we made two minor modifications to the appearance of the conference: a central webpage www.eds-conferences.org, ably managed by our webmaster, Dr Gemma Haffenden, and a Facebook page, "EDS conference series", which Dr Amy Gandy runs enthusiastically. Amongst other things the conference photographs appear here. "I like this". In fact, currently 22 FB-ers "like this" and I am sure it will grow. Finally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the significant contributions of Co-Chair, Prof. Marek Skowronski, Conference Manager, Dr Christopher Latham, and the editors of this volume, Drs Jon Goss and Chris Ewels, who in turn wish to thank Dr Alexis Vlandas for his help proof reading the articles. We all wish the best of luck to Prof. Philomela Khomninou and her team in the organisation of EDS2012.

Wetland restoration, flood pulsing, and disturbance dynamics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Middleton, Beth A.

1999-01-01

While it is generally accepted that flood pulsing and disturbance dynamics are critical to wetland viability, there is as yet no consensus among those responsible for wetland restoration about how best to plan for those phenomena or even whether it is really necessary to do so at all. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Beth Middleton draws upon the latest research from around the world to build a strong case for making flood pulsing and disturbance dynamics integral to the wetland restoration planning process.While the initial chapters of the book are devoted to laying the conceptual foundations, most of the coverage is concerned with demonstrating the practical implications for wetland restoration and management of the latest ecological theory and research. It includes a fascinating case history section in which Dr. Middleton explores the restoration models used in five major North American, European, Australian, African, and Asian wetland projects, and analyzes their relative success from the perspective of flood pulsing and disturbance dynamics planning.Wetland Restoration also features a wealth of practical information useful to all those involved in wetland restoration and management, including: * A compendium of water level tolerances, seed germination, seedling recruitment, adult survival rates, and other key traits of wetland plant species * A bibliography of 1,200 articles and monographs covering all aspects of wetland restoration * A comprehensive directory of wetland restoration ftp sites worldwide * An extensive glossary of essential terms

A setup for Gaia-DR1: the star formation history of our thin disc environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miret-Roig, N.; Romero-Gómez, M.; Figueras, F.; Mor, R.

2017-03-01

The first Gaia Data Release (Gaia-DR1, 14 September 2016) primes the pump and paves the way for a new golden age of the galactic astronomy. Gaia-DR1 will provide new parallaxes and proper motions for about two million well-behaved Tycho-2 stars placed in the solar neighborhood. This TGAS (Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution) catalogue is being obtained through the combination of the Gaia observations with the positions of the stars obtained by Hipparcos (ESA 1997) when available, or Tycho-2. The aim of the work presented here has been to evaluate the capabilities of Gaia and future on-ground spectroscopic surveys to derive the dynamical age and place of birth of the Young Local Associations (YLAs). Test particle simulations in realistic galactic potentials and different scenarios for the accuracy on astrometric and spectroscopic data allow us to quantify our future capabilities to trace back in time the star formation history of our thin disc environment.

The Collins Center Update. Volume 5, Issue 3, April-June 2003

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

Crisis and Instability Forecasting Capabilities (Dr. Sean O’Brien) students from the other Senior Level Colleges in a free play , computer-assisted war...dynamic free play environment. The exercise developments in response to the participants’ actions and decisions, not by scripts or a master

Overview of NASA Glenn Seal Developments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinetz, Bruce M.; Proctor, Margaret P.; Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr.; Delgado, Irebert; DeMange, Jeffrey J.; Daniels, Christopher C.; Lattime, Scott B.

2004-01-01

Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing high pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin and increase range. Dr. Lattime presented the design and development status of a new Active Clearance Control Test rig aimed at demonstrating advanced ACC approaches and sensors. Mr. Melcher presented controls considerations for turbine active clearance control. Mr. Geisheimer of Radatech presented an overview of their microwave blade tip sensor technology. Microwave tip sensors show promise of operation in the extreme gas temperatures present in the HPT location. Mr. Justak presented an overview of non-contacting seal developments at Advanced Technologies Group. Dr. Braun presented investigations into a non-contacting finger seal under development by NASA GRC and University of Akron. Dr. Stango presented analytical assessments of the effects of flow-induced radial loads on brush seal behavior. Mr. Flaherty presented innovative seal and seal fabrication developments at FlowServ. Mr. Chappel presented abradable seal developments at Technetics. Dr. Daniels presented an overview of NASA GRC s acoustic seal developments. NASA is investigating the ability to harness high amplitude acoustic waves, possible through a new field of acoustics called Resonant Macrosonic Synthesis, to effect a non-contacting, low leakage seal. Dr. Daniels presented early results showing the ability to restrict flow via acoustic pressures. Dr. Athavale presented numerical results simulating the flow blocking capability of a pre-prototype acoustic seal.

The impact of diabetic retinopathy on quality of life: qualitative findings from an item bank development project.

PubMed

Fenwick, Eva K; Pesudovs, Konrad; Khadka, Jyoti; Dirani, Mohamed; Rees, Gwyn; Wong, Tien Y; Lamoureux, Ecosse L

2012-12-01

Assessing the efficacy of treatment modalities for diabetic retinopathy (DR) from the patient's perspective is restricted due to a lack of a comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure. We are developing a DR-specific quality of life (QoL) item bank, and we report here on the qualitative results from the first phase of this project. Eight focus groups and 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 57 patients with DR. The sessions were transcribed verbatim and iteratively analysed using the constant comparative method and NVIVO software. Participants had a median age of 58 years (range 27-83 years). Twenty-seven (47%) participants had proliferative DR in the better eye, and 14 (25%) had clinically significant macular oedema. Nine QoL domains were identified, namely visual symptoms, ocular surface symptoms, vision-related activity limitation, mobility, emotional well-being, health concerns, convenience, social, and economic. Participants described many vision-related activity limitations, particularly under challenging lighting conditions; however, socioemotional issues were equally important. Participants felt frustrated due to their visual restrictions, concerned about further vision loss and had difficulty coping with this uncertainty. Restrictions on driving were pervasive, affecting transport, social life, relationships, responsibilities, work and independence. Patients with DR experience many socioemotional issues in addition to vision-related activity limitations. Data from this study will be used to generate data for a DR-specific QoL item bank.

Dietary restriction alters fine motor function in rats.

PubMed

Smith, Lori K; Metz, Gerlinde A

2005-08-07

A number of standard behavioral tasks in animal research utilize food rewards for positive reinforcement. In order to enhance the motivation to participate in these tasks, animals are usually placed on a restricted diet. While dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to have beneficial effects on recovery after brain injury, life span and aging processes, it might also represent a stressor. Since stress can influence a broad range of behaviors, the purpose of this study was to assess whether DR may have similar effects on skilled movement. Adult male Long-Evans rats were trained and tested in a skilled reaching task both prior to and during a mild food restriction regimen that maintained their body weights at 90-95% of baseline weight for eight days. The observations revealed that DR decreased reaching success and increased the number of attempts to grasp a single food pellet. The animals appeared to be more frantic when attempting to reach for food pellets, and the time taken to reach for 20 pellets decreased following the onset of DR. A second experiment investigating behaviors that do not require food rewards, including a ladder rung walking task and an open field test, confirmed that rats on DR display deficits in skilled movements and are hyperactive. These findings suggest that results obtained in motor tasks using food rewards need to be interpreted with caution. The findings are discussed with respect to stress associated with DR.

Principles of plastic surgery portrayed by the professional life of Dr John Peter Mettauer.

PubMed

Avashia, Yash J; Thaller, Seth R

2011-11-01

Regarded as "America's first plastic surgeon," Dr John Peter Mettauer's professional life displays 3 fundamental keystones of plastic surgery: education, innovation, and practice. To fully appreciate the history of our plastic surgery, one must look beyond a purely factual recount of noteworthy actions performed decades ago. Fundamental principles that governed achievements of our predecessors remain applicable even today. Dr Mettauer thrived as a medical student under the influence of distinguished professors in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he continued to propagate their basic tenets when he established his medical institute in 1837. Throughout his life, Dr Mettauer combined ingenuity with scientific inquiry to devise numerous unprecedented surgical techniques and instruments. He was a prolific writer and exquisitely documented his work in medical journals for the benefit of both contemporary and future surgeons. One of Dr Mettauer's momentous achievements in plastic surgery that displays his remarkable capabilities was his contributions to management of both simple and complicated cases of cleft palate. He was the first to describe relaxing lateral incisions for treating complete cleft palates and, incidentally, was the first to successfully treat this in America. He invariably replicated similar success in establishing techniques for treating a wide range of anatomic deformities. Cumulatively, Dr Mettauer's lifelong commitment and diligence have truly laid a foundation for the eventual progress and success in the field of plastic surgery.

Model-independent Evidence for Dark Energy Evolution from Baryon Acoustic Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahni, V.; Shafieloo, A.; Starobinsky, A. A.

2014-10-01

Baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) allow us to determine the expansion history of the universe, thereby shedding light on the nature of dark energy. Recent observations of BAOs in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR9 and DR11 have provided us with statistically independent measurements of H(z) at redshifts of 0.57 and 2.34, respectively. We show that these measurements can be used to test the cosmological constant hypothesis in a model-independent manner by means of an improved version of the Om diagnostic. Our results indicate that the SDSS DR11 measurement of H(z) = 222 ± 7 km s-1 Mpc-1 at z = 2.34, when taken in tandem with measurements of H(z) at lower redshifts, imply considerable tension with the standard ΛCDM model. Our estimation of the new diagnostic Omh 2 from SDSS DR9 and DR11 data, namely, Omh 2 ≈ 0.122 ± 0.01, which is equivalent to Ω0m h 2 for the spatially flat ΛCDM model, is in tension with the value Ω0m h 2 = 0.1426 ± 0.0025 determined for ΛCDM from Planck+WP. This tension is alleviated in models in which the cosmological constant was dynamically screened (compensated) in the past. Such evolving dark energy models display a pole in the effective equation of state of dark energy at high redshifts, which emerges as a smoking gun test for these theories.

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among self-reported adult diabetics in districts of Eastern Nepal in a community based study.

PubMed

Agarwal, Lalit T; Agarwal, Nisha

2017-07-01

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults around the world. Each year more and more people live with this condition, which can result in life-changing complications. To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a large community based screening programme, in order to estimate the future burden of the disease. A cross sectional community based study was conducted between 1st January and 31st December 2014 in a purposive sample of adults with selfreported diabetes mellitus (DM) from Morang and Sunsari district of Nepal. A structured questionnaire was used to collect patient data. Ophthalmological evaluation was done and fundus was examined for grading DR using direct and indirect ophthalmoscope. Among the 698 diabetic patients, mean age was 55.02±11.8 years (ranging from 24 to 91 years). 12.3% of diabetic were not under any treatment. Only 69.3% of patients had visited eye specialist for diabetic retinopathy screening. Prevalence of DR was found to be 15.3%; 13.9% had non-proliferative DR and 1.4% had proliferative DR. Prevalence of diabetic macular edema was 2.1%. In Morang district prevalence of DR was 14.2% and in Sunsari district it was 16.2%. In the binary-logistic regression analysis, duration of diabetes was associated with significantly increased risk of DR (OR: 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09 to 1.17; p<0.001). History of absence of arterial hypertension decreased the risk of DR (OR: 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.87; p=0.01). One sixth of the patients with diabetes in the Eastern region of Nepal have retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy risk increased with duration of diabetes and decreased with history of no co-existing arterial hypertension. © NEPjOPH.

Identifying injuries and motor vehicle collision characteristics that together are suggestive of diaphragmatic rupture.

PubMed

Reiff, Donald A; McGwin, Gerald; Metzger, Jesse; Windham, Samuel T; Doss, Marilyn; Rue, Loring W

2002-12-01

Diaphragmatic rupture (DR) remains a diagnostic challenge because of the lack of an accurate test demonstrating the injury. Our purpose was to identify motor vehicle collision (MVC) characteristics and patient injuries that collectively could identify the presence of a DR. The National Automotive Sampling System was used to identify occupants involved in MVCs from 1995 to 1999 who sustained abdominal (Abbreviated Injury Scale score >or= 2) and/or thoracic injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale score >or= 2). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to quantify the association between patient injuries, vehicle collision characteristics, and DR. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated to determine the ability of organ injury and MVC characteristics to correctly classify patients with and without DR. Overall, occupants sustaining a DR had a significantly higher delta-V (DeltaV) (49.8 kilometers per hour [kph] vs. 33.8 kph, p< 0.0001) and a greater degree of occupant compartment intrusion (70.6 cm vs. 48.3 cm, p< 0.0001). Specific abdominal and thoracic organ injuries were associated with DR, including thoracic aortic tears (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 2.2-12.5), splenic injury (OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 3.9-17.8), pelvic fractures (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.7-8.0), and hepatic injuries (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.7-10.6). Combining frontal or near-side lateral occupant compartment intrusion >or= 30 cm or DeltaV >or= 40 kph with specific organ injuries generated a sensitivity for indicating the likelihood of diaphragm injury ranging from 68% to 89%. Patients with any of the following characteristics had a sensitivity for detecting DR of 91%: splenic injury, pelvic fracture, DeltaV >or= 40 kph, or occupant compartment intrusion from any direction >or= 30 cm. Specific MVC characteristics combined with patient injuries have been identified that are highly suggestive of DR. For this subpopulation, additional invasive procedures including exploratory laparotomy, laparoscopy, or thoracoscopy may be warranted to exclude DR.

Contributions of vitamin D response elements and HLA promoters to multiple sclerosis risk.

PubMed

Nolan, David; Castley, Alison; Tschochner, Monika; James, Ian; Qiu, Wei; Sayer, David; Christiansen, Frank T; Witt, Campbell; Mastaglia, Frank; Carroll, William; Kermode, Allan

2012-08-07

The identification of a vitamin D-responsive (VDRE) motif within the HLA-DRB1*15:01 promoter region provides an attractive explanation for the combined effects of HLA-DR inheritance and vitamin D exposure on multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. We therefore sought to incorporate HLA-DRB1 promoter variation, including the VDRE motif, in an assessment of HLA-DRB1-associated MS risk. We utilized 32 homozygous HLA cell lines (covering 17 DRB1 alleles) and 53 heterozygote MS samples (20 DRB1 alleles) for HLA-DRB1 promoter sequencing. The influence of HLA-DRB1 variation on MS risk was then assessed among 466 MS cases and 498 controls. The majority of HLA*DRB1 alleles (including HLA-DRB1*15:01) express the functional VDRE motif, apart from HLA-DRB1*04, *07, and *09 alleles that comprise the HLA-DR53 serologic group. Allele-specific variation within functional X-box and Y-box motifs was also associated with serologically defined HLA-DR haplotypes. Incorporating these results in an analysis of MS risk, we identified a strong protective effect of HLA-DRB1*04, *07, and *09 (DR53) alleles (p = 10(-12)) and elevated risk associated with DRB1*15 and *16 (DR51) and *08 (DR8) alleles (p < 10(-18)). HLA-DRB1 groups corresponding to serologic HLA-DR profiles as well as promoter polymorphism haplotypes effectively stratified MS risk over an 11-fold range, suggesting functional relationships between risk-modifying HLA-DRB1 alleles. An independent contribution of VDRE motif variation to increase MS risk was not discernible, although vitamin D-dependent regulation of HLA-DR expression may still play an important role given that HLA-DRB1*04/*07/*09 (DR53) alleles that express the "nonresponsive" VDRE motif were associated with significantly reduced risk of MS.

Generalised Spin Dynamics and Induced Bounds of Automorphic [A]nX, [AX]n NMR Systems via Dual Tensorial Sets: An Invariant Cardinality Role for CFP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Temme, Francis P.

For uniform spins and their indistinguishable point sets of tensorial bases defining automorphic group-based Liouvillian NMR spin dynamics, the role of recursively-derived coefficients of fractional parentage (CFP) bijections and Schur duality-defined CFP(0)(n) ≡ ¦GI¦(n) group invariant cardinality is central both to understanding the impact of time-reversal invariance(TRI) spin physics, and to analysis as density-matrix formalisms over democratic recoupled (DR) dual tensorial sets, {T{ṽ}k(11.1)(SU2 × ln)}. Over abstract spin space, these tensorial sets are (ṽ) invariant-theoretic forms which lie beyond the Liouvillian graph recoupling and Racah-forms envisaged by Sanctuary [1]. This is a direct consequence of the dominance of the ln group. It leads to new views on the value of projective group actions as mappings over specialised Liouvillian carrier spaces, and on the need for the replacement of Racah-Wigner (R-W) orthogonality for distinct point sets, by criteria based on explicit properties of invariants [J. Phys.: Math. & Theor. A 41, 015210 (2008)] for multiple invariant systems. Ũ × P group actions over disjoint (L) carrier subspaces, leading to exclusively combinatorial views of the nature of quantal completeness for indistinguishable point-based tensorial sets. Such generalised invariant-theoretic approaches lie beyond the range of Lévi-Civitá generator views, or of Lévy-Leblond and Lévy-Nahas [9] with its additional cyclic-commutators defining mono-invariant DR forms. Comparison of the latter with generalised multiple-invariant techniques provides an answer to the question of precisely why [A]n≥4(X) and [AX]n≥4 NMR system spin dynamics are not ameniable to conventional R-W analysis of recoupled discrete-point tensorial systems. Our work augments earlier Hilbert space views, both of Louck and Biedenharn [21] on boson pattern projective mapping, and of Corio [19]. The roles of recent ln group action and (λ ⊢ n)-Schur combinatorial concepts, as well as of polyhedral-combinatorial modelling over invariance algebras, contribute significantly to our understanding of invariant-based techniques of Liouville dual tensorial sets for automorphic NMR spin physics.1

PEOPLE IN PHYSICS: Interview with Peter Barham

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Membrey, Conducted by Jill

2000-03-01

Dr Peter Barham, Reader in Physics at the University of Bristol, is one of the first winners of an Institute of Physics Public Awareness of Physics award. These are intended for individuals or groups who have demonstrated excellence, inspiration and innovation in bringing physics to the public. In Dr Barham's case, he has been recognized for his very successful lecture demonstrations on the physics of food for a range of audiences, as well as for supporting and encouraging others to promote physics to the general public.

Proceedings of the NATO Radiological Human Response Subject Matter Expert Review Meeting, 26 June 2008, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

the proposed general casualty estimation process. The next two briefings described the technical details of the development and content of the...Forces Radiobiological Research Institute (AFRRI) Dr. Gene McClellan, Applied Research Associates (ARA) COL John Mercier, AFRRI Dr. Kyle Millage...marrow damage occurs; lethality ranges from LD50/60 to LD99/60; death occurs within 3.5 to 6 weeks with the radiation injury alone but is accelerated

Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource (MSeqDR): a global grass-roots consortium to facilitate deposition, curation, annotation, and integrated analysis of genomic data for the mitochondrial disease clinical and research communities.

PubMed

Falk, Marni J; Shen, Lishuang; Gonzalez, Michael; Leipzig, Jeremy; Lott, Marie T; Stassen, Alphons P M; Diroma, Maria Angela; Navarro-Gomez, Daniel; Yeske, Philip; Bai, Renkui; Boles, Richard G; Brilhante, Virginia; Ralph, David; DaRe, Jeana T; Shelton, Robert; Terry, Sharon F; Zhang, Zhe; Copeland, William C; van Oven, Mannis; Prokisch, Holger; Wallace, Douglas C; Attimonelli, Marcella; Krotoski, Danuta; Zuchner, Stephan; Gai, Xiaowu

2015-03-01

Success rates for genomic analyses of highly heterogeneous disorders can be greatly improved if a large cohort of patient data is assembled to enhance collective capabilities for accurate sequence variant annotation, analysis, and interpretation. Indeed, molecular diagnostics requires the establishment of robust data resources to enable data sharing that informs accurate understanding of genes, variants, and phenotypes. The "Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource (MSeqDR) Consortium" is a grass-roots effort facilitated by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to identify and prioritize specific genomic data analysis needs of the global mitochondrial disease clinical and research community. A central Web portal (https://mseqdr.org) facilitates the coherent compilation, organization, annotation, and analysis of sequence data from both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of individuals and families with suspected mitochondrial disease. This Web portal provides users with a flexible and expandable suite of resources to enable variant-, gene-, and exome-level sequence analysis in a secure, Web-based, and user-friendly fashion. Users can also elect to share data with other MSeqDR Consortium members, or even the general public, either by custom annotation tracks or through the use of a convenient distributed annotation system (DAS) mechanism. A range of data visualization and analysis tools are provided to facilitate user interrogation and understanding of genomic, and ultimately phenotypic, data of relevance to mitochondrial biology and disease. Currently available tools for nuclear and mitochondrial gene analyses include an MSeqDR GBrowse instance that hosts optimized mitochondrial disease and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) specific annotation tracks, as well as an MSeqDR locus-specific database (LSDB) that curates variant data on more than 1300 genes that have been implicated in mitochondrial disease and/or encode mitochondria-localized proteins. MSeqDR is integrated with a diverse array of mtDNA data analysis tools that are both freestanding and incorporated into an online exome-level dataset curation and analysis resource (GEM.app) that is being optimized to support needs of the MSeqDR community. In addition, MSeqDR supports mitochondrial disease phenotyping and ontology tools, and provides variant pathogenicity assessment features that enable community review, feedback, and integration with the public ClinVar variant annotation resource. A centralized Web-based informed consent process is being developed, with implementation of a Global Unique Identifier (GUID) system to integrate data deposited on a given individual from different sources. Community-based data deposition into MSeqDR has already begun. Future efforts will enhance capabilities to incorporate phenotypic data that enhance genomic data analyses. MSeqDR will fill the existing void in bioinformatics tools and centralized knowledge that are necessary to enable efficient nuclear and mtDNA genomic data interpretation by a range of shareholders across both clinical diagnostic and research settings. Ultimately, MSeqDR is focused on empowering the global mitochondrial disease community to better define and explore mitochondrial diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource (MSeqDR): A global grass-roots consortium to facilitate deposition, curation, annotation, and integrated analysis of genomic data for the mitochondrial disease clinical and research communities

PubMed Central

Falk, Marni J.; Shen, Lishuang; Gonzalez, Michael; Leipzig, Jeremy; Lott, Marie T.; Stassen, Alphons P.M.; Diroma, Maria Angela; Navarro-Gomez, Daniel; Yeske, Philip; Bai, Renkui; Boles, Richard G.; Brilhante, Virginia; Ralph, David; DaRe, Jeana T.; Shelton, Robert; Terry, Sharon; Zhang, Zhe; Copeland, William C.; van Oven, Mannis; Prokisch, Holger; Wallace, Douglas C.; Attimonelli, Marcella; Krotoski, Danuta; Zuchner, Stephan; Gai, Xiaowu

2014-01-01

Success rates for genomic analyses of highly heterogeneous disorders can be greatly improved if a large cohort of patient data is assembled to enhance collective capabilities for accurate sequence variant annotation, analysis, and interpretation. Indeed, molecular diagnostics requires the establishment of robust data resources to enable data sharing that informs accurate understanding of genes, variants, and phenotypes. The “Mitochondrial Disease Sequence Data Resource (MSeqDR) Consortium” is a grass-roots effort facilitated by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to identify and prioritize specific genomic data analysis needs of the global mitochondrial disease clinical and research community. A central Web portal (https://mseqdr.org) facilitates the coherent compilation, organization, annotation, and analysis of sequence data from both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of individuals and families with suspected mitochondrial disease. This Web portal provides users with a flexible and expandable suite of resources to enable variant-, gene-, and exome-level sequence analysis in a secure, Web-based, and user-friendly fashion. Users can also elect to share data with other MSeqDR Consortium members, or even the general public, either by custom annotation tracks or through use of a convenient distributed annotation system (DAS) mechanism. A range of data visualization and analysis tools are provided to facilitate user interrogation and understanding of genomic, and ultimately phenotypic, data of relevance to mitochondrial biology and disease. Currently available tools for nuclear and mitochondrial gene analyses include an MSeqDR GBrowse instance that hosts optimized mitochondrial disease and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) specific annotation tracks, as well as an MSeqDR locus-specific database (LSDB) that curates variant data on more than 1,300 genes that have been implicated in mitochondrial disease and/or encode mitochondria-localized proteins. MSeqDR is integrated with a diverse array of mtDNA data analysis tools that are both freestanding and incorporated into an online exome-level dataset curation and analysis resource (GEM.app) that is being optimized to support needs of the MSeqDR community. In addition, MSeqDR supports mitochondrial disease phenotyping and ontology tools, and provides variant pathogenicity assessment features that enable community review, feedback, and integration with the public ClinVar variant annotation resource. A centralized Web-based informed consent process is being developed, with implementation of a Global Unique Identifier (GUID) system to integrate data deposited on a given individual from different sources. Community-based data deposition into MSeqDR has already begun. Future efforts will enhance capabilities to incorporate phenotypic data that enhance genomic data analyses. MSeqDR will fill the existing void in bioinformatics tools and centralized knowledge that are necessary to enable efficient nuclear and mtDNA genomic data interpretation by a range of shareholders across both clinical diagnostic and research settings. Ultimately, MSeqDR is focused on empowering the global mitochondrial disease community to better define and explore mitochondrial disease. PMID:25542617

Center for Extended Magnetohydrodynamics Modeling

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

Ramos, Jesus

This researcher participated in the DOE-funded Center for Extended Magnetohydrodynamics Modeling (CEMM), a multi-institutional collaboration led by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory with Dr. Stephen Jardin as the overall Principal Investigator. This project developed advanced simulation tools to study the non-linear macroscopic dynamics of magnetically confined plasmas. The collaborative effort focused on the development of two large numerical simulation codes, M3D-C1 and NIMROD, and their application to a wide variety of problems. Dr. Ramos was responsible for theoretical aspects of the project, deriving consistent sets of model equations applicable to weakly collisional plasmas and devising test problems for verification ofmore » the numerical codes. This activity was funded for twelve years.« less

Low-temperature thermal decomposition of dioxin-like compounds in fly ash: combination of chemical analysis with in vitro bioassays (EROD and DR-CALUX).

PubMed

Behnisch, Peter A; Hosoe, Kazunori; Shiozaki, Ken; Ozaki, Hironori; Nakamura, Kazuo; Sakai, Shin-Ichi

2002-12-01

To investigate the dechlorination of fly ash during low-temperature treatment under oxygen-deficient conditions (thermocatalyic treatment or Hagenmaier process), six fly ash samples from six different incineration plants were treated in a laboratory experiment or in the actual plant, either under ideal (400 degrees C, 120 min) or intermediate (300 degrees C, 30 min) conditions. The aim of the present study was to confirm the decrease in the I-TEQ (international toxicity equivalency) of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/-furans (PCDD/Fs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (co-PXBs) and, also for the first time, the decrease in the sum of dioxin-like toxicity (bioassay- or bio-TEQ) of all kinds of other dioxin-like Ah receptor agonists (such as PXDD/Fs, PXBs, PXN, X = Br, F) measured by two state-of-the-art cell-based Ah receptor-dependent bioassays: H4IIE-Ethoxy-Resorufin-o-Deethylase (EROD) and H4IIE-luc/DR-Chemical Activated Luciferase expression (DR-CALUX). The treatment efficiency was calculated on the basis of the reduction in the I-TEQ and bio-TED values. For these fly ash samples, the treatment efficiency, as measured by chemical analysis, was higher than 99%, and 85%-99%, in the case of the bio-TED values, indicating that these Ah receptor binding toxic compounds were sufficiently decomposed. Bio-TEQ values for untreated fly ash samples (n = 6) were on average 1.2 times (range 0.7-1.9), for the H4IIE-EROD assay, and 2.8 times (1.1-4.9), for the DR-CALUX assay, higher than I-TEQ values measured by chemical analyses (sum of PCDD/Fs and co-PCBs). In the case of these fly ash samples treated under ideal conditions and therefore low in contaminants, the bio-TEQ values were on average 1.4 times (range 0.9-1.8), for the H4IIE-EROD assay, and 5.1 times (range 1.2-12), for the DR-CALUX assay, higher than the I-TEQ values.

SEVERITY OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: THE LOS ANGELES LATINO EYE STUDY

PubMed Central

Mazhar, Kashif; Varma, Rohit; Choudhury, Farzana; McKean-Cowdin, Roberta; Shtir, Corina J.; Azen, Stanley P.

2010-01-01

Objective To assess the impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its severity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample of Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Design Cross-sectional population-based study, the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). Participants 1,064 LALES participants with diabetes mellitus. Methods HRQOL was measured by the 25 item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). DR was assessed by masked standardized grading of stereoscopic photographs from 7 standard fields. Severity of DR in eyes was graded using a modified Airlie House classification. The severity scores from each eye were then concatenated to create a single per person grade ranging from 1(no DR in either eye) to 15 (bilateral PDR). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent relationship between severity of DR and HRQOL after adjusting for covariates. Main Outcome Measures NEI-VFQ-25 and SF-12 scores. Results More severe DR was associated with worse HRQOL scores on all of the NEI VFQ-25 and SF-12 subscales (P<0.05). Individuals with DR from grade 2 (minimum NPDR) through grade 8 (unilateral moderate NPDR) show a modest decline in HRQOL. However, the decline become significantly steeper between steps 8 (unilateral moderate NPDR) and 9-15 (bilateral moderate NPDR to bilateral PDR). The domains with the most significant impact were for vision-related daily activities, dependency and mental health. Conclusion Greater severity of DR was associated with lower general and vision-specific HRQOL. Persons with bilateral moderate NPDR had the most substantial decrease in quality of life compared to those with less severe DR. The prevention of incident DR and more importantly its progression from unilateral to bilateral NPDR is likely to have a positive impact on a person’s HRQOL and should be considered an important goal in management of individuals with diabetes mellitus. PMID:21035872

CSISS GMU - Home

Science.gov Websites

Di, Ziheng Sun, Chen Zhang) Dynamic Source Integration (DSI): 1. NA101: Agriculture Scientist Client Data Layer Project Team won the 63rd Annual Secretary's Honor Awards of U. S. Department of Agriculture Sichuan Agriculture University, China. Dr. Li works as an associated professor at College of Resources

Wernher von Braun

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-04-13

Walt Disney toured the West Test Area during his visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center on April 13, 1965. The three in center foreground are Karl Heimburg, Director, Test Division; Dr. von Braun, Director, MSFC; and Walt Disney. The Dynamic Test Stand with the S-1C stage being installed is in the background.

Assessment of CFD Modeling Capability for Hypersonic Shock Wave Boundary Layer Interactions

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-30

preparation. 8 Point of Contact Dr. John Spyropoulos NAVAIR 22195 Elmer Road Building 106, Floor 2, Room 209B Patuxent River, MD 20670 Email...Dynamics, Krieger Publish- ing Company, Malabar, Florida, 1965. [15] Millikan, R. and White, D., "Systematics of Vibrational Relaxation," Journal of

An Empirical Study to Enhance the Reenlistment Process of Civilian Personnel with Prior Military Service.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

Analysis. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publica- tions, 1980. Kotler , P. Principles of Marketing. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- Hall, Inc., 1980...02940 Mr. Philip Bernard B-K Dynamics, Inc. 15825 Shady Grove Road Rockville, MD 20850 Dr. Bruce M. Meglino College of Business Administration

Application of an Adaptive Clustering Network to Flight Control of a Fighter Aircraft. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-19

whether the underlying neurodynamics are appropriate to the dynamics of the controlled element as well as the broad objectives of the control process...Dept. of Brain & Cognitive Sciences ........................ 1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA 02139 Attn: Dr. M. Jordan Dept. of

The Standley allotment: a history of range recovery.

Treesearch

Gerald S. Strickler; Wade B. Hall

1980-01-01

One of the first range research programs on National Forest lands was conducted by Dr. Arthur W. Sampson in the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, between 1907 and 1911. This paper reviews the historical perspective of and the basic range management principles and practices developed from Sampson's studies as well as the land and grazing management of the study area to...

Administrative organization in diagnostic radiology residency program leadership.

PubMed

Webber, Grant R; Mullins, Mark E; Chen, Zhengjia; Meltzer, Carolyn C

2012-04-01

The aim of this study was to document the current state of administrative structure in US diagnostic radiology (DR) residency program leadership. A secondary objective was to assess for correlation(s), if any, with DR residency programs that equipped positions such as assistant, associate, and emeritus program director (PD) with respect to residency size and region of the country. The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, as well as direct communication and programmatic Web site searches, were used to gather data regarding current US DR residency leadership. Data collected included the presence of additional leadership titles, including assistant PD, associate PD, and PD emeritus, and how many faculty members currently held each position. Programs were excluded if results could not be identified. Analysis of variance and t tests were used to estimate the correlations of the size of a residency with having additional or shared PD positions and the types of positions, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to assess for any regional differences. As of the time of this project, the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database defined 186 US DR residency programs. A total of 173 programs (93%) were included in the analysis; the remainder were excluded because of unavailability of relevant data. Seventy-two percent (124 of 173) of programs had additional DR leadership positions. Of these, 30 programs (17%) had more than one such position. There were no significant differences in the sizes of the programs that used these additional positions (mean, 25 ± 12; range, 6-72) compared with those that did not (mean, 24 ± 12; range, 7-51). There were no significant differences between programs that had additional positions with respect to region of the country. The majority of US DR residency programs used some form of additional DR leadership position. In the majority of cases, this was in the form of an assistant or associate PD. Nearly one-fifth of programs studied had more than one such position. This is a positive model for the depth and breadth of management of US residency programs, serving both as a template for matrixed leadership and as a source of leadership succession planning. Copyright © 2012 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent chromatin accessibility of early vitamin D receptor target genes.

PubMed

Seuter, Sabine; Pehkonen, Petri; Heikkinen, Sami; Carlberg, Carsten

2013-12-01

The signaling cascade of the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR) is triggered by its specific ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3). In this study we demonstrate that in THP-1 human monocytic leukemia cells 87.4% of the 1034 most prominent genome-wide VDR binding sites co-localize with loci of open chromatin. At 165 of them 1α,25(OH)2D3 strongly increases chromatin accessibility and has at further 217 sites weaker effects. Interestingly, VDR binding sites in 1α,25(OH)2D3-responsive chromatin regions are far more often composed of direct repeats with 3 intervening nucleotides (DR3s) than those in ligand insensitive regions. DR3-containing VDR sites are enriched in the neighborhood of genes that are involved in controling cellular growth, while non-DR3 VDR binding is often found close to genes related to immunity. At the example of six early VDR target genes we show that the slope of their 1α,25(OH)2D3-induced transcription correlates with the basal chromatin accessibility of their major VDR binding regions. However, the chromatin loci controlling these genes are indistinguishable in their VDR association kinetics. Taken together, ligand responsive chromatin loci represent dynamically regulated contact points of VDR with the genome, from where it controls early 1α,25(OH)2D3 target genes. © 2013.

Conformational analysis of the ΜΒΡ83-99 (Phe91) and ΜΒΡ83-99 (Tyr91) peptide analogues and study of their interactions with the HLA-DR2 and human TCR receptors by using Molecular Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potamitis, C.; Matsoukas, M.-T.; Tselios, T.; Mavromoustakos, T.; Golič Grdadolnik, S.

2011-09-01

The two new synthetic analogues of the MBP83-99 epitope substituted at Lys91 (primary TCR contact) with Phe [MBP83-99 (Phe91)] or Tyr [MBP83-99 (Tyr91)], have been structurally elucidated using 1D and 2D high resolution NMR studies. The conformational analysis of the two altered peptide ligands (APLs) has been performed and showed that they adopt a linear and extended conformation which is in agreement with the structural requirements of the peptides that interact with the HLA-DR2 and TCR receptors. In addition, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the two analogues in complex with HLA-DR2 (DRA, DRB1*1501) and TCR were performed. Similarities and differences of the binding motif of the two analogues were observed which provide a possible explanation of their biological activity. Their differences in the binding mode in comparison with the MBP83-99 epitope may also explain their antagonistic versus agonistic activity. The obtained results clearly indicate that substitutions in crucial amino acids (TCR contacts) in combination with the specific conformational characteristics of the MBP83-99 immunodominant epitope lead to an alteration of their biological activity. These results make the rational drug design intriguing since the biological activity is very sensitive to the substitution and conformation of the mutated MBP epitopes.

BENZENE METABOLISM IN RODENTS AT DOSES RELEVANT TO HUMAN EXPOSURE FROM URBAN AIR

EPA Science Inventory

Investigators, led by Dr. Kenneth Turteltaub, researched benzene metabolism in rodents over a hundred million–fold dose range. This range encompassed concentrations close to those of human ambient exposure, generally 1 to 10 parts per billion. Turteltaub and his ...

ARC-1965-A-33996

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-02-17

30 calibabor Vertical Gun Range in horizontal loading position. Dr. William Quaide and Donald Gault of Ames planetology branch used this gun range to study the formation of impact craters on the Moon. N-204A Verticle Gun is used to simulate the physics and mechanics of planetaryimpact cratering phenomena.

Atomistic Simulations of Surface Cross-Slip Nucleation in Face-Centered Cubic Nickel and Copper (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-15

molecular dynamics code, LAMMPS [9], developed at Sandia National Laboratory. The simulation cell is a rectangular parallelepiped, with the z-axis...with assigned energies within LAMMPs of greater than 4.42 eV (Ni) or 3.52 eV (Cu) (the energy of atoms in the stacking fault region), the partial...molecular dynamics code LAMMPS , which was developed at Sandia National Laboratory by Dr. Steve Plimpton and co-workers. This work was supported by the

Caffeine content of prepackaged national-brand and private-label carbonated beverages.

PubMed

Chou, K-H; Bell, L N

2007-08-01

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that is added as an ingredient to various carbonated soft drinks. Due to its stimulatory and other physiological effects, individuals desire to know the exact amount of caffeine consumed from these beverages. This study analyzed the caffeine contents of 56 national-brand and 75 private-label store-brand carbonated beverages using high-performance liquid chromatography. Caffeine contents ranged from 4.9 mg/12 oz (IGA Cola) to 74 mg/12 oz (Vault Zero). Some of the more common national-brand carbonated beverages analyzed in this study with their caffeine contents were Coca-Cola (33.9 mg/12 oz), Diet Coke (46.3 mg/12 oz), Pepsi (38.9 mg/12 oz), Diet Pepsi (36.7 mg/12 oz), Dr Pepper (42.6 mg/12 oz), Diet Dr Pepper (44.1 mg/12 oz), Mountain Dew (54.8 mg/12 oz), and Diet Mountain Dew (55.2 mg/12 oz). The Wal-Mart store-brand beverages with their caffeine contents were Sam's Cola (12.7 mg/12 oz), Sam's Diet Cola (13.3 mg/12 oz), Dr Thunder (30.6 mg/12 oz), Diet Dr Thunder (29.9 mg/12 oz), and Mountain Lightning (46.5 mg/12 oz). Beverages from 14 other stores were also analyzed. Most store-brand carbonated beverages were found to contain less caffeine than their national-brand counterparts. The wide range of caffeine contents in carbonated beverages indicates that consumers would benefit from the placement of caffeine values on food labels.

Combining Experiments and Simulations of Extraction Kinetics and Thermodynamics in Advanced Separation Processes for Used Nuclear Fuel

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

Nilsson, Mikael

This 3-year project was a collaboration between University of California Irvine (UC Irvine), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and with an international collaborator at ForschungZentrum Jülich (FZJ). The project was led from UC Irvine under the direction of Profs. Mikael Nilsson and Hung Nguyen. The leads at PNNL, INL, ANL and FZJ were Dr. Liem Dang, Dr. Peter Zalupski, Dr. Nathaniel Hoyt and Dr. Giuseppe Modolo, respectively. Involved in this project at UC Irvine were three full time PhD graduate students, Tro Babikian, Ted Yoo, and Quynh Vo, and one MS student,more » Alba Font Bosch. The overall objective of this project was to study how the kinetics and thermodynamics of metal ion extraction can be described by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and how the simulations can be validated by experimental data. Furthermore, the project includes the applied separation by testing the extraction systems in a single stage annular centrifugal contactor and coupling the experimental data with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. Specific objectives of the proposed research were: Study and establish a rigorous connection between MD simulations based on polarizable force fields and extraction thermodynamic and kinetic data. Compare and validate CFD simulations of extraction processes for An/Ln separation using different sizes (and types) of annular centrifugal contactors. Provide a theoretical/simulation and experimental base for scale-up of batch-wise extraction to continuous contactors. We approached objective 1 and 2 in parallel. For objective 1 we started by studying a well established extraction system with a relatively simple extraction mechanism, namely tributyl phosphate. What we found was that well optimized simulations can inform experiments and new information on TBP behavior was presented in this project, as well be discussed below. The second objective proved a larger challenge and most of the efforts were devoted to experimental studies.« less

A Broader View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCaull, Julian

1972-01-01

Presents a profile of Dr. Victor Sidel, one of an increasing number of physicians who are finding that the environmental factors which cause disease often lie outside the range of their professional training. To prevent, rather than treat disease, the physician finds himself grappling with issues which range from pollution to poverty. (BL)

Lipoprotein(a) predicts the development of diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Yun, Jae-Seung; Lim, Tae-Seok; Cha, Seon-Ah; Ahn, Yu-Bae; Song, Ki-Ho; Choi, Jin A; Kwon, Jinwoo; Jee, Donghyun; Cho, Yang Kyung; Park, Yong-Moon; Ko, Seung-Hyun

2016-01-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has mainly been considered to be a predictor of the incidence of cardiovascular disease. In addition, previous studies have shown potential linkage between Lp(a) and diabetic microvascular complications. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 787 patients with type 2 diabetes without DR were consecutively enrolled and followed up prospectively. Retinopathy evaluation was annually performed by ophthalmologists. The main outcome was new onset of DR. The median follow-up time was 11.1 years. Patients in the DR group had a longer duration of diabetes (P < .001), higher baseline HbA1c (P < .001), higher albuminuria level (P = .033), and higher level of Lp(a) (P = .005). After adjusting for sex, age, diabetes duration, presence of hypertension, renal function, LDL cholesterol, mean HbA1c, and medications, the development of DR was significantly associated with the serum Lp(a) level (HR 1.57, 95% confidence interval [1.11-2.24]; P = .012, comparing the 4th vs 1st quartile of Lp(a)). The patient group with the highest quartile range of Lp(a) and mean HbA1c levels ≥7.0% had an HR of 5.09 (95% confidence interval [2.63-9.84]; P < .001) for developing DR compared with patients with lower levels of both factors. In this prospective cohort study, we demonstrated that the DR was independently associated with the serum Lp(a) level in patients with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Walt Disney visited Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1965-01-01

Walt Disney toured the West Test Area during his visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center on April 13, 1965. The three in center foreground are Karl Heimburg, Director, Test Division; Dr. von Braun, Director, MSFC; and Walt Disney. The Dynamic Test Stand with the S-1C stage being installed is in the background.

Postdoctoral Fellow | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

A post-doctoral fellowship is currently available for productive, highly-motivated, and energetic individuals in the Inflammation and Tumorigenesis Section of Dr. Yinling Hu at the NCI-Frederick campus.  A dynamic research environment and outstanding resources are available for enthusiastic individuals.  Requirements include a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and experience

Monte Carlo Methodology Serves Up a Software Success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Widely used for the modeling of gas flows through the computation of the motion and collisions of representative molecules, the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method has become the gold standard for producing research and engineering predictions in the field of rarefied gas dynamics. Direct Simulation Monte Carlo was first introduced in the early 1960s by Dr. Graeme Bird, a professor at the University of Sydney, Australia. It has since proved to be a valuable tool to the aerospace and defense industries in providing design and operational support data, as well as flight data analysis. In 2002, NASA brought to the forefront a software product that maintains the same basic physics formulation of Dr. Bird's method, but provides effective modeling of complex, three-dimensional, real vehicle simulations and parallel processing capabilities to handle additional computational requirements, especially in areas where computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is not applicable. NASA's Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Analysis Code (DAC) software package is now considered the Agency s premier high-fidelity simulation tool for predicting vehicle aerodynamics and aerothermodynamic environments in rarified, or low-density, gas flows.

Smart Meter Driven Segmentation: What Your Consumption Says About You

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

Albert, A; Rajagopal, R

With the rollout of smart metering infrastructure at scale, demand-response (DR) programs may now be tailored based on users' consumption patterns as mined from sensed data. For issuing DR events it is key to understand the inter-temporal consumption dynamics as to appropriately segment the user population. We propose to infer occupancy states from consumption time series data using a hidden Markov model framework. Occupancy is characterized in this model by 1) magnitude, 2) duration, and 3) variability. We show that users may be grouped according to their consumption patterns into groups that exhibit qualitatively different dynamics that may be exploitedmore » for program enrollment purposes. We investigate empirically the information that residential energy consumers' temporal energy demand patterns characterized by these three dimensions may convey about their demographic, household, and appliance stock characteristics. Our analysis shows that temporal patterns in the user's consumption data can predict with good accuracy certain user characteristics. We use this framework to argue that there is a large degree of individual predictability in user consumption at a population level.« less

Hierarchical detection of red lesions in retinal images by multiscale correlation filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bob; Wu, Xiangqian; You, Jane; Li, Qin; Karray, Fakhri

2009-02-01

This paper presents an approach to the computer aided diagnosis (CAD) of diabetic retinopathy (DR) -- a common and severe complication of long-term diabetes which damages the retina and cause blindness. Since red lesions are regarded as the first signs of DR, there has been extensive research on effective detection and localization of these abnormalities in retinal images. In contrast to existing algorithms, a new approach based on Multiscale Correlation Filtering (MSCF) and dynamic thresholding is developed. This consists of two levels, Red Lesion Candidate Detection (coarse level) and True Red Lesion Detection (fine level). The approach was evaluated using data from Retinopathy On-line Challenge (ROC) competition website and we conclude our method to be effective and efficient.

Physical Chemical and in-situ CTD (Conductivity/Temperature/Depth) Data from the Ajax Expedition in the South Atlantic Ocean.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-15

SALINITY SIGMA SIGMA S1; KA OVA DYN M T OXYGEN 000 I10 P04 Nn lA? 02 09 A EG C ’Er, C TAETA 2 4 MIL PCI UP/IL U MIL UIL 04/L . 15L 2,641 .641 03.923...epart ment i if the Nays t S TOI KA Priest fi 1ce N,,’.,l OLcin Sysrenis Center Prof C’ G 11 Rititf N) 0 ?% R /( %R San Iliego. C A 921 i2 I nisersity if...Dr. Adriana Huyer Cambridge, MA 02139 U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA School of Oceanography Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab Oregon State University Dr

Development, validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire in pregnancy for the Universiti Sains Malaysia birth cohort study.

PubMed

Loy, S L; Marhazlina, M; Nor, Azwany Y; Hamid, Jan J M

2011-04-01

This study aimed to develop and examine the validity and reproducibility of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among Malay pregnant women in Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 177 Malay pregnant women participated in the validation study while 85 of them participated in the reproducibility study which was carried out in the antenatal clinic of Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital. The newly developed FFQ was validated against two 24-hour dietary recalls (DR). The FFQ was repeated 20 to 28 days apart. Results showed that the FFQ moderately over-estimated the nutrient and food intakes compared to the DR. Spearman correlation coefficients for nutrients ranged from 0.24 (fat) to 0.61 (calcium) and for foods, ranged from 0.13 (organ meats, onion and garlic) to 0.57 (malt drink). For nutrients, 72 to 85% of women were classified into the correct quartiles from the FFQ and the DR while for foods, 67 to 85% of women were classified correctly. Bland-Altman plot showed relatively good agreement between these two dietary methods. The intra-class correlation (ICC) was used to estimate reproducibility. It ranged from 0.75 (vitamin C) to 0.94 (phosphorus) for nutrients while it ranged from 0.73 (confectionary) to 0.96 (coffee) for foods. On average, at least 90% of pregnant women were correctly classified into the quartiles for nutrients and foods from the two sets of the FFQ. The FFQ presented acceptable reproducibility and appears to be a valid tool for categorising pregnant women according to dietary intake.

CALIFA, the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area survey. III. Second public data release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Benito, R.; Zibetti, S.; Sánchez, S. F.; Husemann, B.; de Amorim, A. L.; Castillo-Morales, A.; Cid Fernandes, R.; Ellis, S. C.; Falcón-Barroso, J.; Galbany, L.; Gil de Paz, A.; González Delgado, R. M.; Lacerda, E. A. D.; López-Fernandez, R.; de Lorenzo-Cáceres, A.; Lyubenova, M.; Marino, R. A.; Mast, D.; Mendoza, M. A.; Pérez, E.; Vale Asari, N.; Aguerri, J. A. L.; Ascasibar, Y.; Bekeraitė, S.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Barrera-Ballesteros, J. K.; Bomans, D. J.; Cano-Díaz, M.; Catalán-Torrecilla, C.; Cortijo, C.; Delgado-Inglada, G.; Demleitner, M.; Dettmar, R.-J.; Díaz, A. I.; Florido, E.; Gallazzi, A.; García-Lorenzo, B.; Gomes, J. M.; Holmes, L.; Iglesias-Páramo, J.; Jahnke, K.; Kalinova, V.; Kehrig, C.; Kennicutt, R. C.; López-Sánchez, Á. R.; Márquez, I.; Masegosa, J.; Meidt, S. E.; Mendez-Abreu, J.; Mollá, M.; Monreal-Ibero, A.; Morisset, C.; del Olmo, A.; Papaderos, P.; Pérez, I.; Quirrenbach, A.; Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Roth, M. M.; Ruiz-Lara, T.; Sánchez-Blázquez, P.; Sánchez-Menguiano, L.; Singh, R.; Spekkens, K.; Stanishev, V.; Torres-Papaqui, J. P.; van de Ven, G.; Vilchez, J. M.; Walcher, C. J.; Wild, V.; Wisotzki, L.; Ziegler, B.; Alves, J.; Barrado, D.; Quintana, J. M.; Aceituno, J.

2015-04-01

This paper describes the Second Public Data Release (DR2) of the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey. The data for 200 objects are made public, including the 100 galaxies of the First Public Data Release (DR1). Data were obtained with the integral-field spectrograph PMAS/PPak mounted on the 3.5 m telescope at the Calar Alto observatory. Two different spectral setups are available for each galaxy, (i) a low-resolution V500 setup covering the wavelength range 3745-7500 Å with a spectral resolution of 6.0 Å (FWHM); and (ii) a medium-resolution V1200 setup covering the wavelength range 3650-4840 Å with a spectral resolution of 2.3 Å (FWHM). The sample covers a redshift range between 0.005 and 0.03, with a wide range of properties in the color-magnitude diagram, stellar mass, ionization conditions, and morphological types. All the cubes in the data release were reduced with the latest pipeline, which includes improvedspectrophotometric calibration, spatial registration, and spatial resolution. The spectrophotometric calibration is better than 6% and the median spatial resolution is 2.̋4. In total, the second data release contains over 1.5 million spectra. Based on observations collected at the Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemán (CAHA) at Calar Alto, operated jointly by the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC).The second data release is available at http://califa.caha.es/DR2

Molecular and structural determinants of adamantyl susceptibility to HLA-DRs allelic variants: an in silico approach to understand the mechanism of MLEs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaheer-ul-Haq; Khan, Waqasuddin

2011-01-01

Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) molecules as expressed by antigen-presenting cells are heterodimeric cell-surface glycoprotein receptors that are fundamental in initiating and propagating an immune response by presenting tumor-associated antigenic peptides to CD4+/TH cells. The loading efficiency of such peptides can be improved by small organic compounds (MHC Loading Enhancers—MLEs), that convert the non-receptive peptide conformation of MHC II to a peptide-receptive conformation. In a reversible reaction, these compounds open up the binding site of MHC II molecules by specific interactions with a yet undefined pocket. Here, we performed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies of adamantyl compounds on the predicted cavity around the P1 pocket of 2 allelic variants of HLA-DRs. The purpose was to investigate the suitability of adamantyl compounds as MLEs at the dimorphic β86 position. Docking studies revealed that besides numerous molecular interactions formed by the adamantyl compounds, Asnβ82, Tyrβ83, and Thrβ90 are the crucial amino acid residues that are characterized as the "sensors" of peptide loading. Molecular dynamics simulation studies exposed the dynamical structural changes that HLA-DRs adopted as a response to binding of 3-(1-adamantyl)-5-hydrazidocarbonyl-1H-pyrazole (AdCaPy). The conformations of AdCaPy complexed with the Glyβ86 HLA-DR allelic variant are well correlated with the stabilized form of peptide-loaded HLA-DRs, further confirming the role of AdCaPy as a MLE. Hydrogen bonding interaction analysis clearly demonstrated that after making suitable contacts with AdCaPy, HLA-DR changes its local conformation. However, AdCaPy complexed with HLA-DR having Valβ86 at the dimorphic position did not accommodate AdCaPy as MLE due to steric hindrance caused by the valine.

Application of the Trio-Tri-Star Carpal Wrist for use in a Solar Array Tracking Mechanism for the Momentum-eXchange/Electrodynamic Reboost (MXER) Tether Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Jeffrey

2006-01-01

This paper describes the application of the Trio-Tri-Star Carpal Wrist to the Momentum Exchange Electro-Dynamic Re-boost (MXER) tether, an advanced space transportation concept being developed by the In-Space Propulsion Technology Office at NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Joseph Bonometti and Mr. Kirk Sorensen are the principal engineers. In the paper, a brief overview of the MXER concept is given, with an emphasis on the design problem that this wrist is designed to address. The Trio-Tri-Star Carpal Wrist, a three degree of freedom parallel manipulator, invented by Dr. Stephen J. Canfield of Tennessee Tech University, is described with an overview of wrist geometry, kinematics, and stress analysis. A working model of the wrist was assembled at MSFC using Dr. Canfield s prototype to demonstrate its operation. Finally, a design description and supporting analysis of a MXER flight concept wrist is given, with recommendations for future development work.

Expression of Angiogenic MicroRNAs in Endothelial Progenitor Cells From Type 1 Diabetic Patients With and Without Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

García de la Torre, Nuria; Fernández-Durango, Raquel; Gómez, Raquel; Fuentes, Manuel; Roldán-Pallarés, Manuela; Donate, Juan; Barabash, Ana; Alonso, Bárbara; Runkle, Isabelle; Durán, Alejandra; Rubio, Miguel Angel; Calle-Pascual, Alfonso L

2015-06-01

MicroRNA (miR) expression in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in type 1 diabetes (DM1) and its relation with different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) have not been reported to date. Our aim was to analyze miR-222, miR-221, and miR-126 expression in EPCs from DM1 patients with and without DR. We included 41 patients with DR, 35 without DR, and 38 controls. Blood was collected for flow cytometry and EPC culture. Total RNA was extracted and purified and real-time quantitative PCR was performed for miR expression in cultured EPCs. Relative changes in miR expression were analyzed with the 2-ΔΔCT method. Circulating EPCs were reduced and miR-126 expression was increased in DM1 compared to controls (0.030 [interquartile range [IQR], 0.020-0.050] vs. 0.060 [IQR, 0.030-0.110], P = 0.004; 1.740 [IQR, 0.890-4.120] vs. 0.990 [IQR, 0.487-3.015], P = 0.047 respectively) without differences between patients with and without DR. Patients with DR had higher expression of miR-221 than those without DR (1.405 [IQR, 0.820-2.867] vs. 0.915 [IQR, 0.507-1.292], P = 0.019) without differences among degrees of DR. Circulating EPCs were reduced in patients on statins (0.010 [IQR, 0.010-0.050] vs. 0.045 [IQR, 0.020-0.087], P = 0.008), and miR-221 expression increased in patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) II (1.430 [IQR, 1.160-2.705] vs. 1.000 [IQR, 0.520-1.330], P = 0.021) compared to those without treatment. MicroRNA-126 expression was associated with body mass index (BMI; ρ = -0.267, P = 0.026) and diastolic blood pressure (ρ = -0.267, P = 0.034). MicroRNA-221 was associated with triglyceride concentration (ρ = 0.296, P = 0.012). Circulating EPCs were reduced and miR-126 expression was increased in DM1 compared to controls. Patients with DR had higher expression of miR-221 than those without DR. The identification of biomarkers of diabetic complications might be useful for monitoring disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.

HbA1c, systolic blood pressure variability and diabetic retinopathy in Asian type 2 diabetics.

PubMed

Foo, Valencia; Quah, Joanne; Cheung, Gemmy; Tan, Ngiap Chun; Ma Zar, Kyi Lin; Chan, Choi Mun; Lamoureux, Ecosse; Tien Yin, Wong; Tan, Gavin; Sabanayagam, Charumathi

2017-02-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between variability in HbA1c or systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diabetes-specific moderate retinopathy in Asians with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A retrospective study was conducted of 172 cases of moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR) cases and 226 controls without DR, matched for age, sex, and ethnicity. Serial HbA1c and SBP (range 3-6 readings) over the 2 years prior to photographic screening of DR were collected. Intrapersonal mean and SD values for HbA1c (iM-HbA1c and iSD-HbA1c) and SBP (iM-SBP and iSD-SBP) were derived. Moderate DR was assessed from digital retinal photographs and defined as levels >43 using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale. Cases of moderate DR had higher iM-HbA1c (8.2 % vs 7.3 %; P = 0.001), iSD-HbA1c (1.22 vs 0.64; P = 0.001), iM-SBP (136.8 vs 129.6 mmHg; P = 0.001) and iSD-SBP (13.3 vs 11.1; P = 0.002) than controls. In the multivariate regression model adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, duration of diabetes, SBP, and HbA1c, iM-HbA1c and iM-SBP were significantly associated with moderate DR (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.36; and OR 1.03, 95 % CI 1.01-1.05, respectively). Neither iSD-HbA1c nor iSD-SBP were associated with moderate DR. When stratified by HbA1c <7 %, only iSD-SBP remained significantly associated with moderate DR (OR 1.11, 95 % CI 1.01-1.21). In a cohort of Asian patients with T2D, both higher mean HbA1c levels and SBP, but not their variability, were associated with moderate DR. Among those with good glycemic control, wider variability of SBP is associated with moderate DR. © 2016 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Heat treatment of human esophageal tissues: Effect on esophageal cancer detection using oxygenated hemoglobin diffuse reflectance ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Q. L.; Guo, Z. Y.; Si, J. L.; Wei, H. J.; Yang, H. Q.; Wu, G. Y.; Xie, S. S.; Guo, X.; Zhong, H. Q.; Li, L. Q.; Li, X. Y.

2011-03-01

The main objective of the present work is to study the influence of heat treatment on the esophageal cancer detection using the diffuse reflectance (DR) spectral intensity ratio R540/R575 of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) absorption bands to distinguish the epithelial tissues of normal human esophagus and moderately differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) at different heat treatment temperature of 20, 37, 42, 50, and 60°C, respectively. The DR spectra for the epithelial tissues of the normal esophagus and ESCC in vitro at different heat-treatment temperature in the wavelength range 400-650 nm were measured with a commercial optical fiber spectrometer. The results indicate that the average DR spectral intensity overall enhancement with concomitant increase of heat-treatment temperature for the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC, but the average DR spectral intensity for the normal esophageal epithelial tissues is relatively higher than that for ESCC epithelial tissues at the same heat-treatment temperature. The mean R540/R575 ratios of ESCC epithelial tissues were always lower than that of normal esophageal epithelial tissues at the same temperature, and the mean R540/R575 ratios of the epithelial tissues of the normal esophagus and ESCC were decreasing with the increase of different heat-treatment temperatures. The differences in the mean R540/R575 ratios between the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC were 13.33, 13.59, 11.76, and 11.11% at different heat-treatment temperature of 20, 37, 42, and 50°C, respectively. These results also indicate that the DR intensity ratio R540/R575 of the hemoglobin bands is a useful tool for discrimination between the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC in the temperature range from room temperature to 50°C, but it was non-effective at 60°C or over 60°C.

2015 California Demand Response Potential Study - Charting California’s Demand Response Future. Interim Report on Phase 1 Results

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

Alstone, Peter; Potter, Jennifer; Piette, Mary Ann

Demand response (DR) is an important resource for keeping the electricity grid stable and efficient; deferring upgrades to generation, transmission, and distribution systems; and providing other customer economic benefits. This study estimates the potential size and cost of the available DR resource for California’s three investor-owned utilities (IOUs), as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) evaluates how to enhance the role of DR in meeting California’s resource planning needs and operational requirements. As the state forges a clean energy future, the contributions of wind and solar electricity from centralized and distributed generation will fundamentally change the power grid’s operational dynamics.more » This transition requires careful planning to ensure sufficient capacity is available with the right characteristics – flexibility and fast response – to meet reliability needs. Illustrated is a snapshot of how net load (the difference between demand and intermittent renewables) is expected to shift. Increasing contributions from renewable generation introduces steeper ramps and a shift, into the evening, of the hours that drive capacity needs. These hours of peak capacity need are indicated by the black dots on the plots. Ultimately this study quantifies the ability and the cost of using DR resources to help meet the capacity need at these forecasted critical hours in the state.« less

Segmentation of ribs in digital chest radiographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cong, Lin; Guo, Wei; Li, Qiang

2016-03-01

Ribs and clavicles in posterior-anterior (PA) digital chest radiographs often overlap with lung abnormalities such as nodules, and cause missing of these abnormalities, it is therefore necessary to remove or reduce the ribs in chest radiographs. The purpose of this study was to develop a fully automated algorithm to segment ribs within lung area in digital radiography (DR) for removal of the ribs. The rib segmentation algorithm consists of three steps. Firstly, a radiograph was pre-processed for contrast adjustment and noise removal; second, generalized Hough transform was employed to localize the lower boundary of the ribs. In the third step, a novel bilateral dynamic programming algorithm was used to accurately segment the upper and lower boundaries of ribs simultaneously. The width of the ribs and the smoothness of the rib boundaries were incorporated in the cost function of the bilateral dynamic programming for obtaining consistent results for the upper and lower boundaries. Our database consisted of 93 DR images, including, respectively, 23 and 70 images acquired with a DR system from Shanghai United-Imaging Healthcare Co. and from GE Healthcare Co. The rib localization algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 98.2% with 0.1 false positives per image. The accuracy of the detected ribs was further evaluated subjectively in 3 levels: "1", good; "2", acceptable; "3", poor. The percentages of good, acceptable, and poor segmentation results were 91.1%, 7.2%, and 1.7%, respectively. Our algorithm can obtain good segmentation results for ribs in chest radiography and would be useful for rib reduction in our future study.

Ocular Complications in Children with Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Geloneck, Megan M; Forbes, Brian J; Shaffer, James; Ying, Gui-shuang; Binenbaum, Gil

2015-12-01

The effectiveness of annual eye examinations in diabetic children is unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence and onset of ocular pathology in children with diabetes mellitus (DM), identify risk factors for ocular disease, and recommend a screening regimen for asymptomatic children. Retrospective, consecutive cohort study. Children aged less than 18 years with type 1 or 2 DM examined over a 4-year period. All children underwent a complete eye examination, including dilated fundoscopy and cycloplegic refraction. A literature review was performed, identifying the youngest reported age and shortest reported duration of DM before the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Prevalence of DR, cataract, high refractive error, and strabismus. A total of 370 children (mean age, 11.2 years; range, 1-17.5 years) had 693 examinations, with a mean DM duration of 5.2 years (range, 0.1-16.2 years) and a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 8.6 (range, 5-≥14). No children had DR. A total of 12 children had cataract; 5 required extraction but were identified by decreased vision, not diabetic screening. A total of 19 children had strabismus; only 1 was microvascular paralytic strabismus. A total of 41 children had high refractive error. There were no associations between these conditions and duration or control of DM. In the literature, the youngest age at diagnosis of severe DR was 15 years, and the shortest duration of disease was 5 years. Diabetic retinopathy is rare in children regardless of duration and control of DM. On the basis of our study and literature review, screening examinations for type 1 diabetes could begin at age 15 years or at 5 years after the diagnosis of DM, whichever occurs later, unless the child is judged by the endocrinologist as being at unusually high risk. Other ocular complications are identifiable through existing amblyopia screening methods. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differential Association of Generalized and Abdominal Obesity With Diabetic Retinopathy in Asian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Man, Ryan Eyn Kidd; Sabanayagam, Charumathi; Chiang, Peggy Pei-Chia; Li, Ling-Jun; Noonan, Jonathan Edward; Wang, Jie Jin; Wong, Tien Yin; Cheung, Gemmy Chui-Ming; Tan, Gavin Siew Wei; Lamoureux, Ecosse L

2016-03-01

The association between obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is equivocal, possibly owing to the strong interrelation between generalized and abdominal obesity leading to a mutually confounding effect. To our knowledge, no study in Asia has investigated the independent associations of these 2 parameters with DR to date. To investigate the associations of generalized (defined by body mass index [BMI], calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and abdominal obesity (assessed by waist to hip ratio [WHR]) with DR in a clinical sample of Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This cross-sectional clinic-based study was conducted at the Singapore National Eye Centre, a tertiary eye care institution in Singapore, from December 2010 to September 2013. We recruited 498 patients with diabetes. After exclusion of participants with ungradable retinal images and type 1 diabetes, 420 patients (mean [SD] age, 57.8 [7.5] years; 32.1% women) were included in the analyses. Body mass index and WHR as waist/hip circumference (in centimeters). The presence and severity of DR were graded from retinal images using the modified Airlie House Classification into none (n = 189), mild-moderate (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale score, 20-41; n = 125), and severe DR (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale score ≥53; n = 118). The associations of BMI and WHR with DR were assessed using multinomial logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, traditional risk factors, and mutually for BMI and WHR. Among the total of 420 patients, the median (interquartile range) for BMI and WHR were 25.7 (5.7) and 0.94 (0.08), respectively. In multivariable models, BMI was inversely associated with mild-moderate and severe DR (odds ratio [OR], 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84-0.97] and OR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85-0.99] per 1-unit increase, respectively), while WHR was positively associated with mild-moderate and severe DR (OR, 3.49 [95% CI, 1.50-8.10] and OR, 2.68 [95% CI, 1.28-5.62] per 0.1-unit increase, respectively) in women (P for interaction = .006). No sex-specific associations were found between BMI and DR (P for interaction >.10). In Asian patients with type 2 diabetes, a higher BMI appeared to confer a protective effect on DR, while higher WHR was associated with the presence and severity of DR in women. Our results may inform future clinical trials to determine whether WHR is a more clinically relevant risk marker than BMI for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Payload Specialist Taylor Wang performs repairs on Drop Dynamics Module

NASA Image and Video Library

1985-05-01

51B-03-035 (29 April-6 May 1985) --- Payload specialist Taylor G. Wang performs a repair task on the Drop Dynamics Module (DDM) in the Science Module aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. The photo was taken with a 35mm camera. Dr. Wang is principal investigator for the first time-to-fly experiment, developed by his team at NASA?s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, California. This photo was among the first to be released by NASA upon return to Earth by the Spacelab 3 crew.

Is Radiation Dangerous?

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

Lincoln, Don

Radiation is all around us, ranging from the non-dangerous to the lethal. In this video, Fermilab’s Dr. Don Lincoln talks about radiation and gives you the real deal on whether it is dangerous or not.

A tribute to Michael R. Raupach for contributions to aeolian fluid dynamics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Since the early work of Bagnold in the 1940s, aeolian research has grown to become a major integral part of earth-system studies. Many individuals have contributed to this development, and Dr. Michael R. Raupach (MR2, 1950 – 2015) was one of the most outstanding. MR2 worked for about a decade (1985 ...

Systems Biology of Glucocorticoids in Muscle Disease

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and incurable muscular dystrophy of childhood. Muscle regeneration fails with...SUBJECT TERMS Duchenne Muscular dystrophy , Glucocorticoids, Systems biology, Drug mechanism 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: U 17. LIMITATION...better targeted and more effective therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy dynamically. This MDA grant proposal is led by Dr. Eric Hoffman, and it

Cataract Research Testing

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-18

Dr. Rafat Ansari and James King testing their dynamic light scattering clinical device in NASA's Vision Research Laboratory at NASA Glenn. The objective is to diagnose eye diseases non-invasively long before the clinical symptoms appear and help find non-surgical medical treatments. The device shown was recently used in humans by ophthalmologists and scientists for the study of early onset of cataracts.

Managing the U.S. Economy in a Post-Attack Environment. A System Dynamics Model of Viability.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-01

RATE (NET SUPPLIES - PIPELINE) IPPPW - PRODUCTIVITY PER INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS W 0 Rl R*E I PPPW. K=. ’PWN* PPM, K 14, A IPPPW - PRODUCTIVITY PER...Drive, S.E. University Research Park Mr. Bjorn Pederson Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 International Association of Chiefs of Police Dr. William W

Educational Kinesiology: Empowering Students and Athletes through Movement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sifft, Josie M.

This workshop is designed to provide teachers and coaches with hands-on experiences regarding the field of Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K) and its influence on learning and performance. Edu-K is a practical and dynamic method that utilizes simple body movements to integrate the functioning of the brain. It was designed by Dr. Paul Dennison in 1981…

Dynamical Mass of the O-Type Supergiant in Zeta Orionis A

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

A. Hummel1, Th. Rivinius2, M.-F. Nieva3,4, O. Stahl5, G. van Belle6, and R. T. Zavala7 1 European Southern Observatory, Karl - Schwarzschild -Str. 2...85748 Garching, Germany e-mail: chummel@eso.org 2 European Southern Observatory, Casilla 19001, Santiago 19, Chile 3 Dr. Karl Remeis–Sternwarte & ECAP

Dynamic Scheduling for Web Monitoring Crawler

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-27

researches on static scheduling methods , but they are not included in this project, because this project mainly focuses on the event-driven...pages from public search engines. This research aims to propose various query generation methods using MCRDR knowledge base and evaluates them to...South Wales Professor Hiroshi Motoda/Osaka University Dr. John Salerno, Air Force Research Laboratory/Information Directorate Report

Properties of CGM-Absorbing Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamill, Colin; Conway, Matthew; Apala, Elizabeth; Scott, Jennifer

2018-01-01

We extend the results of a study of the sightlines of 45 low-redshift quasars (0.06 < z < 0.85) observed by HST/COS that lie within the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We have used photometric data from the SDSS DR12, along with the known absorption characteristics of the intergalactic medium and circumgalactic medium, to identify the most probable galaxy matches to absorbers in the spectroscopic dataset. Here, we use photometric data and measured galaxy parameters from SDSS DR12 to examine the distributions of galaxy properties such as virial radius, morphology, and position angle among those that match to absorbers within a specific range of impact parameters. We compare those distributions to galaxies within the same impact parameter range that are not matched to any absorber in the HST/COS spectrum in order to investigate global properties of the circumgalactic medium.

Characterization of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in the basal chordate amphioxus.

PubMed

Yuan, Shaochun; Liu, Huiling; Gu, Ming; Xu, Liqun; Huang, Shengfeng; Ren, Zhenhua; Xu, Anlong

2010-09-14

The death receptor (DR)-mediated apoptosis pathway is thought to be unique to vertebrates. However, the presence of DR-encoding genes in the sea urchin and the basal chordate amphioxus prompted us to reconsider, especially given that amphioxus contains 14 DR proteins and hundreds of death domain (DD)-containing adaptor proteins. To understand how the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was originally established and what the differences in signaling are between invertebrates and vertebrates, we performed functional studies of several genes that encode DDs in the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense (Bbt). First, we observed that the increased abundance of Bbt Fas-associated death domain 1 (BbtFADD1) in HeLa cells resulted in the formation of death effector filamentous structures in the cytoplasm and the activation of the nuclear factor κB pathway, whereas BbtFADD2 protein was restricted to the nucleus, although its death effector domain induced apoptosis when in the cytoplasm. We further demonstrated that formation of a FADD-caspase-8 complex recruited amphioxus DR1 (BbtDR1), which bound to the adaptor proteins CRADD or TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6) to convey distinct signals, ranging from apoptosis to gene activation. Thus, our study not only reveals the evolutionary origin of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in a basal chordate but also adds to our understanding of the similarities and differences between invertebrate and vertebrate FADD signaling.

Wake of a beam passing through a diffraction radiation target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Dao; Huang, Wen-Hui; Lin, Yu-Zheng; Park, Sung-Ju; Ko, In Soo

2008-02-01

Diffraction radiation (DR) is one of the most promising candidates for electron beam diagnostics for International Linear Collider and x-ray free electron lasers due to its nonintercepting characteristic. One of the potential problems that may restrict its applications in real-time monitoring beam parameters is the wakefield generated by the presence of the DR target. In this paper, a comparative study of the wakefield and the backward DR (BDR) field is performed to clarify the relationship between them. The wakefield is studied with a particle-in-cell code MAGIC and the DR field is calculated based on virtual photon diffraction model. It is found that they have the same frequency spectrum and angular distribution, which indicates that the difference only exists in the subjective terminology. The longitudinal and transverse wake for a beam passing through a DR target is calculated for a general case when the beam’s velocity is smaller than that of light. The resulted emittance growth and energy spread growth due to the short range wakefield is estimated and found to be permissible. In real measurement where BDR propagates in the direction perpendicular to the trajectory, it may add a transverse kick to the beam as a requirement of momentum conservation. The kick is found to be large enough to degrade the performance of accelerator driven facilities and needs to be corrected.

Reviews Toy: Air swimmers Book: Their Arrows will Darken the Sun: The Evolution and Science of Ballistics Book: Physics Experiments for your Bag Book: Quantum Physics for Poets Equipment: SEP colour wheel kit Equipment: SEP colour mixing kit Software: USB DrDAQ App: iHandy Level Equipment: Photonics Explorer kit Web Watch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2012-01-01

WE RECOMMEND Air swimmers Helium balloon swims like a fish Their Arrows will Darken the Sun: The Evolution and Science of Ballistics Ballistics book hits the spot Physics Experiments for your Bag Handy experiments for your lessons Quantum Physics for Poets Book shows the economic importance of physics SEP colour wheel kit Wheels investigate colour theory SEP colour mixing kit Cheap colour mixing kit uses red, green and blue LEDs iHandy Level iPhone app superbly measures angles Photonics Explorer kit Free optics kit given to schools WORTH A LOOK DrDAQ DrDAQ software gets an upgrade WEB WATCH Websites show range of physics

Applied Meteorology Unit Quarterly Report, Second Quarter FY-13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, William; Crawford, Winifred; Watson, Leela; Shafer, Jaclyn; Huddleston, Lisa

2013-01-01

The AMU team worked on six tasks for their customers: (1) Ms. Crawford continued work on the objective lightning forecast task for airports in east-central Florida, and began work on developing a dual-Doppler analysis with local Doppler radars, (2) Ms. Shafer continued work for Vandenberg Air Force Base on an automated tool to relate pressure gradients to peak winds, (3) Dr. Huddleston continued work to develop a lightning timing forecast tool for the Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station area, (4) Dr. Bauman continued work on a severe weather forecast tool focused on east-central Florida, (5) Mr. Decker began developing a wind pairs database for the Launch Services Program to use when evaluating upper-level winds for launch vehicles, and (6) Dr. Watson began work to assimilate observational data into the high-resolution model configurations, she created for Wallops Flight Facility and the Eastern Range.

VIP group in hangar during AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica campaign

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-03

VIP group in hangar during AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica campaign, L-R: Dr. Gahssem Asrar, NASA Associate Administrator for Earth Science Enterprises; Fernando Gutierrez, Costa Rican Minister of Science and Technology(MICIT); Jorge Andres Diaz, Director of the Costa Rican National Hangar for Airborne Research division of the National Center for High Technology(CENAT); Dr. Pedro Leon, General Director for the Costa Rican National Center for High Technology(CENAT); NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe; Dr. Sonia Marta Mora, President of the Costa Rican National Rector’s Council(CONARE); Mr. John Danilovich, US Ambassador to Costa Rica; and unknown. AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica is a three-week expedition by an international team of scientists that will use an all-weather imaging tool, called the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AirSAR), in a mission ranging from the tropical rain forests of Central America to frigid Antarctica.

A Center for Advanced Electrical and Structural Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-31

REPORT I 3b. TIME COVERED 14. DATE OF REPORT (Year, Month, Oay) IS. PAGE COUNT Final j FROM TO 44 16. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTATION 17. COSATI CODES 18...Banhegyi Dr. N. Easwar Dr. Z. Chai Dr. K. Liang Dr. S. Choe Dr. G. Smyth Dr. P. Cifra Dr. J . Kim Dr. W. Huh Dr. Q. Bhatia Dr. J . Grobelny Dr. P... J . Chen (WSU) Dr. G. Quin Dr. M. Sinksy (WSU) Dr. N. Segudovic Dr. R. Miller (WSU) Dr. G. Shy Dr. Y. Gur Mr. L. Wu Dr. T. Bleha Dr. A. Sikora Dr. H

Technical evaluation report of AGARD Technical Evaluation Meeting on Unsteady Aerodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications to Aircraft Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mabey, D. G.; Chambers, J. R.

1986-01-01

From May 6 to 9, 1985, the Fluid Dynamics Panel and Flight Mechanics Panel of AGARD jointly arranged a Symposium on Unsteady Aerodynamics-Fundamentals and Applications to Aircraft Dynamics at the Stadthall, Goettingen, West Germany. This Symposium was organized by an international program committee chaired by Dr. K. J. Orlik-Ruckemann of the Fluid Dynamics Panel. The program consisted of five sessions grouped in two parts: (1) Fundamentals of Unsteady Aerodynamics; and (2) Applications to Aircraft Dynamics. The 35 papers presented at the 4 day meeting are published in AGARD CP 386 and listed in the Appendix. As the papers are already available and cover a very wide field, the evaluators have offered brief comments on every paper, followed by an overall evaluation of the meeting, together with some general conclusions and recommendations.

Dynamics of the Oort Cloud In the Gaia Era I: Close Encounters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, S.; Portegies Zwart, S.; Brown, A. G. A.

2018-04-01

Comets in the Oort cloud evolve under the influence of internal and external perturbations from giant planets to stellar passages, the Galactic tides, and the interstellar medium.Using the positions, parallaxes and proper motions from TGAS in Gaia DR1 and combining them with the radial velocities from the RAVE-DR5, Geneva-Copenhagen and Pulkovo catalogues, we calculated the closest encounters the Sun has had with other stars in the recent past and will have in the near future. We find that the stars with high proper motions near to the present time are missing in the Gaia-TGAS, and those to tend to be the closest ones. The quality of the data allows putting better constraints on the encounter parameters, compared to previous surveys.

The clustering of the SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey DR14 quasar sample: anisotropic Baryon Acoustic Oscillations measurements in Fourier-space with optimal redshift weights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dandan; Zhao, Gong-Bo; Wang, Yuting; Percival, Will J.; Ruggeri, Rossana; Zhu, Fangzhou; Tojeiro, Rita; Myers, Adam D.; Chuang, Chia-Hsun; Baumgarten, Falk; Zhao, Cheng; Gil-Marín, Héctor; Ross, Ashley J.; Burtin, Etienne; Zarrouk, Pauline; Bautista, Julian; Brinkmann, Jonathan; Dawson, Kyle; Brownstein, Joel R.; de la Macorra, Axel; Schneider, Donald P.; Shafieloo, Arman

2018-06-01

We present a measurement of the anisotropic and isotropic Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 14 quasar sample with optimal redshift weights. Applying the redshift weights improves the constraint on the BAO dilation parameter α(zeff) by 17 per cent. We reconstruct the evolution history of the BAO distance indicators in the redshift range of 0.8 < z < 2.2. This paper is part of a set that analyses the eBOSS DR14 quasar sample.

Dr. Tom Mace, DFRC Director of Airborne Sciences, greets NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe as he enters the DC-8 aircraft during a stop-off on the AirSAR 2004 campaign

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-03

Dr. Tom Mace, NASA DFRC Director of Airborne Sciences, greets NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe as he enters the DC-8 aircraft during a stop-off on the AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica campaign. AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica is a three-week expedition by an international team of scientists that will use an all-weather imaging tool, called the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AirSAR), in a mission ranging from the tropical rain forests of Central America to frigid Antarctica.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Hot subdwarf stars in LAMOST DR1 (Luo+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Y.-P.; Nemeth, P.; Liu, C.; Deng, L.-C.; Han, Z.-W.

2018-01-01

We present a catalog of 166 spectroscopically identified hot subdwarf stars from LAMOST DR1, 44 of which show the characteristics of cool companions in their optical spectra. Atmospheric parameters of 122 subdwarf stars with non-composite spectra were measured by fitting the profiles of hydrogen (H) and helium (He) lines with synthetic spectra from non-LTE model atmospheres. A unique property of our sample is that it covers a large range in apparent magnitude and galactic latitude, therefore it contains a mix of stars from different populations and galactic environments. (3 data files).

Validation of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess food groups and nutrient intake.

PubMed

Macedo-Ojeda, Gabriela; Vizmanos-Lamotte, Barbara; Márquez-Sandoval, Yolanda Fabiola; Rodríguez-Rocha, Norma Patricia; López-Uriarte, Patricia Josefina; Fernández-Ballart, Joan D

2013-11-01

Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) analyze average food and nutrient intake over extended periods to associate habitual dietary intake with health problems and chronic diseases. A tool of this nature applicable to both women and men is not presently available in Mexico. To validate a FFQ for adult men and women. The study was conducted on 97 participants, 61% were women. Two FFQs were administered (with a one-year interval) to measure reproducibility. To assess validity, the second FFQ was compared against dietary record (DR) covering nine days. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The de-attenuation of the ICC resulting from intraindividual variability was controlled. The validity analysis was complemented by comparing the classification ability of FFQ to that of DR through concordance between intake categories and Bland-Altman plots. Reproducibility: ICC values for food groups ranged 0.42-0.87; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.34 and 0.82. ICC values for food groups ranged 0.35-0.84; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.36 and 0.77. Most subjects (56.7-76.3%) classified in the same or adjacent quintile for energy and nutrients using both methods. Extreme misclassification was <6.3% for all items. Bland-Altman plots reveal high concordance between FFQ and DR. FFQ produced sufficient levels of reproducibility and validity to determine average daily intake over one year. These results will enable the analysis of possible associations with chronic diseases and dietary diagnoses in adult populations of men and women. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2013. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Characterization of ischemic index using ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography in patients with focal and diffuse recalcitrant diabetic macular edema.

PubMed

Patel, Ravi D; Messner, Leonard V; Teitelbaum, Bruce; Michel, Kimberly A; Hariprasad, Seenu M

2013-06-01

To explore the association of angiographic nonperfusion in focal and diffuse recalcitrant diabetic macular edema (DME) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). A retrospective, observational case series of patients with the diagnosis of recalcitrant DME for at least 2 years placed into 1 of 4 cohorts based on the degree of DR. A total of 148 eyes of 76 patients met the inclusion criteria at 1 academic institution. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) images and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) images were obtained on all patients. Ultra-widefield FA images were graded for quantity of nonperfusion, which was used to calculate ischemic index. Main outcome measures were mean ischemic index, mean change in central macular thickness (CMT), and mean number of macular photocoagulation treatments over the 2-year study period. The mean ischemic index was 47% (SD 25%; range 0%-99%). The mean ischemic index of eyes within Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 0%, 34% (range 16%-51%), 53% (range 32%-89%), and 65% (range 47%-99%), respectively. The mean percentage decrease in CMT in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 25.2%, 19.1%, 11.6%, and 7.2%, respectively. The mean number of macular photocoagulation treatments in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2.3, 4.8, 5.3, and 5.7, respectively. Eyes with larger areas of retinal nonperfusion and greater severity of DR were found to have the most recalcitrant DME, as evidenced by a greater number of macular photocoagulation treatments and less reduction in SD OCT CMT compared with eyes without retinal nonperfusion. Areas of untreated retinal nonperfusion may generate biochemical mediators that promote ischemia and recalcitrant DME. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The PMA Catalogue: 420 million positions and absolute proper motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhmetov, V. S.; Fedorov, P. N.; Velichko, A. B.; Shulga, V. M.

2017-07-01

We present a catalogue that contains about 420 million absolute proper motions of stars. It was derived from the combination of positions from Gaia DR1 and 2MASS, with a mean difference of epochs of about 15 yr. Most of the systematic zonal errors inherent in the 2MASS Catalogue were eliminated before deriving the absolute proper motions. The absolute calibration procedure (zero-pointing of the proper motions) was carried out using about 1.6 million positions of extragalactic sources. The mean formal error of the absolute calibration is less than 0.35 mas yr-1. The derived proper motions cover the whole celestial sphere without gaps for a range of stellar magnitudes from 8 to 21 mag. In the sky areas where the extragalactic sources are invisible (the avoidance zone), a dedicated procedure was used that transforms the relative proper motions into absolute ones. The rms error of proper motions depends on stellar magnitude and ranges from 2-5 mas yr-1 for stars with 10 mag < G < 17 mag to 5-10 mas yr-1 for faint ones. The present catalogue contains the Gaia DR1 positions of stars for the J2015 epoch. The system of the PMA proper motions does not depend on the systematic errors of the 2MASS positions, and in the range from 14 to 21 mag represents an independent realization of a quasi-inertial reference frame in the optical and near-infrared wavelength range. The Catalogue also contains stellar magnitudes taken from the Gaia DR1 and 2MASS catalogues. A comparison of the PMA proper motions of stars with similar data from certain recent catalogues has been undertaken.

Probing the Ocean for Submarines. A History of the AN/SQS-26 Long-Range, Echo-Ranging Sonar. Second Edition

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

submarines.2 However, Dr. Anatoly V. Kuteinikov — head of the Soviet Malachite Central Design Bureau in St. Petersburg and responsible for overseeing...3. A. V. Kuteinikov, “ Malachite Subs Post Proud Tradition,” Naval Institute Proceedings, April 1998, p. 55 (UNCLASSIFIED). 4. R. J. Murray

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Gaia DR2 (Gaia Collaboration, 2018)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaia Collaboration

2018-04-01

Contents of Gaia DR2: The five-parameter astrometric solution - positions on the sky (alpha,delta), parallaxes, and proper motions - for more than 1.3 billion (109) sources, with a limiting magnitude of G=21 and a bright limit of G~=3. Parallax uncertainties are in the range of up to 0.04 milliarcsecond for sources at G<15, around 0.1mas for sources with G=17 and at the faint end, the uncertainty is of the order of 0.7mas at G=20. The corresponding uncertainties in the respective proper motion components are up to 0.06mas/yr (for G<15mag), 0.2mas/yr (for G=17mag) and 1.2mas/yr (for G=20mag). The Gaia DR2 parallaxes and proper motions are based only on Gaia data; they do no longer depend on the Tycho-2 Catalogue. Median radial velocities (i.e. the median value over the epochs) for more than 6 million stars with a mean G magnitude between about 4 and 13 and an effective temperature (Teff) in the range of about 3550 to 6900K. This leads to a full six-parameter solution: positions and motions on the sky with parallaxes and radial velocities, all combined with mean G magnitudes. The overall precision of the radial velocities at the bright end is in the order of 200-300m/s while at the faint end the overall precision is approximately 1.2km/s for a Teff of 4750K and about 2.5km/s for a Teff of 6500K. An additional set of more than 200 million sources for which a two-parameter solution is available: the positions on the sky (alpha,delta) combined with the mean G magnitude. These sources will have a positional uncertainty at G=20 of about 2mas, at J2015.5. G magnitudes for more than 1.5 billion sources, with precisions varying from around 1 milli-mag at the bright (G<13) end to around 20 milli-mag at G=20. Please be aware that the photometric system for the G band in Gaia DR2 will be different from the photometric system as used in Gaia DR1. GBP and GRP magnitudes for more than 1.1 billion sources, with precisions varying from a few milli-mag at the bright (G<13) end to around 200 milli-mag at G=20. Full passband definitions for G, BP and RP. These passbands are now available for download. A detailed description is given here. Epoch astrometry for more than 13,000 known asteroids based on more than 1.5 million CCD observations. 96% of the along-scan (AL) residuals are in the range -5 to 5mas, and 52% of the AL residuals are in the range of -1 to 1mas. The observations will be published in Gaia DR2 and also delivered to the Minor Planet Center (MPC). Subject to limitations the effective temperatures Teff for more than 150 million sources brighter than 17th magnitude with effective temperatures in the range 3000 to 10,000 K. For a subset of these sources also the line-of-sight extinction AG and reddening E(BP-RP) will be given, as well as the luminosity and radius. Lightcurves for more than 500,000 variable sources consisting of Cepheids, RR Lyrae, Mira and Semi-Regular Candidates as well as High-Amplitude Delta Scuti, BY Draconis candidates, SX Phoenicis Candidates and short time scale phenomena. Planned cross-matches between Gaia DR2 sources on the one hand and Hipparcos-2, Tycho-2, 2MASS PSC, SDSS DR9, Pan-STARRS1, GSC2.3, PPM-XL, AllWISE, and URAT-1 data on the other hand. Catalogue of radial velocity standard stars (Soubiran et al., 2018A&A..in.prep...): Individual and combined radial velocity measurements are presented for 4813 stars in rvstdcat.dat and rvstdmes.dat files. (20 data files).

Ultra-stable, low phase noise dielectric resonator stabilized oscillators for military and commercial systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mizan, Muhammad; Higgins, Thomas; Sturzebecher, Dana

1993-01-01

EPSD has designed, fabricated and tested, ultra-stable, low phase noise microwave dielectric resonator oscillators (DRO's) at S, X, Ku, and K-bands, for potential application to high dynamic range and low radar cross section target detection radar systems. The phase noise and the temperature stability surpass commercially available DROs. Low phase noise signals are critical for CW Doppler radars, at both very close-in and large offset frequencies from the carrier. The oscillators were built without any temperature compensation techniques and exhibited a temperature stability of 25 parts per million (ppm) over an extended temperature range. The oscillators are lightweight, small and low cost compared to BAW & SAW oscillators, and can impact commercial systems such as telecommunications, built-in-test equipment, cellular phone and satellite communications systems. The key to obtaining this performance was a high Q factor resonant structure (RS) and careful circuit design techniques. The high Q RS consists of a dielectric resonator (DR) supported by a low loss spacer inside a metal cavity. The S and the X-band resonant structures demonstrated loaded Q values of 20,300 and 12,700, respectively.

Nasal CPAP in the delivery room for newborns with extremely low birth weight in a hospital in a developing country.

PubMed

Gonçalves-Ferri, W A; Martinez, F E

2013-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of the use of continuous positive airway pressure installed prophylactically in the delivery room (DR-CPAP), for infants with a birth weight between 500 and 1000 g in settings with limited resources. During 23 months, infants with a birth weight between 500 and 1000 g consecutively received DR-CPAP. A total of 33 infants with low birth weight were enrolled, 16 (48.5%) were females. Only 14 (42.4%) received antenatal corticosteroids and only 2 of those 14 (14.3%) infants weighing 500-750 g were not intubated in the delivery room, and apnea was given as the reason for intubation of these patients. Of the 19 infants in the 751-1000 g weight range, 9 (47.4%) were intubated in the delivery room, 6 due to apnea and 3 due to respiratory discomfort. For DR-CPAP to be successful, it is probably necessary for preterm babies to be more prepared at birth to withstand the respiratory effort without the need for intubation. Antenatal corticosteroids and better prenatal monitoring are fundamental for success of DR-CPAP.

The dispersion releaser technology is an effective method for testing drug release from nanosized drug carriers.

PubMed

Janas, Christine; Mast, Marc-Phillip; Kirsamer, Li; Angioni, Carlo; Gao, Fiona; Mäntele, Werner; Dressman, Jennifer; Wacker, Matthias G

2017-06-01

The dispersion releaser (DR) is a dialysis-based setup for the analysis of the drug release from nanosized drug carriers. It is mounted into dissolution apparatus2 of the United States Pharmacopoeia. The present study evaluated the DR technique investigating the drug release of the model compound flurbiprofen from drug solution and from nanoformulations composed of the drug and the polymer materials poly (lactic acid), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) or Eudragit®RSPO. The drug loaded nanocarriers ranged in size between 185.9 and 273.6nm and were characterized by a monomodal size distribution (PDI<0.1). The membrane permeability constants of flurbiprofen were calculated and mathematical modeling was applied to obtain the normalized drug release profiles. For comparing the sensitivities of the DR and the dialysis bag technique, the differences in the membrane permeation rates were calculated. Finally, different formulation designs of flurbiprofen were sensitively discriminated using the DR technology. The mechanism of drug release from the nanosized carriers was analyzed by applying two mathematical models described previously, the reciprocal powered time model and the three parameter model. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WE-AB-BRB-08: Progress Towards a 2D OSL Dosimetry System Using Al2O3:C Films

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

Ahmed, M F; Yukihara, E; Schnell, E

Purpose: To develop a 2D dosimetry system based on the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C films for medical applications. Methods: A 2D laser scanning OSL reader was built for readout of newly developed Al2O3:C films (Landauer Inc.). An image reconstruction algorithm was developed to correct for inherent effects introduced by reader design and detector properties. The system was tested using irradiations with photon and carbon ion beams. A calibration was obtained using a 6 MV photon beam from clinical accelerator and the dose measurement precision was tested using a range of doses and different dose distributions (flatmore » field and wedge field). The dynamic range and performance of the system in the presence of large dose gradients was also tested using 430 MeV/u {sup 12}C single and multiple pencil beams. All irradiations were performed with Gafchromic EBT3 film for comparison. Results: Preliminary results demonstrate a near-linear OSL dose response to photon fields and the ability to measure dose in dose distributions such as flat field and wedge field. Tests using {sup 12}C pencil beam demonstrate ability to measure doses over four orders of magnitude. The dose profiles measured by the OSL film generally agreed well with that measured by the EBT3 film. The OSL image signal-to-noise ratio obtained in the current conditions require further improvement. On the other hand, EBT3 films had large uncertainties in the low dose region due to film-to-film or intra-film variation in the background. Conclusion: A 2D OSL dosimetry system was developed and initial tests have demonstrated a wide dynamic range as well as good agreement between the delivered and measured doses. The low background, wide dynamic range and wide range of linearity in dose response observed for the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C OSL film can be beneficial for dosimetry in radiation therapy applications, especially for small field dosimetry. This work has been funded by Landauer Inc. Dr. Eduardo G. Yukihara also would like to thank the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for his support at the DKFZ.« less

PREFACE: Donald D Harrington Symposium on the Geology of the Aegean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catlos, Elizabeth J.

2008-03-01

This volume of the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Sciences presents a selection of papers given at the Donald D Harrington Symposium on the Geology of the Aegean held on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin on April 28-30, 2008. Donald D Harrington was born in Illinois in 1899 and moved westward after serving in the Army Air Corps during World War I. Mr Harrington took a position as a landman with Marlin Oil Company in Oklahoma. When the Texas Panhandle oil boom hit in 1926, he moved to Amarillo, Texas, where he met Sybil Buckingham—the granddaughter of one of Amarillo's founding families. They married in 1935 and went on to build one of the most successful independent oil and gas operations in Texas history. The couple created the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation in 1951 to support worthy causes such as museums, medical research, education, and the arts. At the Harrington Symposium on the Geology of the Aegean, researchers presented papers organized under five general themes: (1) the geology of Aegean in general (2) the geologic history of specific domains within the Aegean (Cyclades, Menderes, Kazdag, Rhodope, Crete, southern Balkans, etc) (3) the dynamic tectonic processes that occur within the Aegean (4) its geo-archeological history, natural history and hazards and (5) comparisons of the Aegean to regions elsewhere (e.g., Basin and Ranges; Asian extensional terranes). The Aegean is a locus of dynamic research in a variety of fields, and the symposium provided an opportunity for geologists from a range of disciplines to interact and share new results and information about their research in the area. At the opening reception in the Harry S Ransom Center, Dr Clark Burchfiel (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) provided a keynote address on the outstanding geologic problems of the Aegean region. His paper in this volume outlines a framework for future studies. We also call attention to a paper in this volume by Dr Yücel Yilmaz (Kadir Has University, Turkey), who provided an excellent general overview of the current state of knowledge and future directions for research in western Anatolia. Dr George Davis (University of Arizona, USA) delivered a keynote address about the links between geology and archaeology using as his research in the Mt Lykaion Sanctuary of Zeus (southern Peloponnesos) as an example. Dr Dmitrious Papanikolaou (University of Athens, Greece) was the Virgil E and Mildred L Barnes Distinguished Lecturer, and presented new insights into the structural geology of Crete. Dr Robert Stern (University of Texas at Dallas, USA) was the Robert H Cuyler Distinguished Lecturer, and outlined the importance of the Arabian Plate in affecting the geodynamics of the Aegean region. The conference included the participation of outstanding geologic researchers from Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Israel, Italy, UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and Germany. Support for their attendance was provided by the Donald D Harrington Fellows program. Additional support for the symposium was provided by the Virgil E and Mildred L Barnes Distinguished Lecture Series in Geology, Robert H Cuyler Endowed Lecture Series, Judd and Cynthia S Oualline Centennial Lectureship in Geological Sciences, Edwin Allday Lectureship in Geological Sciences, the Fred L and Frances J Oliver Lectureship in Texas Hydrology and Water Resources, the Getty Oil Company Centennial Chair in Geological Sciences, the American Association of Petroleum Geology, and the University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. During the symposium, students from the Jackson School of Geosciences chaired the sessions. These students include: Benjamin Andrews, Josh Garber, Eric Kelly, Jamie Levine, John Singleton and Estibalitz Ukar. A reception was hosted by students Eric Anderson and Terra George. The symposium was open to high school teachers from the State of Texas, who will be required to turnaround what they learned into an outreach format to convey to their peers the nature of research in the geosciences. The organizing committee of the Harrington Symposium was Drs Elizabeth Catlos, Mark Cloos, Sharon Mosher (University of Texas at Austin, USA), Ibrahim Çemen (Oklahoma State University, USA) and Yildirim Dilek (Miami University, USA). The next planned meeting is in Athens, Greece with a target date of 2010. Conference photograph

PREFACE: The IARU International Scientific Congress on Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions (10-12 March, Copenhagen, Denmark)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2009-01-01

In an attempt to make the main results from the Congress on Climate Change: Global Risk, Challenges and Decisions available to the public as early as possible, the steering committee decided to publish all talks and posters presented at the Congress in this unique collection of abstracts, in time for the conference Further to the abstract collection the Congress will publish two more products in the near future as described in the following; a synthesis report with the main conclusions, and a book aimed at an academic audience 1 Two Products from the Congress Two products are being produced based on the presentations and discussions at the Congress The first product will be a synthesis report of the main conclusions from the Congress The synthesis report will be ready in June 2009 The synthesis has the purpose of explaining the current state of understanding man-made climate change and what we can do about it to the non-scientist, ie politicians, media and interested citizens The synthesis will build on the messages presented to the Danish Prime Minister, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, host of the COP15, at the closing session of the Congress These six messages were drafted by the Writing Team (see below) based on input from the session chairs and a reading of the 1600+ abstracts submitted to the Congress The second product is a book aimed at an academic audience The book will include more detailed scientific results from all of the sessions and will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2010 It will be an extension and elaboration of the synthesis report Who's writing the Synthesis Report and the Book? A Writing Team consisting of 12 internationally respected scientists from all continents is responsible for developing both products When the synthesis report has been drafted by the Writing Team, it will be discussed in the Scientific Steering Committee of the Congress and reviewed by the Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP) and a group of experts identified by the IARU universities In keeping with normal scientific practice, a procedure for producing the synthesis report that has been adopted optimises the chances of arriving at a product that will receive a broad backing from the scientific community as being a message that can be sent to the non-scientific community and that explains current understanding in climate change science The Writing Team will also be responsible for writing the book Members of the Writing Team (in alphabetical order) Professor Joe Alcamo, University of Stellenbosch Dr Terry Barker, Cambridge University Professor Daniel Kammen, University of California - Berkeley Professor Rik Leemans, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University Professor Diana Liverman, Oxford University Professor Mohan Munasinghe, Chairman, Munasinghe Institute for Development (MIND) Dr Balgis Osman-Elasha, Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCENR), Sudan Professor Katherine Richardson, University of Copenhagen Professor John Schellnhuber, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and visiting professor at the University of Oxford Professor Will Steffen, Australian National University Professor Lord Nicholas Stern, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Professor Ole Wæver, University of Copenhagen 2 Key Messages from the Congress Key Message 1: Climatic Trends Recent observations confirm that, given high rates of observed emissions, the worst-case IPCC scenario trajectories (or even worse) are being realized For many key parameters, the climate system is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived These parameters include global mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, ocean acidification, and extreme climatic events There is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to an increasing risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts Key Message 2: Social disruption The research community is providing much more information to support discussions on 'dangerous climate change' Recent observations show that societies are highly vulnerable to even modest levels of climate change, with poor nations and communities particularly at risk Temperature rises above 2°C will be very difficult for contemporary societies to cope with, and will increase the level of climate disruption through the rest of the century Key Message 3: Long-Term Strategy Rapid, sustained, and effective mitigation based on coordinated global and regional action is required to avoid 'dangerous climate change' regardless of how it is defined Weaker targets for 2020 increase the risk of crossing tipping points and make the task of meeting 2050 targets more difficult Delay in initiating effective mitigation actions increases significantly the long-term social and economic costs of both adaptation and mitigation Key Message 4: Equity Dimensions Climate change is having, and will have, strongly differential effects on people within and between countries and regions, on this generation and future generations, and on human societies and the natural world An effective, well-funded adaptation safety net is required for those people least capable of coping with climate change impacts, and a common but differentiated mitigation strategy is needed to protect the poor and most vulnerable Key Message 5: Inaction is Inexcusable There is no excuse for inaction We already have many tools and approaches - economic, technological, behavioral, management - to deal effectively with the climate change challenge But they must be vigorously and widely implemented to achieve the societal transformation required to decarbonize economies A wide range of benefits will flow from a concerted effort to alter our energy economy now, including sustainable energy job growth, reductions in the health and economic costs of climate change, and the restoration of ecosystems and revitalization of ecosystem services Key Message 6: Meeting the Challenge To achieve the societal transformation required to meet the climate change challenge, we must overcome a number of significant constraints and seize critical opportunities These include reducing inertia in social and economic systems; building on a growing public desire for governments to act on climate change; removing implicit and explicit subsidies; reducing the influence of vested interests that increase emissions and reduce resilience; enabling the shifts from ineffective governance and weak institutions to innovative leadership in government, the private sector and civil society; and engaging society in the transition to norms and practices that foster sustainability The editors of the volume are all the session chairs: Professor Agus Sari Dr Aled Jones Science Manager Anders Viksø-Nielsen Dr Andreas Barkman Professor Anette Reenberg Professor Ann Henderson-Sellers Professor Anthony J McMichael Dr Anthony Patt Dr Bette Otto-Bliesner Dr Cameron Hepburn Dr Carlos Nobre Dr Carol Turley Dr Chris Hope Professor Chris Turney Professor Claus Felby Professor Coleen Vogel Professor Dale Jamieson Professor Daniel M Kammen Senior Scientist Detlef F Sprinz Professor Diana Ürge-Vorsatz Professor Dorthe Dahl-Jensen PhD Fatima Denton Director Generel Frances Seymour Dr Frank Jotzo Professor Harold Mooney Director Henrik Bindslev Mr Jamie Pittock Professor Jacquie Burgess Dr James E Hansen Professor Jiahua Pan Dr Jill Jäger Professor Jim Skea Professor Johan Rockström Dr John Christensen Professor John Mitchell Professor John R Porter Professor Joyeeta Gupta Professor Jørgen E Olesen Professor Karen O'Brien Dr Kazuhiko Takeuchi Dr Katrine Krogh Andersen Professor Keith Paustian Professor Ken Caldeira Professor Kevin Anderson Dr Koko Warner Professor Konrad Steffen Professor Liping Zhou Professor Louise Fresco Professor Maria Carmen Lemos Professor Mark Ashton Dr Mark Stafford-Smith Dr Martin Claussen Dr Martin Visbeck Professor Mary Scholes Professor Masahide Kimoto Professor Matthew England Dr Maxwell Boykoff Dr Michael Raupach Professor Nathan Bindoff Professor Nicolas Gruber Professor Niels Elers Koch Professor Ole John Nielsen Professor Ole Wæver Professor Oran Young Dr Pamela Matson Dr Paul Baer Professor Paul Leadley Dr Pep Canadell Professor Pete Smith Professor Peter Gregory Professor Pier Vellinga Dr Rik Leemans Dr Roberto Bertollini Professor Roberto S Rodriguez Professor Scott Denning Dr Sivan Kartha Dr Thomas Downing Dr Tariq Banuri Professor Thomas Heyd Professor Tim Lenton Professor Timmons Roberts Professor Torkil Jønch Clausen Professor Warwick McKibbin Professor Wim C Turkenburg

Halo mass dependence of H I and O VI absorption: evidence for differential kinematics

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

Mathes, Nigel L.; Churchill, Christopher W.; Nielsen, Nikole M.

2014-09-10

We studied a sample of 14 galaxies (0.1 < z < 0.7) using HST/WFPC2 imaging and high-resolution HST/COS or HST/STIS quasar spectroscopy of Lyα, Lyβ, and O VI λλ1031, 1037 absorption. The galaxies, having 10.8 ≤ log (M {sub h}/M {sub ☉}) ≤ 12.2, lie within D = 300 kpc of quasar sightlines, probing out to D/R {sub vir} = 3. When the full range of M {sub h} and D/R {sub vir} of the sample are examined, ∼40% of the H I absorbing clouds can be inferred to be escaping their host halo. The fraction of bound clouds decreasesmore » as D/R {sub vir} increases such that the escaping fraction is ∼15% for D/R {sub vir} < 1, ∼45% for 1 ≤ D/R {sub vir} < 2, and ∼90% for 2 ≤ D/R {sub vir} < 3. Adopting the median mass log M {sub h}/M {sub ☉} = 11.5 to divide the sample into 'higher' and 'lower' mass galaxies, we find a mass dependency for the hot circumgalactic medium kinematics. To our survey limits, O VI absorption is found in only ∼40% of the H I clouds in and around lower mass halos as compared to ∼85% around higher mass halos. For D/R {sub vir} < 1, lower mass halos have an escape fraction of ∼65%, whereas higher mass halos have an escape fraction of ∼5%. For 1 ≤ D/R {sub vir} < 2, the escape fractions are ∼55% and ∼35% for lower mass and higher mass halos, respectively. For 2 ≤ D/R {sub vir} < 3, the escape fraction for lower mass halos is ∼90%. We show that it is highly likely that the absorbing clouds reside within 4R {sub vir} of their host galaxies and that the kinematics are dominated by outflows. Our finding of 'differential kinematics' is consistent with the scenario of 'differential wind recycling' proposed by Oppenheimer et al. We discuss the implications for galaxy evolution, the stellar to halo mass function, and the mass-metallicity relationship of galaxies.« less

Effects of nicotine on zebrafish: A comparative response between a newly established gill cell line and whole gills.

PubMed

Nathiga Nambi, K S; Abdul Majeed, S; Taju, G; Sivasubbu, Sridhar; Sarath Babu, V; Sahul Hameed, A S

2017-05-01

A novel cell line, Danio rerio gill (DrG), derived from the gill tissue of zebrafish, was established and characterized. The cells were able to grow at a wide range of temperatures from 25°C to 32°C in Leibovitz's L-15 medium. The DrG cell line consists of epithelial-like cells with a diameter of 18-22μm. The cell line was characterized by mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Acute toxicity tests were conducted on D. rerio by exposing them to nicotine for 96h under static conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity of nicotine was assessed in DrG cell line using multiple endpoints such as 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), Neutral Red assay, Alamar Blue assay and Coomassie Blue protein assay. Linear correlations between each in vitro cytotoxicity assay and the in vivo mortality data were highly significant. Nicotine induced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in DrG cell line in a concentration dependent manner. DrG cell line and zebrafish exposed to nicotine significantly increased the elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) while depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidise(GPx1a) was observed. In nicotine treated fish and cells a negative correlation between reduced glutathione and LPO was observed. In addition, the production of ROS and the resulting oxidative stress resulted in increased expression of apoptosis related genes p53 and cas3.Collectively, our result suggests that nicotine has the potential to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress and apoptosis in DrG cell line and zebrafish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sesquinary reimpacts dominate surface characteristics on Phobos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, Michael

2018-01-01

We use topographic data to show that impact craters with pitted floor deposits are among the deepest on Mars. This is consistent with the interpretation of pitted materials as primary crater-fill impactite deposits emplaced during crater formation. Our database consists of 224 pitted material craters ranging in size from ˜1 to 150 km in diameter. Our measurements are based on topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). We have used these craters to measure the relationship between crater diameter and the initial post-formation depth. Depth was measured as maximum rim-to-floor depth, (dr), but we also report the depth measured using other definitions. The database was down-selected by refining or removing elevation measurements from "problematic" craters affected by processes and conditions that influenced their dr/D, such as pre-impact slopes/topography and later overprinting craters. We report a maximum (deepest) and mean scaling relationship of dr = (0.347±0.021)D0.537±0.017 and dr = (0.323±0.017)D0.538±0.016, respectively. Our results suggest that significant variations between previously-reported MOLA-based dr vs. D relationships may result from the inclusion of craters that: 1) are influenced by atypical processes (e.g., highly oblique impact), 2) are significantly degraded, 3) reside within high-strength regions, and 4) are transitional (partially collapsed). By taking such issues into consideration and only measuring craters with primary floor materials, we present the best estimate to date of a MOLA-based relationship of dr vs. D for the least-degraded complex craters on Mars. This can be applied to crater degradation studies and provides a useful constraint for models of complex crater formation.

A depth versus diameter scaling relationship for the best-preserved melt-bearing complex craters on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tornabene, Livio L.; Watters, Wesley A.; Osinski, Gordon R.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Harrison, Tanya N.; Ling, Victor; McEwen, Alfred S.

2018-01-01

We use topographic data to show that impact craters with pitted floor deposits are among the deepest on Mars. This is consistent with the interpretation of pitted materials as primary crater-fill impactite deposits emplaced during crater formation. Our database consists of 224 pitted material craters ranging in size from ∼1 to 150 km in diameter. Our measurements are based on topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). We have used these craters to measure the relationship between crater diameter and the initial post-formation depth. Depth was measured as maximum rim-to-floor depth, (dr), but we also report the depth measured using other definitions. The database was down-selected by refining or removing elevation measurements from ;problematic; craters affected by processes and conditions that influenced their dr/D, such as pre-impact slopes/topography and later overprinting craters. We report a maximum (deepest) and mean scaling relationship of dr = (0.347 ± 0.021)D0.537 ± 0.017 and dr = (0.323 ± 0.017)D0.538 ± 0.016, respectively. Our results suggest that significant variations between previously-reported MOLA-based dr vs. D relationships may result from the inclusion of craters that: 1) are influenced by atypical processes (e.g., highly oblique impact), 2) are significantly degraded, 3) reside within high-strength regions, and 4) are transitional (partially collapsed). By taking such issues into consideration and only measuring craters with primary floor materials, we present the best estimate to date of a MOLA-based relationship of dr vs. D for the least-degraded complex craters on Mars. This can be applied to crater degradation studies and provides a useful constraint for models of complex crater formation.

Linear-No-Threshold Default Assumptions for Noncancer and Nongenotoxic Cancer Risks: A Mathematical and Biological Critique.

PubMed

Bogen, Kenneth T

2016-03-01

To improve U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dose-response (DR) assessments for noncarcinogens and for nonlinear mode of action (MOA) carcinogens, the 2009 NRC Science and Decisions Panel recommended that the adjustment-factor approach traditionally applied to these endpoints should be replaced by a new default assumption that both endpoints have linear-no-threshold (LNT) population-wide DR relationships. The panel claimed this new approach is warranted because population DR is LNT when any new dose adds to a background dose that explains background levels of risk, and/or when there is substantial interindividual heterogeneity in susceptibility in the exposed human population. Mathematically, however, the first claim is either false or effectively meaningless and the second claim is false. Any dose-and population-response relationship that is statistically consistent with an LNT relationship may instead be an additive mixture of just two quasi-threshold DR relationships, which jointly exhibit low-dose S-shaped, quasi-threshold nonlinearity just below the lower end of the observed "linear" dose range. In this case, LNT extrapolation would necessarily overestimate increased risk by increasingly large relative magnitudes at diminishing values of above-background dose. The fact that chemically-induced apoptotic cell death occurs by unambiguously nonlinear, quasi-threshold DR mechanisms is apparent from recent data concerning this quintessential toxicity endpoint. The 2009 NRC Science and Decisions Panel claims and recommendations that default LNT assumptions be applied to DR assessment for noncarcinogens and nonlinear MOA carcinogens are therefore not justified either mathematically or biologically. © 2015 The Author. Risk Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society for Risk Analysis.

Delivery room management of very low birth weight infants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - a comparison of protocols

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Surveys from the USA, Australia and Spain have shown significant inter-institutional variation in delivery room (DR) management of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI, < 1500 g) at birth, despite regularly updated international guidelines. Objective To investigate protocols for DR management of VLBWI in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and to compare these with the 2005 ILCOR guidelines. Methods DR management protocols were surveyed in a prospective, questionnaire-based survey in 2008. Results were compared between countries and between academic and non-academic units. Protocols were compared to the 2005 ILCOR guidelines. Results In total, 190/249 units (76%) replied. Protocols for DR management existed in 94% of units. Statistically significant differences between countries were found regarding provision of 24 hr in house neonatal service; presence of a designated resuscitation area; devices for respiratory support; use of pressure-controlled manual ventilation devices; volume control by respirator; and dosage of Surfactant. There were no statistically significant differences regarding application and monitoring of supplementary oxygen, or targeted saturation levels, or for the use of sustained inflations. Comparison of academic and non-academic hospitals showed no significant differences, apart from the targeted saturation levels (SpO2) at 10 min. of life. Comparison with ILCOR guidelines showed good adherence to the 2005 recommendations. Summary Delivery room management in German, Austrian and Swiss neonatal units was commonly based on written protocols. Only minor differences were found regarding the DR setup, devices used and the targeted ranges for SpO2 and FiO2. DR management was in good accordance with 2005 ILCOR guidelines, some units already incorporated evidence beyond the ILCOR statement into their routine practice. PMID:21159574

Emerging Technologies Program Integration Report. Volume 1. Narrative, Analyses and Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-04

James S. (T) 31. GREGG, Dr. Michael C. (T) 61. REDDY, Dr. Raj (T) 2. ATLAS, Dr. David (T) 32. HADDAD, Dr. Genevieve M. 62. REDIKER, Dr. Robert H. 3...Dr. Martin C. 83. WEEKS, Dr. Wilford 6 24. FAETH, Dr. Gerald 54. MUNSON, Mr. John 84. WEINTRAUB, Dr. Daniel 1. (T) 25. FETTERMAN , Dr. Harold 55...T) 2. ATLAS, Dr. David (T) 32. HADDAD, Dr. Genevieve M. 62. REDIKER, Dr. Robert H. 3. BALDESCHWIELER, Dr. John (T) 33. HAMMOND, Dr. George S. 63

Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Northwest). Pacific Geoduck Clam

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

PACIFIC GEODUCK CLAM by C. Lynn Goodwin and Bruce Pease Point Whitney Shellfish Laboratory Washington Department of Fisheries Brinnon, WA 98320... FISHERIES ................................. 6 POPULATION DYNAMICS ............................................. 7 GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS...authors would like to thank Bobbe Hardie, Washington State Department of Fisheries , for typing and editing early drafts and Dr. Ken Chew of the

Dynamic Instructional Leadership to Support Student Learning and Development: The Field Guide to Comer Schools in Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joyner, Edward T., Ed.; Ben-Avie, Michael, Ed.; Comer, James P., Ed.

2004-01-01

Schools are the only universally accessible institutions where there are enough adults to provide continuous support for children's growth, development, and success in life. Using the process pioneered by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. James P. Comer and his colleagues at the Yale School Development Program (SDP), this unique field guide offers…

Information-Decay Pursuit of Dynamic Parameters in Student Models

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-01

simple worked-through example). Commercially available computer programs for structuring and using Bayesian inference include ERGO ( Noetic Systems...Tukey, J.W. (1977). Data analysis and Regression: A second course in statistics. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. Noetic Systems, Inc. (1991). ERGO...Naval Academy Division of Educational Studies Annapolis MD 21402-5002 Elmory Univerity Dr Janice Gifford 210 Fiabburne Bldg University of

Genetic incorporation of Nε-acetyllysine reveals a novel acetylation-sumoylation switch in yeast.

PubMed

Kim, Sang-Woo; Lee, Kyung Jin; Kim, Sinil; Kim, Jihyo; Cho, Kyukwang; Ro, Hyeon-Su; Park, Hee-Sung

2017-11-01

The lysine acetylation of proteins plays a key role in regulating protein functions, thereby controlling a wide range of cellular processes. Despite the prevalence and significance of lysine acetylation in eukaryotes, however, its systematic study has been challenged by the technical limitations of conventional approaches for selective lysine acetylation in vivo. Here, we report the in vivo study of lysine acetylation via the genetic incorporation of N ε -acetyllysine in yeast. We demonstrate that a newly discovered acetylation-sumoylation switch precisely controls the localization and cellular function of the yeast septin protein, Cdc11, during the cell cycle. This approach should facilitate the comprehensive in vivo study of lysine acetylation across a wide range of proteins in eukaryotic organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments" Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O'Donoghue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2025 California Demand Response Potential Study - Charting California’s Demand Response Future. Final Report on Phase 2 Results

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

Alstone, Peter; Potter, Jennifer; Piette, Mary Ann

California’s legislative and regulatory goals for renewable energy are changing the power grid’s dynamics. Increased variable generation resource penetration connected to the bulk power system, as well as, distributed energy resources (DERs) connected to the distribution system affect the grid’s reliable operation over many different time scales (e.g., days to hours to minutes to seconds). As the state continues this transition, it will require careful planning to ensure resources with the right characteristics are available to meet changing grid management needs. Demand response (DR) has the potential to provide important resources for keeping the electricity grid stable and efficient, tomore » defer upgrades to generation, transmission and distribution systems, and to deliver customer economic benefits. This study estimates the potential size and cost of future DR resources for California’s three investor-owned utilities (IOUs): Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E). Our goal is to provide data-driven insights as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) evaluates how to enhance DR’s role in meeting California’s resource planning needs and operational requirements. We address two fundamental questions: 1. What cost-competitive DR service types will meet California’s future grid needs as it moves towards clean energy and advanced infrastructure? 2. What is the size and cost of the expected resource base for the DR service types?« less

Soil Overconsolidation Changes Caused by Dynamic Replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piotr, Kanty; Sławomir, Kwiecień; Jerzy, Sękowski

2017-10-01

In the dynamic replacement method (DR) the soil is improved by initially dropping a large weight (typically 8-20 t) pounder from a significant height up to 25 m. The created crater is filled with a stronger material (gravel, rubble, stone aggregate, debris), and the pounder is dropped once or multiple times again. The construction of dynamic replacement pillars influences the parameters of the adjacent soil. It results from the energy generated by dropping a pounder into the soil. In the current practice, these changes are not taken into the account during the design. This paper focuses on the changes of overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and in situ coefficient of lateral earth pressure (K) values estimated base on cone penetration test (CPTU) and Dilatometric test (DMT) performed at a test site. A single column was constructed and the ground around the column was examined using CPTU and DMT, performed at different distances from the column centre (2, 3, 4 and 6 m) and at different time intervals (during construction and 1, 8, 30 days later). The column was constructed in so-called transition soils (between cohesive and non-cohesive). While interpreting the results of the research, the authors addressed the matter of choosing the procedure of OCR and K indication for transition soils (in this case described as silts and/or sandy silts). Overconsolidation changes may differ depending on the chosen analysis procedure (for cohesive or non-cohesive soils). On the basis of the analysis presented in the paper and the observation of soil (acknowledged as cohesive according to macroscopic observations) during column excavation, it was decided that for more detailed analyses methods dedicated to cohesive soils should be applied. Generally, it can be stated that although the changes were complex, DR pillar formation process resulted in the increase of these parameters. The average increases of OCR and K values were 25% and 10% respectively. The post installation values are not significant from the engineering point of view, but they represent the influence of the formation process of only a single column. The described results indicate that Priebe’s column dimensioning method should be applied with caution, as it assumes the value K=1 which was not obtained in the described research. The results from the conducted tests indicate that different mechanisms occur during stone column formation with vibro-replacement and dynamic replacement. As the authors did not manage to find literature describing the results of K tests in the surrounding of a DR column, the presented results should be acknowledged as significant for designers who will apply the dynamic replacement method.

Once-daily delayed-release metformin lowers plasma glucose and enhances fasting and postprandial GLP-1 and PYY: results from two randomised trials.

PubMed

DeFronzo, Ralph A; Buse, John B; Kim, Terri; Burns, Colleen; Skare, Sharon; Baron, Alain; Fineman, Mark

2016-08-01

Delayed-release metformin (Metformin DR) was developed to maximise gut-based mechanisms of metformin action by targeting the drug to the ileum. Metformin DR was evaluated in two studies. Study 1 compared the bioavailability and effects on circulating glucose and gut hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY) of Metformin DR dosed twice-daily to twice-daily immediate-release metformin (Metformin IR). Study 2 compared the bioavailability and glycaemic effects of Metformin DR dosages of 1,000 mg once-daily in the morning, 1,000 mg once-daily in the evening, and 500 mg twice-daily. Study 1 was a blinded, randomised, crossover study (three × 5 day treatment periods) of twice-daily 500 mg or 1,000 mg Metformin DR vs twice-daily 1,000 mg Metformin IR in 24 participants with type 2 diabetes conducted at two study sites (Celerion Inc.; Tempe, AZ, and Lincoln, NE, USA). Plasma glucose and gut hormones were assessed over 10.25 h at the start and end of each treatment period; plasma metformin was measured over 11 h at the end of each treatment period. Study 2 was a non-blinded, randomised, crossover study (three × 7 day treatment periods) of 1,000 mg Metformin DR once-daily in the morning, 1,000 mg Metformin DR once-daily in the evening, or 500 mg Metformin DR twice-daily in 26 participants with type 2 diabetes performed at a single study site (Celerion, Tempe, AZ). Plasma glucose was assessed over 24 h at the start and end of each treatment period, and plasma metformin was measured over 30 h at the end of each treatment period. Both studies implemented centrally generated computer-based randomisation using a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. A total of 24 randomised participants were included in study 1; of these, 19 completed the study and were included in the evaluable population. In the evaluable population, all treatments produced similar significant reductions in fasting glucose (median reduction range, -0.67 to -0.81 mmol/l across treatments) and postprandial glucose (Day 5 to baseline AUC0-t ratio = 0.9 for all three treatments) and increases in gut hormones (Day 5 to baseline AUC0-t ratio range: 1.6-1.9 for GLP-1 and 1.4-1.5 for PYY) despite an almost 60% reduction in systemic metformin exposure for 500 mg Metformin DR compared with Metformin IR. A total of 26 randomised participants were included in study 2: 24 had at least one dose of study medication and at least one post-dose pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessment and were included in the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic intent-to-treat analysis; and 12 completed all treatment periods and were included in the evaluable population. In the evaluable population, Metformin DR administered once-daily in the morning had 28% (90% CI -16%, -39%) lower bioavailability (least squares mean ratio of metformin AUC0-24) compared with either once-daily in the evening or twice-daily, although the glucose-lowering effects were maintained. In both studies, adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal in nature, and indicated similar or improved tolerability for Metformin DR vs Metformin IR; there were no clinically meaningful differences in vital signs, physical examinations or laboratory values. Dissociation of gut hormone release and glucose lowering from plasma metformin exposure provides strong supportive evidence for a distal small intestine-mediated mechanism of action. Directly targeting the ileum with Metformin DR once-daily in the morning may provide maximal metformin efficacy with lower doses and substantially reduce plasma exposure. Metformin DR may minimise the risk of lactic acidosis in those at increased risk from metformin therapy, such as individuals with renal impairment. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01677299, NCT01804842 FUNDING: : This study was funded by Elcelyx Therapeutics Inc.

Optimisation of immunofluorescence methods to determine MCT1 and MCT4 expression in circulating tumour cells.

PubMed

Kershaw, Stephen; Cummings, Jeffrey; Morris, Karen; Tugwood, Jonathan; Dive, Caroline

2015-05-10

The monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) represents a novel target in rational anticancer drug design while AZD3965 was developed as an inhibitor of this transporter and is undergoing Phase I clinical trials ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01791595 ). We describe the optimisation of an immunofluorescence (IF) method for determination of MCT1 and MCT4 in circulating tumour cells (CTC) as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers of AZD3965 in cancer patients. Antibody selectivity was investigated by western blotting (WB) in K562 and MDAMB231 cell lines acting as positive controls for MCT1 and MCT4 respectively and by flow cytometry also employing the control cell lines. Ability to detect MCT1 and MCT4 in CTC as a 4(th) channel marker utilising the Veridex™ CellSearch system was conducted in both human volunteer blood spiked with control cells and in samples collected from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Experimental conditions were established which yielded a 10-fold dynamic range (DR) for detection of MCT1 over MCT4 (antibody concentration 6.25 μg/mL; integration time 0.4 seconds) and a 5-fold DR of MCT4 over MCT 1 (8 μg/100 μL and 0.8 seconds). The IF method was sufficiently sensitive to detect both MCT1 and MCT4 in CTCs harvested from cancer patients. The first IF method has been developed and optimised for detection of MCT 1 and MCT4 in cancer patient CTC.

Multi-Temporal Interferometry to Investigate Landslide Dynamics in a Tropical Urban Environment: Focus on Bukavu (DR Congo)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monsieurs, E.; Dille, A.; Nobile, A.; d'Oreye, N.; Kervyn, F.; Dewitte, O.

2017-12-01

Landslides can lead to high impacts in less developed countries, particularly in some urban tropical environments where a combination of intense rainfall, active tectonics, steep topography and high population density can be found. However, the processes controlling landslides initiation and their evolution through time remains poorly understood. Here we show the relevance of the use of multi-temporal differential SAR interferometry (DInSAR) to characterize ground deformations associated to landslides in the rapidly expanding city of Bukavu (DR Congo). A series of 70 COSMO-SkyMed SAR images acquired between March 2015 and April 2016 with a mean revisiting time of 8 days were used to produce displacement rate maps and ground deformation time series using the Small Baseline Subset approach. Results show that various landslide processes of different ages, mechanisms and state of activity can be identified across Bukavu city. InSAR ground deformation maps reveal for instance the complexity of a large (1.5 km²) active slide affecting a densely inhabited slum neighbourhood and characterized by the presence of sectors moving at different rates (ranging from 10 mm/yr up to 75 mm/yr in LOS direction). The evaluation of the ground deformations captured by DInSAR through a two-step validation procedure combining Differential GPS measurements and field observations attested the reliability of the measurements as well as the capability of the technique to grasp the deformation pattern affecting this complex tropical-urban environment. However, longer time series will be needed to infer landside response to climate, seismic and anthropogenic activities.

Detection of retinal changes from illumination normalized fundus images using convolutional neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adal, Kedir M.; van Etten, Peter G.; Martinez, Jose P.; Rouwen, Kenneth; Vermeer, Koenraad A.; van Vliet, Lucas J.

2017-03-01

Automated detection and quantification of spatio-temporal retinal changes is an important step to objectively assess disease progression and treatment effects for dynamic retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, detecting retinal changes caused by early DR lesions such as microaneurysms and dot hemorrhages from longitudinal pairs of fundus images is challenging due to intra and inter-image illumination variation between fundus images. This paper explores a method for automated detection of retinal changes from illumination normalized fundus images using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN), and compares its performance with two other CNNs trained separately on color and green channel fundus images. Illumination variation was addressed by correcting for the variability in the luminosity and contrast estimated from a large scale retinal regions. The CNN models were trained and evaluated on image patches extracted from a registered fundus image set collected from 51 diabetic eyes that were screened at two different time-points. The results show that using normalized images yield better performance than color and green channel images, suggesting that illumination normalization greatly facilitates CNNs to quickly and correctly learn distinctive local image features of DR related retinal changes.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: SDSS-III/APOGEE. I. Be stars (Chojnowski+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chojnowski, S. D.; Whelan, D. G.; Wisniewski, J. P.; Majewski, S. R.; Hall, M.; Shetrone, M.; Beaton, R.; Burton, A.; Damke, G.; Eikenberry, S.; Hasselquist, S.; Holtzman, J. A.; Meszaros, S.; Nidever, D.; Schneider, D. P.; Wilson, J.; Zasowski, G.; Bizyaev, D.; Brewington, H.; Brinkmann, J.; Ebelke, G.; Frinchaboy, P. M.; Kinemuchi, K.; Malanushenko, E.; Malanushenko, V.; Marchante, M.; Oravetz, D.; Pan, K.; Simmons, A.

2015-01-01

The sample at hand consists of 238 B-type emission line (Be) stars that have been observed by APOGEE. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) instrument is a 300 fiber, R~22500 spectrograph attached to the SDSS 2.5m telescope at Apache Point Observatory. APOGEE records a vacuum wavelength range of 15145-16955Å via an arrangement of three Teledyne H2RG 2048*2048 detectors. The detector layout consists of "blue," "green," and "red" detectors which cover 15145-15808Å, 15858-16433Å, and 16474-16955Å respectively, resulting in coverage gaps between 15808-15858Å and 16433-16474Å. The APOGEE survey uses the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS; cat. II/246) as a source catalog. Both proprietary and publicly available spectra are used and displayed in this paper. The publicly available spectra were included in SDSS data release 10 (DR10: pertains to APOGEE data taken prior to MJD=56112), and the full data set will be made publicly available in SDSS data release 12 (DR12: scheduled for 2014 December). Shortly after DR12, we intend to convert the ABE star spectra to the format accepted by the Be Star Spectra Database (BeSS; Neiner et al., 2011AJ....142..149N) and deposit them there, ensuring convenient public access. More details on DR10-released APOGEE data can be found on the SDSS-III website (http://www.sdss3.org/dr10/irspec/). (2 data files).

Oxygenated hemoglobin diffuse reflectance ratio for in vitro detection of human gastric pre-cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L. Q.; Wei, H. J.; Guo, Z. Y.; Yang, H. Q.; Wu, G. Y.; Xie, S. S.; Zhong, H. Q.; Li, X. Y.; Zhao, Q. L.; Guo, X.

2010-07-01

Oxygenated hemoglobin diffuse reflectance (DR) ratio (R540/R575) method based on DR spectral signatures is used for early diagnosis of malignant lesions of human gastric epithelial tissues in vitro. The DR spectra for four different kinds of gastric epithelial tissues were measured using a spectrometer with an integrating sphere detector in the spectral range from 400 to 650 nm. The results of measurement showed that the average DR spectral intensity for the epithelial tissues of normal stomach is higher than that for the epithelial tissues of chronic and malignant stomach and that for the epithelial tissues of chronic gastric ulcer is higher than that for the epithelial tissues of malignant stomach. The average DR spectra for four different kinds of gastric epithelial tissues show dips at 542 and 577 nm owing to absorption from oxygenated Hemoglobin (HbO2). The differences in the mean R540/R575 ratios of HbO2 bands are 6.84% between the epithelial tissues of normal stomach and chronic gastric ulcer, 14.7% between the epithelial tissues of normal stomach and poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma and 22.6% between the epithelial tissues of normal stomach and undifferentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. It is evident from results that there were significant differences in the mean R540/R575 ratios of HbO2 bands for four different kinds of gastric epithelial tissues in vitro ( P < 0.01).

The Luminous Convolution Model-The light side of dark matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cisneros, Sophia; Oblath, Noah; Formaggio, Joe; Goedecke, George; Chester, David; Ott, Richard; Ashley, Aaron; Rodriguez, Adrianna

2014-03-01

We present a heuristic model for predicting the rotation curves of spiral galaxies. The Luminous Convolution Model (LCM) utilizes Lorentz-type transformations of very small changes in the photon's frequencies from curved space-times to construct a dynamic mass model of galaxies. These frequency changes are derived using the exact solution to the exterior Kerr wave equation, as opposed to a linearized treatment. The LCM Lorentz-type transformations map between the emitter and the receiver rotating galactic frames, and then to the associated flat frames in each galaxy where the photons are emitted and received. This treatment necessarily rests upon estimates of the luminous matter in both the emitter and the receiver galaxies. The LCM is tested on a sample of 22 randomly chosen galaxies, represented in 33 different data sets. LCM fits are compared to the Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) Dark Matter Model and to the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) model when possible. The high degree of sensitivity of the LCM to the initial assumption of a luminous mass to light ratios (M/L), of the given galaxy, is demonstrated. We demonstrate that the LCM is successful across a wide range of spiral galaxies for predicting the observed rotation curves. Through the generous support of the MIT Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship program.

Characterization of total ionizing dose damage in COTS pinned photodiode CMOS image sensors

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

Wang, Zujun, E-mail: wangzujun@nint.ac.cn; Ma, Wuying; Huang, Shaoyan

The characterization of total ionizing dose (TID) damage in COTS pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensors (CISs) is investigated. The radiation experiments are carried out at a {sup 60}Co γ-ray source. The CISs are produced by 0.18-μm CMOS technology and the pixel architecture is 8T global shutter pixel with correlated double sampling (CDS) based on a 4T PPD front end. The parameters of CISs such as temporal domain, spatial domain, and spectral domain are measured at the CIS test system as the EMVA 1288 standard before and after irradiation. The dark current, random noise, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), photo responsemore » non-uniformity (PRNU), overall system gain, saturation output, dynamic range (DR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), quantum efficiency (QE), and responsivity versus the TID are reported. The behaviors of the tested CISs show remarkable degradations after radiation. The degradation mechanisms of CISs induced by TID damage are also analyzed.« less

A Multi-Mode Blade Damping Control using Shunted Piezoelectric Transducers with Active Feedback Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Benjamin; Morrison, Carlos; Min, James

2009-01-01

The Structural Dynamics and. Mechanics branch (RXS) is developing smart adaptive structures to improve fan blade damping at resonances using piezoelectric (PE) transducers. In this presentation, only one shunted PE transducer was used to demonstrate active control of multi-mode blade resonance damping on a titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V) flat plate model, regardless of bending, torsion, and 2-stripe modes. This work would have a significant impact on the conventional passive shunt damping world because the standard feedback control design tools can now be used to design and implement electric shunt for vibration control. In other words, the passive shunt circuit components using massive inductors and. resistors for multi-mode resonance control can be replaced with digital codes. Furthermore, this active approach with multi patches can simultaneously control several modes in the engine operating range. Dr. Benjamin Choi presented the analytical and experimental results from this work at the Propulsion-Safety and. Affordable Readiness (P-SAR) Conference in March, 2009.

Characterization of total ionizing dose damage in COTS pinned photodiode CMOS image sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zujun; Ma, Wuying; Huang, Shaoyan; Yao, Zhibin; Liu, Minbo; He, Baoping; Liu, Jing; Sheng, Jiangkun; Xue, Yuan

2016-03-01

The characterization of total ionizing dose (TID) damage in COTS pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensors (CISs) is investigated. The radiation experiments are carried out at a 60Co γ-ray source. The CISs are produced by 0.18-μm CMOS technology and the pixel architecture is 8T global shutter pixel with correlated double sampling (CDS) based on a 4T PPD front end. The parameters of CISs such as temporal domain, spatial domain, and spectral domain are measured at the CIS test system as the EMVA 1288 standard before and after irradiation. The dark current, random noise, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), photo response non-uniformity (PRNU), overall system gain, saturation output, dynamic range (DR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), quantum efficiency (QE), and responsivity versus the TID are reported. The behaviors of the tested CISs show remarkable degradations after radiation. The degradation mechanisms of CISs induced by TID damage are also analyzed.

CONFERENCE NOTE: Comité Consultatif pour la Masse et les grandeurs apparentées (CCM), High Pressure and Medium Pressure Working Groups, Second International Seminar on Pressure Metrology from 1 kPa to 1 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-01-01

The seminar will be held from 2 to 4 June 1993, preceding the next meeting of the CCM, at the Laboratoire National d'Essais (LNE), 1 rue Gaston Boissier, 75015 Paris, France. Scope of the Seminar The purpose of the seminar is to review the state of the art of pressure measurements in the 1 kPa to 1 GPa range and to present original and innovative contributions from standards laboratories and industry. Main Topics The seminar will be organized in six sessions as follows: Liquid-column manometers Piston gauge pressure standards Properties of liquids and gases relevant to pressure metrology Pressure transducers and transfer standards Pressure standard comparison (methods and results) Dynamic pressure measurements. Each topic will be introduced by a review paper presented by a session chairman. A final session, coordinated by Dr G F Molinar (IMGC), Chairman of the CCM High Pressure Working Group, and Dr P Stuart (NPL), Chairman of the CCM Medium Pressure Working Group, will deal with: Actual limits of accuracy of static pressure measurements in fluid media Fundamental problems in pressure metrology between I kPa and 1 GPa. Call for Papers Papers should be prepared for oral presentation and will be refereed by the session chairmen. The Proceedings will be published as a special issue of Metrologia. Papers should be written according to the instructions for authors printed on the inside back cover of this journal. A one-page abstract should be sent to Dr Molinar at the IMGC, to arrive before 31 January 1993. A participation fee of 900 FFr (175 US) will be charged. This will cover general expenses and a copy of the Proceedings. Hotel reservations, meals and transport are not included. Organizers For further information please contact: 1993 CCM Pressure Seminar, Dr G F Molinar, Istituto di Metrologia "G Colonnetti", Strada delle Cacce 73, 1-10135 Torino, Italy telephone (39) 11 39771; telex 212209 IMGCTO-I; fax (39) 11 346761. Contact at the LNE: J C Legras, telephone (33) 1 40433700; fax (33) 1 40433737. Scientific Committee The following are responsible for the preparation of the seminar programme: J Bonhoure, BIPM, France V Borovkov, VNIIFTRI, Russia C Ehrlich, NIST, USA J Jäger, PTB, Germany J C Legras, LNE, France G F Molinar, IMGC, Italy P Stuart, NPL, UK C Tilford, NIST, USA S Yamamoto, NRLM, Japan R Wisniewski, Warsaw Univ. of Tech., Poland

ARC-2009-ACD09-0086-7

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-20

Dr. Peter Schultz, Brown University at NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range Facility during running of tests simulating LCROSS impact debris in preparaton for the real thing on October 9, 2009 when LCROSS impact the Moon southpole in search of hidden water.

ARC-2009-ACD09-0086-3

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-19

Dr. Peter Schultz, Brown University at NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range Facility during running of tests simulating LCROSS impact debris in preparaton for the real thing on October 9, 2009 when LCROSS impact the Moon southpole in search of hidden water.

ARC-2009-ACD09-0086-1

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-19

Dr. Peter Schultz, Brown University at NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range Facility during running of tests simulating LCROSS impact debris in preparaton for the real thing on October 9, 2009 when LCROSS impact the Moon southpole in search of hidden water.

479 N Columbus Dr, March 2012, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

field gamma measurements did not exceed the respective field instrument threshold values previously stated and ranged from aminimum of 4,500 cpm unshielded to a maximum of 5,700 cpm shielded in the bottom of the excavation.

From Skeptic to Vital Partner in Massage Therapy Research: an Interview with Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD.

PubMed

Kennedy, Ann Blair

2018-06-01

Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD is a highly accomplished researcher, academician, and clinician. Dr. Rapaport has more than 180 publications, and his main research interests include biologic genesis of anxiety disorders, as well as immunity abnormalities and depression in mood disorders. His research investigating massage therapy has included study of inflammatory biomarkers, cancer related fatigue, and generalized anxiety disorder. He has created a successful partnership with the Atlanta School of Massage for the implementation of his research inquiry. Dr. Rapaport discusses with us a wide range of topics on massage therapy, including from where his inspiration for research comes.

Radial Distribution of Stellar Motions in Gaia DR2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawata, Daisuke; Baba, Junichi; Ciucǎ, Ioana; Cropper, Mark; Grand, Robert J. J.; Hunt, Jason A. S.; Seabroke, George

2018-06-01

By taking advantage of the superb measurements of position and velocity for an unprecedented large number of stars provided in Gaia DR2, we have generated the first maps of the rotation velocity, Vrot, and vertical velocity, Vz, distributions as a function of the Galactocentric radius, Rgal, across a radial range of 5 < Rgal < 12 kpc. In the R - Vrot map, we have identified many diagonal ridge features, which are compared with the location of the spiral arms and the expected outer Lindblad resonance of the Galactic bar. We have detected also radial wave-like oscillations of the peak of the vertical velocity distribution.

VIP’s onboard NASA's DC-8 aircraft during the AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica campaign

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-03

VIP’s onboard NASA's DC-8 aircraft during the AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica campaign, L-R: Mr. John Danilovich, US Ambassador to Costa Rica; Dr. Gahssem Asrar, NASA Associate Administrator for Earth Science Enterprises; Dr. Sonia Marta Mora, President of the Costa Rican National Rector’s Council; and Fernando Gutierrez, Costa Rican Minister of Science and Technology(MICIT). AirSAR 2004 Mesoamerica is a three-week expedition by an international team of scientists that will use an all-weather imaging tool, called the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AirSAR), in a mission ranging from the tropical rain forests of Central America to frigid Antarctica.

A Sounding Rocket Investigation of the Fine Structure in the Mesopause Region in Conjunction with High Spatial Resolution Lidar Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larsen, M. F.

2003-01-01

The grant funds were provided to carry out chemical tracer wind and turbulence measurements in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere as part of the Turbulent Oxygen Mixing Experiment (TOMEX) for which Dr. James Hecht of the Aerospace Corp. was the Principal Investigator. Clemson University designed, built, and tested two chemical tracer release payload sections for the 21.126 and 21.127 payloads which, in addition, had photometer and ionization gauge instrumentation. The tracer chemical was trimethyl aluminum (TMA). The experiment was carried out at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on October 26,2000. The location was chosen because of the proximity to the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) which hosted the powerful University of Illinois sodium lidar for an extended period prior to and also during the launch window. Since the SOR telescope is fully steerable, lidar measurements in the same volume sampled by the rocket were possible. The primary objective of the experiment was to measure the turbulent diffusion and mixing in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, especially in layers characterized by convective and/or dynamical instabilities. The lidar, which is capable of measuring the sodium density, temperatures, and winds with good range and time resolution, provided the launch criteria, as well as context measurements for the in situ rocket observations.

Index of Oral Histories Relating to Naval Research and Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

Repositories: NWC, DTNSRDC, NHC Individuals mentioned: Amlie, Dr. Thomas S. LaBerge , Dr. Walter McLean, Dr. William B. Parsons, RADM William S. Smith...future of R&D in the Navy. Repositories: NWC, DTNSRDC, NHC Individuals mentioned: Bennett, Dr. Ira Hollingsworth, Dr. Guilford L. LaBerge , Dr. Walter...DTNSRDC, NHC Individuals mentioned: Hunter, Dr. Hugh LaBerge . Dr. Walter McLean, Dr. William B. Brode, Dr. Wallace C. Sage, Dr. Bruce Wilson, Dr. Haskell

Getting Connected: Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Enhance Community College Student Success. The Claremont Letter. Volume 6, Issue 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rios-Aguilar, Cecilia

2012-01-01

While higher education institutions seem to be utilizing social media more and more, there still exist enormous challenges in trying to understand the new dynamics generated by social media in higher education, particularly for the context of community colleges. In March 2011, the author and her colleague Dr. Regina Deil-Amen (Associate Professor…

Hydrodynamic Noise from Flexible Roughness Elements

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-29

Virginia Tech (Dr. William Devenport and graduate student Ian Clark) continue to carry out experimental work to test the developed trailing-edge and...work to take into account dynamic motions of the fiber and finite distances between fibers for more realistic aeroacoustic models of its turbulence...pressure levels which result from introduction of the fabric covering. First, Fig. 5 plots the decibel reduction in the experimental surface pressure

Airborne Network Optimization with Dynamic Network Update

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

Faculty Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate School of Engineering and Management Air Force Institute of Technology Air University...Member Dr. Barry E. Mullins Member AFIT-ENG-MS-15-M-030 Abstract Modern networks employ congestion and routing management algorithms that can perform...airborne networks. Intelligent agents can make use of Kalman filter predictions to make informed decisions to manage communication in airborne networks. The

Monitoring Prepregs As They Cure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, P. R.; Gleason, J. R.; Chang, A. C.

1986-01-01

Quality IR spectra obtained in dynamic heating environment. New technique obtains quality infrared spectra on graphite-fiber-reinforced, polymeric-matrix-resin prepregs as they cure. Technique resulted from modification of diffuse reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (DR/FTIR) technique previously used to analyze environmentally exposed cured graphite composites. Technique contribute to better understanding of prepreg chemistry/temperature relationships and development of more efficient processing cycles for advanced materials.

Human radiation studies: Remembering the early years. Oral history of biochemist John Randolph Totter, Ph.D., January 23, 1995

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

NONE

1995-09-01

This document is a transcript of an interview of Dr. John Randolph Tottler by representatives of the US DOE Office of Human Radiation Experiments. Dr. Tottler was selected for this interview because of his career with the Atomic Energy Commission Division of Biology and Medicine (DBM), particularly as its director from 1967 to 1972. After a short biographical sketch Dr. Tottler discusses his remembrances on a wide range topics including nucleic acid and leukemia research at Oak Ridge, AEC biochemistry training in South America, DBM`s research focus on radiation effects, early leadership of DBM, relations with the US Public Healthmore » Service, controversies on low-level radiation, iodine from fallout, on John Gofman, and Project Plowshare, funding for AEC Research Programs and for international research, testicular irradiation of prisoners in Washington State and Oregon, Plutonium injections, ethics of government radiation research, and opinions of public misperceptions about radiation and cancer.« less

A comparison between digital radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance in the detection of gunshot residues in burnt tissues and bone.

PubMed

Amadasi, Alberto; Borgonovo, Simone; Brandone, Alberto; Di Giancamillo, Mauro; Cattaneo, Cristina

2014-05-01

The radiological search for GSR is crucial in burnt material although it has been rarely tested. In this study, thirty-one bovine ribs were shot at near-contact range and burnt to calcination in an oven simulating a real combustion. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) were performed before and after carbonization and compared with former analyses with DR (digital radiography); thus comparing the assistance, the radiological methods can provide in the search for GSR in fresh and burnt bone. DR demonstrated the greatest ability in the detection of metallic residues, CT showed lower abilities, while MR showed a high sensitivity only in soft tissues. Thus, DR can be considered as the most sensitive method in the detection of GSR in charred bones, whereas CT and MR demonstrated much less reliability. Nonetheless, the MR ameliorates the analysis of gunshot wounds in other types of remains with large quantities of soft tissues. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Interview: Investigating immunomodulators among the Actinomycetales. Interview by Hannah Wilson.

PubMed

Stanford, John L

2013-05-01

John L Stanford speaks to Hannah Wilson, Assistant Commissioning Editor John L Stanford is Chief Scientific Officer at BioEos Ltd (Kent, UK). Dr Stanford began his career as a senior lecturer and then reader in microbiology at Middlesex Hospital Medical School (London, UK), then University College London Medical School, where he became Professor in Medical Microbiology and Head of Department in 1997. He retired and became Professor Emeritus in 2004. Dr Stanford's career has been devoted to research into mycobacteria, the diseases that they cause and the practical uses of this research. His special interest in recent years has been the development of bacterial immunotherapeutics for a range of diseases including tuberculosis and cancer. Dr Stanford was one of the founding directors of Stanford Rook Ltd (London) and of BioEos Ltd, where he remains a director. He also played a part in the founding of Immodulon Therapeutics Ltd (London) and of a new company, ActinoPharma Ltd (London), and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

High pressure adsorption isotherms of nitrogen onto granular activated carbon for a single bed pressure swing adsorption refrigeration system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palodkar, Avinash V.; Anupam, Kumar; Roy, Zunipa; Saha, B. B.; Halder, G. N.

2017-10-01

Adsorption characteristics of nitrogen onto granular activated carbon for the wide range of temperature (303-323 K) and pressure (0.2027-2.0265 MPa) have been reported for a single bed pressure swing adsorption refrigeration system. The experimental data were fitted to Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms. The Langmuir and D-R isotherm models were found appropriate in correlating experimental adsorption data with an average relative error of ±2.0541% and ±0.6659% respectively. The isosteric heat of adsorption data were estimated as a function of surface coverage of nitrogen and temperature using D-R isotherm. The heat of adsorption was observed to decrease from 12.65 to 6.98 kJ.mol-1 with an increase in surface concentration at 303 K and it followed the same pattern for other temperatures. It was found that an increase in temperature enhances the magnitude of the heat of adsorption.

Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) Quarterly Report Fourth Quarter FY-13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, William; Crawford, Winifred; Watson, Leela; Shafer, Jaclyn; Huddleston, Lisa

2013-01-01

Ms. Shafer completed the task to determine relationships between pressure gradients and peak winds at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), and began developing a climatology for the VAFB wind towers; Dr. Huddleston completed the task to develop a tool to help forecast the time of the first lightning strike of the day in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC)/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) area; Dr. Bauman completed work on a severe weather forecast tool focused on the Eastern Range (ER), and also developed upper-winds analysis tools for VAFB and Wallops Fl ight Facility (WFF); Ms. Crawford processed and displayed radar data in the software she will use to create a dual-Doppler analysis over the east-central Florida and KSC/CCAFS areas; Mr. Decker completed developing a wind pairs database for the Launch Services Program to use when evaluating upper-level winds for launch vehicles; Dr. Watson continued work to assimilate observational data into the high-resolution model configurations she created for WFF and the ER.

Delayed-rectifier K channels contribute to contrast adaptation in mammalian retinal ganglion cells.

PubMed

Weick, Michael; Demb, Jonathan B

2011-07-14

Retinal ganglion cells adapt by reducing their sensitivity during periods of high contrast. Contrast adaptation in the firing response depends on both presynaptic and intrinsic mechanisms. Here, we investigated intrinsic mechanisms for contrast adaptation in OFF Alpha ganglion cells in the in vitro guinea pig retina. Using either visual stimulation or current injection, we show that brief depolarization evoked spiking and suppressed firing during subsequent depolarization. The suppression could be explained by Na channel inactivation, as shown in salamander cells. However, brief hyperpolarization in the physiological range (5-10 mV) also suppressed firing during subsequent depolarization. This suppression was selectively sensitive to blockers of delayed-rectifier K channels (K(DR)). In somatic membrane patches, we observed tetraethylammonium-sensitive K(DR) currents that activated near -25 mV. Recovery from inactivation occurred at potentials hyperpolarized to V(rest). Brief periods of hyperpolarization apparently remove K(DR) inactivation and thereby increase the channel pool available to suppress excitability during subsequent depolarization. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

222 North Columbus Dr., August 2010, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The field gamma measurements within the excavation andthe spoil materials generated during the excavation process did not exceed the respective thresholdvalues previously stated and ranged from a minimum of 2,200 cpm to a maximum of 3,500 cpm.

200 N Columbus Dr, August 2010, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The field gamma measurements within the excavation andthe spoil materials generated during the excavation process did not exceed the respective thresholdvalues previously stated and ranged from a minimum of 2,500 cpm to a maximum of 3,300 cpm.

Hysteresis losses and specific absorption rate measurements in magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications.

PubMed

Coïsson, Marco; Barrera, Gabriele; Celegato, Federica; Martino, Luca; Kane, Shashank N; Raghuvanshi, Saroj; Vinai, Franco; Tiberto, Paola

2017-06-01

Magnetic hysteresis loops areas and hyperthermia on magnetic nanoparticles have been studied with the aim of providing reliable and reproducible methods of measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with two different mean sizes, and Ni 1-x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 ferrites with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 has been measured with three approaches: static hysteresis loops areas, dynamic hysteresis loops areas and hyperthermia of a water solution. For dynamic loops and thermometric measurements, specific experimental setups have been developed, that operate at comparable frequencies (≈ 69kHz and ≈ 100kHz respectively) and rf magnetic field peak values (up to 100mT). The hyperthermia setup has been fully modelled to provide a direct measurement of the SAR of the magnetic nanoparticles by taking into account the heat exchange with the surrounding environment in non-adiabatic conditions and the parasitic heating of the water due to ionic currents. Dynamic hysteresis loops are shown to provide an accurate determination of the SAR except for superparamagnetic samples, where the boundary with a blocked regime could be crossed in dynamic conditions. Static hysteresis loops consistently underestimate the specific absorption rate but can be used to select the most promising samples. A means of reliably measure SAR of magnetic nanoparticles by different approaches for hyperthermia applications is presented and its validity discussed by comparing different methods. This work fits within the general subject of metrological traceability in medicine with a specific focus on magnetic hyperthermia. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Recent Advances in Bionanomaterials" Guest Editor: Dr. Marie-Louise Saboungi and Dr. Samuel D. Bader. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Void Growth and Coalescence in Dynamic Fracture of FCC and BCC Metals - Molecular Dynamics Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seppälä, Eira

2004-03-01

In dynamic fracture of ductile metals, the state of tension causes the nucleation of voids, typically from inclusions or grain boundary junctions, which grow and ultimately coalesce to form the fracture surface. Significant plastic deformation occurs in the process, including dislocations emitted to accommodate the growing voids. We have studied at the atomistic scale growth and coalescence processes of voids with concomitant dislocation formation. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of one and two pre-existing spherical voids initially a few nanometers in radius have been performed in single-crystal face-centered-cubic (FCC) and body-centered-cubic (BCC) lattices under dilational strain with high strain-rates. Million atom simulations of single void growth have been done to study the effect of stress triaxiality,^1 along with strain rate and lattice-structure dependence. An interesting prolate-to-oblate transition in the void shape in uniaxial expansion has been observed and quantitatively analyzed. The simulations also confirm that the plastic strain results directly from the void growth. Interaction and coalescence between two voids have been studied utilizing a parallel MD code in a seven million atom system. In particular, the movement of centers of the voids, linking of the voids, and the shape changes in vicinity of the other void are studied. Also the critical intervoid ligament distance after which the voids can be treated independently has been searched. ^1 E. T. Seppälä, J. Belak, and R. E. Rudd, cond-mat/0310541, submitted to Phys. Rev. B. Acknowledgment: This work was done in collaboration with Dr. James Belak and Dr. Robert E. Rudd, LLNL. It was performed under the auspices of the US Dept. of Energy at the Univ. of Cal./Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract no. W-7405-Eng-48.

Dr Jekels' health resort in Bystra near Bielsko: the first treatment centre which adopted psychoanalysis in Poland.

PubMed

Dembińska, Edyta; Rutkowski, Krzysztof

2017-08-29

The paper sets out to present the history of a health resort and hydrotherapy centre in Bystra near Bielsko from 1898 to 1912. At that time Dr Ludwik Jekels, one of the Polish psychoanalysis forerunners, was the owner of the centre. Initially, Dr Jekels was very enthusiastic about climatic treatment and hydrotherapy, until 1905 when he got interested in psychoanalysis. Shortly afterwards he became its staunch supporter and adopted it as a curative procedure in his health resort. That was the first documented case of psychoanalysis use in Poland. This paper presents the development of the therapeutic centre in Bystra and the characteristic of typical patients receiving treatment there. It also briefly reports on medical histories of the conditions of patients who received psychoanalytic treatment. The paper also focuses on another significant area of Dr Jekels'contact with Sigmund Freud ranging from an accidental meeting in Vienna around 1898, through the summer of 1910 when Jekels looked after Freud's daughters in his spa, to 1912 which saw Jekels'receiving psychoanalytic treatment from Freud. It also presents a detailed analysis of hypotheses why Jekels decided to sell the health resort and move to Vienna. Finally, the significance of Jekels'currently underrated therapeutic work for the development of the Polish psychoanalysis is reiterated.

Committee for International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Research (ICMER 2011)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusoff, Ahmad Razlan Bin

2012-09-01

Scientific Advisory Committee: 1) Prof. Dr. Ahmad Kamal Ariffin (UKM) 2) Prof. Dr. Hj. Rosli Abu Bakar (UMP) 3) Prof. Dr. Hanafi Ismail (USM) 4) Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Jailani Mohd Nor (MoHE) 5) Prof. Dr. Zahari Taha (UMP) 6) Prof. Dr. Masjuki Haji Hassan 7) Prof. Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh (UNITEN) 8) Prof. Dr. Razali Ayob (UTEM) 9) Prof. Dr. Wan Khairuddin (UTM) 10) Prof. Dr. Sulaiman Hj. Hasan (UTHM) 11) Prof. Dr. Zuraidah Mohd. Zain (UniMAP) 12) Prof. Dr. Horizon Gitano (USM) 13) Prof. Dr. K.V Sharma (UMP) 14) Prof. Dr. Shahrani Anuar (UMP) 15) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abd Rashid Abd. Aziz (UTP) 16) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aidy Ali (UPM) 17) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saidur Rahman (UM) 18) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md Abdul Maleque (UIA) Organizing Committee Chairman: Prof. Dr. Hj. Rosli Abu Bakar Co-Chair: Prof. Dr. Zahari Taha Co-Chair: Prof. Ir. Dr. Jailani Salihon Secretary: Dr. Rizalman Mamat Committee on Keynote Speaker 1) Kumaran Kadirgama (Chair) 2) Prof. Dr. K.V. Sharma 3) Haji Amirruddin Abdul Kadir 4) Miminorazeansuhaila Loman 5) Mohd Akramin Mohd Romlay Technical Committee (Peer Review & Proceedings) 1) Dr. Abdul Adam Abdullah (Chair) 2) Dr. Ahmad Razlan Yusoff 3) Mohd Yusof Taib 4) Dr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman 5) Dr. Hjh. Yusnita Rahayu 6) Dr. Gigih Priyandoko 7) Dr. Agung Sudrajad 8) Muhammad Hatifi Mansor 9) Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahim Technical Committee (Panels & Session Chairs) 1) Dr. Mahadzir Ishak (Chair) 2) Prof. Dr. Shahrani Anuar 3) Dr. Maisara Mohyeldin Gasim Mohamed 4) Muhammad Ammar Nik Mu'tasim 5) Ahmad Basirul Subha bin Alias Technical Committee (Journal Publication) 1) Dr. Ahmad Razlan bin Yusoff (Chair) 2) Mohd Yusof Taib 3) Dr. Mahadzir Ishak 4) Dr. Abdul Adam Abdullah 5) Hj. Amirruddin Abdul Kadir 6) Hadi Abdul Salaam Bureau of Publicity & Website 1) Dr. Muhamad Arifpin Mansor (Chair) 2) Amir Abdul Razak 3) Idris Mat Sahat 4) Prof. Dr. Hj. Rosli Abu Bakar 5) Muhamad Zuhairi Sulaiman 6) Dr. Sugeng Ariyono 7) Asnul Hadi Ahmad 8) Mohd Tarmizy Che Kar 9) Mohd Padzly Radzi Bureau of Special Task & Poster 1) Lee Giok Chui (Chair) 2) Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahim 3) Che Ku Eddy Nizwan 4) Hazami Che Hussain 5) Mohd Fazli Ismail 6) Mahdhir Mohd Yusof 7) Mohd Padzly Radzi 8) Rahimah Che Ramli Secretariats 1) Ir. Ahmad Rasdan Ismail (Chair) 2) Mohd Shahri Mohd Akhir 3) Luqman Hakim Ahmad Shah 4) Juliawati Alias 5) Nurazima Ismail 6) Mohamad Faizal Mohamed Zahri 7) Raja Allen Jordan Izzuddin Shah 8) Rosidah Mohd Norsat 9) Norshalawati Mat Yusof 10) Zainab Daud 11) Nur Sufiah Jamaludin 12) Azslinda Ibrahim 13) Nurul Azreen Zainal Abidin 14) Nurul Ashikin Mohd Khalil 15) Mohd Zaki Mohd Ali

En Face Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography Measurement of Total Retinal Blood Flow in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

PubMed Central

Lee, ByungKun; Novais, Eduardo A.; Waheed, Nadia K.; Adhi, Mehreen; de Carlo, Talisa E.; Cole, Emily D.; Moult, Eric M.; Choi, WooJhon; Lane, Mark; Baumal, Caroline R.; Duker, Jay S.; Fujimoto, James G.

2018-01-01

IMPORTANCE Alterations in ocular blood flow play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the measurement of retinal blood flow in clinical studies has been challenging. En face Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an effective method for measuring total retinal blood flow (TRBF) in the clinic. OBJECTIVE To investigate TRBF in eyes with DR of varying severity, with or without diabetic macular edema (DME), using en face Doppler OCT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May 23, 2014, to January 11, 2016, which analyzed 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients, 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients, and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls, all at the New England Eye Center in Boston, Massachusetts. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants were imaged with a high-speed, swept-source OCT prototype at 1050-nm wavelength using repeated en face Doppler OCT raster scans, comprising 600 × 80 axial scans and covering a 1.5 × 2-mm2 area centered at the optic disc. The TRBF was automatically calculated using custom Matlab software. RESULTS This study included 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 62.8 [13.4] years; 12 were female patients), 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 58.8 [10.1] years; 5 were female patients), and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls (mean [SD] age, 57.9 [8.1] years; 8 were female participants). The mean (SD) TRBF was 28.0 (8.5) μL/min in the eyes with DME, 48.8 (13.4) μL/min in the eyes with DR but without DME, 40.1 (7.7) μL/min in the diabetic eyes without retinopathy, and 44.4 (8.3) μL/min in age-matched healthy eyes. A difference in TRBF between the eyes with DME that were treated and the eyes with DME that were not treated was not identified. The TRBF was consistently low in the eyes with DME regardless of DR severity. The eyes with moderate nonproliferative DR but without DME exhibited a wide range of TRBF from 31.1 to 75.0 μL/min, with the distribution being highly skewed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE High-speed en face Doppler OCT can measure TRBF in healthy and diabetic eyes. Diabetic eyes with DME exhibited lower TRBF than healthy eyes (P ≤ .001). Further longitudinal studies of TRBF in eyes with DR would be helpful to determine whether reduced TRBF is a risk factor for DME. PMID:28196198

Expression Analysis of Dopamine Receptor Subtypes in Normal Human Pituitaries, Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas and Somatotropinomas, and the Association between Dopamine and Somatostatin Receptors with Clinical Response to Octreotide-LAR in Acromegaly

PubMed Central

Neto, Leonardo Vieira; Machado, Evelyn de O.; Luque, Raul M.; Taboada, Giselle F.; Marcondes, Jorge B.; Chimelli, Leila M. C.; Quintella, Leonardo Pereira; Niemeyer, Paulo; de Carvalho, Denise P.; Kineman, Rhonda D.; Gadelha, Mônica R.

2009-01-01

Context: Dopamine receptor (DR) and somatostatin receptor subtype expression in pituitary adenomas may predict the response to postsurgical therapies. Objectives: Our objectives were to assess and compare the mRNA levels of DR1-5 and somatostatin receptors 1–5 in normal pituitaries (NPs), nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), and somatotropinomas. In addition, we determined whether the level of DR expression correlates with the in vivo response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients. Design and Patients: Eight NPs, 30 NFPAs, and 39 somatotropinomas were analyzed for receptor mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR. The DR2 short variant was estimated as the DR2 long/DR2 total (DR2T). The relationship between DR expression and the postsurgical response to octreotide-LAR was assessed in 19 of the acromegalic patients. Results: DR3 was not detected. The relationship between expression levels of DR subtypes in NPs and somatotropinomas was DR2T⋙DR4≫DR5>DR1, whereas in NFPAs, DR2T⋙DR4≫DR1>DR5. The DR2 short variant was the predominant DR2 variant in the majority of samples. In acromegalics treated with octreotide-LAR, DR1 was negatively correlated with percent GH reduction (3 months: r = −0.67, P = 0.002; and 6 months: r = −0.58, P = 0.009), and DR5 was positively correlated with percent IGF-I reduction (3 months: r = 0.55, P = 0.01; and 6 months: r = 0.47, P = 0.04). Conclusions: DR2 is the predominant DR subtype in NPs, NFPAs, and somatotropinomas. The fact that DR1, DR4, and DR5 are also expressed in many adenomas tested suggests that these receptors might also play a role in the therapeutic impact of postsurgical medical therapies in patients with NFPA and acromegaly. This was supported by the finding that the in vivo response to octreotide-LAR was negatively associated with DR1 and positively associated with DR5. PMID:19293270

An optical catalog of galaxy clusters obtained from an adaptive matched filter finder applied to SDSS DR9 data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, P.; Szabo, T.; Pierpaoli, E.; Franco, G.; Ortiz, M.; Oramas, A.; Tornello, B.

2018-01-01

We present a new galaxy cluster catalog constructed from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 9 (SDSS DR9) using an Adaptive Matched Filter (AMF) technique. Our catalog has 46,479 galaxy clusters with richness Λ200 > 20 in the redshift range 0.045 ≤ z < 0.641 in ∼11,500 deg2 of the sky. Angular position, richness, core and virial radii and redshift estimates for these clusters, as well as their error analysis, are provided as part of this catalog. In addition to the main version of the catalog, we also provide an extended version with a lower richness cut, containing 79,368 clusters. This version, in addition to the clusters in the main catalog, also contains those clusters (with richness 10 < Λ200 < 20) which have a one-to-one match in the DR8 catalog developed by Wen et al.(WHL). We obtain probabilities for cluster membership for each galaxy and implement several procedures for the identification and removal of false cluster detections. We cross-correlate the main AMF DR9 catalog with a number of cluster catalogs in different wavebands (Optical, X-ray). We compare our catalog with other SDSS-based ones such as the redMaPPer (26,350 clusters) and the Wen et al. (WHL) (132,684 clusters) in the same area of the sky and in the overlapping redshift range. We match 97% of the richest Abell clusters (Richness group 3), the same as WHL, while redMaPPer matches ∼ 90% of these clusters. Considering AMF DR9 richness bins, redMaPPer does not have one-to-one matches for 70% of our lowest richness clusters (20 < Λ200 < 40), while WHL matches 54% of these missed clusters (not present in redMaPPer). redMaPPer consistently does not possess one-to-one matches for ∼ 20% AMF DR9 clusters with Λ200 > 40, while WHL matches ≥ 70% of these missed clusters on average. For comparisons with X-ray clusters, we match the AMF catalog with BAX, MCXC and a combined catalog from NORAS and REFLEX. We consistently obtain a greater number of one-to-one matches for X-ray clusters across higher luminosity bins (Lx > 6 × 1044 ergs/sec) than redMaPPer while WHL matches the most clusters overall. For the most luminous clusters (Lx > 8), our catalog performs equivalently to WHL. This new catalog provides a wider sample than redMaPPer while retaining many fewer objects than WHL.

Risk of Pediatric Celiac Disease According to HLA Haplotype and Country

PubMed Central

Liu, Edwin; Lee, Hye-Seung; Aronsson, Carin A.; Hagopian, William A.; Koletzko, Sibylle; Rewers, Marian J.; Eisenbarth, George S.; Bingley, Polly J.; Bonifacio, Ezio; Simell, Ville; Agardh, Daniel

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND The presence of HLA haplotype DR3–DQ2 or DR4–DQ8 is associated with an increased risk of celiac disease. In addition, nearly all children with celiac disease have serum antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG). METHODS We studied 6403 children with HLA haplotype DR3–DQ2 or DR4–DQ8 prospectively from birth in the United States, Finland, Germany, and Sweden. The primary end point was the development of celiac disease autoimmunity, which was defined as the presence of tTG antibodies on two consecutive tests at least 3 months apart. The secondary end point was the development of celiac disease, which was defined for the purpose of this study as either a diagnosis on biopsy or persistently high levels of tTG antibodies. RESULTS The median follow-up was 60 months (interquartile range, 46 to 77). Celiac disease autoimmunity developed in 786 children (12%). Of the 350 children who underwent biopsy, 291 had confirmed celiac disease; an additional 21 children who did not undergo biopsy had persistently high levels of tTG antibodies. The risks of celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease by the age of 5 years were 11% and 3%, respectively, among children with a single DR3–DQ2 haplotype, and 26% and 11%, respectively, among those with two copies (DR3–DQ2 homozygosity). In the adjusted model, the hazard ratios for celiac disease autoimmunity were 2.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70 to 2.56) among heterozygotes and 5.70 (95% CI, 4.66 to 6.97) among homozygotes, as compared with children who had the lowest-risk genotypes (DR4–DQ8 heterozygotes or homozygotes). Residence in Sweden was also independently associated with an increased risk of celiac disease autoimmunity (hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.25). CONCLUSIONS Children with the HLA haplotype DR3–DQ2, especially homozygotes, were found to be at high risk for celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease early in childhood. The higher risk in Sweden than in other countries highlights the importance of studying environmental factors associated with celiac disease. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others.) PMID:24988556

Risk of pediatric celiac disease according to HLA haplotype and country.

PubMed

Liu, Edwin; Lee, Hye-Seung; Aronsson, Carin A; Hagopian, William A; Koletzko, Sibylle; Rewers, Marian J; Eisenbarth, George S; Bingley, Polly J; Bonifacio, Ezio; Simell, Ville; Agardh, Daniel

2014-07-03

The presence of HLA haplotype DR3-DQ2 or DR4-DQ8 is associated with an increased risk of celiac disease. In addition, nearly all children with celiac disease have serum antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG). We studied 6403 children with HLA haplotype DR3-DQ2 or DR4-DQ8 prospectively from birth in the United States, Finland, Germany, and Sweden. The primary end point was the development of celiac disease autoimmunity, which was defined as the presence of tTG antibodies on two consecutive tests at least 3 months apart. The secondary end point was the development of celiac disease, which was defined for the purpose of this study as either a diagnosis on biopsy or persistently high levels of tTG antibodies. The median follow-up was 60 months (interquartile range, 46 to 77). Celiac disease autoimmunity developed in 786 children (12%). Of the 350 children who underwent biopsy, 291 had confirmed celiac disease; an additional 21 children who did not undergo biopsy had persistently high levels of tTG antibodies. The risks of celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease by the age of 5 years were 11% and 3%, respectively, among children with a single DR3-DQ2 haplotype, and 26% and 11%, respectively, among those with two copies (DR3-DQ2 homozygosity). In the adjusted model, the hazard ratios for celiac disease autoimmunity were 2.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70 to 2.56) among heterozygotes and 5.70 (95% CI, 4.66 to 6.97) among homozygotes, as compared with children who had the lowest-risk genotypes (DR4-DQ8 heterozygotes or homozygotes). Residence in Sweden was also independently associated with an increased risk of celiac disease autoimmunity (hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.25). Children with the HLA haplotype DR3-DQ2, especially homozygotes, were found to be at high risk for celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease early in childhood. The higher risk in Sweden than in other countries highlights the importance of studying environmental factors associated with celiac disease. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others.).

Quantitative evaluation of anatomical noise in chest digital tomosynthesis, digital radiography, and computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, D.; Choi, S.; Lee, H.; Kim, D.; Choi, S.; Kim, H.-J.

2017-04-01

Lung cancer is currently the worldwide leading cause of death from cancer. Thus, detection of lung cancer at its early stages is critical for improving the survival rate of patients. Chest digital tomosynthesis (CDT) is a recently developed imaging modality, combining many advantages of digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT). This method has the potential to be widely used in the clinical setting. In this study, we introduce a developed CDT R/F system and compare its image quality with those of DR and CT, especially with respect to anatomical noise and lung nodule conspicuity, for LUNGMAN phantoms. The developed CDT R/F system consists of a CsI scintillator flat panel detector, X-ray tube, and tomosynthesis data acquisition geometry. For CDT R/F imaging, 41 projections were acquired at different angles, over the ± 20° angular range, in a linear translation geometry. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the CDT R/F system, the acquired images were compared with CT (Philips brilliance CT 64, Philips healthcare, U.S.) and DR (ADR-M, LISTEM, Korea) phantom images in terms of the anatomical noise power spectrum (aNPS). DR images exhibited low conspicuity for a small-size lung nodule, while CDT R/F and CT exhibited relatively high sensitivity for all lung nodule sizes. The aNPS of the CDT R/F system was better than that of DR, by resolving anatomical overlapping problems. In conclusion, the developed CDT R/F system is likely to contribute to early diagnosis of lung cancer, while requiring a relatively low patient dose, compared with CT.

The beneficial effects of dietary restriction on learning are distinct from its effects on longevity and mediated by depletion of a neuroinhibitory metabolite

PubMed Central

Vohra, Mihir; Lemieux, George A.; Lin, Lin

2017-01-01

In species ranging from humans to Caenorhabditis elegans, dietary restriction (DR) grants numerous benefits, including enhanced learning. The precise mechanisms by which DR engenders benefits on processes related to learning remain poorly understood. As a result, it is unclear whether the learning benefits of DR are due to myriad improvements in mechanisms that collectively confer improved cellular health and extension of organismal lifespan or due to specific neural mechanisms. Using an associative learning paradigm in C. elegans, we investigated the effects of DR as well as manipulations of insulin, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and autophagy pathways—processes implicated in longevity—on learning. Despite their effects on a vast number of molecular effectors, we found that the beneficial effects on learning elicited by each of these manipulations are fully dependent on depletion of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroinhibitory metabolite. KYNA depletion then leads, in an N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent manner, to activation of a specific pair of interneurons with a critical role in learning. Thus, fluctuations in KYNA levels emerge as a previously unidentified molecular mechanism linking longevity and metabolic pathways to neural mechanisms of learning. Importantly, KYNA levels did not alter lifespan in any of the conditions tested. As such, the beneficial effects of DR on learning can be attributed to changes in a nutritionally sensitive metabolite with neuromodulatory activity rather than indirect or secondary consequences of improved health and extended longevity. PMID:28763436

323-399 E Lower Wacker Dr., December 2012, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Gamma readings from the remaining trenching activities ranged from a minimum of 4,600 cpm to a maximum of 12,200 cpm unshielded. The value of 12,200 cpm was measured within and at the base of the trench.

EVALUATION OF A PERSONAL NEPHELOMETER FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

Current particulate matter (PM) exposure studies are using continuous personal nephelometers (pDR-1000, MIE, Inc.) to measure human exposure to PM. The personal nephelometer is a passive sampler which uses light scattering technology to measure particles ranging in size from 0....

78 FR 57353 - Endangered Species; File No. 14726

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-18

... gather information on their life-history, genetics, movements, behavior, and diet. Researchers are... from this sampling would help Dr. Witherington determine the trophic history of pelagic neonate and... with the trophic histories would further describe the sea turtles' home range, habitat use, residency...

Toward New Horizons. Volume 10. Explosives and Terminal Ballistics

DTIC Science & Technology

1946-05-01

DuBridge Dr. W. J. Sweeney Dr. Pol Duwez Dr. H. S. Tsien Dr. G. Gamow Dr. G. E. Valley Dr. I. A. Getting Dr. F. L. Wattendorf Dr. L. P. Hammett Dr. F...can be calculated, if the heat quantities for the explosive are known, and some assumptions are made concerning the equation of the state of the

The intersection of discipline and roles: Dr. Pauline Mack's story as an instrumental case study with implications for leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Younkin, Winnifred Gail

Widespread concerns currently exist regarding our nation's ability to attract, educate, and retain talented, diverse individuals in STEM fields. These concerns are exacerbated by globalized competition and critical economic conditions. With these issues in mind, this instrumental case study was designed to examine the life story of Dr. Pauline Beery Mack in order to inform secondary and tertiary educational leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Dr. Mack's life story was written from the interpretive view and analyzed through a number of theoretical frameworks appropriate to understanding the complexity of an individual in time and place: the psychobiosocial model, constructivism, creativity, perspective of the field, and the capstone framework of leadership. Data for the construction of Dr. Mack's life story were obtained from Pennsylvania State University Archives, The Women's Collection at Texas Woman's University (TWU), original publications, news media archives, and other sources. Interviews conducted for TWU's archives and interviews conducted by the author provided personal insight into Dr. Mack's life and work. Dr. Mack (1891-1974) lived, learned, created, and taught in a STEM arena that was predominately male. She pursued research with zeal, and was highly adept in attracting jobs, funding, students, and the right people to get the jobs done. Her longitudinal nutrition research, based on a methodology she invented, was innovative in its scope and scale. She served as an advocate for consumers, the undernourished, women, and minorities. Along the way, she changed perceptions of what women could accomplish. Bone density, school lunches, Victory Gardens, flammability, textile industry scandal, and space travel. Dr. Mack with her insatiable need to know was involved in it all. Her multiplicity of roles and contexts yielded a rich and complex life from which to draw implications for educational leadership in secondary and tertiary STEM fields. Implications for educational leadership in secondary and tertiary STEM fields that emerged from this study, relating to both affective and academic spheres, range from STEM valuing, discipline-related expertise, divergence value modeling, and expectations. Among the other implications addressed are levels of thinking, scaffolding for attribute development, and working on the work.

Validation of automated screening for referable diabetic retinopathy with the IDx-DR device in the Hoorn Diabetes Care System.

PubMed

van der Heijden, Amber A; Abramoff, Michael D; Verbraak, Frank; van Hecke, Manon V; Liem, Albert; Nijpels, Giel

2018-02-01

To increase the efficiency of retinal image grading, algorithms for automated grading have been developed, such as the IDx-DR 2.0 device. We aimed to determine the ability of this device, incorporated in clinical work flow, to detect retinopathy in persons with type 2 diabetes. Retinal images of persons treated by the Hoorn Diabetes Care System (DCS) were graded by the IDx-DR device and independently by three retinal specialists using the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy severity scale (ICDR) and EURODIAB criteria. Agreement between specialists was calculated. Results of the IDx-DR device and experts were compared using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), distinguishing between referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) and vision-threatening retinopathy (VTDR). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated. Of the included 1415 persons, 898 (63.5%) had images of sufficient quality according to the experts and the IDx-DR device. Referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) was diagnosed in 22 persons (2.4%) using EURODIAB and 73 persons (8.1%) using ICDR classification. Specific intergrader agreement ranged from 40% to 61%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of IDx-DR to detect RDR were 91% (95% CI: 0.69-0.98), 84% (95% CI: 0.81-0.86), 12% (95% CI: 0.08-0.18) and 100% (95% CI: 0.99-1.00; EURODIAB) and 68% (95% CI: 0.56-0.79), 86% (95% CI: 0.84-0.88), 30% (95% CI: 0.24-0.38) and 97% (95% CI: 0.95-0.98; ICDR). The AUC was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88-1.00; EURODIAB) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83-0.92; ICDR). For detection of VTDR, sensitivity was lower and specificity was higher compared to RDR. AUC's were comparable. Automated grading using the IDx-DR device for RDR detection is a valid method and can be used in primary care, decreasing the demand on ophthalmologists. © 2017 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-09-12

The science laboratory, Spacelab-J (SL-J), flown aboard the STS-47 flight was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a manned Spacelab module. The mission conducted 24 materials science and 20 life science experiments, of which 35 were sponsored by NASDA, 7 by NASA, and two collaborative efforts. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Test subjects included the crew, Japanese koi fish (carp), cultured animal and plant cells, chicken embryos, fruit flies, fungi and plant seeds, and frogs and frog eggs. Pictured in the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are NASDA alternate payload specialists Dr. Doi and Dr. Mukai.

Anticipated Supply and Demand for Independent Interventional Radiology Residency Positions: A Survey of Department Chairs.

PubMed

Herwald, Sanna E; Spies, James B; Yucel, E Kent

2017-02-01

The first participants in the independent interventional radiology (IR) residency match will begin prerequisite diagnostic radiology (DR) residencies before the anticipated launch of the independent IR programs in 2020. The aim of this study was to estimate the competitiveness level of the first independent IR residency matches before these applicants have already committed to DR residencies and possibly early specialization in IR (ESIR) programs. The Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) Task Force on the IR Residency distributed a survey to all active SCARD members using SurveyMonkey. The survey requested the number of planned IR residency and ESIR positions. The average, minimum, and maximum of the range of planned independent IR residency positions were compared with the average, maximum, and minimum, respectively, of the range of planned ESIR positions, to model matches of average, high, and low competitiveness. Seventy-four active SCARD members (56%) answered at least one survey question. The respondents' programs planned to fill, in total, 98 to 102 positions in integrated IR residency programs, 61 to 76 positions in independent IR residency programs, and 50 to 77 positions in ESIR DR residency programs each year. The ranges indicate the uncertainty of some programs regarding the number of positions. The survey suggests that participating programs will fill sufficient independent IR residency positions to accommodate all ESIR applicants in a match year of average or low competitiveness, but not in a match year of high competitiveness. This suggestion does not account for certain difficult-to-predict factors that may affect the independent IR residency match. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of derivative and derivative ratio spectrophotometry to simultaneous trace determination of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

PubMed

Xiao, Ni; Deng, Jian; Huang, Kaihui; Ju, Saiqin; Hu, Canhui; Liang, Jun

2014-07-15

Two novel methods, first derivative spectrophotometric method ((1)D) and first derivative ratio spectrophotometric method ((1)DR), have been developed for the simultaneous trace determination of rhodamine B (RhB) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) in food samples after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). The combination of derivative spectrophotometric techniques and DLLME procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimum conditions, the linear calibration curves ranged from 5 to 450 ng mL(-1), with the correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9997 for RhB and 0.9977 for Rh6G by (1)D method, and 0.9987 for RhB and 0.9958 for Rh6G by (1)DR method, respectively. The calculated limits of detection (LODs) based on the variability of the blank solutions (S/N = 3 criterion) for 11 measurements were in the range of 0.48-1.93 ng mL(-1). The recoveries ranged from 88.1% to 111.6% (with RSD less than 4.4%) and 91.5-110.5% (with RSD less than 4.7%) for (1)D and (1)DR method, respectively. The influence of interfering substances such as foreign ions and food colorants which might be present in the food samples on the signals of RhB and Rh6G was examined. The developed methods have been successfully applied to the determination of RhB and Rh6G in black tea, red wine and chilli powder samples with the characteristics of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and could be valuable for routine analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of derivative and derivative ratio spectrophotometry to simultaneous trace determination of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Ni; Deng, Jian; Huang, Kaihui; Ju, Saiqin; Hu, Canhui; Liang, Jun

2014-07-01

Two novel methods, first derivative spectrophotometric method (1D) and first derivative ratio spectrophotometric method (1DR), have been developed for the simultaneous trace determination of rhodamine B (RhB) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) in food samples after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). The combination of derivative spectrophotometric techniques and DLLME procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimum conditions, the linear calibration curves ranged from 5 to 450 ng mL-1, with the correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9997 for RhB and 0.9977 for Rh6G by 1D method, and 0.9987 for RhB and 0.9958 for Rh6G by 1DR method, respectively. The calculated limits of detection (LODs) based on the variability of the blank solutions (S/N = 3 criterion) for 11 measurements were in the range of 0.48-1.93 ng mL-1. The recoveries ranged from 88.1% to 111.6% (with RSD less than 4.4%) and 91.5-110.5% (with RSD less than 4.7%) for 1D and 1DR method, respectively. The influence of interfering substances such as foreign ions and food colorants which might be present in the food samples on the signals of RhB and Rh6G was examined. The developed methods have been successfully applied to the determination of RhB and Rh6G in black tea, red wine and chilli powder samples with the characteristics of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and could be valuable for routine analysis.

Important to investigate the dynamics of the stigma process.

PubMed

Angermeyer, Matthias

2004-01-01

Studies have shown that the stigma of the most common mental disorder, namely depression, expose people with these disorders to a substantial amount of stigmatization in the workplace. Apart from the descriptive assessment of the magnitude of stigma, it is also important to investigate the dynamics of the stigma process. Agreeing with Dr. Stuart, three approaches to research on stigma and the workplace are proposed. The first is the dimension of social stigma, i.e., knowledge, attitudes and practices of employers. The second is the perspectives of the patients, i.e., self- stigmatization. The third is legal and policy frameworks, i.e., structural discrimination.

WIS Implementation Study Report. Volume 1. Main Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

Luenberger, Prof. David G. * Stanford University Ries, Dr. Daniel R. * Computer Corporation of America Schill, John Naval Ocean Systems Center Shrier , Dr...Robert E. 43 Kaczmarek, Dr. Thomas S. 45 Klein, Dr. Stanely A. 47 Kramer, Dr. John F. 49 Larsen, Dr. Robert E. 55 Luenberger, Prof. David G. 58...Riddle, Dr. William E. 76 Ries, Dr. Daniel R. 82 Sapp, Mr. John W. 88 Shelley, Mr. Stephen H. 89 Shrier , Dr. Stefan 94 Slusarczuk, Dr. Marko M.G. 96

PREFACE: Proceedings of the International Conference on Optical, Optoelectronic and Photonic Materials and Applications (ICOOPMA) 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, Stephen J.; Jha, Animesh

2015-06-01

Developments in the connected fields of optics, optoelectronics and photonics have had a profound effect on the emergence of modern technologies and their influence on our lives. In all of these fields, understanding and improving the basic underlying materials is of crucial importance for the development of systems and applications. The International Conference on Optical, Optoelectronic and Photonic Materials and Applications (ICOOPMA) has successfully married these fields and become a regular feature in the conference calendar. The 6th conference in the series, held at the University of Leeds from 27th July - 1st August, 2014, continued the ICOOPMA tradition and attracted 220 international delegates with a diverse range of disciplines and interests. The 59 papers in this Proceedings provide an excellent overview of the topics presented. The conference consisted of four thematic areas in the fields of inorganic semiconductors, carbon and polymeric materials, inorganic glasses and crystalline materials, and metamaterials and plasmonics where each theme area included research on basic materials through to device applications. The conference began with a Workshop organised by Professor Dan Hewak (University of Southampton) with speakers covering Organic Optoelectronic Complexes (Dr Richard Curry, University of Surrey), Metamaterials (Dr Vassili Fedotov, University of Southampton), Graphene (Dr Monica Craciun, University of Exeter) and Amorphous Semiconductors (Dr Jiri Orava, University of Cambridge and Tohoku University). This provided an excellent overview of a representative range of the important topics that were discussed further at the conference. The conference included a banquet which successfully combined excellent food with a relaxing opportunity for the conference delegates to socialise and network. The pinnacle of the evening was the after dinner speech given by our distinguished guest, Professor Sir David Payne (University of Southampton), who gave a highly informative and humorous history of the development of photonics and the important role played by optical fibres, of which he was one of the key pioneers. Emerging scientific talent was also given a platform, with a particular feature of the conference being the Young Scientists Forum, organised by Dr Senthil Ganapathy (University of Southampton), consisting of a series of themed sessions providing up-and-coming researchers a opportunity to present and discuss their work. Each technical theme of the conference was introduced with Plenary lectures delivered by leading international figures in their respective fields. Professor Jim Harris (Stanford University) discussed the development of epitaxially grown dilute-nitride semiconductors and the important role that they play in high efficiency solar cells. This theme was continued by Professor Wolfgang Stolz (Philipps University, Marburg) who described the use of novel III-V semiconductors for the development of lasers on silicon. Dr Jerry Meyer (Naval Research Laboratories) and Dr Kumar Patel (Pranalytica) discussed the important field of mid-infrared devices highlighting the significant developments that have been made in inter-band cascade and quantum cascade based devices, respectively and which have wide-ranging applications in sensing. Professor Neil Greenham (University of Cambridge) discussed solution-based semiconductors based on conjugated polymers and nanocrystals offering low cost routes to the wide-scale deployment of photonics. Professor Ortwin Hess (Imperial College) gave an overview of the physics and fascinating technological potential of negative refractive index materials. Professor Stephen Elliott (University of Cambridge) discussed the optoelectronic properties of phase change materials for memories. These areas were expanded upon in over 70 invited talks from international speakers highlighting recent developments in each of these areas. Further detailed discussions were presented in many parallel Oral and Poster sessions. This Proceedings provides an exciting and wide-ranging discussion of the topics presented at ICOOPMA 2014. We are very grateful to the many people who helped with the organisation of the conference, with particular thanks to Alison Whiteley and her team who enabled the smooth running of the conference, Dr Senthil Ganapathy for his many and wide ranging contributions to the conference and finally Professor Safa Kasap for his wisdom, advice and strong support. The conference could not have happened without the commitment of the Local Organising Committee, who helped in many ways to assemble and run the conference, and for the International Programme, Advisory and Steering committees who guided the technical direction of the conference and assisted with the conference programme and proceedings. We are also extremely pleased to have received generous sponsorship from a large number of organisations and companies. Finally, we are also very grateful to Sarah Toms and the Editorial staff at the Institute of Physics, and the many contributors and reviewers for helping us to put-together this proceedings. Stephen Sweeney, Guildford, UK Animesh Jha, Leeds, UK

Publish or perish: Dr Victor Webster and cardiazol treatment in Western Australia, 1937-1938.

PubMed

Martyr, Philippa

2017-10-01

To examine the role of Dr Victor Henry Webster (1905-1980) in the introduction of cardiazol therapy to Western Australia in November 1937. A range of primary and secondary sources were consulted. Webster experimented with cardiazol treatment at Heathcote Reception Home, and published his findings in April 1938, at the same time as Ellery and Lear, but was not able to publish his results in a nationally-recognised journal. As a result, his contribution to early cardiazol treatment in Australia has been largely forgotten. Webster made a genuine contribution to the introduction of cardiazol treatment in Australia, and his story illustrates the need to publish early findings of new physical therapies.

Barremian decapod crustaceans from Serre de Bleyton (Drôme, SE France)

PubMed Central

Hyžný, Matúš; Kroh, Andreas

2015-01-01

Based on mostly small-sized isolated cheliped fingers, a new decapod crustacean assemblage is described from the Barremian of Serre de Bleyton (Drôme, SE France). The assemblage is composed mostly of representatives of the crab family Dynomenidae. In addition, remains of astacidean lobsters, axiidean shrimps, paguroid hermit crabs and brachyurous crabs of the families Necrocarcinidae and ?Cenomanocarcinidae occur in low numbers. Graptocarcinus moosleitneri (Dynomenidae) and ?Paranecrocarcinus schloegli (Necrocarcinidae) are introduced as new species. They both exhibit presence of multi-setal pores on dactyli that are interpreted as parts of a sieving mechanism used in feeding. The stratigraphic range of Graptocarcinus is extended herein to the Barremian. PMID:26097276

Quality Management for Educational Technology Services: A Guide to Application of the Deming Management Method for District, University and Regional Media and Technology Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richie, Mark L.

This book shows how the quality management approach pioneered in Japan by Dr. W. Edwards Deming allows educational service centers to expand services and be more flexible by reducing waste and rework. Deming's method shows how to change from reactive management to a dynamic system of continuous improvement that restores worker pride, increases…

Army Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC) Program for Facilities and Infrastructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

FY2009 - 2011 • Benefits: Reduced corrosion due to elimination of metallic rebar , reduced weight equates to reduced dead load and increased dynamic...Decks as Replacement for Steel Reinforced Concrete Decks F09AR04: Corrosion Resistant Roofs with Integrated Sustainable PV Power Systems • Where...Army Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPC) Program for Facilities and Infrastructure Dr. Craig E. College Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for

The Strategic Direction for Army Science and Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

methods to characterize the nature of trust (e.g., trust in information, trust in a network node or link), and to take measures to manage the trust...Science and Technology Executive, Dr. Thomas Killion, requested a study of peer review methods in use at Army laboratories. The paper discusses... sensors  Characterization of network dynamics and quality of information important to tactical decision-making Work that should be supported

Permafrost, Seasonally Frozen Ground, Snow Cover and Vegetation in the USSR

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

Snow Cover in Physical Geographic Processes (1948). He covered aspects of the dynamics of the snow cover, its properties and the connection between...Bigl, Research Physical Scientist, of the Geotechnical Research Branch, Experimental Engineering Division, un- der the general supervision of Dr...generalized from a detailed vegetation map in the volume Physical Geographic Atlas of the World (Gerasimov 1964), The tundra zone consists mostly of

Prospects for Reenlistment of Prior-Service Personnel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

abilities and characteris- tics in common ( Kotler 1980, Chapter 10). The several segments, in turn, should be distinguishable from one another...Klecka, W. R. Discriminant Analysis. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publica- tions, 1980. Kotler , P. Principles of Marketing. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice...Library Naval War College Newport, RI 02940 Mr. Philip Bernard B-K Dynamics, Inc. 15825 Shady Grove Road Rockville, MD 20850 Dr. Bruce M. Meglino College of

Reduced Order Modeling for Rapid Simulations of Blast and Rollover Events of a Ground Vehicle and its Occupants Using Rigid Body Dynamic Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-11

information is available. A 4-point harness system including lap and shoulder beltsand center buckle was positioned on the dummy, as shown in Figure 3.1... Lamb , STE/Analytics, US Army TARDEC  Dr. Tom McGrath, US Navy NSWC-IHD  Mr. Kirk Miller, OCP-TECD Standards and Specifications, TARDEC/GSS  Mr

Optical Imaging of the Nearshore

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-30

understand the dynamics of the nearshore system that we measure. APPROACH We exploit a number of approaches in our work. Our observational...resolution, time domain data of optical radiance at a number of focus research sites. Recently, we have collaborated with Dr. Merrick Haller of OSU to...not display a currently valid OMB control number . 1. REPORT DATE 2011 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Optical

On the stability and maximum mass of differentially rotating relativistic stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weih, Lukas R.; Most, Elias R.; Rezzolla, Luciano

2018-01-01

The stability properties of rotating relativistic stars against prompt gravitational collapse to a black hole are rather well understood for uniformly rotating models. This is not the case for differentially rotating neutron stars, which are expected to be produced in catastrophic events such as the merger of binary system of neutron stars or the collapse of a massive stellar core. We consider sequences of differentially rotating equilibrium models using the j-constant law and by combining them with their dynamical evolution, we show that a sufficient stability criterion for differentially rotating neutron stars exists similar to the one of their uniformly rotating counterparts. Namely: along a sequence of constant angular momentum, a dynamical instability sets in for central rest-mass densities slightly below the one of the equilibrium solution at the turning point. In addition, following Breu & Rezzolla, we show that `quasi-universal' relations can be found when calculating the turning-point mass. In turn, this allows us to compute the maximum mass allowed by differential rotation, Mmax,dr, in terms of the maximum mass of the non-rotating configuration, M_{_TOV}, finding that M_{max, dr} ˜eq (1.54 ± 0.05) M_{_TOV} for all the equations of state we have considered.

Apical vertebral derotation in the posterior treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: myth or reality?

PubMed

Di Silvestre, Mario; Lolli, Francesco; Bakaloudis, Georgios; Maredi, Elena; Vommaro, Francesco; Pastorelli, Francesca

2013-02-01

Direct apical vertebral rotation represents an important goal of posterior surgery for thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), so as to obtain a better cosmetic effect and to avoid posterior thoracoplasty. However, the real effectiveness in correction of vertebral rotation, using posterior only procedures, is still open to debate. The aim of the present study is to compare the correction of axial apical rotation obtained with direct rotation procedure versus simple concave rod rotation, in patients treated by posterior fusion for thoracic AIS using pedicle screw-only construct. A retrospective review was performed on a total of 62 consecutive patients (one single institution, three different surgeons) affected by AIS, who had undergone a posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screw-only instrumentation between January 2005 and April 2008 at the reference center. All cases presented a main thoracic curve (Lenke type 1 and 2). The angle of rotation (RAsag) of the apical vertebra was measured from the preoperative and last follow-up axial CT. According to the derotation procedure, two groups were identified: a direct vertebral rotation group (DR group; n = 32 patients) and a simple concave rod rotation group (No-DR group; n = 30 patients). There were no statistical differences between the two groups, in terms of age, Risser's sign, curve patterns, Cobb main thoracic (MT) curve magnitude and flexibility, extension of fusion, offset measurements on the coronal plane and sagittal preoperative contour. All 62 patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 3.7 years (range 2.5-4.2 years). The DR group compared to the No-DR group showed a significantly better final correction of apical vertebral rotation (DR 63.4 % vs. No-DR 14.8 %; p < 0.05) and a greater final correction (61.3 vs. 52.4 %; p < 0.05) with better maintenance of the initial correction (-1.7° vs. -1.9°; ns) of the main thoracic curve. Concerning the coronal balance, there was the same aforementioned trend of better results in the DR group, with less final apical MT vertebra translation (DR 2.2 cm vs. No-DR 4.1 cm), greater overall change (preop-final) of lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) coronal tilt (-14.9° vs. -11.1°; p < 0.05); the final global coronal balance (C7-S1) resulted quite better in DR group, but without a significant difference. The T5-T12 kyphosis angle was quite similar in both group before surgery (DR 16.8° vs. No-DR 17.5°) and was little lower at final follow-up evaluation in direct vertebral rotation group (14.5° vs. 16.5°). The T10-L2 sagittal alignment angle was similar in each group before surgery (12.5° in DR vs. 11.8° in No-DR), and at the latest follow-up averaged 5.3° versus 8.2°, respectively. Lumbar lordosis was similar in each group before surgery (DR -42° vs. No-DR -44.1°) and at the final follow-up evaluation (-45.9° vs. -43.2°). At the latest follow-up, SRS-30 and SF-36 findings were similar between the two groups. The complication rate was higher in the simple concave rod rotation group (13.3 vs. 9.3 %), related in two cases to thoracoplasty, which was never utilized in direct rotation patients. The direct vertebral rotation obtained significantly better final results, when compared to simple concave rod rotation, both concerning correction of apical vertebral rotation and magnitude of MT curve. On the other hand, the DR group presented a little reduction in T5-T12 kyphosis at follow-up, in comparison with concave rod rotation procedure. Both procedures were found to be satisfying from patients' perspective. Nevertheless overall complication rate was higher in the simple concave rod rotation group, related mainly to thoracoplasty (2 cases), which was never necessary in direct rotation patients.

Trophodynamics of a deep-sea demersal fish assemblage from the bathyal eastern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madurell, T.; Cartes, J. E.

2005-11-01

Daily food consumption of the eight dominant demersal fish species of the bathyal eastern Ionian Sea were determined from field data on four seasonal cruises (April 1999, July August 1999, November 1999 and February 2000). Daily ration (DR) estimates ranged from 0.198 to 4.273% WW/WW. Overall, DR estimates were independent of the model used, and they were comparable to the daily consumption of other deep-sea fauna (e.g. fish and crustaceans). Both sharks studied ( Galeus melastomus and Etmopterus spinax) exhibited the highest values of DRs, together with the macrourid Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus in August. Among osteichthyes, DR estimates were related (in a multi-linear regression model) to the nature of their diet (i.e. their trophic level deduced from δ15N isotopic composition, the mean number of prey and trophic diversity). Thus, species feeding at a lower trophic level, ingesting a large number of prey items and with a very diversified diet had higher DR than species from higher trophic level and feeding fewer prey items. By season, the DR of species feeding mainly on mesopelagic prey ( Hoplostethus mediterraneus and Helicolenus dactylopterus) were higher in summer, while DR for benthos/suprabenthos feeders (i.e. C. coelorhynchus and Nezumia sclerorhynchus) were higher in spring. Higher food consumption coincides with maximum food availability, both among mesopelagic feeders (higher availability of euphausiids, Pasiphaea sivado and Sergestes arcticus in summer) and among Macrouridae (higher suprabenthos densities in spring). In a tentative estimate the energy intake deduced from diet (i.e. mean energy value of food ingested) was constant in all seasons for each species studied. Results for the energy intake also indicate higher energy intake in the diet of mesopelagic feeders than in the diet of benthic feeders. Overall results are discussed in relation to the deep-sea ecosystem structure and functioning.

Decision regret in men undergoing dose-escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Steer, Anna N; Aherne, Noel J; Gorzynska, Karen; Hoffman, Matthew; Last, Andrew; Hill, Jacques; Shakespeare, Thomas P

2013-07-15

Decision regret (DR) is a negative emotion associated with medical treatment decisions, and it is an important patient-centered outcome after therapy for localized prostate cancer. DR has been found to occur in up to 53% of patients treated for localized prostate cancer, and it may vary depending on treatment modality. DR after modern dose-escalated radiation therapy (DE-RT) has not been investigated previously, to our knowledge. Our primary aim was to evaluate DR in a cohort of patients treated with DE-RT. We surveyed 257 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who had previously received DE-RT, by means of a validated questionnaire. There were 220 responses (85.6% response rate). Image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy was given in 85.0% of patients and 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in 15.0%. Doses received included 73.8 Gy (34.5% patients), 74 Gy (53.6%), and 76 Gy (10.9%). Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (AD) was given in 51.8% of patients and both neoadjuvant and adjuvant AD in 34.5%. The median follow-up time was 23 months (range, 12-67 months). In all, 3.8% of patients expressed DR for their choice of treatment. When asked whether they would choose DE-RT or AD again, only 0.5% probably or definitely would not choose DE-RT again, compared with 8.4% for AD (P<.01). Few patients treated with modern DE-RT express DR, with regret appearing to be lower than in previously published reports of patients treated with radical prostatectomy or older radiation therapy techniques. Patients experienced more regret with the AD component of treatment than with the radiation therapy component, with implications for informed consent. Further research should investigate regret associated with individual components of modern therapy, including AD, radiation therapy and surgery. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decision Regret in Men Undergoing Dose-Escalated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

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

Steer, Anna N.; Aherne, Noel J., E-mail: noel.aherne@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au; Rural Clinical School Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour

2013-07-15

Purpose: Decision regret (DR) is a negative emotion associated with medical treatment decisions, and it is an important patient-centered outcome after therapy for localized prostate cancer. DR has been found to occur in up to 53% of patients treated for localized prostate cancer, and it may vary depending on treatment modality. DR after modern dose-escalated radiation therapy (DE-RT) has not been investigated previously, to our knowledge. Our primary aim was to evaluate DR in a cohort of patients treated with DE-RT. Methods and Materials: We surveyed 257 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who had previously received DE-RT, by meansmore » of a validated questionnaire. Results: There were 220 responses (85.6% response rate). Image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy was given in 85.0% of patients and 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in 15.0%. Doses received included 73.8 Gy (34.5% patients), 74 Gy (53.6%), and 76 Gy (10.9%). Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (AD) was given in 51.8% of patients and both neoadjuvant and adjuvant AD in 34.5%. The median follow-up time was 23 months (range, 12-67 months). In all, 3.8% of patients expressed DR for their choice of treatment. When asked whether they would choose DE-RT or AD again, only 0.5% probably or definitely would not choose DE-RT again, compared with 8.4% for AD (P<.01). Conclusion: Few patients treated with modern DE-RT express DR, with regret appearing to be lower than in previously published reports of patients treated with radical prostatectomy or older radiation therapy techniques. Patients experienced more regret with the AD component of treatment than with the radiation therapy component, with implications for informed consent. Further research should investigate regret associated with individual components of modern therapy, including AD, radiation therapy and surgery.« less

Accuracy of food intake reporting in obese subjects with metabolic risk factors.

PubMed

Svendsen, Mette; Tonstad, Serena

2006-03-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of reported energy intake according to a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary records (DR) in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Subjects were twenty-three men and twenty-seven women with mean BMI of 35.7 (range 30.5-43.8) kg/m(2) who participated in a dietary interview based on a FFQ and completed weighed DR. Total energy expenditure was measured with the doubly labelled water method. Total energy expenditure, measured RMR and physical activity level did not differ between under-reporters (50 % of the sample) and non-under-reporters. Under-reporters had lower median intake of sweets, desserts and snacks than non-under-reporters (100 v. 161 g/d (P = 0.0008) and 61 v. 128 g/d (P = 0.0002) according to the FFQ and DR, respectively). The DR also showed lower energy density (6.7 (sd 1.3) v. 7.9 (SD 1.6) kJ/g; P = 0.0064), lower intake of sugary drinks (0 v. 167 g/d; P = 0.0063) and higher scores for dietary restraint (9.0 (sd 5.0) v. 6.1 (SD 3.5); P = 0.0285) in under-reporters. Energy density was associated with accuracy according to the FFQ (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (RS) 0.406; P = 0.0034) and the DR (RS 0.537; P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, consumption of bread and sweets, desserts and snacks measured by the FFQ was positively associated with accuracy (R(2)adjusted 0.46 (95 % CI 0.32, 0.70)). According to the DR, consumption of sweets, desserts and snacks was also associated with accuracy, as was dietary restraint (inversely) (R(2)adjusted 0.67 (95 % CI 0.54, 0.83)). In obese subjects with metabolic risk factors, intake of sweets, desserts and snacks, bread and dietary restraint were determinants of reporting accuracy.

401 N. Lakeshore Dr - DuSable Bike Trail, Lindsay Light Radiological Survey

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Field gamma measurements within the remaining excavation areas, and for the spoil removed duringthe excavation process, did not exceed the instrument thresholds previously stated and ranged from aminimum of 1,300 cpm to a maximum of 4,400 cpm shielded.

Colleagues Pay Tribute to Dr. Donald A.B. Lindberg, Retiring After Three Decades of NLM Leadership | NIH MedlinePlus ...

MedlinePlus

... B. Lindberg, Retiring After Three Decades of NLM Leadership Past Issues / Summer 2015 Table of Contents Outgoing ... NLM's director after 30-plus years of outstanding leadership and service. The tributes reflect the range of ...

Air Quality and Heart Health: Managing an Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor

EPA Science Inventory

Dr. Cascio will share with a broad range of federal agencies current understanding of the links between air quality and cardiovascular health. The key facts include that air pollution contributes a high attributable health burden. That certain well-defined vulnerable subpopulat...

Visualizing Practice with Children and Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattaini, Mark A.

1995-01-01

Argues that graphic images and technologies can be of substantial help to social work practitioners for assessment and intervention with children and families. Suggests a range of graphic tools and techniques, including profiles, ecomaps, sequential ecomaps, contingency diagrams, concurrent graphing, and computerized Visual EcoScan. (DR)

Upper Tithonian ammonites (Himalayitidae Spath, 1925 and Neocomitidae Salfeld, 1921) from Charens (Drôme, France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frau, Camille; Bulot, Luc G.; Wimbledon, William A. P.; Ifrim, Christina

2016-12-01

This contribution focuses on the Perisphinctoidea ammonite taxa from the Upper Tithonian at Charens (Drôme, south-east France). Emphasis is laid on five genera that belong to the families Himalayitidae and Neocomitidae. We document the precise vertical range of the index-species Micracanthoceras microcanthum, and a comparative ontogenetic- biometric analysis sheds new light on its range of variation and dimorphism as compared to the bestknown Spanish populations. As herein understood, the lower boundary of the M. microcanthum Zone (base of the Upper Tithonian) is fixed at the FAD of its index species. The faunal assemblages and species distribution of the P. andreaei Zone are rather similar to those described at the key-section of Le Chouet as confirmed by the co-occurrence of the genera Protacanthodiscus, Boughdiriella and Pratumidiscus. New palaeontological evidence supports the view that the basal Neocomitidae Busnardoiceras busnardoi was derived from Protacanthodiscus andreaei in the upper part of the P. andreaei Zone.

2011 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers: the PECASE Awards Ceremony

ScienceCinema

Poneman, Daniel

2018-05-31

The winners for 2011 of the DOE PECASE Awards were recognized in a ceremony held August 01, 2012. Dr. Bill Brinkman, Director of the Office of Science introduced the main speaker, DOE Deputy Secretary Daniel B. Poneman. Leaders from across the Department and the fields of energy research and technology presented the 2011 winners. They are: Dr. Stanley Atcitty (SNL); Dr. Jeffrey W. Banks (LLNL); Dr. Amy J. Clarke (LANL); Derek R. Gaston (INL); Dr. Christopher Hirata (California Institute of Technology); Dr. Heileen Hsu-Kim (Duke University); Dr. Thomas Francisco (Jaramillo Stanford University); Dr.Pablo Jarillo-Herrero (MIT); Dr. Peter Mueller (ANL); Dr. Daniel B. Sinars (SNL); Dr. Jesse Thaler (MIT); and Dr. Heather Whitley (LLNL).

2011 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers: the PECASE Awards Ceremony

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

Poneman, Daniel

2012-08-01

The winners for 2011 of the DOE PECASE Awards were recognized in a ceremony held August 01, 2012. Dr. Bill Brinkman, Director of the Office of Science introduced the main speaker, DOE Deputy Secretary Daniel B. Poneman. Leaders from across the Department and the fields of energy research and technology presented the 2011 winners. They are: Dr. Stanley Atcitty (SNL); Dr. Jeffrey W. Banks (LLNL); Dr. Amy J. Clarke (LANL); Derek R. Gaston (INL); Dr. Christopher Hirata (California Institute of Technology); Dr. Heileen Hsu-Kim (Duke University); Dr. Thomas Francisco (Jaramillo Stanford University); Dr.Pablo Jarillo-Herrero (MIT); Dr. Peter Mueller (ANL); Dr.more » Daniel B. Sinars (SNL); Dr. Jesse Thaler (MIT); and Dr. Heather Whitley (LLNL).« less

Dielectric relaxation in ionic liquid/dipolar solvent binary mixtures: A semi-molecular theory.

PubMed

Daschakraborty, Snehasis; Biswas, Ranjit

2016-03-14

A semi-molecular theory is developed here for studying dielectric relaxation (DR) in binary mixtures of ionic liquids (ILs) with common dipolar solvents. Effects of ion translation on DR time scale, and those of ion rotation on conductivity relaxation time scale are explored. Two different models for the theoretical calculations have been considered: (i) separate medium approach, where molecularities of both the IL and dipolar solvent molecules are retained, and (ii) effective medium approach, where the added dipolar solvent molecules are assumed to combine with the dipolar ions of the IL, producing a fictitious effective medium characterized via effective dipole moment, density, and diameter. Semi-molecular expressions for the diffusive DR times have been derived which incorporates the effects of wavenumber dependent orientational static correlations, ion dynamic structure factors, and ion translation. Subsequently, the theory has been applied to the binary mixtures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) with water (H2O), and acetonitrile (CH3CN) for which experimental DR data are available. On comparison, predicted DR time scales show close agreement with the measured DR times at low IL mole fractions (x(IL)). At higher IL concentrations (x(IL) > 0.05), the theory over-estimates the relaxation times and increasingly deviates from the measurements with x(IL), deviation being the maximum for the neat IL by almost two orders of magnitude. The theory predicts negligible contributions to this deviation from the x(IL) dependent collective orientational static correlations. The drastic difference between DR time scales for IL/solvent mixtures from theory and experiments arises primarily due to the use of the actual molecular volume (V(mol)(dip)) for the rotating dipolar moiety in the present theory and suggests that only a fraction of V(mol)(dip) is involved at high x(IL). Expectedly, nice agreement between theory and experiments appears when experimental estimates for the effective rotational volume (V(eff)(dip)) are used as inputs. The fraction, V(eff)(dip)/V(mol)(dip), sharply decreases from ∼1 at pure dipolar solvent to ∼0.01 at neat IL, reflecting a dramatic crossover from viscosity-coupled hydrodynamic angular diffusion at low IL mole fractions to orientational relaxation predominantly via large angle jumps at high x(IL). Similar results are obtained on applying the present theory to the aqueous solution of an electrolyte guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) having a permanent dipole moment associated with the cation, Gdm(+).

Customer response to day-ahead wholesale market electricity prices: Case study of RTP program experience in New York

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

Goldman, C.; Hopper, N.; Sezgen, O.

2004-07-01

There is growing interest in policies, programs and tariffs that encourage customer loads to provide demand response (DR) to help discipline wholesale electricity markets. Proposals at the retail level range from eliminating fixed rate tariffs as the default service for some or all customer groups to reinstituting utility-sponsored load management programs with market-based inducements to curtail. Alternative rate designs include time-of-use (TOU), day-ahead real-time pricing (RTP), critical peak pricing, and even pricing usage at real-time market balancing prices. Some Independent System Operators (ISOs) have implemented their own DR programs whereby load curtailment capabilities are treated as a system resource andmore » are paid an equivalent value. The resulting load reductions from these tariffs and programs provide a variety of benefits, including limiting the ability of suppliers to increase spot and long-term market-clearing prices above competitive levels (Neenan et al., 2002; Boren stein, 2002; Ruff, 2002). Unfortunately, there is little information in the public domain to characterize and quantify how customers actually respond to these alternative dynamic pricing schemes. A few empirical studies of large customer RTP response have shown modest results for most customers, with a few very price-responsive customers providing most of the aggregate response (Herriges et al., 1993; Schwarz et al., 2002). However, these studies examined response to voluntary, two-part RTP programs implemented by utilities in states without retail competition.1 Furthermore, the researchers had limited information on customer characteristics so they were unable to identify the drivers to price response. In the absence of a compelling characterization of why customers join RTP programs and how they respond to prices, many initiatives to modernize retail electricity rates seem to be stymied.« less

The Dendritic Cell Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHC II) Peptidome Derives from a Variety of Processing Pathways and Includes Peptides with a Broad Spectrum of HLA-DM Sensitivity*

PubMed Central

Clement, Cristina C.; Becerra, Aniuska; Yin, Liusong; Zolla, Valerio; Huang, Liling; Merlin, Simone; Follenzi, Antonia; Shaffer, Scott A.; Stern, Lawrence J.; Santambrogio, Laura

2016-01-01

The repertoire of peptides displayed in vivo by MHC II molecules derives from a wide spectrum of proteins produced by different cell types. Although intracellular endosomal processing in dendritic cells and B cells has been characterized for a few antigens, the overall range of processing pathways responsible for generating the MHC II peptidome are currently unclear. To determine the contribution of non-endosomal processing pathways, we eluted and sequenced over 3000 HLA-DR1-bound peptides presented in vivo by dendritic cells. The processing enzymes were identified by reference to a database of experimentally determined cleavage sites and experimentally validated for four epitopes derived from complement 3, collagen II, thymosin β4, and gelsolin. We determined that self-antigens processed by tissue-specific proteases, including complement, matrix metalloproteases, caspases, and granzymes, and carried by lymph, contribute significantly to the MHC II self-peptidome presented by conventional dendritic cells in vivo. Additionally, the presented peptides exhibited a wide spectrum of binding affinity and HLA-DM susceptibility. The results indicate that the HLA-DR1-restricted self-peptidome presented under physiological conditions derives from a variety of processing pathways. Non-endosomal processing enzymes add to the number of epitopes cleaved by cathepsins, altogether generating a wider peptide repertoire. Taken together with HLA-DM-dependent and-independent loading pathways, this ensures that a broad self-peptidome is presented by dendritic cells. This work brings attention to the role of “self-recognition” as a dynamic interaction between dendritic cells and the metabolic/catabolic activities ongoing in every parenchymal organ as part of tissue growth, remodeling, and physiological apoptosis. PMID:26740625

Clinical evaluation of a medical high dynamic range display

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

Marchessoux, Cedric, E-mail: cedric.marchessoux@ba

Purpose: Recent new medical displays do have higher contrast and higher luminance but do not have a High Dynamic Range (HDR). HDR implies a minimum luminance value close to zero. A medical HDR display prototype based on two Liquid Crystal layers has been developed. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential clinical benefit of such display in comparison with a low dynamic range (LDR) display. Methods: The study evaluated the clinical performance of the displays in a search and detection task. Eight radiologists read chest x-ray images some of which contained simulated lung nodules. The study usedmore » a JAFROC (Jacknife Free Receiver Operating Characteristic) approach for analyzing FROC data. The calculated figure of merit (FoM) is the probability that a lesion is rated higher than all rated nonlesions on all images. Time per case and accuracy for locating the center of the nodules were also compared. The nodules were simulated using Samei’s model. 214 CR and DR images [half were “healthy images” (chest nodule-free) and half “diseased images”] were used resulting in a total number of nodules equal to 199 with 25 images with 1 nodule, 51 images with 2 nodules, and 24 images with 3 nodules. A dedicated software interface was designed for visualizing the images for each session. For the JAFROC1 statistical analysis, the study is done per nodule category: all nodules, difficult nodules, and very difficult nodules. Results: For all nodules, the averaged FoM{sub HDR} is slightly higher than FoM{sub LDR} with 0.09% of difference. For the difficult nodules, the averaged FoM{sub HDR} is slightly higher than FoM{sub LDR} with 1.38% of difference. The averaged FoM{sub HDR} is slightly higher than FoM{sub LDR} with 0.71% of difference. For the true positive fraction (TPF), both displays (the HDR and the LDR ones) have similar TPF for all nodules, but looking at difficult and very difficult nodules, there are more TP for the HDR display. The true positive fraction has been also computed in function of the local average luminance around the nodules. For the lowest luminance range, there is more than 30% in favor of the HDR display. For the highest luminance range, there is less than 6% in favor of the LDR display. Conclusions: This study shows the potential benefit of using a HDR display in radiology.« less

CALIFA, the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area survey. IV. Third public data release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, S. F.; García-Benito, R.; Zibetti, S.; Walcher, C. J.; Husemann, B.; Mendoza, M. A.; Galbany, L.; Falcón-Barroso, J.; Mast, D.; Aceituno, J.; Aguerri, J. A. L.; Alves, J.; Amorim, A. L.; Ascasibar, Y.; Barrado-Navascues, D.; Barrera-Ballesteros, J.; Bekeraitè, S.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Cano Díaz, M.; Cid Fernandes, R.; Cavichia, O.; Cortijo, C.; Dannerbauer, H.; Demleitner, M.; Díaz, A.; Dettmar, R. J.; de Lorenzo-Cáceres, A.; del Olmo, A.; Galazzi, A.; García-Lorenzo, B.; Gil de Paz, A.; González Delgado, R.; Holmes, L.; Iglésias-Páramo, J.; Kehrig, C.; Kelz, A.; Kennicutt, R. C.; Kleemann, B.; Lacerda, E. A. D.; López Fernández, R.; López Sánchez, A. R.; Lyubenova, M.; Marino, R.; Márquez, I.; Mendez-Abreu, J.; Mollá, M.; Monreal-Ibero, A.; Ortega Minakata, R.; Torres-Papaqui, J. P.; Pérez, E.; Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Roth, M. M.; Sánchez-Blázquez, P.; Schilling, U.; Spekkens, K.; Vale Asari, N.; van den Bosch, R. C. E.; van de Ven, G.; Vilchez, J. M.; Wild, V.; Wisotzki, L.; Yıldırım, A.; Ziegler, B.

2016-10-01

This paper describes the third public data release (DR3) of the Calar Alto Legacy Integral Field Area (CALIFA) survey. Science-grade quality data for 667 galaxies are made public, including the 200 galaxies of the second public data release (DR2). Data were obtained with the integral-field spectrograph PMAS/PPak mounted on the 3.5 m telescope at the Calar Alto Observatory. Three different spectral setups are available: I) a low-resolution V500 setup covering the wavelength range 3745-7500 Å (4240-7140 Å unvignetted) with a spectral resolution of 6.0 Å (FWHM) for 646 galaxies, II) a medium-resolution V1200 setup covering the wavelength range 3650-4840 Å (3650-4620 Å unvignetted) with a spectral resolution of 2.3 Å (FWHM) for 484 galaxies, and III) the combination of the cubes from both setups (called COMBO) with a spectral resolution of 6.0 Å and a wavelength range between 3700-7500 Å (3700-7140 Å unvignetted) for 446 galaxies. The Main Sample, selected and observed according to the CALIFA survey strategy covers a redshift range between 0.005 and 0.03, spans the color-magnitude diagram and probes a wide range of stellar masses, ionization conditions, and morphological types. The Extension Sample covers several types of galaxies that are rare in the overall galaxy population and are therefore not numerous or absent in the CALIFA Main Sample. All the cubes in the data release were processed using the latest pipeline, which includes improved versions of the calibration frames and an even further improved image reconstruction quality. In total, the third data release contains 1576 datacubes, including ~1.5 million independent spectra. Based on observations collected at the Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemán (CAHA) at Calar Alto, operated jointly by the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC).The spectra are available at http://califa.caha.es/DR3

Lightning Charge Retrievals: Dimensional Reduction, LDAR Constraints, and a First Comparison with LIS Satellite Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshak, W. J.; Krider, E. P.; Murray, N.; Boccippio, D. J.

2007-01-01

A "dimensional reduction" (DR) method is introduced for analyzing lightning field changes (DELTAEs) whereby the number of unknowns in a discrete two-charge model is reduced from the standard eight (x, y, z, Q, x', y', z', Q') to just four (x, y, z, Q). The four unknowns (x, y, z, Q) are found by performing a numerical minimization of a chi-square function. At each step of the minimization, an Overdetermined Fixed Matrix (OFM) method is used to immediately retrieve the best "residual source" (x', y', z', Q'), given the values of (x, y, z, Q). In this way, all 8 parameters (x, y, z, Q, x', y', z', Q') are found, yet a numerical search of only 4 parameters (x, y, z, Q) is required. The DR method has been used to analyze lightning-caused DeltaEs derived from multiple ground-based electric field measurements at the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and USAF Eastern Range (ER). The accuracy of the DR method has been assessed by comparing retrievals with data provided by the Lightning Detection And Ranging (LDAR) system at the KSC-ER, and from least squares error estimation theory, and the method is shown to be a useful "stand-alone" charge retrieval tool. Since more than one charge distribution describes a finite set of DELTAEs (i.e., solutions are non-unique), and since there can exist appreciable differences in the physical characteristics of these solutions, not all DR solutions are physically acceptable. Hence, an alternative and more accurate method of analysis is introduced that uses LDAR data to constrain the geometry of the charge solutions, thereby removing physically unacceptable retrievals. The charge solutions derived from this method are shown to compare well with independent satellite- and ground-based observations of lightning in several Florida storms.

Cardiovascular and Perceptual Responses to an Ultraendurance Channel Swim: A Case Study.

PubMed

Judelson, Daniel A; Bagley, James R; Schumacher, Jennifer M; Wiersma, Lenny D

2015-09-01

Ultraendurance open water swimming presents unique physiological challenges. This case study aimed to describe cardiovascular and perceptual responses during a successful solo channel swim. Investigators followed a female swimmer's Catalina Channel (32.2 km) crossing, monitoring water temperature (T(water)) and air temperature (T(air)), distance remaining (DR), average velocity, and heart rate (HR(swim)) at regular intervals. Every 24 minutes, the swimmer reported perceived pain (on a scale of 0-10), rating of perceived exertion (RPE [scale of 6-20]), perceived thermal sensation (scale 0-8), and thirst (scale 1-9). Data are presented as mean ± SD where applicable. The participant finished in 9 hours, 2 minutes, and 48 seconds; T(water) averaged 19.1 ± 0.4ºC, and T(air) averaged 18.6 ± 0.9ºC. Her HR(swim) ranged from 148 to 155 beats/min, and thermal sensation ranged from 3 to 4. Pain inconsistently varied from 0 to 5 during the swim. The RPE remained between 12 and 14 for the first 8 hours, but increased dramatically near the end (reaching 18). Thirst sensation steadily increased throughout the swim, again reaching maximal values on completion. Physiologically and statistically significant correlations existed between thirst and DR (r = -0.905), RPE and HR(swim) (r = 0.741), RPE and DR (r = -0.694), and pain and DR (r = -0.671). The primary findings were that, despite fluctuations in perceptual stressors, the swimmer maintained a consistent exercise intensity as indicated by HR(swim); and during ultraendurance swimming, pain, RPE, and thirst positively correlated with distance swum. We hope these findings aid in the preparation and performance of future athletes by providing information on what swimmers may expect during an ultraendurance attempt and by increasing the understanding of physiological and perceptual responses during open water swimming. Copyright © 2015 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inclusion of methoxy groups inverts the thermodynamic stabilities of DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes: A molecular dynamics simulation study.

PubMed

Suresh, Gorle; Priyakumar, U Deva

2015-09-01

Modified nucleic acids have found profound applications in nucleic acid based technologies such as antisense and antiviral therapies. Previous studies on chemically modified nucleic acids have suggested that modifications incorporated in furanose sugar especially at 2'-position attribute special properties to nucleic acids when compared to other modifications. 2'-O-methyl modification to deoxyribose sugars of DNA-RNA hybrids is one such modification that increases nucleic acid stability and has become an attractive class of compounds for potential antisense applications. It has been reported that modification of DNA strands with 2'-O-methyl group reverses the thermodynamic stability of DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes. Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on two hybrid duplexes (DR and RD) which differ from each other and 2'-O-methyl modified counterparts to investigate the effect of 2'-O-methyl modification on their duplex stability. The results obtained suggest that the modification drives the conformations of both the hybrid duplexes towards A-RNA like conformation. The modified hybrid duplexes exhibit significantly contrasting dynamics and hydration patterns compared to respective parent duplexes. In line with the experimental results, the relative binding free energies suggest that the introduced modifications stabilize the less stable DR hybrid, but destabilize the more stable RD duplex. Binding free energy calculations suggest that the increased hydrophobicity is primarily responsible for the reversal of thermodynamic stability of hybrid duplexes. Free energy component analysis further provides insights into the stability of modified duplexes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The potential for dietary restriction to increase longevity in humans: extrapolation from monkey studies.

PubMed

Ingram, Donald K; Roth, George S; Lane, Mark A; Ottinger, Mary Ann; Zou, Sige; de Cabo, Rafael; Mattison, Julie A

2006-06-01

Based on results emerging from long-term studies of dietary restriction in rhesus monkeys, we offer our views regarding whether dietary restriction can increase longevity in humans. Because lifespan data in monkeys remain inconclusive currently, we respond that "we do not for sure". Based on the vast literature regarding the effects of healthy, low calorie diets on health and longevity in a wide range of species, including humans, and based on data emerging from monkey studies suggesting that dietary restriction improves markers of disease risk and health, we respond that "we think so." Because it is unlikely that an experimental study will ever be designed to address this question in humans, we respond that "we think we will never know for sure." We suggest that debate of this question is clearly an academic exercise; thus, we would suggest that the more compelling discussion should focus on whether basic mechanisms of DR can be discovered and if such discoveries can lead to the development of effective DR mimetics. Even if proof that DR or DR mimetics can increase longevity in humans will likely never emerge, we would suggest that endpoints regarding disease risk and disease incidence as well as maintenance of function can be examined in human clinical trials, and that these will be highly relevant for evaluating the effectiveness of such treatments.

Dr. Hugh L. Dryden - portrait

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1959-01-01

Dr. Hugh Latimer Dryden, had many titles after his name in his lifetime. In 1949 he became the director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Dr. Dryden received many accolades and awards both during his life and after his death, but the greatest and most appropriate honor came on March 26, 1976, when NASA renamed the NASA Flight Research Center as the NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center. At the dedication ceremony NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher stated: 'in 1924, when the fastest racing planes did well to fly at 280 m.p.h., Dryden was already probing the transonic range of . . . flight. Later in the 1920s, he sought to develop methods of accurately measuring . . . turbulence in wind tunnels. In 1938 he was the first American to deliver the Wright Brothers lecture. His 'Turbulence and the Boundary Layer' became a classic summary on the subject. It is most fitting that this Flight Research Center, with its unique and highly specialized capability for solving aerospace problems, should memorialize the genius of Hugh Dryden.' Dr. Dryden was initially an aerodynamicist with the National Bureau of Standards. He did important early work in high-speed aerodynamics. In 1947 he became the director of aeronautical research for the NACA (a predecessor of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Two years later, he became NACA's director, a position he held until 1958 when he became deputy administrator of NASA.

Epigenetic mechanisms of dietary restriction induced aging in Drosophila.

PubMed

Lian, Ting; Gaur, Uma; Yang, Deying; Li, Diyan; Li, Ying; Yang, Mingyao

2015-12-01

Aging is a long-standing problem that people are always interested in. Thus, it is critical to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in aging and explore the most efficient method to extend life expectancy. To achieve this goal, a wide range of systems including cells, rodent models, budding yeast, worms and flies have been employed for decades. In recent years, the effect of dietary restriction (DR) on lifespan is in the prime focus. Although we have confirmed that reduced insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling can increase Drosophila lifespan; the precise molecular mechanisms and nutritional response landscape of diet-mediated aging is ambiguous. Epigenetic events have been considered as the major contributors to lifespan extension with response to DR. The role of DNA methylation in aging is well acknowledged in mammals and rodents where it has been shown to impact aging by regulating the transcription, though the mechanism of regulation is not limited to only transcription. In Drosophila, the contribution of methylation during DR in aging is definitely less explored. In this review, we will update the advances in mechanisms of DR, with a particular focus on methylation as an upcoming target for aging studies and discuss Drosophila as a powerful model to understand mechanisms of aging with response to diet. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dissecting Diversity Part II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Frank

2005-01-01

This article presents "Dissecting Diversity, Part II," the conclusion of a wide-ranging two-part roundtable discussion on diversity in higher education. The participants were as follows: Lezli Baskerville, J.D., President and CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity (NAFEO); Dr. Gerald E. Gipp, Executive Director of the…

Gamma-dose rates from terrestrial and Chernobyl radionuclides inside and outside settlements in the Bryansk Region, Russia in 1996-2003.

PubMed

Ramzaev, Valery; Yonehara, Hidenori; Hille, Ralf; Barkovsky, Anatoly; Mishine, Arkady; Sahoo, Sarat Kumar; Kurotaki, Katsumi; Uchiyama, Masafumi

2006-01-01

In order to estimate current external gamma doses to the population of the Russian territories contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl accident, absorbed gamma-dose rates in air (DR) were determined at typical urban and suburban locations. The study was performed in the western districts of the Bryansk Region within the areas of 30 settlements (28 villages and 2 towns) with the initial levels of 137Cs deposition ranging from 13 to 4340 kBqm(-2). In the towns, the living areas considered were private one-story wooden and stone houses. DR values were derived from in situ measurements performed with the help of gamma-dosimeters and gamma-spectrometers as well as from the results of soil samples analysis. In the areas under study, the values of DR from terrestrial radionuclides were 25+/-6, 24+/-5, 50+/-10, 32+/-6, 54+/-11, 24+/-8, 20+/-6, 25+/-8, and 18+/-5 nGyh(-1) at locations of kitchen gardens, dirt surfaces, asphalt surfaces, wooden houses, stone houses, grasslands inside settlement, grasslands outside settlement, ploughed fields, and forests, respectively. In 1996-2001, mean normalized (per MBqm(-2) of 137Cs current inventory in soil) values of DR from (137)Cs were 0.41+/-0.07, 0.26+/-0.13, 0.15+/-0.07, 0.10+/-0.05, 0.05+/-0.04, 0.48+/-0.12, 1.04+/-0.22, 0.37+/-0.07, and 1.15+/-0.19 microGyh(-1) at the locations of kitchen gardens, dirt surfaces, asphalt surfaces, wooden houses, stone houses, grasslands inside settlement, grasslands outside settlement, ploughed fields, and forests, respectively. The radiometric data from this work and the values of occupancy factors determined for the Russian population by others were used for the assessments of annual effective doses to three selected groups of rural population. The normalized (per MBqm(-2) 137Cs current ground deposition) external effective doses to adults from 137Cs ranged from 0.66 to 2.27 mSvy(-1) in the years 1996-2001, in accordance with professional activities and structures of living areas. For the areas under study, the average external effective doses from 137Cs were estimated to be in the range of 0.39-1.34 mSvy(-1) in 2001. The average external effective doses from natural radionuclides appeared to be lower than those from the Chernobyl fallout ranging from 0.15 to 0.27 mSvy(-1).

Integrated Cognition - A Proposed Definition of Ingredients, A Survey of Systems, and Example Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

Information Proc- essing Technology Office (IPTO) for their support of this work. We thank Dr. John Salasin for his vision in conceiving these...ingredients of cognition identified in the INCOG framework presented herein, including: Dr. John R. Anderson, Mr. Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, Dr...Goertzel, Professor Marvin Minsky, Dr. Robert Hecht-Nielsen, Dr. Marcus J. Huber, Dr. John Laird, Professor Pat Langley, Dr. Christian Lebiere, Dr

Measurement of baryon acoustic oscillation correlations at z=2.3 with SDSS DR12 Lya-Forests [Measurements of BAO correlations at z = 2.3 with SDSS DR12 Lyα-Forests

DOE PAGES

Bautista, Julian E.; Busca, Nicolas G.; Guy, Julien; ...

2017-03-23

Here, we use flux-transmission correlations in Lyα forests to measure the imprint of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO). The study uses spectra of 157,783 quasars in the redshift range 2.1 ≤ z ≤ 3.5 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 12 (DR12). Besides the statistical improvements on our previous studies using SDSS DR9 and DR11, we have implemented numerous improvements in the analysis procedure, allowing us to construct a physical model of the correlation function and to investigate potential systematic errors in the determination of the BAO peak position. The Hubble distance, D H = c/H(z), relative tomore » the sound horizon is D H(z = 2.33)/r d = 9.07 ± 0.31. The best-determined combination of comoving angular-diameter distance, D M, and the Hubble distance is found to be D 0.7 HD 0.3 M/r d = 13.94 ± 0.35. This value is 1.028 ± 0.026 times the prediction of the flat- ΛCDM model consistent with the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy spectrum. The errors include marginalization over the effects of unidentified high-density absorption systems and fluctuations in ultraviolet ionizing radiation. Independently of the CMB measurements, the combination of our results and other BAO observations determine the open-ΛCDM density parameters to be Ω M = 0.296 ± 0.029, Ω Λ = 0.699 ± 0.100 and Ω k = –0.002 ± 0.119.« less

The Dark Energy Survey Data Release 1

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

Abbott, T.M.C.; et al.

We describe the first public data release of the Dark Energy Survey, DES DR1, consisting of reduced single epoch images, coadded images, coadded source catalogs, and associated products and services assembled over the first three years of DES science operations. DES DR1 is based on optical/near-infrared imaging from 345 distinct nights (August 2013 to February 2016) by the Dark Energy Camera mounted on the 4-m Blanco telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. We release data from the DES wide-area survey covering ~5,000 sq. deg. of the southern Galactic cap in five broad photometric bands, grizY. DES DR1 hasmore » a median delivered point-spread function of g = 1.12, r = 0.96, i = 0.88, z = 0.84, and Y = 0.90 arcsec FWHM, a photometric precision of < 1% in all bands, and an astrometric precision of 151 mas. The median coadded catalog depth for a 1.95" diameter aperture at S/N = 10 is g = 24.33, r = 24.08, i = 23.44, z = 22.69, and Y = 21.44 mag. DES DR1 includes nearly 400M distinct astronomical objects detected in ~10,000 coadd tiles of size 0.534 sq. deg. produced from ~39,000 individual exposures. Benchmark galaxy and stellar samples contain ~310M and ~ 80M objects, respectively, following a basic object quality selection. These data are accessible through a range of interfaces, including query web clients, image cutout servers, jupyter notebooks, and an interactive coadd image visualization tool. DES DR1 constitutes the largest photometric data set to date at the achieved depth and photometric precision.« less

TL1A/DR3 axis involvement in the inflammatory cytokine network during pulmonary sarcoidosis.

PubMed

Facco, M; Cabrelle, A; Calabrese, F; Teramo, A; Cinetto, F; Carraro, S; Martini, V; Calzetti, F; Tamassia, N; Cassatella, M A; Semenzato, G; Agostini, C

2015-01-01

TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), a recently recognized member of the TNF superfamily, and its death domain receptor 3 (DR3), firstly identified for their relevant role in T lymphocyte homeostasis, are now well-known mediators of several immune-inflammatory diseases, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to inflammatory bowel diseases to psoriasis, whereas no data are available on their involvement in sarcoidosis, a multisystemic granulomatous disease where a deregulated T helper (Th)1/Th17 response takes place. In this study, by flow cytometry, real-time PCR, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry analyses, TL1A and DR3 were investigated in the pulmonary cells and the peripheral blood of 43 patients affected by sarcoidosis in different phases of the disease (29 patients with active sarcoidosis, 14 with the inactive form) and in 8 control subjects. Our results demonstrated a significant higher expression, both at protein and mRNA levels, of TL1A and DR3 in pulmonary T cells and alveolar macrophages of patients with active sarcoidosis as compared to patients with the inactive form of the disease and to controls. In patients with sarcoidosis TL1A was strongly more expressed in the lung than the blood, i.e., at the site of the involved organ. Additionally, zymography assays showed that TL1A is able to increase the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 by sarcoid alveolar macrophages characterized, in patients with the active form of the disease, by reduced mRNA levels of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. These data suggest that TL1A/DR3 interactions are part of the extended and complex immune-inflammatory network that characterizes sarcoidosis during its active phase and may contribute to the pathogenesis and to the progression of the disease.

Statistical properties of the Strehl ratio as a function of pupil diameter and level of adaptive optics correction following atmospheric propagation.

PubMed

Shellan, Jeffrey B

2004-08-01

The propagation of an optical beam through atmospheric turbulence produces wave-front aberrations that can reduce the power incident on an illuminated target or degrade the image of a distant target. The purpose of the work described here was to determine by computer simulation the statistical properties of the normalized on-axis intensity--defined as (D/r0)2 SR--as a function of D/r0 and the level of adaptive optics (AO) correction, where D is the telescope diameter, r0 is the Fried coherence diameter, and SR is the Strehl ratio. Plots were generated of (D/r0)2 (SR) and sigmaSR/(SR), where (SR) and sigma(SR) are the mean and standard deviation, respectively, of the SR versus D/r0 for a wide range of both modal and zonal AO correction. The level of modal correction was characterized by the number of Zernike radial modes that were corrected. The amount of zonal AO correction was quantified by the number of actuators on the deformable mirror and the resolution of the Hartmann wave-front sensor. These results can be used to determine the optimum telescope diameter, in units of r0, as a function of the AO design. For the zonal AO model, we found that maximum on-axis intensity was achieved when the telescope diameter was sized so that the actuator spacing was equal to approximately 2r0. For modal correction, we found that the optimum value of D/r0 (maximum mean on-axis intensity) was equal to 1.79Nr + 2.86, where Nr is the highest Zernike radial mode corrected.

Automatic Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Digital Fundus Images

PubMed Central

Barriga, E. Simon; Murray, Victor; Nemeth, Sheila; Crammer, Robert; Bauman, Wendall; Zamora, Gilberto; Pattichis, Marios S.; Soliz, Peter

2011-01-01

Purpose. To describe and evaluate the performance of an algorithm that automatically classifies images with pathologic features commonly found in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods. Retinal digital photographs (N = 2247) of three fields of view (FOV) were obtained of the eyes of 822 patients at two centers: The Retina Institute of South Texas (RIST, San Antonio, TX) and The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA). Ground truth was provided for the presence of pathologic conditions, including microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, neovascularization in the optic disc and elsewhere, drusen, abnormal pigmentation, and geographic atrophy. The algorithm was used to report on the presence or absence of disease. A detection threshold was applied to obtain different values of sensitivity and specificity with respect to ground truth and to construct a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. The system achieved an average area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.89 for detection of DR and of 0.92 for detection of sight-threatening DR (STDR). With a fixed specificity of 0.50, the system's sensitivity ranged from 0.92 for all DR cases to 1.00 for clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Conclusions. A computer-aided algorithm was trained to detect different types of pathologic retinal conditions. The cases of hard exudates within 1 disc diameter (DD) of the fovea (surrogate for CSME) were detected with very high accuracy (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.50), whereas mild nonproliferative DR was the most challenging condition (sensitivity= 0.92, specificity = 0.50). The algorithm was also tested on images with signs of AMD, achieving a performance of AUC of 0.84 (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.50). PMID:21666234

Automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration in digital fundus images.

PubMed

Agurto, Carla; Barriga, E Simon; Murray, Victor; Nemeth, Sheila; Crammer, Robert; Bauman, Wendall; Zamora, Gilberto; Pattichis, Marios S; Soliz, Peter

2011-07-29

To describe and evaluate the performance of an algorithm that automatically classifies images with pathologic features commonly found in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal digital photographs (N = 2247) of three fields of view (FOV) were obtained of the eyes of 822 patients at two centers: The Retina Institute of South Texas (RIST, San Antonio, TX) and The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA). Ground truth was provided for the presence of pathologic conditions, including microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, neovascularization in the optic disc and elsewhere, drusen, abnormal pigmentation, and geographic atrophy. The algorithm was used to report on the presence or absence of disease. A detection threshold was applied to obtain different values of sensitivity and specificity with respect to ground truth and to construct a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The system achieved an average area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.89 for detection of DR and of 0.92 for detection of sight-threatening DR (STDR). With a fixed specificity of 0.50, the system's sensitivity ranged from 0.92 for all DR cases to 1.00 for clinically significant macular edema (CSME). A computer-aided algorithm was trained to detect different types of pathologic retinal conditions. The cases of hard exudates within 1 disc diameter (DD) of the fovea (surrogate for CSME) were detected with very high accuracy (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.50), whereas mild nonproliferative DR was the most challenging condition (sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.50). The algorithm was also tested on images with signs of AMD, achieving a performance of AUC of 0.84 (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.50).

Drug residues in urban water: A database for ecotoxicological risk management.

PubMed

Destrieux, Doriane; Laurent, François; Budzinski, Hélène; Pedelucq, Julie; Vervier, Philippe; Gerino, Magali

2017-12-31

Human-use drug residues (DR) are only partially eliminated by waste water treatment plants (WWTPs), so that residual amounts can reach natural waters and cause environmental hazards. In order to properly manage these hazards in the aquatic environment, a database is made available that integrates the concentration ranges for DR, which cause adverse effects for aquatic organisms, and the temporal variations of the ecotoxicological risks. To implement this database for the ecotoxicological risk assessment (ERA database), the required information for each DR is the predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs), along with the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs). The risk assessment is based on the ratio between the PNECs and the PECs. Adverse effect data or PNECs have been found in the publicly available literature for 45 substances. These ecotoxicity test data have been extracted from 125 different sources. This ERA database contains 1157 adverse effect data and 287 PNECs. The efficiency of this ERA database was tested with a data set coming from a simultaneous survey of WWTPs and the natural environment. In this data set, 26 DR were searched for in two WWTPs and in the river. On five sampling dates, concentrations measured in the river for 10 DR could pose environmental problems of which 7 were measured only downstream of WWTP outlets. From scientific literature and measurements, data implementation with unit homogenisation in a single database facilitates the actual ecotoxicological risk assessment, and may be useful for further risk coming from data arising from the future field survey. Moreover, the accumulation of a large ecotoxicity data set in a single database should not only improve knowledge of higher risk molecules but also supply an objective tool to help the rapid and efficient evaluation of the risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of tissue characterization of coronary plaques using 320-detector row computed tomography: comparison with integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound.

PubMed

Takahashi, Shigekiyo; Kawasaki, Masanori; Miyata, Shusaku; Suzuki, Keita; Yamaura, Makoto; Ido, Takahisa; Aoyama, Takuma; Fujiwara, Hisayoshi; Minatoguchi, Shinya

2016-01-01

Recently, a new generation of multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) with 320-detector rows (DR) has become available in the clinical settings. The purpose of the present study was to determine the cutoff values of Hounsfield unit (HU) for discrimination of plaque components by comparing HU of coronary plaques with integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS) serving as a gold standard. Seventy-seven coronary atherosclerotic lesions in 77 patients with angina were visualized by both 320-DR CT (Aquilion One, Toshiba, Japan) and IB-IVUS at the same site. To determine the thresholds for discrimination of plaque components, we compared HU with IB values as a gold standard. Optimal thresholds were determined from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. The HU values of lipid pool (n = 115), fibrosis (n = 93), vessel lumen and calcification (n = 73) were 28 ± 19 HU (range -18 to 69 HU), 98 ± 31 HU (44 to 195 HU), 357 ± 65 HU (227 to 534 HU) and 998 ± 236 HU (366 to 1,489 HU), respectively. The thresholds of 56 HU, 210 HU and 490 HU were the most reliable predictors of lipid pool, fibrosis, vessel lumen and calcification, respectively. Lipid volume measured by 320-DR CT was correlated with that measured by IB-IVUS (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), whereas fibrous volume measured by 320-DR CT was not. Lipid volume measured by 320-DR CT was correlated with that measured by IB-IVUS, whereas fibrous volume was not correlated with that measured by IB-IVUS because manual exclusion of the outside of vessel hindered rigorous discrimination between fibrosis and extravascular components.

Telemedicine and Diabetic Retinopathy: Review of Published Screening Programs

PubMed Central

Tozer, Kevin; Woodward, Maria A.; Newman-Casey, Paula A.

2016-01-01

Background Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide even though successful treatments exist. Improving screening and treatment could avoid many cases of vision loss. However, due to an increasing prevalence of diabetes, traditional in-person screening for DR for every diabetic patient is not feasible. Telemedicine is one viable solution to provide high-quality and efficient screening to large number of diabetic patients. Purpose To provide a narrative review of large DR telemedicine screening programs. Methods Articles were identified through a comprehensive search of the English-language literature published between 2000 and 2014. Telemedicine screening programs were included for review if they had published data on at least 150 patients and had available validation studies supporting their model. Screening programs were then categorized according to their American Telemedicine Association Validation Level. Results Seven programs from the US and abroad were identified and included in the review. Three programs were Category 1 programs (Ophdiat, EyePacs, and Digiscope), two were Category 2 programs (Eye Check, NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Program), and two were Category 3 programs (Joslin Vision Network, Alberta Screening Program). No program was identified that claimed category 4 status. Programs ranged from community or city level programs to large nationwide programs including millions of individuals. The programs demonstrated a high level of clinical accuracy in screening for DR. There was no consensus amongst the programs regarding the need for dilation, need for stereoscopic images, or the level of training for approved image graders. Conclusion Telemedicine programs have been clinically validated and successfully implemented across the globe. They can provide a high-level of clinical accuracy for screening for DR while improving patient access in a cost-effective and scalable manner. PMID:27430019

Can use of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction reduce radiation dose in unenhanced head CT? An analysis of qualitative and quantitative image quality

PubMed Central

Heggen, Kristin Livelten; Pedersen, Hans Kristian; Andersen, Hilde Kjernlie; Martinsen, Anne Catrine T

2016-01-01

Background Iterative reconstruction can reduce image noise and thereby facilitate dose reduction. Purpose To evaluate qualitative and quantitative image quality for full dose and dose reduced head computed tomography (CT) protocols reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). Material and Methods Fourteen patients undergoing follow-up head CT were included. All patients underwent full dose (FD) exam and subsequent 15% dose reduced (DR) exam, reconstructed using FBP and 30% ASIR. Qualitative image quality was assessed using visual grading characteristics. Quantitative image quality was assessed using ROI measurements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), white matter, peripheral and central gray matter. Additionally, quantitative image quality was measured in Catphan and vendor’s water phantom. Results There was no significant difference in qualitative image quality between FD FBP and DR ASIR. Comparing same scan FBP versus ASIR, a noise reduction of 28.6% in CSF and between −3.7 and 3.5% in brain parenchyma was observed. Comparing FD FBP versus DR ASIR, a noise reduction of 25.7% in CSF, and −7.5 and 6.3% in brain parenchyma was observed. Image contrast increased in ASIR reconstructions. Contrast-to-noise ratio was improved in DR ASIR compared to FD FBP. In phantoms, noise reduction was in the range of 3 to 28% with image content. Conclusion There was no significant difference in qualitative image quality between full dose FBP and dose reduced ASIR. CNR improved in DR ASIR compared to FD FBP mostly due to increased contrast, not reduced noise. Therefore, we recommend using caution if reducing dose and applying ASIR to maintain image quality. PMID:27583169

Can use of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction reduce radiation dose in unenhanced head CT? An analysis of qualitative and quantitative image quality.

PubMed

Østerås, Bjørn Helge; Heggen, Kristin Livelten; Pedersen, Hans Kristian; Andersen, Hilde Kjernlie; Martinsen, Anne Catrine T

2016-08-01

Iterative reconstruction can reduce image noise and thereby facilitate dose reduction. To evaluate qualitative and quantitative image quality for full dose and dose reduced head computed tomography (CT) protocols reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). Fourteen patients undergoing follow-up head CT were included. All patients underwent full dose (FD) exam and subsequent 15% dose reduced (DR) exam, reconstructed using FBP and 30% ASIR. Qualitative image quality was assessed using visual grading characteristics. Quantitative image quality was assessed using ROI measurements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), white matter, peripheral and central gray matter. Additionally, quantitative image quality was measured in Catphan and vendor's water phantom. There was no significant difference in qualitative image quality between FD FBP and DR ASIR. Comparing same scan FBP versus ASIR, a noise reduction of 28.6% in CSF and between -3.7 and 3.5% in brain parenchyma was observed. Comparing FD FBP versus DR ASIR, a noise reduction of 25.7% in CSF, and -7.5 and 6.3% in brain parenchyma was observed. Image contrast increased in ASIR reconstructions. Contrast-to-noise ratio was improved in DR ASIR compared to FD FBP. In phantoms, noise reduction was in the range of 3 to 28% with image content. There was no significant difference in qualitative image quality between full dose FBP and dose reduced ASIR. CNR improved in DR ASIR compared to FD FBP mostly due to increased contrast, not reduced noise. Therefore, we recommend using caution if reducing dose and applying ASIR to maintain image quality.

S-SAD phasing study of death receptor 6 and its solution conformation revealed by SAXS

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

Ru, Heng; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100 049; Zhao, Lixia

A comparative analysis of sulfur phasing of death receptor 6 (DR6) using data collected at wavelengths of 2.0 and 2.7 Å is presented. SAXS analysis of unliganded DR6 defines a dimer as the minimum physical unit in solution. A subset of tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily members contain death domains in their cytoplasmic tails. Death receptor 6 (DR6) is one such member and can trigger apoptosis upon the binding of a ligand by its cysteine-rich domains (CRDs). The crystal structure of the ectodomain (amino acids 1–348) of human death receptor 6 (DR6) encompassing the CRD region was phased usingmore » the anomalous signal from S atoms. In order to explore the feasibility of S-SAD phasing at longer wavelengths (beyond 2.5 Å), a comparative study was performed on data collected at wavelengths of 2.0 and 2.7 Å. In spite of sub-optimal experimental conditions, the 2.7 Å wavelength used for data collection showed potential for S-SAD phasing. The results showed that the R{sub ano}/R{sub p.i.m.} ratio is a good indicator for monitoring the anomalous data quality when the anomalous signal is relatively strong, while d′′/sig(d′′) calculated by SHELXC is a more sensitive and stable indicator applicable for grading a wider range of anomalous data qualities. The use of the ‘parameter-space screening method’ for S-SAD phasing resulted in solutions for data sets that failed during manual attempts. SAXS measurements on the ectodomain suggested that a dimer defines the minimal physical unit of an unliganded DR6 molecule in solution.« less

Catalog of Narrow Mg II Absorption Lines in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-Fu; Gu, Qiu-Sheng; Chen, Yan-Mei

2015-12-01

Using the Data Release 9 Quasar spectra from the Baryonic Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, which does not include quasar spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7, we detect narrow Mg ii λλ2796, 2803 absorption doublets in the spectral data redward of 1250 Å (quasar rest frame) until the red wing of the Mg ii λ2800 emission line. Our survey is limited to quasar spectra with a median signal-to-noise ratio < {{S}}/{{N}}> ≥slant 4 pixel-1 in the surveyed spectral region, resulting in a sample that contains 43,260 quasars. We have detected a total of 18,598 Mg ii absorption doublets with 0.2933 ≤ zabs ≤ 2.6529. About 75% of absorbers have an equivalent width at rest frame of {W}rλ 2796≥slant 1 \\mathringA . About 75% of absorbers have doublet ratios ({DR}={W}rλ 2796/{W}rλ 2803) in the range of 1 ≤ DR ≤ 2, and about 3.2% lie outside the range of 1 - σDR ≤ DR ≤ 2 + σDR. We characterize the detection false positives/negatives by the frequency of detected Mg ii absorption doublets in the limits of the S/N of the spectral data. The S/N = 4.5 limit is assigned a completeness fraction of 53% and tends to be complete when the S/N is greater than 4.5. The redshift number densities of all of the detected Mg ii absorbers moderately increase from z ≈ 0.4 to z ≈ 1.5, which parallels the evolution of the cosmic star formation rate density. Limiting our investigation to those quasars whose emission redshift can be determined from narrow emission lines, the relative velocities (β) of Mg ii absorbers have a complex distribution which probably consists of three classes of Mg ii absorbers: (1) cosmologically intervening absorbers; (2) environmental absorbers that reside within the quasar host galaxies or galaxy clusters; (3) quasar outflow absorbers. After subtracting contributions from cosmologically intervening absorbers and environmental absorbers, the β distribution of the Mg iiabsorbers might mainly be contributed by the quasar outflow absorbers and peaks at υ ≈ 1500 km s-1. This peak velocity is lower than the value of 2000 km s-1 found in statistical analysis of C iv absorbers.

Angular on-line tube current modulation in multidetector CT examinations of children and adults: The influence of different scanning parameters on dose reduction

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

Papadakis, Antonios E.; Perisinakis, Kostas; Damilakis, John

2007-07-15

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of angular on-line tube current modulation on dose reduction in pediatric and adult patients undergoing multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examinations. Five physical anthropomorphic phantoms that simulate the average individual as neonate, 1-year-old, 5-year-old, 10-year-old, and adult were employed in the current study. Phantoms were scanned with the use of on-line tube current modulation (TCM). Percent dose reduction (%DR) factors achieved by applying TCM, were determined for standard protocols used for head and neck, shoulder, thorax, thorax and abdomen, abdomen, abdomen and pelvis, pelvis, and whole body examinations. A preliminary studymore » on the application of TCM in MDCT examinations of adult patients was performed to validate the results obtained in anthropomorphic phantoms. Dose reduction was estimated as the percentage difference of the modulated milliamperes for each scan and the preset milliamperes prescribed by the scan protocol. The dose reduction in children was found to be much lower than the corresponding reduction achieved for adults. For helical scans the %DR factors, ranged between 1.6% and 7.4% for the neonate, 2.9% and 8.7% for the 1-year old, 2% and 6% for the 5-year-old, 5% and 10.9% for the 10-year-old, and 10.4% and 20.7% for the adult individual. For sequential scans the corresponding %DR factors ranged between 1.3% and 6.7%, 4.5% and 11%, 4.2% and 6.6%, 6.4% and 12.3%, and 8.9% and 23.3%, respectively. Broader beam collimations are associated with decreased %DR factors, when other scanning parameters are held constant. TCM did not impair image noise. In adult patients, the %DR values were found to be in good agreement with the corresponding results obtained in the anthropomorphic adult phantom. In conclusion, on-line TCM may be considered as a valuable tool for reducing dose in routine CT examinations of pediatric and adult patients. However, the dose reduction achieved with TCM in neonates and young children was found to be lower than that obtained for adults. Therefore, on-line TCM should work as an additional means to reduce dose and should not replace other conventional means of reducing dose, especially in neonates and young children.« less

Expanding marine protected areas to include degraded coral reefs.

PubMed

Abelson, A; Nelson, P A; Edgar, G J; Shashar, N; Reed, D C; Belmaker, J; Krause, G; Beck, M W; Brokovich, E; France, R; Gaines, S D

2016-12-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a commonly applied solution to coral reef degradation, yet coral reefs continue to decline worldwide. We argue that expanding the range of MPAs to include degraded reefs (DR-MPA) could help reverse this trend. This approach requires new ecological criteria for MPA design, siting, and management. Rather than focusing solely on preserving healthy reefs, our approach focuses on the potential for biodiversity recovery and renewal of ecosystem services. The new criteria would help identify sites with the highest potential for recovery and the greatest resistance to future threats (e.g., increased temperature and acidification) and sites that contribute to MPA connectivity. The DR-MPA approach is a compliment rather than a substitute for traditional MPA design approaches. We believe that the DR-MPA approach can enhance the natural, or restoration-assisted, recovery of DRs and their ecosystem services; increase total reef area available for protection; promote more resilient and better-connected MPA networks; and improve conditions for human communities dependent on MPA ecosystem services. © 2016 The Authors. Conservation Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society for Conservation Biology.

Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) Quarterly Report Third Quarter FY · 13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, William; Crawford, Winifred; Watson, Leela; Shafer, Jaclyn; Huddleston, Lisa

2013-01-01

The AMU team worked on seven tasks for their customers: (1) Ms. Crawford completed the objective lightning forecast tool for east -central Florida airports and delivered the tool and the final report to the customers. (2) Ms. Shafer continued work for Vandenberg Air Force Base on an automated tool to relate pressure gradients to peak winds. (3) Dr. Huddleston updated and delivered the tool that shows statistics on the timing of the first lightning strike of the day in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC)/Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) area. (4) Dr. Bauman continued work on a severe weather forecast tool focused on the Eastern Range (ER). (5) Ms. Crawford acquired the software and radar data needed to create a dual-Doppler analysis over the east-central Florida and KSC/CCAFS areas. (6) Mr. Decker continued developing a wind pairs database for the Launch Services Program to use when evaluating upper-level winds for launch vehicles. (7) Dr. Watson continued work to assimilate observational data into the high-resolution model configurations she created for Wallops Flight Facility and the ER.

Measuring Acquisition Workforce Quality through Dynamic Knowledge and Performance: An Exploratory Investigation to Interrelate Acquisition Knowledge with Process Maturity

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-08

Sciences, and Graduate School of Business & Public Policy Dr. Rene G. Rendon, Associate Professor Graduate School of Business & Public Policy...ES) Naval Postgraduate School,Graduate School of Business & Public Policy,Monterey,CA,93943 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING...report was supported by the Acquisition Research Program of the Graduate School of Business & Public Policy at the Naval Postgraduate School. To

Dynamic Behavior of Reacting Gas Jets Submerged in Liquids: A Photographic Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

Entrainment -- Contribution to the Wastage Modeling ," Proceedings of the 19th IECEC, Paper No. 859176, pp. 1.688-1.693. 14. Perry, J. H., Ed. (1950...Seale, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 II . ONR REPORT DISTRIBUTION LIST CU METAL COMBUMTION One copy except as noted Dr. Richard S. Miller 2... Guirguis Laboratory for Computational Physics Code 4040 Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC 20375 Professor John Cimbala 157 Hammond Bldg

Intercomparison of Targeted Observation Guidance for Tropical Cyclones in the Northwestern Pacific

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

sensitivity of NCVAR is usually located near the midlatitude jet or extratropical storm , where high winds may be collocated with large DLM wind variance or the...the six guidance products and to interpret the dynamical systems affecting the TC motion in the northwestern Pacific. Among the three storms studied...Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Winter Storms Corresponding author address: Dr. Chun-Chieh Wu, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, No

MAGMA: A Liquid Software Approach to Fault Tolerance, Computer Network Security, and Survivable Networking

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-01

and Lieutenant Namik Kaplan , Turkish Navy. Maj Tiefert’s thesis, “Modeling Control Channel Dynamics of SAAM using NS Network Simulation”, helped lay...DEC99] Deconinck , Dr. ir. Geert, Fault Tolerant Systems, ESAT / Division ACCA , Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, October 1999. [FRE00] Freed...Systems”, Addison-Wesley, 1989. [KAP99] Kaplan , Namik, “Prototyping of an Active and Lightweight Router,” March 1999 [KAT99] Kati, Effraim

Thermal Decomposition of 1,5-Dinitrobiuret (DNB): Direct Dynamics Trajectory Simulations and Statistical Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-03

18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON Dr. Tommy W. Hawkins a. REPORT Unclassified b. ABSTRACT Unclassified c. THIS PAGE...branching using Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory, 18 and finally to the analysis of inter-conversions of primary decomposition products...theory, 18 was employed to examine the properties of the reactant, intermediate complex and transition states as a function of the total internal energy

Simulating Population Dynamics in an Ecosystem Context Using Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Hybrid Models (CEL HYBRID Models)

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

natural systems (King 1993). Population modelers have used certain difference equations, sometimes called the Lotka - Volterra system of equations...environment 28 Step 5 - Simulate the hydraulic and/or water quality field 29 Step 6 - Generate biota response data for decision support 29 Step 7...Quality and Contaminant Modeling Branch (WQCMB), and Mr. R. Andrew Goodwin, contract student, WQCMB, under the general supervision of Dr. Mark S. Dortch

Population dynamics of pond zooplankton II Daphnia ambigua Scourfield

USGS Publications Warehouse

Angino, E.E.; Armitage, K.B.; Saxena, B.

1973-01-01

Calcium was the most important of 27 environmental components affecting density for a 50 week period. Simultaneous stepwise regression accounted for more variability in total number/1 and in the number of ovigerous females/1 than did any of the lag analyses; 1-week lag accounted for the greatest amount of variability in clutch size. Total number and clutch size were little affected by measures of food. ?? 1973 Dr. W. Junk b.v. Publishers.

A Sound Therapy-Based Intervention to Expand the Auditory Dynamic Range for Loudness among Persons with Sensorineural Hearing Losses: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Formby, Craig; Hawley, Monica L.; Sherlock, LaGuinn P.; Gold, Susan; Payne, JoAnne; Brooks, Rebecca; Parton, Jason M.; Juneau, Roger; Desporte, Edward J.; Siegle, Gregory R.

2015-01-01

The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the validity, efficacy, and generalization of principles underlying a sound therapy–based treatment for promoting expansion of the auditory dynamic range (DR) for loudness. The basic sound therapy principles, originally devised for treatment of hyperacusis among patients with tinnitus, were evaluated in this study in a target sample of unsuccessfully fit and/or problematic prospective hearing aid users with diminished DRs (owing to their elevated audiometric thresholds and reduced sound tolerance). Secondary aims included: (1) delineation of the treatment contributions from the counseling and sound therapy components to the full-treatment protocol and, in turn, the isolated treatment effects from each of these individual components to intervention success; and (2) characterization of the respective dynamics for full, partial, and control treatments. Thirty-six participants with bilateral sensorineural hearing losses and reduced DRs, which affected their actual or perceived ability to use hearing aids, were enrolled in and completed a placebo-controlled (for sound therapy) randomized clinical trial. The 2 × 2 factorial trial design was implemented with or without various assignments of counseling and sound therapy. Specifically, participants were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (nine participants per group), including: (1) group 1—full treatment achieved with scripted counseling plus sound therapy implemented with binaural sound generators; (2) group 2—partial treatment achieved with counseling and placebo sound generators (PSGs); (3) group 3—partial treatment achieved with binaural sound generators alone; and (4) group 4—a neutral control treatment implemented with the PSGs alone. Repeated measurements of categorical loudness judgments served as the primary outcome measure. The full-treatment categorical-loudness judgments for group 1, measured at treatment termination, were significantly greater than the corresponding pretreatment judgments measured at baseline at 500, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. Moreover, increases in their “uncomfortably loud” judgments (∼12 dB over the range from 500 to 4,000 Hz) were superior to those measured for either of the partial-treatment groups 2 and 3 or for control group 4. Efficacy, assessed by treatment-related criterion increases ≥ 10 dB for judgments of uncomfortable loudness, was superior for full treatment (82% efficacy) compared with that for either of the partial treatments (25% and 40% for counseling combined with the placebo sound therapy and sound therapy alone, respectively) or for the control treatment (50%). The majority of the group 1 participants achieved their criterion improvements within 3 months of beginning treatment. The treatment effect from sound therapy was much greater than that for counseling, which was statistically indistinguishable in most of our analyses from the control treatment. The basic principles underlying the full-treatment protocol are valid and have general applicability for expanding the DR among individuals with sensorineural hearing losses, who may often report aided loudness problems. The positive full-treatment effects were superior to those achieved for either counseling or sound therapy in virtual or actual isolation, respectively; however, the delivery of both components in the full-treatment approach was essential for an optimum treatment outcome. PMID:27516711

A Sound Therapy-Based Intervention to Expand the Auditory Dynamic Range for Loudness among Persons with Sensorineural Hearing Losses: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Formby, Craig; Hawley, Monica L; Sherlock, LaGuinn P; Gold, Susan; Payne, JoAnne; Brooks, Rebecca; Parton, Jason M; Juneau, Roger; Desporte, Edward J; Siegle, Gregory R

2015-05-01

The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the validity, efficacy, and generalization of principles underlying a sound therapy-based treatment for promoting expansion of the auditory dynamic range (DR) for loudness. The basic sound therapy principles, originally devised for treatment of hyperacusis among patients with tinnitus, were evaluated in this study in a target sample of unsuccessfully fit and/or problematic prospective hearing aid users with diminished DRs (owing to their elevated audiometric thresholds and reduced sound tolerance). Secondary aims included: (1) delineation of the treatment contributions from the counseling and sound therapy components to the full-treatment protocol and, in turn, the isolated treatment effects from each of these individual components to intervention success; and (2) characterization of the respective dynamics for full, partial, and control treatments. Thirty-six participants with bilateral sensorineural hearing losses and reduced DRs, which affected their actual or perceived ability to use hearing aids, were enrolled in and completed a placebo-controlled (for sound therapy) randomized clinical trial. The 2 × 2 factorial trial design was implemented with or without various assignments of counseling and sound therapy. Specifically, participants were assigned randomly to one of four treatment groups (nine participants per group), including: (1) group 1-full treatment achieved with scripted counseling plus sound therapy implemented with binaural sound generators; (2) group 2-partial treatment achieved with counseling and placebo sound generators (PSGs); (3) group 3-partial treatment achieved with binaural sound generators alone; and (4) group 4-a neutral control treatment implemented with the PSGs alone. Repeated measurements of categorical loudness judgments served as the primary outcome measure. The full-treatment categorical-loudness judgments for group 1, measured at treatment termination, were significantly greater than the corresponding pretreatment judgments measured at baseline at 500, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. Moreover, increases in their "uncomfortably loud" judgments (∼12 dB over the range from 500 to 4,000 Hz) were superior to those measured for either of the partial-treatment groups 2 and 3 or for control group 4. Efficacy, assessed by treatment-related criterion increases ≥ 10 dB for judgments of uncomfortable loudness, was superior for full treatment (82% efficacy) compared with that for either of the partial treatments (25% and 40% for counseling combined with the placebo sound therapy and sound therapy alone, respectively) or for the control treatment (50%). The majority of the group 1 participants achieved their criterion improvements within 3 months of beginning treatment. The treatment effect from sound therapy was much greater than that for counseling, which was statistically indistinguishable in most of our analyses from the control treatment. The basic principles underlying the full-treatment protocol are valid and have general applicability for expanding the DR among individuals with sensorineural hearing losses, who may often report aided loudness problems. The positive full-treatment effects were superior to those achieved for either counseling or sound therapy in virtual or actual isolation, respectively; however, the delivery of both components in the full-treatment approach was essential for an optimum treatment outcome.

Association of HLA-DR1 with the allergic response to the major mugwort pollen allergen: molecular background.

PubMed

Knapp, Bernhard; Fischer, Gottfried; Van Hemelen, Dries; Fae, Ingrid; Maillere, Bernard; Ebner, Christof; Schreiner, Wolfgang; Bohle, Barbara; Jahn-Schmid, Beatrice

2012-08-08

Mugwort pollen allergens represent the main cause of pollinosis in late summer. The major allergen, Art v 1, contains only one single immunodominant, solely HLA-DR-restricted T cell epitope (Art v 125-36). The frequency of HLA-DRB1*01 is highly increased in mugwort-allergic individuals and HLA-DR1 serves as restriction element for Art v 125-36. However, Art v 125-36 also binds to HLA-DR4 with high affinity and DR1-restricted Art v 125-36 -specific T cell receptors can be activated by HLA-DR4 molecules. To understand the predominance of HLA-DR1 in mugwort allergy in spite of the degeneracy in HLA/peptide-binding and TCR-recognition, we investigated the molecular background of Art v 125-36 /MHC/TCR interactions in the context of HLA-DR1 compared to -DR4. The majority of Art v 125-36 -specific T cell lines and clones from HLA-DR1 carrying, mugwort pollen-allergic donors reacted to synthetic and naturally processed Art v 1-peptides when presented by HLA-DR1 or HLA-DR4 expressing antigen presenting cells. However, at limiting peptide concentrations DR1 was more effective in T cell stimulation. In addition, the minimal epitope for 50% of Art v 125-36 -specific T cells was shorter for DR1 than for DR4. In vitro binding assays of Art v 125-36 mutant peptides to isolated DR1- and DR4-molecules indicated similar binding capacities and use of the same register. In silico simulation of Art v 125-36 binding to HLA-DR1 and -DR4 suggested similar binding of the central part of the peptide to either molecule, but a higher flexibility of the N- and C-terminal amino acids and detachment at the C-terminus in HLA-DR1. The predominance of HLA-DR1 in the response to Art v 125-36 may be explained by subtle conformation changes of the peptide bound to DR1 compared to DR4. Computer simulation supported our experimental data by demonstrating differences in peptide mobility within the HLA-DR complex that may influence TCR-binding. We suggest that the minor differences observed in vitro may be more relevant in the microenvironment in vivo, so that only presentation by HLA-DR1, but not -DR4 permits successful T cell activation.

The velocity ellipsoid in the Galactic disc using Gaia DR1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anguiano, Borja; Majewski, Steven R.; Freeman, Kenneth C.; Mitschang, Arik W.; Smith, Martin C.

2018-02-01

The stellar velocity ellipsoid of the solar neighbour (d < 200 pc) is re-examined using intermediate-old mono-abundance stellar groups with high-quality chemistry data together with parallaxes and proper motions from Gaia DR1. We find the average velocity dispersion values for the three space velocity components for the thin and thick discs of (σU, σV, σW)thin = (33 ± 4, 28 ± 2, 23 ± 2) and (σU, σV, σW)thick = (57 ± 6, 38 ± 5, 37 ± 4) km s-1, respectively. The mean values of the ratio between the semi-axes of the velocity ellipsoid for the thin disc are found to be σV/σU = 0.70 ± 0.13 and σW/σU is 0.64 ± 0.08, while for the thick disc σV/σU = 0.67 ± 0.11 and σW/σU is 0.66 ± 0.11. Inputting these dispersions into the linear Strömberg relation for the thin disc groups, we find the Sun's velocity with respect to the Local Standard of Rest in Galactic rotation to be V⊙ = 13.9 ± 3.4 km s-1. A relation is found between the vertex deviation and the chemical abundances for the thin disc, ranging from -5 to +40° as iron abundance increases. For the thick disc we find a vertex deviation of luv ˜- 15°. The tilt angle (luw) in the U-W plane for the thin disc groups ranges from -10 to +15°, but there is no evident relation between luw and the mean abundances. However, we find a weak relation for luw as a function of iron abundances and α-elements for most of the groups in the thick disc, where the tilt angle decreases from -5 to -20° when [Fe/H] decreases and [α/Fe] increases. The velocity anisotropy parameter is independent of the chemical group abundances and its value is nearly constant for both discs (β ˜ 0.5), suggesting that the combined disc is dynamically relaxed.

Comparison of superhydrophobic drag reduction between turbulent pipe and channel flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, Hyung Jae; Lee, Jae Hwa

2017-09-01

It has been known over several decades that canonical wall-bounded internal flows of a pipe and channel share flow similarities, in particular, close to the wall due to the negligible curvature effect. In the present study, direct numerical simulations of fully developed turbulent pipe and channel flows are performed to investigate the influence of the superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) on the turbulence dynamics and the resultant drag reduction (DR) of the flows under similar conditions. SHSs at the wall are modeled in spanwise-alternating longitudinal regions with a boundary with no-slip and shear-free conditions, and the two parameters of the spanwise periodicity (P/δ) and SHS fraction (GF) within a pitch are considered. It is shown, in agreement with previous investigations in channels, that the turbulent drag for the pipe and channel flows over SHSs is continuously decreased with increases in P/δ and GF. However, the DR rate in the pipe flows is greater than that in the channel flows with an accompanying reduction of the Reynolds stress. The enhanced performance of the DR for the pipe flow is attributed to the increased streamwise slip and weakened Reynolds shear stress contributions. In addition, a mathematical analysis of the spanwise mean vorticity equation suggests that the presence of a strong secondary flow due to the increased spanwise slip of the pipe flows makes a greater negative contribution of advective vorticity transport than the channel flows, resulting in a higher DR value. Finally, an inspection of the origin of the mean secondary flow in turbulent flows over SHSs based on the spatial gradients of the turbulent kinetic energy demonstrates that the secondary flow is both driven and sustained by spatial gradients in the Reynolds stress components, i.e., Prandtl's secondary flow of the second kind.

Four-dimensional MRI using an internal respiratory surrogate derived by dimensionality reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uh, Jinsoo; Ayaz Khan, M.; Hua, Chiaho

2016-11-01

This study aimed to develop a practical and accurate 4-dimensional (4D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method using a non-navigator, image-based internal respiratory surrogate derived by dimensionality reduction (DR). The use of DR has been previously suggested but not implemented for reconstructing 4D MRI, despite its practical advantages. We compared multiple image-acquisition schemes and refined a retrospective-sorting process to optimally implement a DR-derived surrogate. The comparison included an unconventional scheme that acquires paired slices alternately to mitigate the internal surrogate’s dependency on a specific slice location. We introduced ‘target-oriented sorting’, as opposed to conventional binning, to quantify the coherence in retrospectively sorted images, thereby determining the minimal scan time needed for sufficient coherence. This study focused on evaluating the proposed method using digital phantoms which provided unequivocal gold standard. The evaluation indicated that the DR-based respiratory surrogate is highly accurate: the error in amplitude percentile of the surrogate signal was less than 5% with the optimal scheme. Acquiring alternating paired slices was superior to the conventional scheme of acquiring individual slices; the advantage of the unconventional scheme was more pronounced when a substantial phase shift occurred across slice locations. The analysis of coherence across sorted images confirmed the advantage of higher sampling efficiencies in non-navigator respiratory surrogates. We determined that a scan time of 20 s per imaging slice was sufficient to achieve a mean coherence error of less than 1% for the tested respiratory patterns. The clinical applicability of the proposed 4D MRI has been demonstrated with volunteers and patients. The diaphragm motion in 4D MRI was consistent with that in dynamic 2D imaging which was regarded as the gold standard (difference within 1.8 mm on average).

The HLA-DRB9 gene and the origin of HLA-DR haplotypes.

PubMed

Gongora, R; Figueroa, F; Klein, J

1996-11-01

HLA-DRB9 is a gene fragment consisting of exon 2 and flanking intron sequences. It is located at the extreme end of the DRB subregion, whose other end is demarcated by the DRB1 locus. We sequenced approximately 1400 base pairs of the segment encompassing the DRB9 locus from eight human haplotypes (DR1, DR10, DR2, DR3, DR5, DR6, DR8, and DR9, the DR4 and DR7 having been sequenced by others earlier), as well as two chimpanzee, five gorillas, one orangutan and one macaque haplotype. The analysis of these sequences indicates that the DRB9 locus, which we estimate to be more than 58 million years (my) old, has been coevolving with the DRB1 locus for the last 4.2 my. As a consequence of this coevolution, the human DRB9 alleles fall into groups that correlate with the DRB1 allelic groups and with the gene organization of the human haplotypes. This observation implies that the present-day HLA-DR haplotype groups (DR1, DR51, DR52, DR8, and DR53) were founded more than 4 my ago and have remained intact (barring minor internal rearrangements that did not recombine the DRB1 and DRB9 genes) for this period of time. The haplotypes have been transmitted during speciations from ancestral to emerging species just like allelic lineages at the DRB1 locus. Thus not only allelic but also haplotype polymorphism evolves trans-specifically.

Kinematic structures of the solar neighbourhood revealed by Gaia DR1/TGAS and RAVE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushniruk, I.; Schirmer, T.; Bensby, T.

2017-12-01

Context. The velocity distribution of stars in the solar neighbourhood is inhomogeneous and rich with stellar streams and kinematic structures. These may retain important clues regarding the formation and dynamical history of the Milky Way. However, the nature and origin of many of the streams and structures is unclear, hindering our understanding of how the Milky Way formed and evolved. Aims: We aim to study the velocity distribution of stars of the solar neighbourhood and investigate the properties of individual kinematic structures in order to improve our understanding of their origins. Methods: Using the astrometric data provided by Gaia DR1/TGAS and radial velocities from RAVE DR5 we perform a wavelet analysis with the à trous algorithm of 55 831 stars that have U and V velocity uncertainties less than 4 km s-1. An auto-convolution histogram method is used to filter the output data, and we then run Monte Carlo simulations to verify that the detected structures are real and are not caused by noise due to velocity uncertainties. Additionally we analysed our stellar sample by splitting all stars into a nearby sample (<300 pc) and a distant sample (>300 pc), and two chemically defined samples that to a first degree represent the thin and the thick disks. Results: We detect 19 kinematic structures in the solar neighbourhood in the range of scales 3-16 km s-1 at the 3σ confidence level. Among them we identified well-known groups (such as Hercules, Sirius, Coma Berenices, Pleiades, and Wolf 630), confirmed recently detected groups (such as Antoja12 and Bobylev16), and detected a new structure at (U,V) ≈ (37,8) km s-1. Another three new groups are tentatively detected, but require further confirmation. Some of the detected groups show clear dependence on distance in the sense that they are only present in the nearby sample (<300 pc), and others appear to be correlated with chemistry as they are only present in one of the chemically defined thin and thick disk samples. Conclusions: With the much enlarged stellar sample and much increased precision in distances and proper motions, provided by Gaia DR1/TGAS we have shown that the velocity distribution of stars in the solar neighbourhood contains more structures than previously known. A new feature is discovered and three recently detected groups are confirmed at high confidence level. Dividing the sample based on distance and/or metallicity shows that there are variety of structures which form large-scale and small-scale groups; some of them have clear trends on metallicities, others are a mixture of both disk stars. Based on these findings we discuss possible origins of each group.

MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION IONIZATION OF SIZE AND COMPOSITION SELECTED AEROSOL PARTICLES. (R823980)

EPA Science Inventory

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) was performed on individual,
size-selected aerosol particles in the 2-8 mu m diameter range, Monodisperse aerosol droplets
containing matrix, analyte, and solvent were generated and entrained in a dry stream of air, The dr...

CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Highlights.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

ATTN: AMCRE-C/Ms. Jean Lamb C dr, ATTN: ANCRM-P/Mr. Jerry Gibson Cdr, ATTN: AMCQA-E/Mr. Billings Cdr, ATTN: AMXAM-TL/Technical Library US Army...Sands Missile Range, ATTN: STEWS -TE-TL/Technical Library Cdr, US Military Academy, ATTN: LTC Lanse Leach - - . Cdr, Yuma Proving Grounds, ATTN

EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND PARTICLE-BOUND FORMALDEHYDE ON LUNG MACROPHAGE FUNCTIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Dr. George Jakab and associates exposed mice to varying levels (ranging from 0.5 to 15 parts per million [ppm]) of formaldehyde alone or to formaldehyde (5 and 2.5 ppm) mixed with carbon black particles. Carbon black particles were chosen because of their similarity to comb...

Epitope Analysis of the Collagen Type V-Specific T Cell Response in Lung Transplantation Reveals an HLA-DRB1*15 Bias in Both Recipient and Donor

PubMed Central

Keller, Melissa R.; Haynes, Lynn D.; Jankowska-Gan, Ewa; Sullivan, Jeremy A.; Agashe, Vrushali V.; Burlingham, Scott R.; Burlingham, William J.

2013-01-01

Background IL-17-dependent cellular immune responses to the α1 chain of collagen type V are associated with development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation, and with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and coronary artery disease, primary indications for lung or heart transplantation, respectively. Methodology/Principal Findings We found that 30% of the patients awaiting lung transplantation exhibited a strong cell-mediated immune response to col(V). Of these, 53% expressed HLA-DR15, compared to a 28% HLA-DR15 frequency in col(V) low-responders (p=0.02). After transplantation, patients with HLA-DR1 and -DR17, not -DR15, developed anti-col(V) responses most frequently (p=0.04 and 0.01 vs. controls, respectively). However, recipients of a lung from an HLA-DR15+ donor were at significantly elevated risk of developing anti-col(V) responses (p=0.02) and BOS (p=0.03). To determine the molecular basis of this unusual pattern of DR allele bias, a peptide library comprising the collagenous region of the α1(V) protein was screened for binding to HLA-DR0101, -DR1501, -DR0301 (DR17) or to HLA-DQ2 (DQA1*0501: DQB1*0201; in linkage disequilibrium with -DR17) and -DQ6 (DQA1*0102: DQB1*0602; linked to -DR15). Eight 15-mer peptides, six DR-binding and two DQ-binding, were identified. HLA-DR15 binding to two peptides yielded the highest binding scores: 650 (where 100 = positive control) for p799 (GIRGLKGTKGEKGED), and 193 for p1439 (LRGIPGPVGEQGLPG). These peptides, which also bound weakly to HLA-DR1, elicited responses in both HLA-DR1+ and -DR15+ col(V) reactive hosts, whereas binding and immunoreactivity of p1049 (KDGPPGLRGFPGDRG) was DR15-specific. Remarkably, a col(V)-reactive HLA-DR1+DR15neg lung transplant patient, whose donor was HLA-DR15+, responded not only to p799 and p1439, but also to p1049. Conclusions/Significance HLA-DR15 and IPF disease were independently associated with pre-transplant col(V) autoimmunity. The increased risk of de novo immunity to col(V) and BOS, associated with receiving a lung transplant from an HLA-DR15+ donor, may result from presentation by donor-derived HLA- DR15, of novel self-peptides to recipient T cells. PMID:24265781

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Unveils New Images

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-20

Madhulika Guhathakurta, far right, SDO Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, speaks during a briefing to discuss recent images from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at the Newseum in Washington. Pictured from left of Dr. Guhathakurta's are: Tom Woods, principal investigator, Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment instrument, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado in Boulder; Philip H. Scherrer, principal investigator, Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument, Stanford University in Palo Alto; Alan Title, principal investigator, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly instrument, Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory in Palo Alto and Dean Pesnell, SDO project scientist, Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Deconstructing the Essential Elements of Bat Flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tafti, Danesh; Viswanath, Kamal; Krishnamurthy, Nagendra

2013-11-01

There are over 1000 bat species worldwide with a wide range of wing morphologies. Bat wing motion is characterized by an active adaptive three-dimensional highly deformable wing surface which is distinctive in its complex kinematics facilitated by the skeletal and skin membrane manipulation, large deviations from the stroke plane, and large wing cambers. In this study we use measured wing kinematics of a fruit bat in a straight line climbing path to study the fluid dynamics and the forces generated by the wing using an Immersed Boundary Method. This is followed by a proper orthogonal decomposition to investigate the dimensional complexity as well as the key kinematic modes used by the bat during a representative flapping cycle. It is shown that the complex wing motion of the fruit bat can mostly be broken down into canonical descriptors of wing motion such as translation, rotation, out of stroke deviation, and cambering, which the bat uses with great efficacy to generate lift and thrust. Research supported through a grant from the Army Research Office (ARO). Bat wing kinemtaics was provided by Dr. Kenny Breuer, Brown University.

Solving the dynamic rupture problem with different numerical approaches and constitutive laws

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bizzarri, A.; Cocco, M.; Andrews, D.J.; Boschi, Enzo

2001-01-01

We study the dynamic initiation, propagation and arrest of a 2-D in-plane shear rupture by solving the elastodynamic equation by using both a boundary integral equation method and a finite difference approach. For both methods we adopt different constitutive laws: a slip-weakening (SW) law, with constant weakening rate, and rate- and state-dependent friction laws (Dieterich-Ruina). Our numerical procedures allow the use of heterogeneous distributions of constitutive parameters along the fault for both formulations. We first compare the two solution methods with an SW law, emphasizing the required stability conditions to achieve a good resolution of the cohesive zone and to avoid artificial complexity in the solutions. Our modelling results show that the two methods provide very similar time histories of dynamic source parameters. We point out that, if a careful control of resolution and stability is performed, the two methods yield identical solutions. We have also compared the rupture evolution resulting from an SW and a rate- and state-dependent friction law. This comparison shows that despite the different constitutive formulations, a similar behaviour is simulated during the rupture propagation and arrest. We also observe a crack tip bifurcation and a jump in rupture velocity (approaching the P-wave speed) with the Dieterich-Ruina (DR) law. The rupture arrest at a barrier (high strength zone) and the barrier-healing mechanism are also reproduced by this law. However, this constitutive formulation allows the simulation of a more general and complex variety of rupture behaviours. By assuming different heterogeneous distributions of the initial constitutive parameters, we are able to model a barrier-healing as well as a self-healing process. This result suggests that if the heterogeneity of the constitutive parameters is taken into account, the different healing mechanisms can be simulated. We also study the nucleation phase duration Tn, defined as the time necessary for the crack to reach the half-length Ic. We compare the Tn values resulting from distinct simulations calculated using different constitutive laws and different sets of constitutive parameters. Our results confirm that the DR law provides a different description of the nucleation process than the SW law adopted in this study. We emphasize that the DR law yields a complete description of the rupture process, which includes the most prominent features of SW.

A refined index of model performance: a rejoinder

USGS Publications Warehouse

Legates, David R.; McCabe, Gregory J.

2013-01-01

Willmott et al. [Willmott CJ, Robeson SM, Matsuura K. 2012. A refined index of model performance. International Journal of Climatology, forthcoming. DOI:10.1002/joc.2419.] recently suggest a refined index of model performance (dr) that they purport to be superior to other methods. Their refined index ranges from − 1.0 to 1.0 to resemble a correlation coefficient, but it is merely a linear rescaling of our modified coefficient of efficiency (E1) over the positive portion of the domain of dr. We disagree with Willmott et al. (2012) that dr provides a better interpretation; rather, E1 is more easily interpreted such that a value of E1 = 1.0 indicates a perfect model (no errors) while E1 = 0.0 indicates a model that is no better than the baseline comparison (usually the observed mean). Negative values of E1 (and, for that matter, dr < 0.5) indicate a substantially flawed model as they simply describe a ‘level of inefficacy’ for a model that is worse than the comparison baseline. Moreover, while dr is piecewise continuous, it is not continuous through the second and higher derivatives. We explain why the coefficient of efficiency (E or E2) and its modified form (E1) are superior and preferable to many other statistics, including dr, because of intuitive interpretability and because these indices have a fundamental meaning at zero.We also expand on the discussion begun by Garrick et al. [Garrick M, Cunnane C, Nash JE. 1978. A criterion of efficiency for rainfall-runoff models. Journal of Hydrology 36: 375-381.] and continued by Legates and McCabe [Legates DR, McCabe GJ. 1999. Evaluating the use of “goodness-of-fit” measures in hydrologic and hydroclimatic model validation. Water Resources Research 35(1): 233-241.] and Schaefli and Gupta [Schaefli B, Gupta HV. 2007. Do Nash values have value? Hydrological Processes 21: 2075-2080. DOI: 10.1002/hyp.6825.]. This important discussion focuses on the appropriate baseline comparison to use, and why the observed mean often may be an inadequate choice for model evaluation and development. 

Association of Diabetic Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Xie, Jing; Ikram, M Kamran; Cotch, Mary Frances; Klein, Barbara; Varma, Rohit; Shaw, Jonathan E; Klein, Ronald; Mitchell, Paul; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Wong, Tien Yin

2017-06-01

Previous studies on the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) focused on the early stages of DR. Understanding whether patients with type 2 diabetes and severe stages of DR (diabetic macular edema [DME] and proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]) have a higher risk of CVD will allow physicians to more effectively counsel patients. To examine the association of severe stages of DR (DME and PDR) with incident CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. English-language publications were reviewed for articles evaluating the relationship of DR and CVD in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Library from inception (January 1, 1950) to December 31, 2014, using the search terms diabetic retinopathy OR macular edema AND stroke OR cerebrovascular disease OR coronary artery disease OR heart failure OR myocardial infarction OR angina pectoris OR acute coronary syndrome OR coronary artery disease OR cardiomyopathy. Among 656 studies screened for eligibility, 7604 individuals were included from 8 prospective population-based studies with data on photographic-based DR grading, follow-up visits, and well-defined incident CVD end point. Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic search of the 4 databases, and a single pooled database was developed. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated for patients with DME, PDR, and vision-threatening DR, compared with persons without these conditions, by using individual participant data followed by a standard inverse-variance meta-analysis (2-step analysis). The review and analyses were performed from January 1, 2009, to January 1, 2017. Incident CVD, including coronary heart disease, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. Among 7604 patients with type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of DME was 4.6% and PDR, 7.4%. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years (range, 3.2-10.1 years), 1203 incident CVD events, including 916 coronary heart disease cases, were reported. Persons with DME or PDR were more likely to have incident CVD (IRR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16-1.67) and fatal CVD (IRR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.49-3.67) compared with those without DME or PDR. Patients with type 2 diabetes and DME or PDR have an increased risk of incident CVD, which suggests that these persons should be followed up more closely to prevent CVD.

Angle classification revisited 2: a modified Angle classification.

PubMed

Katz, M I

1992-09-01

Edward Angle, in his classification of malocclusions, appears to have made Class I a range of abnormality, not a point of ideal occlusion. Current goals of orthodontic treatment, however, strive for the designation "Class I occlusion" to be synonymous with the point of ideal intermeshing and not a broad range. If contemporary orthodontists are to continue to use Class I as a goal, then it is appropriate that Dr. Angle's century-old classification, be modified to be more precise.

1. View of three detection radar (DR) antennas. DR 1 ...

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

1. View of three detection radar (DR) antennas. DR 1 (structure no. 735) on left, DR 2 (structure no. 736) in center, and DR 3 (structure no. 737) looking north 30 degrees west, with tracking radar (large radome) and satcom (satellite communication) system in small radome in view between DR 2 and DR 3 antennae. - Clear Air Force Station, Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Site II, One mile west of mile marker 293.5 on Parks Highway, 5 miles southwest of Anderson, Anderson, Denali Borough, AK

Diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria can predict macroalbuminuria and renal function decline in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients: Japan Diabetes Complications Study.

PubMed

Moriya, Tatsumi; Tanaka, Shiro; Kawasaki, Ryo; Ohashi, Yasuo; Akanuma, Yasuo; Yamada, Nobuhiro; Sone, Hirohito; Yamashita, Hidetoshi; Katayama, Shigehiro

2013-09-01

To examine the interactive relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetic patients and to elucidate the role of DR and microalbuminuria on the onset of macroalbuminuria and renal function decline. We explored the effects of DR and microalbuminuria on the progression of DN from normoalbuminuria and low microalbuminuria (<150 mg/gCr) to macroalbuminuria or renal function decline in the Japan Diabetes Complications Study (JDCS), which is a nationwide randomized controlled study of type 2 diabetic patients focusing on lifestyle modification. Patients were divided into four groups according to presence or absence of DR and MA: normoalbuminuria without DR [NA(DR-)] (n = 773), normoalbuminuria with DR [NA(DR+)] (n = 279), microalbuminuria without DR [MA(DR-)] (n = 277), and microalbuminuria with DR [MA(DR+)] (n = 146). Basal urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and DR status were determined at baseline and followed for a median of 8.0 years. Annual incidence rates of macroalbuminuria were 1.6/1,000 person-years (9 incidences), 3.9/1,000 person-years (8 incidences), 18.4/1,000 person-years (34 incidences), and 22.1/1,000 person-years (22 incidences) in the four groups, respectively. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios of the progression to macroalbuminuria were 2.48 (95% CI 0.94-6.50; P = 0.07), 10.40 (4.91-22.03; P < 0.01), and 11.55 (5.24-25.45; P < 0.01) in NA(DR+), MA(DR-), and MA(DR+), respectively, in comparison with NA(DR-). Decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) per year was two to three times faster in MA(DR+) (-1.92 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/year) than in the other groups. In normo- and low microalbuminuric Japanese type 2 diabetic patients, presence of microalbuminuria at baseline was associated with higher risk of macroalbuminuria in 8 years. Patients with microalbuminuria and DR showed the fastest GFR decline. Albuminuria and DR should be considered as risk factors of renal prognosis in type 2 diabetic patients. An open sharing of information will benefit both ophthalmologists and diabetologists.

Type 1 diabetes risk for HLA-DR3 haplotypes depends on genotypic context: Association of DPB1 and HLA class I loci among DR3 and DR4 matched Italian patients and controls

PubMed Central

Noble, Janelle A.; Martin, Adelle; Valdes, Ana M.; Lane, Julie A.; Galgani, Andrea; Petrone, Antonio; Lorini, Renata; Pozzilli, Paolo; Buzzetti, Raffaella; Erlich, Henry A.

2008-01-01

Patients with high-risk HLA-DR-DQ genotypes for type 1 diabetes (T1D) were compared to HLA-matched controls to evaluate T1D risk for other HLA loci, including HLA-A, -B, -Cw, and DPB1. Patients (n=133) with high-risk genotypes (DR3/DR3, DR3/DR4, DR4/DR4) were selected from the Lazio (Rome) region of Italy. Screening of more than 9000 subjects from the Lazio region and northern Italy yielded 162 controls with high- T1D-risk haplotypes. Although the overall distributions were not significantly different, allele frequency differences were discovered between the controls from Lazio and those from Northern Italy for some alleles previously shown to affect T1D risk, such as A*3002, DPB1*0301, and DPB1*0402. Therefore, Lazio patient data were compared both to the Lazio subset of controls (n=53) and to the entire group of controls for association analyses. Significant allele frequency differences between patients and DR-DQ-matched controls were found for specific alleles at all loci. Data for the DR3/DR3 subset of patients and controls showed an increase of Cw*0702 in patients. Reduced patient, compared to control, frequencies were seen for several alleles, including A*0101, B*0801, and Cw*0701, all found on the highly-conserved, extended DR3 haplotype known as 8.1 in DR3/DR3, but not DR3/DR4, subgroup. DPB1*0101, often found on 8.1 haplotypes, was also less frequent in DR3/DR3 patients than controls. Analysis of family-based data from the HBDI repository was consistent with the observed results from the Italian subjects, suggesting the presence of a T1D-protective locus at or near A*0101 and a second T1D-protective locus at or near DPB1*0101. These data suggest that T1D risk conferred by the 8.1 haplotype is genotype dependent. PMID:18486765

Combined treatment of rapamycin and dietary restriction has a larger effect on the transcriptome and metabolome of liver.

PubMed

Fok, Wilson C; Bokov, Alex; Gelfond, Jonathan; Yu, Zhen; Zhang, Yiqiang; Doderer, Mark; Chen, Yidong; Javors, Martin; Wood, William H; Zhang, Yongqing; Becker, Kevin G; Richardson, Arlan; Pérez, Viviana I

2014-04-01

Rapamycin (Rapa) and dietary restriction (DR) have consistently been shown to increase lifespan. To investigate whether Rapa and DR affect similar pathways in mice, we compared the effects of feeding mice ad libitum (AL), Rapa, DR, or a combination of Rapa and DR (Rapa + DR) on the transcriptome and metabolome of the liver. The principal component analysis shows that Rapa and DR are distinct groups. Over 2500 genes are significantly changed with either Rapa or DR when compared with mice fed AL; more than 80% are unique to DR or Rapa. A similar observation was made when genes were grouped into pathways; two-thirds of the pathways were uniquely changed by DR or Rapa. The metabolome shows an even greater difference between Rapa and DR; no metabolites in Rapa-treated mice were changed significantly from AL mice, whereas 173 metabolites were changed in the DR mice. Interestingly, the number of genes significantly changed by Rapa + DR when compared with AL is twice as large as the number of genes significantly altered by either DR or Rapa alone. In summary, the global effects of DR or Rapa on the liver are quite different and a combination of Rapa and DR results in alterations in a large number of genes and metabolites that are not significantly changed by either manipulation alone, suggesting that a combination of DR and Rapa would be more effective in extending longevity than either treatment alone. © 2013 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computer Simulation of Protein-Protein and Protein-Peptide Interactions

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-08

a full molecular dynamic z simulation is performed, with resulting dipolar re - laxation. However, this is prohibitive when a large . number of...1993 Dr. Mike Marron Program Manager Molecular Biology Office of Naval Research 800 N. Quincy Street Arlington, VA 22217 Dear Mike, Here is the...rztnbutior is unLi--ited. , 93-30630 98 12 � 12/08/93 01/0/92-;03/31/93: Final Report, Computer Simulation of Protein-Protein and Protein-Peptide

Epitaxial Garnet Investigation; Technical Report, Foreign Travel

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-25

Pure yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films are grown on GGG substrates by * liquid phase epitaxy ( LPE ) in production lots. In addition, one or two...epitaxial garnet films for Philips Dr. Krumme * Dr. Doormann 3-6-87 Thomson - CSF Research Center, Orsay, France Dr. J. P. Castera Dr. P. L. Meunier all...research physicists who grow, characterize, Dr. J. Y. Beguin or use epitaxial garnet films for Thomson CSF. Dr. J. L. Rolland Dr. P. Friez The

44 CFR 206.209 - Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2012-10-01 2011-10-01 true Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR... determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR-1604, DR-1605, DR...

44 CFR 206.209 - Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR... determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR-1604, DR-1605, DR...

44 CFR 206.209 - Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR... determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR-1604, DR-1605, DR...

44 CFR 206.209 - Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Arbitration for Public Assistance determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR... determinations related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Major disaster declarations DR-1603, DR-1604, DR-1605, DR...

Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Survivability: A Defense-in-Depth Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Robert J. Herman, Henry J. Kluepfel, Gen Richard L. Lawson, Dr. Graham K. Soper , Dr. Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Dr. Joan B. Woodard, Report of the...Kluepfel, Gen Richard L. Lawson, Dr. Graham K. Soper , Dr. Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Dr. Joan B. Woodard. Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to

NRL Fact Book 1992-1993

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

administering contractual support for lab-wide or multiple buys of ADP systems, software, and services. Computer systems located in the Central Computing Facility...Code Dr. D.L. Bradley Vacant Mrs. N.J. Beauchamp Dr. W.A. Kuperman Dr. E.R. Franchi Dr. M.H. Orr Dr. J.A. Bucaro Mr. L.B. Palmer Dr. D.J. Ramsdale Mr

Characterization of the Interactions between Calmodulin and Death Receptor 5 in Triple-negative and Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Fancy, Romone M.; Wang, Lingyun; Zeng, Qinghua; Wang, Hong; Zhou, Tong; Buchsbaum, Donald J.; Song, Yuhua

2016-01-01

Activation of death receptor-5 (DR5) leads to the formation of death inducing signaling complex (DISC) for apoptotic signaling. Targeting DR5 to induce breast cancer apoptosis is a promising strategy to circumvent drug resistance and present a target for breast cancer treatment. Calmodulin (CaM) has been shown to regulate DR5-mediated apoptotic signaling, however, its mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we characterized CaM and DR5 interactions in breast cancer cells with integrated experimental and computational approaches. Results show that CaM directly binds to DR5 in a calcium dependent manner in breast cancer cells. The direct interaction of CaM with DR5 is localized at DR5 death domain. We have predicted and verified the CaM-binding site in DR5 being 354WEPLMRKLGL363 that is located at the α2 helix and the loop between α2 helix and α3 helix of DR5 DD. The residues of Trp-354, Arg-359, Glu-355, Leu-363, and Glu-367 in DR5 death domain that are important for DR5 recruitment of FADD and caspase-8 for DISC formation to signal apoptosis also play an important role for CaM-DR5 binding. The changed electrostatic potential distribution in the CaM-binding site in DR5 DD by the point mutations of W354A, E355K, R359A, L363N, or E367K in DR5 DD could directly contribute to the experimentally observed decreased CaM-DR5 binding by the point mutations of the key residues in DR5 DD. Results from this study provide a key step for the further investigation of the role of CaM-DR5 binding in DR5-mediated DISC formation for apoptosis in breast cancer cells. PMID:27129269

HLA DR phenotypic frequencies and genetic risk of Type 1 diabetes in west region of Algeria, Tlemcen

PubMed Central

Aribi, Mourad; Moulessehoul, Soraya; Benabadji, Ahmed-Bakir; Kendoucitani, Mohammed

2004-01-01

Background The main genomic region controlling the predisposition to type 1 diabetes is the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) class II of the major histocompatibility complex. Association with different HLA types depends also on the studied populations. In our investigation, we tried to measure the phenotypic HLA class II association frequencies of DR3 and/or DR4 antigens, using a serologic method called microlymphocytotoxicity analysis, in diabetic and nondiabetic (ND) subjects originating from the west-Algerian region of Tlemcen. The aim of the present study was to determine which HLA DR antigens represent a high susceptibility to develop the disease in this area. Using a case-control retrospective study design, we randomly recruited ninety-one related subjects, 39 type 1 diabetics and 52 ND as controls, at the Internal Medicine Board of Medical Centre University of Tlemcen. Results DR3 antigen frequencies were comparable between the type 1 diabetics and the ND subjects and showed no association with the disease (p = 1.000, OR = 0.95), whereas DR4 and DR3DR4 antigens were associated with susceptibility to develop type 1 diabetes (DR4; OR = 2.10, DR3DR4; OR = 1.30). Also, no incidence for DR3 (p = 0.2646) or DR3DR4 (p = 0.0699) antigen frequencies was related to the sex ratio. However, significant differences in HLA DR4 frequencies between type 1 diabetics and ND were found to be related to sex (p = 0.0085). Conclusion Taken together, our investigation showed that the strongest association with type 1 diabetes was noticed in the presence of HLA DR4 antigens followed by DR3DR4 antigens. This study highlighted a characteristic of Tlemcen population; a history of consanguineous marriages. Association studies between the disease and genetic polymorphisms should be undertaken in a population where consanguinity is more limited to reduce confounding in result interpretations. PMID:15331022

Hydrographic Data from the Pilot Study of the Coastal Transition Zone (CTZ) Program, 17-26 March 1987

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-30

C- o C! -0 0 0 -4i 104 Wz 0 4 P, N. *40 #A -*0 9*4 14 -*40s on f I046.. I 4n in f" *l eq r,4 "I CA 0~ 0 ~ 4 i 0 ~1 0 00 Va 4 n !=4 O .." VV " Ka ...97331 Dr. Robert L. Smith 1 Dr. Adriana Huyer I Dr. P. Michael Kosro 1 Dr. Mark R. Abbott I Dr. John S. Allen 1 Dr. Tim Cowles 1 Dr. David Kadco i Dr. Ted

Feature Extraction and Classification of Magnetic and EMI Data, San Luis Obispo, CA

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

Stephen Billings Dr. Len Pasion Dr. Nicolas Lhomme Kevin Kingdon Jon Jacobson Sky Research, Inc. Dr. Douglas Oldenburg Dr. Lin Ping Song...Discrimination Strategies for Application to Live Sites W912HQ-05-C-0018 ESTCP 0504Dr. Stephen Billings, Dr. Len Pasion , Dr. Nicolas Lhomme, Kevin...e.g. Hart et al., 2001; Collins et al., 2001; Pasion & Oldenburg, 2001; Zhang et al., 2003a, 2003b; Billings, 2004). The most promising discrimination

New Programs Utilizing Light Scattering and Flow Imaging Techniques for Macromolecular Crystal Growth and Fluid Dynamics Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Dr. Phil Segre, a physicist by training, is a recent addition to the Biotech group, SD46, having joined NASA in August of 2000. Over the past two years he has been developing a laboratory for the study of macromolecular and protein crystal growth. The main apparatus for this work is a Dynamic Light Scattering apparatus, DLS, which is capable of making highly precise measurements of size distributions of both protein solutions and protein crystals. With Drs. Chernov and Thomas (USRA), he has begun a collaboration studying the affects of protein impurities on protein crystal growth and subsequent crystal quality. One of the hypotheses behind the differences between Earth and space grown protein crystals is that the absorption of harmful impurities is reduced in space due to the absence of convective flows. Using DLS measurements we are examining crystal growth with varying amounts of impurities and testing whether there is a strong physical basis behind this hypothesis. With Dr. Joe Ng of UAH he has been collaborating on a project to examine the folding/unfolding dynamics of large RNA complexes. A detailed understanding of this process is necessary for the handling of RNA in biotech applications, and the DLS instrument gives details and results beyond that of other instruments. With Prof. Jim McClymer of the University of Maine (summer faculty visitor to NASA in 2001, 2002), we have been studying the crystallization process in model colloidal suspensions whose behavior in some cases can mimic that of much smaller protein solutions. An understanding of the self-assembly of colloids is the first step in the process of engineering novel materials for photonic and light switching applications. Finally, he has begun an investigation into the physics of particle sedimentation. In addition to the DLS instrument he also has an instrument (called PIV) that can measure flow fields of fluids. The applications are to the dynamics of protein crystal motions both on earth and in low-gravity.

IR/THz Double Resonance Spectroscopy Approach for Remote Chemical Detection at Atmospheric Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanner, Elizabeth A.; Phillips, Dane J.; De Lucia, Frank C.; Everitt, Henry O.

2013-06-01

A remote sensing methodology based on infrared/terahertz (IR/THz) double resonance (DR) spectroscopy is shown to overcome limitations traditionally associated with either IR or THz spectroscopic approaches for detecting trace gases in an atmosphere. The applicability of IR/THz DR spectroscopy is explored by estimating the IR and THz power requirements for detecting a 100 part-per-million-meter cloud of methyl fluoride, methyl chloride, or methyl bromide at ranges up to 1km in three atmospheric windows below 0.3 THz. These prototypical molecules are used to ascertain the dependence of the DR signal-to-noise ratio on IR and THz beam power. A line-tunable CO_2 laser with 100 ps pulse duration generates a DR signature in four rotational transitions on a time scale commensurate with collisional relaxations caused by atmospheric N_2 and O_2. A continuous wave THz beam is frequency tuned to probe one of these rotational transitions so that laser-induced absorption variations in the analyte cloud are detected as temporal power fluctuations synchronized with the laser pulses. A combination of molecule-specific physics and scenario-dependent atmospheric conditions are used to predict the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for detecting an analyte as a function of cloud column density. A methodology is presented by which the optimal IR/THz pump/probe frequencies are identified. These estimates show the potential for low concentration chemical detection in a challenging atmospheric scenario with currently available or near term hardware components.

Stroke-induced immunodepression and dysphagia independently predict stroke-associated pneumonia - The PREDICT study.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Sarah; Harms, Hendrik; Ulm, Lena; Nabavi, Darius G; Mackert, Bruno-Marcel; Schmehl, Ingo; Jungehulsing, Gerhard J; Montaner, Joan; Bustamante, Alejandro; Hermans, Marcella; Hamilton, Frank; Göhler, Jos; Malzahn, Uwe; Malsch, Carolin; Heuschmann, Peter U; Meisel, Christian; Meisel, Andreas

2017-12-01

Stroke-associated pneumonia is a frequent complication after stroke associated with poor outcome. Dysphagia is a known risk factor for stroke-associated pneumonia but accumulating evidence suggests that stroke induces an immunodepressive state increasing susceptibility for stroke-associated pneumonia. We aimed to confirm that stroke-induced immunodepression syndrome is associated with stroke-associated pneumonia independently from dysphagia by investigating the predictive properties of monocytic HLA-DR expression as a marker of immunodepression as well as biomarkers for inflammation (interleukin-6) and infection (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein). This was a prospective, multicenter study with 11 study sites in Germany and Spain, including 486 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Daily screening for stroke-associated pneumonia, dysphagia and biomarkers was performed. Frequency of stroke-associated pneumonia was 5.2%. Dysphagia and decreased monocytic HLA-DR were independent predictors for stroke-associated pneumonia in multivariable regression analysis. Proportion of pneumonia ranged between 0.9% in the higher monocytic HLA-DR quartile (≥21,876 mAb/cell) and 8.5% in the lower quartile (≤12,369 mAb/cell). In the presence of dysphagia, proportion of pneumonia increased to 5.9% and 18.8%, respectively. Patients without dysphagia and normal monocytic HLA-DR expression had no stroke-associated pneumonia risk. We demonstrate that dysphagia and stroke-induced immunodepression syndrome are independent risk factors for stroke-associated pneumonia. Screening for immunodepression and dysphagia might be useful for identifying patients at high risk for stroke-associated pneumonia.

Sensitivity of C-Band Polarimetric Radar-Based Drop Size Distribution Measurements to Maximum Diameter Assumptions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carey, Lawrence D.; Petersen, Walter A.

2011-01-01

The estimation of rain drop size distribution (DSD) parameters from polarimetric radar observations is accomplished by first establishing a relationship between differential reflectivity (Z(sub dr)) and the central tendency of the rain DSD such as the median volume diameter (D0). Since Z(sub dr) does not provide a direct measurement of DSD central tendency, the relationship is typically derived empirically from rain drop and radar scattering models (e.g., D0 = F[Z (sub dr)] ). Past studies have explored the general sensitivity of these models to temperature, radar wavelength, the drop shape vs. size relation, and DSD variability. Much progress has been made in recent years in measuring the drop shape and DSD variability using surface-based disdrometers, such as the 2D Video disdrometer (2DVD), and documenting their impact on polarimetric radar techniques. In addition to measuring drop shape, another advantage of the 2DVD over earlier impact type disdrometers is its ability to resolve drop diameters in excess of 5 mm. Despite this improvement, the sampling limitations of a disdrometer, including the 2DVD, make it very difficult to adequately measure the maximum drop diameter (D(sub max)) present in a typical radar resolution volume. As a result, D(sub max) must still be assumed in the drop and radar models from which D0 = F[Z(sub dr)] is derived. Since scattering resonance at C-band wavelengths begins to occur in drop diameters larger than about 5 mm, modeled C-band radar parameters, particularly Z(sub dr), can be sensitive to D(sub max) assumptions. In past C-band radar studies, a variety of D(sub max) assumptions have been made, including the actual disdrometer estimate of D(sub max) during a typical sampling period (e.g., 1-3 minutes), D(sub max) = C (where C is constant at values from 5 to 8 mm), and D(sub max) = M*D0 (where the constant multiple, M, is fixed at values ranging from 2.5 to 3.5). The overall objective of this NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM/PMM Science Team)-funded study is to document the sensitivity of DSD measurements, including estimates of D0, from C-band Z(sub dr) and reflectivity to this range of D(sub max) assumptions. For this study, GPM Ground Validation 2DVD's were operated under the scanning domain of the UAHuntsville ARMOR C-band dual-polarimetric radar. Approximately 7500 minutes of DSD data were collected and processed to create gamma size distribution parameters using a truncated method of moments approach. After creating the gamma parameter datasets the DSD's were then used as input to a T-matrix model for computation of polarimetric radar moments at C-band. All necessary model parameterizations, such as temperature, drop shape, and drop fall mode, were fixed at typically accepted values while the D(sub max) assumption was allowed to vary in sensitivity tests. By hypothesizing a DSD model with D(sub max) (fit) from which the empirical fit to D0 = F[Z(sub dr)] was derived via non-linear least squares regression and a separate reference DSD model with D(sub max) (truth), bias and standard error in D0 retrievals were estimated in the presence of Z(sub dr) measurement error and hypothesized mismatch in D(sub max) assumptions. Although the normalized standard error for D0 = F[Z(sub dr)r] can increase slightly (as much as from 11% to 16% for all 7500 DSDs) when the D(sub max) (fit) does not match D(sub max) (truth), the primary impact of uncertainty in D(sub max) is a potential increase in normalized bias error in D0 (from 0% to as much as 10% over all 7500 DSDs, depending on the extent of the mismatch between D(sub max) (fit) and D(sub max) (truth)). For DSDs characterized by large Z(sub dr) (Z(sub dr) > 1.5 to 2.0 dB), the normalized bias error for D0 estimation at C-band is sometimes unacceptably large (> 10%), again depending on the extent of the hypothesized D(sub max) mismatch. Modeled errors in D0 retrievals from Z(sub dr) at C-band are demonstrated in detail and comparedo similar modeled retrieval errors at S-band and X-band where the sensitivity to D(sub max) is expected to be less. The impact of D(sub max) assumptions to the retrieval of other DSD parameters such as Nw, the liquid water content normalized intercept parameter, are also explored. Likely implications for DSD retrievals using C-band polarimetric radar for GPM are assessed by considering current community knowledge regarding D(sub max) and quantifying the statistical distribution of Z(sub dr) from ARMOR over a large variety of meteorological conditions. Based on these results and the prevalence of C-band polarimetric radars worldwide, a call for more emphasis on constraining our observational estimate of D(sub max) within a typical radar resolution volume is made

Dynamical effects of the spiral arms on the velocity distribution of disc stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hattori, Kohei; Gouda, Naoteru; Yano, Taihei; Sakai, Nobuyuki; Tagawa, Hiromichi

2018-04-01

Nearby disc stars in Gaia DR1 (TGAS) and RAVE DR5 show a bimodal velocity distribution in the metal-rich region (characterized by the Hercules stream) and mono-modal velocity distribution in the metal-poor region. We investigate the origin of this [Fe/H] dependence of the local velocity distribution by using 2D test particle simulations. We found that this [Fe/H] dependence can be well reproduced if we assume fast rotating bar models with Ωbar ~= 52 km s-1 kpc-1. A possible explanation for this result is that the metal-rich, relatively young stars are more likely to be affected by bar's outer Lindblad resonance due to their relatively cold kinematics. We also found that slowly rotating bar models with Ωbar ~= 39 km s-1 kpc-1 can not reproduce the observed data. Interestingly, when we additionally consider spiral arms, some models can reproduce the observed velocity distribution even when the bar is slowly rotating.

Around Marshall

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-09-12

The science laboratory, Spacelab-J (SL-J), flown aboard the STS-47 flight was a joint venture between NASA and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) utilizing a manned Spacelab module. The mission conducted 24 materials science and 20 life science experiments, of which 35 were sponsored by NASDA, 7 by NASA, and two collaborative efforts. Materials science investigations covered such fields as biotechnology, electronic materials, fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, glasses and ceramics, metals and alloys, and acceleration measurements. Life sciences included experiments on human health, cell separation and biology, developmental biology, animal and human physiology and behavior, space radiation, and biological rhythms. Test subjects included the crew, Japanese koi fish (carp), cultured animal and plant cells, chicken embryos, fruit flies, fungi and plant seeds, and frogs and frog eggs. Pictured along with George Norris in the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are NASDA alternate payload specialists Dr. Doi and Dr. Mukai.

Gaia DR1 completeness within 250 pc and star formation history of the Solar neighbourhood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, E. J.

2017-12-01

Taking advantage of the Gaia DR1, we combined TGAS parallaxes with the Tycho-2 and APASS photometry to calculate the star formation history (SFH) of the solar neighbourhood within 250 pc using the colour-magnitude diagram fitting technique. Our dynamically-evolved SFH is in excellent agreement with that calculated from the Hipparcos catalogue within 80 pc of the Sun, showing an enhanced star formation rate (SFR) in the past ˜4 Gyr. We then correct the SFR for the disc thickening with age to obtain a SFR that is representative of the whole solar cylinder, and show that even with an extreme correction our results are not consistent with an exponentially decreasing SFR as found by recent studies. Finally, we discuss how this technique can be applied out to ˜5 kpc thanks to the next Gaia data releases, which will allow us to quantify the SFH of the thin disc, thick disc and halo in situ.

Zika is not a reason for missing the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro: response to the open letter of Dr Attaran and colleagues to Dr Margaret Chan, Director - General, WHO, on the Zika threat to the Olympic and Paralympic Games

PubMed Central

Codeço, Claudia; Villela, Daniel; Gomes, Marcelo F; Bastos, Leonardo; Cruz, Oswaldo; Struchiner, Claudio; Carvalho, Luis Max; Coelho, Flavio

2016-01-01

Attaran and colleagues in an open letter to WHO expressed their concern about the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the threat posed by the Zika epidemic (Attaran 2016). We agree that Zika virus is of great public health concern and much remains to be known about this disease. Care should be taken to reduce the risk of infection, especially to pregnant women. However, we argue that this is not sufficient reason for changing the original plans for the Games, in particular because of the time of the year when they will take place. The present article outlines several scientific results related to Zika and mosquito-borne infectious diseases dynamics that we believe ratify the current position of WHO in not endorsing the postponing or relocation of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games (WHO 2016). PMID:27304097