Sample records for eddy accumulation dea

  1. Eddy Covariance Flux Measurements of Pollutant Gases in the Mexico City Urban Area: a Useful Technique to Evaluate Emissions inventories

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Velasco, E.; Grivicke, R.; Pressley, S.; Allwine, G.; Jobson, T.; Westberg, H.; Lamb, B.; Ramos, R.; Molina, L.

    2007-12-01

    Direct measurements of emissions of pollutant gases that include all major and minor emissions sources in urban areas are a missing requirement to improve and evaluate emissions inventories. The quality of an urban emissions inventory relies on the accuracy of the information of anthropogenic activities, which in many cases is not available, in particular in urban areas of developing countries. As part of the MCMA-2003 field campaign, we demonstrated the feasibility of using eddy covariance (EC) techniques coupled with fast-response sensors to measure fluxes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 from a residential district of Mexico City. Those flux measurements demonstrated to be also a valuable tool to evaluate the emissions inventory used for air quality modeling. With the objective to confirm the representativeness of the 2003 flux measurements in terms of magnitude, composition and diurnal distribution, as well to evaluate the most recent emissions inventory, a second flux system was deployed in a different district of Mexico City during the 2006 MILAGRO field campaign. This system was located in a busy district surrounded by congested avenues close to the center of the city. In 2003 and 2006 fluxes of olefins and CO2 were measured by the EC technique using a Fast Isoprene Sensor calibrated with a propylene standard and an open path Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA), respectively. Fluxes of aromatic and oxygenated VOCs were analyzed by Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectroscopy (PTR-MS) and the disjunct eddy covariance (DEC) technique. In 2006 the number of VOCs was extended using a disjunct eddy accumulation (DEA) system. This system collected whole air samples as function of the direction of the vertical wind component, and the samples were analyzed on site by gas chromatography / flame ionization detection (GC-FID). In both studies we found that the urban surface is a net source of CO2 and VOCs. The diurnal patterns were similar, but the 2006 fluxes showed higher magnitudes. This difference was due to the different characteristics of the monitored sites rather than an increment of the emissions over a 3-year period. The diurnal patterns of VOCs and CO2 fluxes were strongly related to vehicular traffic. Toluene and methanol fluxes also exhibited a strong influence from non-mobile sources; in particular the 2006 flux measurements were influenced on some days by the application of a resin to the sidewalks in the neighborhood near the flux tower. The fluxes of individual hydrocarbons measured by DEA showed good agreement with the fluxes measured by EC and DEC which demonstrates that the DEA method is valuable for flux measurements of additional individual species. Finally, the comparisons between the measured fluxes of VOCs and the emissions reported by the emissions inventory for the monitored sector of the city showed that these last were within the observed variability of the measured fluxes.

  2. Satellite-Based Analysis of Evapotranspiration and Water Balance in the Grassland Ecosystems of Dryland East Asia

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Jiangzhou; Liang, Shunlin; Chen, Jiquan; Yuan, Wenping; Liu, Shuguang; Li, Linghao; Cai, Wenwen; Zhang, Li; Fu, Yang; Zhao, Tianbao; Feng, Jinming; Ma, Zhuguo; Ma, Mingguo; Liu, Shaomin; Zhou, Guangsheng; Asanuma, Jun; Chen, Shiping; Du, Mingyuan; Davaa, Gombo; Kato, Tomomichi; Liu, Qiang; Liu, Suhong; Li, Shenggong; Shao, Changliang; Tang, Yanhong; Zhao, Xiang

    2014-01-01

    The regression tree method is used to upscale evapotranspiration (ET) measurements at eddy-covariance (EC) towers to the grassland ecosystems over the Dryland East Asia (DEA). The regression tree model was driven by satellite and meteorology datasets, and explained 82% and 76% of the variations of ET observations in the calibration and validation datasets, respectively. The annual ET estimates ranged from 222.6 to 269.1 mm yr−1 over the DEA region with an average of 245.8 mm yr−1 from 1982 through 2009. Ecosystem ET showed decreased trends over 61% of the DEA region during this period, especially in most regions of Mongolia and eastern Inner Mongolia due to decreased precipitation. The increased ET occurred primarily in the western and southern DEA region. Over the entire study area, water balance (the difference between precipitation and ecosystem ET) decreased substantially during the summer and growing season. Precipitation reduction was an important cause for the severe water deficits. The drying trend occurring in the grassland ecosystems of the DEA region can exert profound impacts on a variety of terrestrial ecosystem processes and functions. PMID:24845063

  3. Satellite-based analysis of evapotranspiration and water balance in the grassland ecosystems of Dryland East Asia.

    PubMed

    Xia, Jiangzhou; Liang, Shunlin; Chen, Jiquan; Yuan, Wenping; Liu, Shuguang; Li, Linghao; Cai, Wenwen; Zhang, Li; Fu, Yang; Zhao, Tianbao; Feng, Jinming; Ma, Zhuguo; Ma, Mingguo; Liu, Shaomin; Zhou, Guangsheng; Asanuma, Jun; Chen, Shiping; Du, Mingyuan; Davaa, Gombo; Kato, Tomomichi; Liu, Qiang; Liu, Suhong; Li, Shenggong; Shao, Changliang; Tang, Yanhong; Zhao, Xiang

    2014-01-01

    The regression tree method is used to upscale evapotranspiration (ET) measurements at eddy-covariance (EC) towers to the grassland ecosystems over the Dryland East Asia (DEA). The regression tree model was driven by satellite and meteorology datasets, and explained 82% and 76% of the variations of ET observations in the calibration and validation datasets, respectively. The annual ET estimates ranged from 222.6 to 269.1 mm yr(-1) over the DEA region with an average of 245.8 mm yr(-1) from 1982 through 2009. Ecosystem ET showed decreased trends over 61% of the DEA region during this period, especially in most regions of Mongolia and eastern Inner Mongolia due to decreased precipitation. The increased ET occurred primarily in the western and southern DEA region. Over the entire study area, water balance (the difference between precipitation and ecosystem ET) decreased substantially during the summer and growing season. Precipitation reduction was an important cause for the severe water deficits. The drying trend occurring in the grassland ecosystems of the DEA region can exert profound impacts on a variety of terrestrial ecosystem processes and functions.

  4. Flux Measurements of Trace Gases, Aerosols and Energy from the Urban Core of Mexico City

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Velasco, E.; Molina, L.; Lamb, B.; Pressley, S.; Grivicke, R.; Westberg, H.; Jobson, T.; Allwine, E.; Coons, T.; Jimenez, J.; Nemitz, E.; Alexander, L. M.; Worsnop, D.; Ramos, R.

    2007-05-01

    As part of the MILAGRO field campaign in March 2006 we deployed a flux system in a busy district of Mexico City surrounded by congested avenues. The flux system consisted of a tall tower instrumented with fast-response sensors coupled with eddy covariance (EC) techniques to measure fluxes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2, CO, aerosols and energy. The measured fluxes represent direct measurements of emissions that include all major and minor emission sources from a typical residential and commercial district. In a previous study we demonstrated that the EC techniques are valuable tools to evaluate emissions inventories in urban areas, and understand better the atmospheric chemistry and the role that megacities play in global change. We measured fluxes of olefins using a Fast Olefin Sensor (FOS) and the EC technique, fluxes of aromatic and oxygenated VOCs by Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectroscopy (PTR-MS) and the disjunct eddy covariance (DEC) technique, fluxes of CO2 and H2O with an open path Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA) and the EC technique, fluxes of CO using a modified gradient method and a commercial CO instrument, and fluxes of aerosols (organics, nitrates and sulfates) using an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) and the EC technique. In addition we used a disjunct eddy accumulation (DEA) system to extend the number of VOCs. This system collected whole air samples as function of the direction of the vertical wind component, and the samples were analyzed on site using gas chromatography / flame ionization detection (GC-FID). We also measured fluxes of sensible and latent heat by EC and the radiation components with a net radiometer. Overall, these flux measurements confirm the results of our previous flux measurements in Mexico City in terms of the magnitude, composition, and distribution. We found that the urban surface is a net source of CO2 and VOCs. The diurnal patterns show clear anthropogenic signatures, with important contributions from vehicular traffic. The DEA results for individual hydrocarbons show that the alkane fluxes are considerably higher than alkene fluxes, which is consistent with ambient concentration measurements and with the emission inventory for Mexico City. CO fluxes, estimated from a modified gradient technique, were more than 10% of the measured CO2 fluxes (on a molar basis) which is much higher than is generally expected for combustion efficiencies in mobile and other sources. Investigation of this result is underway. The energy balance distribution and radiative parameters observed are similar to distributions and parameters reported for other urban sites.

  5. USE OF RELAXED EDDY ACCUMULATION TO MEASURE BIOSPHERE-ATMOSPHERE EXCHANGE OF ISOPRENE AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL TRACE GASES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The micrometeorological flux measurement technique known as relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) holds promise as a powerful new tool for ecologists. The more popular eddy covariance (eddy correlation) technique requires the use of sensors that can respond at fast rates (10 Hz), and t...

  6. A True Eddy Accumulation - Eddy Covariance hybrid for measurements of turbulent trace gas fluxes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siebicke, Lukas

    2016-04-01

    Eddy covariance (EC) is state-of-the-art in directly and continuously measuring turbulent fluxes of carbon dioxide and water vapor. However, low signal-to-noise ratios, high flow rates and missing or complex gas analyzers limit it's application to few scalars. True eddy accumulation, based on conditional sampling ideas by Desjardins in 1972, requires no fast response analyzers and is therefore potentially applicable to a wider range of scalars. Recently we showed possibly the first successful implementation of True Eddy Accumulation (TEA) measuring net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide of a grassland. However, most accumulation systems share the complexity of having to store discrete air samples in physical containers representing entire flux averaging intervals. The current study investigates merging principles of eddy accumulation and eddy covariance, which we here refer to as "true eddy accumulation in transient mode" (TEA-TM). This direct flux method TEA-TM combines true eddy accumulation with continuous sampling. The TEA-TM setup is simpler than discrete accumulation methods while avoiding the need for fast response gas analyzers and high flow rates required for EC. We implemented the proposed TEA-TM method and measured fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) above a mixed beech forest at the Hainich Fluxnet and ICOS site, Germany, using a G2301 laser spectrometer (Picarro Inc., USA). We further simulated a TEA-TM sampling system using measured high frequency CO2 time series from an open-path gas analyzer. We operated TEA-TM side-by-side with open-, enclosed- and closed-path EC flux systems for CO2, H2O and CH4 (LI-7500, LI-7200, LI-6262, LI-7700, Licor, USA, and FGGA LGR, USA). First results show that TEA-TM CO2 fluxes were similar to EC fluxes. Remaining differences were similar to those between the three eddy covariance setups (open-, enclosed- and closed-path gas analyzers). Measured TEA-TM CO2 fluxes from our physical sampling system closely reproduced dynamics of simulated TEA-TM fluxes. In conclusion this study introduces a new approach to trace gas flux measurements using transient-mode true eddy accumulation. First TEA-TM CO2 fluxes compared favorably with side-by-side EC fluxes, in agreement with our previous experiments comparing discrete TEA to EC. True eddy accumulation has thus potential for measuring turbulent fluxes of a range of atmospheric tracers using slow response analyzers.

  7. True eddy accumulation and eddy covariance methods and instruments intercomparison for fluxes of CO2, CH4 and H2O above the Hainich Forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siebicke, Lukas

    2017-04-01

    The eddy covariance (EC) method is state-of-the-art in directly measuring vegetation-atmosphere exchange of CO2 and H2O at ecosystem scale. However, the EC method is currently limited to a small number of atmospheric tracers by the lack of suitable fast-response analyzers or poor signal-to-noise ratios. High resource and power demands may further restrict the number of spatial sampling points. True eddy accumulation (TEA) is an alternative method for direct and continuous flux observations. Key advantages are the applicability to a wider range of air constituents such as greenhouse gases, isotopes, volatile organic compounds and aerosols using slow-response analyzers. In contrast to relaxed eddy accumulation (REA), true eddy accumulation (Desjardins, 1977) has the advantage of being a direct method which does not require proxies. True Eddy Accumulation has the potential to overcome above mentioned limitations of eddy covariance but has hardly ever been successfully demonstrated in practice in the past. This study presents flux measurements using an innovative approach to true eddy accumulation by directly, continuously and automatically measuring trace gas fluxes using a flow-through system. We merge high-frequency flux contributions from TEA with low-frequency covariances from the same sensors. We show flux measurements of CO2, CH4 and H2O by TEA and EC above an old-growth forest at the ICOS flux tower site "Hainich" (DE-Hai). We compare and evaluate the performance of the two direct turbulent flux measurement methods eddy covariance and true eddy accumulation using side-by-side trace gas flux observations. We further compare performance of seven instrument complexes, i.e. combinations of sonic anemometers and trace gas analyzers. We compare gas analyzers types of open-path, enclosed-path and closed-path design. We further differentiate data from two gas analysis technologies: infrared gas analysis (IRGA) and laser spectrometry (open path and CRDS closed-path laser spectrometers). We present results of CO2 and H2O fluxes from the following six instruments, i.e. combinations of sonic anemometers/gas analyzers (and methods): METEK-uSonic3/Picarro-G2301 (TEA), METEK-uSonic3/LI-7500 (EC), Gill-R3/LI-6262 (EC), Gill-R3/LI-7200 (EC), Gill-HS/LI-7200 (EC), Gill-R3/LGR-FGGA (EC). Further, we present results of much more difficult to measure CH4 fluxes from the following three instruments, i.e. combinations of sonic anemometers/gas analyzers (and methods): METEK-uSonic3/Picarro-G2301 (TEA), Gill-R3/LI-7700 (EC), Gill-R3/LGR-FGGA (EC). We observed that CO2, CH4 and H2O fluxes from the side-by-side measurements by true eddy accumulation and eddy covariance methods correlated well. Secondly, the difference between the TEA and EC methods using the same sonic anemometer but different gas analyzer was often smaller than the mismatch of the various side-by-side eddy covariance measurements using different sonic anemometers and gas analyzers. Signal-to-noise ratios of CH4 fluxes from the true eddy accumulation system system were superior to both eddy covariance sensors (open-path LI-7700 and closed-path CRDS LGR-FGGA sensors). We conclude that our novel implementation of the true eddy accumulation method demonstrated high signal-to-noise ratios, applicability to slow-response gas analyzers, small power consumption and direct proxy-free ecosystem-scale trace gas flux measurements of CO2, CH4 and H2O. The current results suggest that true eddy accumulation would be suitable and should be applied as the method-of-choice for direct flux measurements of a large number of atmospheric constituents beyond CO2 and H2O, including isotopes, aerosols, volatile organic compounds and other trace gases for which eddy covariance might not be a viable alternative. We will further develop true eddy accumulation as a novel approach using multiplexed systems for spatially distributed flux measurements.

  8. Is forest management a significant source of monoterpenes into the boreal atmosphere?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haapanala, S.; Hakola, H.; Hellén, H.; Vestenius, M.; Levula, J.; Rinne, J.

    2011-08-01

    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including terpenoids are emitted into the atmosphere from various natural sources. Damaging the plant tissue is known to strongly increase their monoterpene release. We measured the terpenoid emissions caused by timber felling, i.e. those from stumps and logging residue. The emissions from stumps were studied using enclosures and those from the whole felling area using an ecosystem scale micrometeorological method, disjunct eddy accumulation (DEA). The compounds analyzed were isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Strong emissions of monoterpenes were measured from both the stumps and from the whole felling area. The emission rate fell down rapidly within few months after the logging. In addition to fresh logging residue, the results suggest also other strong monoterpene sources to be present at the felling area. Those could include pre-existing litter, increased microbial activity and remaining undergrowth. To evaluate the possible importance of monoterpenes emitted from cut Scots pine forests in Finland annually, we conducted a rough upscaling. The resulting monoterpene release was about 15 kilotonnes per year which is more than 10 % of the monoterpene release from intact forests in Finland.

  9. Methane fluxes above the Hainich forest by True Eddy Accumulation and Eddy Covariance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siebicke, Lukas; Gentsch, Lydia; Knohl, Alexander

    2016-04-01

    Understanding the role of forests for the global methane cycle requires quantifying vegetation-atmosphere exchange of methane, however observations of turbulent methane fluxes remain scarce. Here we measured turbulent fluxes of methane (CH4) above a beech-dominated old-growth forest in the Hainich National Park, Germany, and validated three different measurement approaches: True Eddy Accumulation (TEA, closed-path laser spectroscopy), and eddy covariance (EC, open-path and closed-path laser spectroscopy, respectively). The Hainich flux tower is a long-term Fluxnet and ICOS site with turbulent fluxes and ecosystem observations spanning more than 15 years. The current study is likely the first application of True Eddy Accumulation (TEA) for the measurement of turbulent exchange of methane and one of the very few studies comparing open-path and closed-path eddy covariance (EC) setups side-by-side. We observed uptake of methane by the forest during the day (a methane sink with a maximum rate of 0.03 μmol m-2 s-1 at noon) and no or small fluxes of methane from the forest to the atmosphere at night (a methane source of typically less than 0.01 μmol m-2 s-1) based on continuous True Eddy Accumulation measurements in September 2015. First results comparing TEA to EC CO2 fluxes suggest that True Eddy Accumulation is a valid option for turbulent flux quantifications using slow response gas analysers (here CRDS laser spectroscopy, other potential techniques include mass spectroscopy). The TEA system was one order of magnitude more energy efficient compared to closed-path eddy covariance. The open-path eddy covariance setup required the least amount of user interaction but is often constrained by low signal-to-noise ratios obtained when measuring methane fluxes over forests. Closed-path eddy covariance showed good signal-to-noise ratios in the lab, however in the field it required significant amounts of user intervention in addition to a high power consumption. We conclude, based on preliminary evidence, that the Hainich forest acted as a moderate net sink for methane during the investigation. This supports earlier findings from chamber measurements at the Hainich forest site and is similar to findings from other forest sites. Our observations will be continued through 2016 and beyond to provide longer-term methane flux time series spanning entire seasons. However, the current data set already provides a basis for further consolidating methods of measurements and analysis of turbulent methane fluxes using eddy covariance and true eddy accumulation.

  10. Pesticides in the groundwater of a spring draining a sandy aquifer: Temporal variability of concentrations and fluxes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morvan, X.; Mouvet, C.; Baran, N.; Gutierrez, A.

    2006-10-01

    A 250 ha agricultural catchment has been characterized with respect to its hydrogeology and groundwater contamination by pesticides from October 1999 to August 2004. Five years after the ending of atrazine (At) application, used since the sixties, At and deethylatrazine (DEA) are still systematically quantified at the outlet of the watershed with concentrations from 0.07 to 0.43 μg l - 1 for At, and between 0.14 and 1.16 μg l - 1 for DEA. Isoproturon and chlortoluron are detected in only one (0.3 μg l - 1 ) and two (0.7 and 2.0 μg l - 1 ) of the 124 semi-monthly samples, respectively. DEA concentrations can be very different between two samples with a 15-day time step. The annual mean exported fluxes of cumulated At and DEA are stable, which indicates a long time transfer in the unsaturated or saturated zone with a progressive leaching of the stock of At and DEA probably accumulated in the soil and the vadose zone. These fluxes, between 0.90% and 2.82% of the annual mean dose of At applied before 1999, similar to those calculated in several studies at the bottom of the root zone, could be explained by low adsorption and degradation properties of At and DEA in the unsaturated and saturated zone.

  11. Is forest management a significant source of monoterpenes into the boreal atmosphere?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haapanala, S.; Hakola, H.; Hellén, H.; Vestenius, M.; Levula, J.; Rinne, J.

    2012-04-01

    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including terpenoids are emitted into the atmosphere from various natural sources. Damaging the plant tissue is known to strongly increase their monoterpene release. We measured the terpenoid emissions caused by timber felling, i.e. those from stumps and logging residue. The emissions from stumps were studied using enclosures and those from the whole felling area using an ecosystem-scale micrometeorological method, disjunct eddy accumulation (DEA). The compounds analyzed were isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Strong emissions of monoterpenes were measured from both the stumps and from the whole felling area. The emission rate decreased rapidly within a few months after the logging. In addition to fresh logging residue, the results suggest also other strong monoterpene sources may be present in the felling area. These could include pre-existing litter, increased microbial activity and remaining undergrowth. In order to evaluate the possible importance of monoterpenes emitted annually from cut Scots pine forests in Finland, we conducted a rough upscaling calculation. The resulting monoterpene release was approximated to be on the order of 15 kilotonnes per year, which corresponds to about one tenth of the monoterpene release from intact forests in Finland.

  12. Fatty acid profiles of phyllosoma larvae of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) in cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies of the Leeuwin Current off Western Australia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, M.; O'Rorke, R.; Waite, A. M.; Beckley, L. E.; Thompson, P.; Jeffs, A. G.

    2014-03-01

    The recent dramatic decline in settlement in the population of the spiny lobster, Panulirus cygnus, may be due to changes in the oceanographic processes that operate offshore of Western Australia. It has been suggested that this decline could be related to poor nutritional condition of the post-larvae, especially lipid which is accumulated in large quantities during the preceding extensive pelagic larval stage. The current study focused on investigations into the lipid content and fatty acid (FA) profiles of lobster phyllosoma larvae from three mid to late stages of larval development (stages VI, VII, VIII) sampled from two cyclonic and two anticyclonic eddies of the Leeuwin Current off Western Australia. The results showed significant accumulation of lipid and energy storage FAs with larval development regardless of location of capture, however, larvae from cyclonic eddies had more lipid and FAs associated with energy storage than larvae from anticyclonic eddies. FA food chain markers from the larvae indicated significant differences in the food webs operating in the two types of eddy, with a higher level of FA markers for production from flagellates and a lower level from copepod grazing in cyclonic versus anticyclonic eddies. The results indicate that the microbial food web operating in cyclonic eddies provides better feeding conditions for lobster larvae despite anticyclonic eddies being generally more productive and containing greater abundances of zooplankton as potential prey for lobster larvae. Gelatinous zooplankton, such as siphonophores, may play an important role in cyclonic eddies by accumulating dispersed microbial nutrients and making them available as larger prey for phyllosoma. The markedly superior nutritional condition of lobster larvae feeding in the microbial food web found in cyclonic eddies, could greatly influence their subsequent settlement and recruitment to the coastal fishery.

  13. Ammonia flux above fertilized corn in central Illinois, USA, using relaxed eddy accumulation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The objective of this research is to quantify NH3 flux above an intensively managed cornfield in the Midwestern United States to improve understanding of NH3 emissions and evaluations of new and existing emission models. A relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system was deployed above a corn canopy in ce...

  14. High-cycle electromechanical aging of dielectric elastomer actuators with carbon-based electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Saint-Aubin, C. A.; Rosset, S.; Schlatter, S.; Shea, H.

    2018-07-01

    We present high-cycle aging tests of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) based on silicone elastomers, reporting on the time-evolution of actuation strain and of electrode resistance over millions of cycles. We compare several types of carbon-based electrodes, and for the first time show how the choice of electrode has a dramatic influence on DEA aging. An expanding circle DEA configuration is used, consisting of a commercial silicone membrane with the following electrodes: commercial carbon grease applied manually, solvent-diluted carbon grease applied by stamping (pad printing), loose carbon black powder applied manually, carbon black powder suspension applied by inkjet-printing, and conductive silicone-carbon composite applied by stamping. The silicone-based DEAs with manually applied carbon grease electrodes show the shortest lifetime of less than 105 cycles at 5% strain, while the inkjet-printed carbon powder and the stamped silicone-carbon composite make for the most reliable devices, with lifetimes greater than 107 cycles at 5% strain. These results are valid for the specific dielectric and electrode configurations that were tested: using other dielectrics or electrode formulations would lead to different lifetimes and failure modes. We find that aging (as seen in the change in resistance and in actuation strain versus cycle number) is independent of the actuation frequency from 10 Hz to 200 Hz, and depends on the total accumulated time the DEA spends in an actuated state.

  15. Nonlinear Modeling and Characterization of the Villari Effect and Model-guided Development of Magnetostrictive Energy Harvesters and Dampers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Zhangxian

    The Villari effect, through which mechanical energy is transferred to magnetic energy in magnetostrictive materials can be utilized in energy harvester and damper designs. Significant research has been conducted on two magnetostrictive materials, Terfenol-D (TbxDy1-xFe2.0, x ≈ 0.3) and Galfenol (Fe1-xGax, 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), due to their high magnetomechanical coupling. Both materials have strengths and weaknesses. Terfenol-D exhibits low eddy current loss, but it is brittle and difficult to machine. Terfenol-D also provides higher magnetostriction while requiring a large magnetic field. On the other hand, Galfenol is mechanically robust, and thus can be machined, welded, and formed into complex geometries. However, due to its severe eddy current effect, lamination is necessary in high frequency applications. This work first characterized the Villari effect of Galfenol in terms of the piezo-magnetic constant d33* and hysteresis loss. The stress-flux density loops of oriented, polycrystalline Fe18.4Ga81.6 Galfenol were measured at quasi-static and dynamic regimes (up to 800 Hz). Advanced modeling tools are necessary for magnetostrictive device development. On the material level, this work proposed a dynamic, discrete energy-averaged (DEA) model incorporating time-dependent volume fractions into the static DEA framework. This dynamic DEA model took eddy current loss, mechanical loss, and pinning site loss into account and accurately simulated the measured Villari effect up to 600 Hz. On the system level, this work integrated a hysteresis static DEA model with a 3D finite element (FE) framework, and accurately modeled stress-flux density minor loops in a quasi-static state. Based on the assumption that the magnetostriction and magnetization are uniaxial, this work also proposed an efficient 2D FE framework describing nonlinear magnetostrictive responses via interpolation functions. This enhanced knowledge of the Villari effect facilitates magnetostrictive vibration energy harvester designs. A Galfenol unimorph, bonding passive stainless steel on a Galfenol beam, was investigated. The performance of the proposed unimorph harvesters, subjected to impulsive and periodic excitations, was evaluated for different types of electrical loads. The maximum average output power density P¯ and the maximum energy conversion efficiency were 24.4 mW/cm3 and 5.9%, respectively. The fully coupled 2D FE model, incorporating magnetic, mechanical, and electrical dynamics, was validated using impulsive responses. A simplified and more efficient FE approach, which decoupled the electrical dynamics from the magnetostrictive coupling and utilized a two-step procedure to eliminate transient responses, was also presented, as was a comprehensive parametric study targeting coil size, magnet location, magnet strength, thickness ratio, and tip mass. The maximum P&barbelow;P¯ was improved by 15.2% via optimization. Energy harvester's bandwidth is another essential parameter that often needs to be optimized. This work conducted preliminary experiments on a nonlinear buckled unimorph beam, and achieved a 300% bandwidth improvement. Besides its applications in energy harvesting, the Villari effect dissipates mechanical energy and thus can be implemented in dampers. This work conceptually proposed possible magnetostrictive dampers to attenuate noise in gearboxes. The loss factors eta of Terfenol-D and Galfenol damping units were first compared numerically in COMSOL Multiphysics. Based on the finite element results, the damping effect of Terfenol-D was then quantified experimentally. The maximum eta at 750 Hz was 0.2136 and 0.3679 for purely resistive and capacitive loads, respectively.

  16. Anticyclonic eddies increase accumulation of microplastic in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre.

    PubMed

    Brach, Laurent; Deixonne, Patrick; Bernard, Marie-France; Durand, Edmée; Desjean, Marie-Christine; Perez, Emile; van Sebille, Erik; Ter Halle, Alexandra

    2018-01-01

    There are fundamental gaps in our understanding of the fates of microplastics in the ocean, which must be overcome if the severity of this pollution is to be fully assessed. The predominant pattern is high accumulation of microplastic in subtropical gyres. Using in situ measurements from the 7th Continent expedition in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre, data from satellite observations and models, we show how microplastic concentrations were up to 9.4 times higher in an anticyclonic eddy explored, compared to the cyclonic eddy. Although our sample size is small, this is the first suggestive evidence that mesoscale eddies might trap, concentrate and potentially transport microplastics. As eddies are known to congregate nutrients and organisms, this phenomenon should be considered with regards to the potential impact of plastic pollution on the ecosystem in the open ocean. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. A High Frequency Response Relaxed Eddy Accumulation Flux Measurement System for Sampling Short-Lived Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds

    EPA Science Inventory

    A second-generation relaxed eddy accumulation system was built and tested with the capability to measure vertical biogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) fluxes at levels as low as 10 µg C m−2 hr−1. The system features a continuous, integrated gas-phase ozo...

  18. Turbulent fluxes by "Conditional Eddy Sampling"

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siebicke, Lukas

    2015-04-01

    Turbulent flux measurements are key to understanding ecosystem scale energy and matter exchange, including atmospheric trace gases. While the eddy covariance approach has evolved as an invaluable tool to quantify fluxes of e.g. CO2 and H2O continuously, it is limited to very few atmospheric constituents for which sufficiently fast analyzers exist. High instrument cost, lack of field-readiness or high power consumption (e.g. many recent laser-based systems requiring strong vacuum) further impair application to other tracers. Alternative micrometeorological approaches such as conditional sampling might overcome major limitations. Although the idea of eddy accumulation has already been proposed by Desjardin in 1972 (Desjardin, 1977), at the time it could not be realized for trace gases. Major simplifications by Businger and Oncley (1990) lead to it's widespread application as 'Relaxed Eddy Accumulation' (REA). However, those simplifications (flux gradient similarity with constant flow rate sampling irrespective of vertical wind velocity and introduction of a deadband around zero vertical wind velocity) have degraded eddy accumulation to an indirect method, introducing issues of scalar similarity and often lack of suitable scalar flux proxies. Here we present a real implementation of a true eddy accumulation system according to the original concept. Key to our approach, which we call 'Conditional Eddy Sampling' (CES), is the mathematical formulation of conditional sampling in it's true form of a direct eddy flux measurement paired with a performant real implementation. Dedicated hardware controlled by near-real-time software allows full signal recovery at 10 or 20 Hz, very fast valve switching, instant vertical wind velocity proportional flow rate control, virtually no deadband and adaptive power management. Demonstrated system performance often exceeds requirements for flux measurements by orders of magnitude. The system's exceptionally low power consumption is ideal for the field (one to two orders of magnitude lower compared to current closed-path laser based eddy covariance systems). Potential applications include fluxes of CO2, CH4, N2O, VOCs and other tracers. Finally we assess the flux accuracy of the Conditional Eddy Sampling (CES) approach as in our real implementation relative to alternative techniques including eddy covariance (EC) and relaxed eddy accumulation (REA). We further quantify various sources of instrument and method specific measurement errors. This comparison uses real measurements of 20 Hz turbulent time series of 3D wind velocity, sonic temperature and CO2 mixing ratio over a mixed decidious forest at the 'ICOS' flux tower site 'Hainich', Germany. Results from a simulation using real wind and CO2 timeseries from the Hainich site from 30 April to 3 November 2014 and real instrument performance suggest that the maximum flux estimates error (50% and 75% error quantiles) from Conditional Eddy Sampling (CES) relative to the true flux is 1.3% and 10%, respectively for monthly net fluxes, 1.6% and 7%, respectively for daily net fluxes and 8% and 35%, respectively for 30-minute CO2 flux estimates. Those results from CES are promising and outperform our REA estimates by about a factor of 50 assuming REA with constant b value. Results include flux time series from the EC, CES and REA approaches from 30-min to annual resolution.

  19. Nitrosamine formation in amine scrubbing at desorber temperatures.

    PubMed

    Fine, Nathan A; Goldman, Mark J; Rochelle, Gary T

    2014-01-01

    Amine scrubbing is a thermodynamically efficient and industrially proven method for carbon capture, but amine solvents can nitrosate in the desorber, forming potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. The kinetics of reactions involving nitrite and monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methylethanolamine (MMEA), and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) were determined under desorber conditions. The nitrosations of MEA, DEA, and MMEA are first order in nitrite, carbamate species, and hydronium ion. Nitrosation of MDEA, a tertiary amine, is not catalyzed by the addition of CO2 since it cannot form a stable carbamate. Concentrated and CO2 loaded MEA was blended with low concentrations of N-(2-hydroxyethyl) glycine (HeGly), hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine (HEEDA), and DEA, secondary amines common in MEA degradation. Nitrosamine yield was proportional to the concentration of secondary amine and was a function of CO2 loading and temperature. Blends of tertiary amines with piperazine (PZ) showed n-nitrosopiperazine (MNPZ) yields close to unity, validating the slow nitrosation rates hypothesized for tertiary amines. These results provide a useful tool for estimating nitrosamine accumulation over a range of amine solvents.

  20. Toward relaxed eddy accumulation measurements of sediment-water exchange in aquatic ecosystems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lemaire, Bruno J.; Noss, Christian; Lorke, Andreas

    2017-09-01

    Solute transport across the sediment-water interface has major implications for water quality and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Existing measurement techniques, however, are not capable of resolving sediment-water fluxes of most constituents under in situ flow conditions. We investigated whether relaxed eddy accumulation (REA), a micrometeorological technique with conditional sampling of turbulent updrafts and downdrafts, can be adapted to the aquatic environment. We simulated REA fluxes by reanalyzing eddy covariance measurements from a riverine lake. We found that the empirical coefficient that relates mass fluxes to the concentration difference between both REA samples is invariant with scalar and flow and responds as predicted by a joint Gaussian distribution of linearly correlated variables. Simulated REA fluxes differed on average by around 30% from eddy covariance fluxes (mean absolute error). Assessment of the lower quantification limit suggests that REA can potentially be applied for measuring benthic fluxes of a new range of constituents that cannot be assessed by standard eddy covariance methods.

  1. Thin film eddy current impulse deicer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, Samuel O.; Zieve, Peter B.

    1990-01-01

    Two new styles of electrical impulse deicers has been developed and tested in NASA's Icing Research Tunnel. With the Eddy Current Repulsion Deicing Boot (EDB), a thin and flexible spiral coil is encapsulated between two thicknesses of elastomer. The coil, made by an industrial printed circuit board manufacturer, is bonded to the aluminum aircraft leading edge. A capacitor bank is discharged through the coil. Induced eddy currents repel the coil from the aluminum aircraft structure and shed accumulated ice. A second configuration, the Eddy Current Repulsion Deicing-Strip (EDS) uses an outer metal erosion strip fastened over the coil. Opposite flowing eddy currents repel the strip and create the impulse deicing force. The outer strip serves as a surface for the collection and shedding of ice and does not require any structural properties. The EDS is suitable for composite aircraft structures. Both systems successfully dispelled over 95 percent of the accumulated ice from airfoils over the range of the FAA icing envelope.

  2. Effect of temperature tuning on the aerosol acoustic aggregation process.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Zhenghui; Dong, Wei; Huang, Yaji; Naso, Vincenzo

    2018-05-01

    Diesel exhaust aerosols (DEAs) can absorb and accumulate toxic metal particulates and bacteria suspended in the atmospheric environment, which impact human health and the environment. The use of acoustic standing waves (ASWs) to aggregate DEA is currently considered to be an efficient particle removal method; however, study of the effect of different temperatures on the acoustic aggregation process is scarce. To explore the method and technology to regulate and optimize the aerosol aggregation process through temperature tuning, an acoustic apparatus integrated with a temperature regulation function was constructed. Using this apparatus, the effect of different characteristic temperatures (CTs) on the aerosol aggregation process was investigated experimentally in the ASW environment. Under constant conditions of acoustic frequency 1.286kHz, voltage amplitude 17V and input electric power 16.7W, the study concentrated on temperature effects on the aggregation process in the CT range of 58-72°C. The DEA opacity was used. The results demonstrate that the aggregation process is quite sensitive to the CT, and that the optimal DEA aggregation can be achieved at 66°C. The aggregated particles of 68.17μm are composed of small nanoparticles of 13.34-62.15nm. At CTs higher and lower than 66°C, the apparatus in non-resonance mode reduces the DEA aggregation level. For other instruments, the method for obtaining the optimum temperature for acoustic agglomeration is universal. This preliminary demonstration shows that the use of acoustic technology to regulate the aerosol aggregation process through tuning the operating temperature is feasible and convenient. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Effect of O-acylmenthol and salt formation on the skin permeation of diclofenac acid.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Ligang; Li, Yan; Fang, Liang; Ren, Changshun; Xu, Yongnan; He, Zhonggui

    2009-07-01

    To enhance the transdermal delivery of diclofenac acid (DA) by using O-acylmenthol as a penetration enhancer and complexing with amines, or by a combination of the two methods. The skin permeability of diclofenac was tested in vitro across rat skin with each of the evaluated permeants in a saturated isopropyl myristate (IPM) donor solution. A 4.5-fold increase in the flux of diclofenac was observed by ion-pair formation with diethylamine; however, the cations with hydroxyl groups had negative effects on the transdermal delivery of diclofenac. 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 2-hydroxypanoate and 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl heptanoate produced significant increase in the permeation of diclofenac potassium (D-K); however, both of them were ineffective for the other diclofenac salts, including diclofenac diethylamine (D-DETA), diclofenac ethanolamine (D-EA), diclofenac diethanolamine (D-DEA), diclofenac triethanolamine, and diclofenac N-(hydroxylethyl) piperidine. 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl tetradecanoate was effective on the penetration of D-K, D-DETA, D-EA, and D-DEA. Also, it is exciting to note that the combined use of diethylamine with 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl tetradecanoate produced a 9.74-fold increase in accumulation amount of diclofenac compared with DA in IPM. The use of ion pair in combination with O-acylmenthol is necessary to further increase the diclofenac flux to provide better compliance for the patients undergoing clinical therapy.

  4. Prevalence of naturally occurring antibodies against dog erythrocyte antigen 7 in a population of dog erythrocyte antigen 7-negative dogs from Spain and Italy.

    PubMed

    Spada, Eva; Proverbio, Daniela; Viñals Flórez, Luis Miguel; Del Rosario Perlado Chamizo, Maria; Serra Y Gómez de la Serna, Blanca; Perego, Roberta; Baggiani, Luciana

    2016-08-01

    OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of naturally occurring anti-dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 7 antibodies in DEA 7-negative dogs from Spain and Italy. ANIMALS 252 DEA 7-negative dogs from a population of 312 dogs that were previously tested for DEA 1, DEA 4, and DEA 7. PROCEDURES A plasma sample was obtained from each dog and evaluated for anti-DEA 7 antibodies by the use of gel column agglutination. Each plasma sample underwent major crossmatching with RBCs from DEA 7-positive dogs. Samples that resulted in agglutination were then crossmatched with RBCs from DEA 1-negative, DEA 4-positive, and DEA 7-negative dogs to confirm the presence of anti-DEA 7 antibodies. Results were then used to calculate the risk for a delayed transfusion reaction in a DEA 7-negative dog with anti-DEA 7 antibodies after a transfusion with blood that was not crossmatched or typed for DEA 7. RESULTS 96 of 252 (38.1%) plasma samples contained anti-DEA 7 antibodies. A DEA 7-negative dog with anti-DEA 7 antibodies had a 5.9% chance of developing a delayed hemolytic reaction after transfusion with blood not crossmatched or typed for DEA 7. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that canine blood used for transfusion should be crossmatched with the blood or plasma of the intended recipient prior to transfusion to minimize the likelihood that the recipient will develop a hemolytic reaction associated with anti-DEA 7 antibodies. Ideal canine blood donors should be negative for both DEA 1 and DEA 7.

  5. Dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA) 1, 4, 7 and suspected naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies in Italian Corso dogs.

    PubMed

    Spada, E; Proverbio, D; Priolo, V; Ippolito, D; Baggiani, L; Perego, R; Pennisi, M G

    2017-04-01

    We sought to determine the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1, 4 and 7 and naturally occurring anti-DEA7 antibodies in Italian Corso dogs. In addition, we correlated DEAs with different epidemiologic variables, compared the prevalence of DEAs against other canine populations and assessed the risk of sensitisation and transfusion reactions (TRs) following unmatched transfusion. Blood samples from 100 Corso dogs were evaluated for DEA 1, 4, 7 and naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies. Seventy-one percent of samples were DEA 1-negative, 100% tested DEA 4-positive, and 95% tested DEA 7-negative. Suspected anti-DEA7 antibodies were found in 32% dogs. The DEA 1 and 7-negative phenotypes were significantly more common than in most canine populations. When a previously tested Italian canine population was considered as blood donors for Corso dogs, the risk of DEA 1 sensitisation using DEA 1 untyped blood was 29%, and of acute haemolytic TRs after a second untyped DEA 1-incompatible transfusion was 8%. The potential for delayed TRs between DEA 7-negative Corso dogs with suspected naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies receiving untyped DEA 7-positive blood was 11%. Conversely, when Corso dogs were blood donors for the same population, the risk of DEA 1 sensitisation was 17% and the risk of an acute haemolytic TR after a second DEA 1-incompatible blood transfusion was 3%. Corso dogs can be suitable blood donors. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether the high prevalence of naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies in this breed could increase their risk of delayed TRs when they are blood recipients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 1 (DEA 1): Mode of Inheritance and Initial Characterization

    PubMed Central

    Polak, Klaudia; Acierno, Michelle; Raj, Karthik; Mizukami, Keijiro; Siegel, Don L.; Giger, Urs

    2015-01-01

    Background The Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1 blood group system remains poorly defined. Objectives The purpose of the study was to determine the DEA 1 mode of inheritance and to characterize the DEA 1 antigen and alloantibodies. Animals Canine research colony families, clinic canine patients, and DEA 1.2+ blood bank dogs were studied. Methods Canine blood was typed by flow cytometry and immunochromatographic strips using anti-DEA 1 monoclonal antibodies. Gel column experiments with polyclonal and immunoblotting with monoclonal anti-DEA 1 antibodies were performed to analyze select samples. Cross-reactivity of human typing reagents against canine RBCs and one monoclonal anti-DEA 1 antibody against human RBC panels was assessed. Results Typing of 12 families comprising 144 dogs indicated an autosomal dominant inheritance with ≥4 alleles: DEA 1− (0) and DEA 1+ weak (1+), intermediate (2+) and strong (3+ and 4+). Samples from 6 dogs previously typed as DEA 1.2+ were typed as DEA 1+ or DEA 1− using monoclonal antibodies. Human typing reagents produced varied reactions in tube agglutination experiments against DEA 1+ and DEA 1− RBCs. Polypeptide bands were not detected on immunoblots using a monoclonal anti-DEA 1 antibody, therefore the anti-DEA 1 antibody may be specific for conformational epitopes lost during denaturation. Conclusions The autosomal dominant inheritance of DEA 1 with ≥4 alleles indicates a complex blood group system; the antigenicity of each DEA 1+ type will need to be determined. The biochemical nature of the DEA 1 antigen(s) appears different from human blood group systems tested. PMID:26291052

  7. Eddy-driven sediment transport in the Argentine Basin: Is the height of the Zapiola Rise hydrodynamically controlled?

    DOE PAGES

    Weijer, Wilbert; Maltrud, Mathew E.; Homoky, William B.; ...

    2015-03-27

    In this study, we address the question whether eddy-driven transports in the Argentine Basin can be held responsible for enhanced sediment accumulation over the Zapiola Rise, hence accounting for the existence and growth of this sediment drift. To address this question, we perform a 6 year simulation with a strongly eddying ocean model. We release two passive tracers, with settling velocities that are consistent with silt and clay size particles. Our experiments show contrasting behavior between the silt fraction and the lighter clay. Due to its larger settling velocity, the silt fraction reaches a quasisteady state within a few years,more » with abyssal sedimentation rates that match net input. In contrast, clay settles only slowly, and its distribution is heavily stratified, being transported mainly along isopycnals. Yet, both size classes display a significant and persistent concentration minimum over the Zapiola Rise. We show that the Zapiola Anticyclone, a strong eddy-driven vortex that circulates around the Zapiola Rise, is a barrier to sediment transport, and hence prevents significant accumulation of sediments on the Rise. We conclude that sediment transport by the turbulent circulation in the Argentine Basin alone cannot account for the preferred sediment accumulation over the Rise. We speculate that resuspension is a critical process in the formation and maintenance of the Zapiola Rise.« less

  8. Mesoscale Eddies Are Oases for Higher Trophic Marine Life

    PubMed Central

    Godø, Olav R.; Samuelsen, Annette; Macaulay, Gavin J.; Patel, Ruben; Hjøllo, Solfrid Sætre; Horne, John; Kaartvedt, Stein; Johannessen, Johnny A.

    2012-01-01

    Mesoscale eddies stimulate biological production in the ocean, but knowledge of energy transfers to higher trophic levels within eddies remains fragmented and not quantified. Increasing the knowledge base is constrained by the inability of traditional sampling methods to adequately sample biological processes at the spatio-temporal scales at which they occur. By combining satellite and acoustic observations over spatial scales of 10 s of km horizontally and 100 s of m vertically, supported by hydrographical and biological sampling we show that anticyclonic eddies shape distribution and density of marine life from the surface to bathyal depths. Fish feed along density structures of eddies, demonstrating that eddies catalyze energy transfer across trophic levels. Eddies create attractive pelagic habitats, analogous to oases in the desert, for higher trophic level aquatic organisms through enhanced 3-D motion that accumulates and redistributes biomass, contributing to overall bioproduction in the ocean. Integrating multidisciplinary observation methodologies promoted a new understanding of biophysical interaction in mesoscale eddies. Our findings emphasize the impact of eddies on the patchiness of biomass in the sea and demonstrate that they provide rich feeding habitat for higher trophic marine life. PMID:22272294

  9. A lee-side eddy and its influence on snow accumulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gerber, Franziska; Mott, Rebecca; Hoch, Sebastian W.; Lehning, Michael

    2016-04-01

    Knowledge of changes in seasonal mountain snow water resources is essential for e.g. hydropower companies. To successfully predict these changes a fundamental understanding of precipitation patterns and their changes in mountainous terrain is needed. Both, snow accumulation and ablation need to be investigated to make precise predictions of the amount of water stored in seasonal snow cover. Only if the processes governing snow accumulation and ablation are understood with sufficient quantitative accuracy, the evolution of snow water resources under a changing climate can be addressed. Additionally, knowledge of detailed snow accumulation patterns is essential to assess avalanche danger. In alpine terrain, snow accumulation is strongly dependent on the local wind field. Based on the concept of preferential deposition, reduced snow accumulation is expected on the upper windward slope of a mountain due to updrafts, while enhanced snow accumulation should occur through blocking at the windward foot or due to flow separation on the leeward side. However, the understanding of these processes is mainly based on numerical simulations, as they are hard to measure. A LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) campaign was conducted in October 2015 in the Dischma valley (Davos, CH) to investigate the local flow field in the lee of the Sattelhorn during a one-day snowfall event. The flow field was monitored using a plane position indicator (PPI) scan at 25/28° and a range height indicator (RHI) scan across the Sattelhorn. Additionally, snow height change measurements on the leeward side of the Sattelhorn were performed by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Analyses of the flow field in the framework of preferential deposition are in agreement with the concept of flow separation and preferred snow deposition on leeward slopes. A very persistent eddy that formed over the leeward slope of the Sattelhorn detached from the main flow became evident from the retrievals of the RHI scans. An additional flow component around the eastern edge of Sattelhorn introduces a cross-loading component along the Sattelhorn ridge. Snow depth data is, however, only available for the slope and thus covers only the upper part of the eddy. Thus, this winter we will collect more complete snow depth data to reveal the overall influence of the eddy on snow accumulation.

  10. Eddy resolving modelling of the Gulf of Lions and Catalan Sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garreau, Pierre; Garnier, Valérie; Schaeffer, Amandine

    2011-07-01

    The generation process of strong long-lived eddies flowing southwestwards along the Catalan slope was revealed through numerical modelling and in situ observations. Careful analyses of a particular event in autumn 2007 demonstrated a link between a "LATEX" eddy, which remained in the southwestern corner of the Gulf of Lions and a "CATALAN" eddy, which moved along the Catalan Shelf, since the death of the former gave birth to the latter. The origin of such eddies was found to be an accumulation of potential energy in the southwestern corner of the Gulf of Lions: under the influence of the negative wind stress curl associated with the Tramontane, a warm and less dense water body can be isolated and fed by a coastal current carrying warm water from the Catalan Sea. In summer, this structure can grow and intensify to generate a strong anticyclonic eddy. After a long period of Tramontane, a burst of southeasterlies and northerlies appeared to detach the "LATEX" eddy, which flowed out of the Gulf of Lions, migrating along the Catalan continental slope and continued into the Balearic Sea as the "CATALAN" eddy.

  11. Toward finding a universally applicable parameterization of the β factor for Relaxed Eddy Accumulation applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vogl, Teresa; Hrdina, Amy; Thomas, Christoph

    2016-04-01

    The traditional eddy covariance (EC) technique requires the use of fast responding sensors (≥ 10 Hz) that do not exist for many chemical species found in the atmosphere. In this case, the Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (REA) method offers a means to calculate fluxes of trace gases and other scalar quantities (Businger and Oncley, 1990) and was originally derived from the eddy accumulation method (EA) first proposed by Desjardins (1972). While REA lessens the requirements for sensors and sampling and thus offers practical appeal, it introduces a dependence of the computed flux from a proportionality factor β. The accuracy of the REA fluxes hinges upon the correct determination of β, which was found to vary between 0.40 and 0.63 (Milne et al., 1999, Ammann and Meixner, 2002, Ruppert et al., 2006). However, formulating a universally valid parameterization for β instead of empirical evaluation has remained a conundrum and has been a main limitation for REA. In this study we take a fresh look at the dependencies and mathematical models of β by analyzing eddy covariance (EC) data and REA simulations for two field experiments in drastically contrasting environments: an exclusively physically driven environment in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, and a biologically active system in a grassland in Germany. The main objective is to work toward a model parameterization for β that can be applied over wide range of surface conditions and forcings without the need for empirical evaluation, which is not possible for most REA applications. Our study discusses two different models to define β: (i) based upon scalar-scalar similarity, in which a different scalar is measured with fast-response sensors as a proxy for the scalar of interest, here referred to as β0; and (ii) computed solely from the vertical wind statistics, assuming a linear relationship between the scalar of interest and the vertical wind speed, referred to as βw. Results are presented for the carbon-dioxide, latent and sensible heat fluxes across the contrasting environments. First, the choice of an appropriate scalar to calculate β0 is discussed considering the sources and sinks of each scalar with an emphasis on the carbon dioxide flux, which shows strongly dissimilar dynamics between the Antarctic ecosystem and the grassland. Secondly, the impact of atmospheric stability on both β models is investigated. In a next step, we attempt to find a physically meaningful explanation for the overestimation of the REA scalar fluxes compared to those from EC for using βw. We do so by analyzing the probability density function (pdf) and its statistical moments for the vertical wind speed. We found its pdf to be non-Gaussian for the majority of cases, and detected a close to linear relationship of its kurtosis with βw. Finally, in an attempt to provide practical guidance for field measurements, we integrate our findings and propose an enhanced model parameterization, and evaluate the differences between our new model and a constant β. Ammann, C. and Meixner, F.X. (2002) Stability dependence of the relaxed eddy accumulation coefficient for various scalar quantities. J. Geophys. Res. 107. ACL7.1-ACL7.9 doi:10.1029/2001JD000649 Businger, J.A., Oncley, S.P. (1990) Flux measurement with conditional sampling. J. Atmos. Ocean. Tech. 7:349-352. Desjardins, R. L. (1972) A study of carbon-dioxide and sensible heat fluxes using the eddy correlation technique, Ph.D. dissertation, Cornell University, 189 pp. Desjardins, R.L. (1977) Description and evaluation of sensible heat flux detector. Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 11:147-154. Katul, G., Finkelstein, P. L., Clarke, J. F., and Ellestad, T. G. (1996) An Investigation of the Conditional Sampling Methods Used to Estimate Fluxes of Active, Reactive and Passive Scalars. J. Appl. Meteorol. 35: 1835-1845. Milne, R., Beverland, I. J., Hargreaves, K., and Moncrieff, J. B. (1999) Variation of the beta coefficient in the relaxed eddy accumulation method. Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 93: 211-225. Ruppert, J. ATEM software for atmospheric turbulent exchange measurements using eddy covariance and relaxed eddy accumulation systems: Bayreuth whole-air REA system setup, Universität Bayreuth, Abt. Mikrometeorologie, Print, ISSN 1614-8916, Arbeitsergebnisse 28, 29 S, 2005 Ruppert, J., Thomas, C., and Foken, T. (2006) scalar similarity for relaxed eddy accumulation methods. Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 120: 39-63.

  12. 21 CFR 1305.11 - Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... the name, address, and registration number of the registrant and the number of books of DEA Forms 222... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222. 1305.11... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.11 Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222. (a) DEA...

  13. 21 CFR 1305.11 - Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222. 1305.11... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.11 Procedure for obtaining DEA Forms 222. (a) DEA..., which is based on the business activity of the registrant, will be imposed on the number of DEA Forms...

  14. Subduction in an Eddy-Resolving State Estimate of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gebbie, Geoffrey

    2004-01-01

    Are eddies an important contributor to subduction in the eastern subtropical gyre? Here, an adjoint model is used to combine a regional, eddy-resolving numerical model with observations to produce a state estimate of the ocean circulation. The estimate is a synthesis of a variety of in- situ observations from the Subduction Experiment, TOPEX/POSEIDON altimetry, and the MTI General Circulation Model. The adjoint method is successful because the Northeast Atlantic Ocean is only weakly nonlinear. The state estimate provides a physically-interpretable, eddy-resolving information source to diagnose subduction. Estimates of eddy subduction for the eastern subtropical gyre of the North Atlantic are larger than previously calculated from parameterizations in coarse-resolution models. Furthermore, eddy subduction rates have typical magnitudes of 15% of the total subduction rate. Eddies contribute as much as 1 Sverdrup to water-mass transformation, and hence subduction, in the North Equatorial Current and the Azores Current. The findings of this thesis imply that the inability to resolve or accurately parameterize eddy subduction in climate models would lead to an accumulation of error in the structure of the main thermocline, even in the relatively-quiescent eastern subtropical gyre.

  15. 28 CFR 0.103 - Release of information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Enforcement Administration § 0.103 Release of information. (a) The Administrator of DEA is authorized— (1) To release information obtained by DEA and DEA investigative reports to Federal, State, and local officials... by DEA and DEA investigative reports to Federal, State, and local prosecutors, and State licensing...

  16. 28 CFR 0.103 - Release of information.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Enforcement Administration § 0.103 Release of information. (a) The Administrator of DEA is authorized— (1) To release information obtained by DEA and DEA investigative reports to Federal, State, and local officials... by DEA and DEA investigative reports to Federal, State, and local prosecutors, and State licensing...

  17. Nonlinear multiscale interactions and internal dynamics underlying a typical eddy-shedding event at Luzon Strait

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yuan-Bing; Liang, X. San; Gan, Jianping

    2016-11-01

    Eddy-shedding is a highly nonlinear process that presents a major challenge in geophysical fluid dynamics. Using the newly developed localized multiscale energy and vorticity analysis (MS-EVA), this study investigates an observed typical warm eddy-shedding event as the Kuroshio passes the Luzon Strait, in order to gain insight into the underlying internal dynamics. Through multiscale window transform (MWT), it is found that the loop-form Kuroshio intrusion into the South China Sea (SCS) is not a transient feature, but a quasi-equilibrium state of the system. A mesoscale reconstruction reveals that the eddy does not have its origin at the intrusion path, but comes from the Northwest Pacific. It propagates westward, preceded by a cyclonic (cold) eddy, through the Kuroshio into the SCS. As the eddy pair runs across the main current, the cold one weakens and the warm one intensifies through a mixed instability. In its development, another cold eddy is generated to its southeast, which also experiences a mixed instability. It develops rapidly and cuts the warm eddy off the stream. Both the warm and cold eddies then propagate westward in the form of a Rossby wave (first baroclinic mode). As the eddies approach the Dongsha Islands, they experience another baroclinic instability, accompanied by a sudden accumulation of eddy available potential energy. This part of potential energy is converted to eddy kinetic energy through buoyancy conversion, and is afterward transferred back to the large-scale field through inverse cascading, greatly reducing the intensity of the eddy and eventually leading to its demise.

  18. 28 CFR 16.98 - Exemption of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Systems-limited access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Planning and Inspection Division Records (Justice/DEA-010). (4) Operation Files (Justice/DEA-011). (5...); Planning and Inspection Division Records (Justice/DEA-010); and Security Files (Justice/DEA-013..., fabrication of testimony, and/or flight of the subject; reveal the details of a sensitive investigative or...

  19. 28 CFR 16.98 - Exemption of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Systems-limited access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Planning and Inspection Division Records (Justice/DEA-010). (4) Operation Files (Justice/DEA-011). (5...); Planning and Inspection Division Records (Justice/DEA-010); and Security Files (Justice/DEA-013..., fabrication of testimony, and/or flight of the subject; reveal the details of a sensitive investigative or...

  20. Half radiofrequency pulse excitation with a dedicated prescan to correct eddy current effect and gradient delay.

    PubMed

    Abe, Takayuki

    2013-03-01

    To improve the slice profile of the half radiofrequency (RF) pulse excitation and image quality of ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging by compensating for an eddy current effect. The dedicated prescan has been developed to measure the phase accumulation due to eddy currents induced by the slice-selective gradient. The prescan measures two one-dimensional excitation k-space profiles, which can be acquired with a readout gradient in the slice-selection direction by changing the polarity of the slice-selective gradient. The time shifts due to the phase accumulation in the excitation k-space were calculated. The time shift compensated for the start time of the slice-selective gradient. The total prescan time was 6-15 s. The slice profile and the UTE image with the half RF pulse excitation were acquired to evaluate the slice selectivity and the image quality. Improved slice selectivity was obtained. The simple method proposed in this paper can eliminate eddy current effect. Good UTE images were obtained. The slice profile of the half RF pulse excitation and the image quality of UTE images have been improved by using a dedicated prescan. This method has a possibility that can improve the image quality of a clinical UTE imaging.

  1. 21 CFR 1305.12 - Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222. 1305.12... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.12 Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222. (a) A purchaser must prepare and execute a DEA Form 222 simultaneously in triplicate by means of interleaved...

  2. 21 CFR 1305.17 - Preservation of DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Preservation of DEA Forms 222. 1305.17 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.17 Preservation of DEA Forms 222. (a) The purchaser must retain Copy 3 of each executed DEA Form 222 and all copies of unaccepted or defective forms with each...

  3. 21 CFR 1305.12 - Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222. 1305.12... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.12 Procedure for executing DEA Forms 222. (a) A purchaser must prepare and execute a DEA Form 222 simultaneously in triplicate by means of interleaved...

  4. 21 CFR 1305.18 - Return of unused DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Return of unused DEA Forms 222. 1305.18 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.18 Return of unused DEA Forms 222. If the registration... substances for which the purchaser is registered, the purchaser must return all unused DEA Forms 222 to the...

  5. 21 CFR 1305.17 - Preservation of DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Preservation of DEA Forms 222. 1305.17 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.17 Preservation of DEA Forms 222. (a) The purchaser must retain Copy 3 of each executed DEA Form 222 and all copies of unaccepted or defective forms with each...

  6. Evaluate and Analysis Efficiency of Safaga Port Using DEA-CCR, BCC and SBM Models-Comparison with DP World Sokhna

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elsayed, Ayman; Shabaan Khalil, Nabil

    2017-10-01

    The competition among maritime ports is increasing continuously; the main purpose of Safaga port is to become the best option for companies to carry out their trading activities, particularly importing and exporting The main objective of this research is to evaluate and analyze factors that may significantly affect the levels of Safaga port efficiency in Egypt (particularly the infrastructural capacity). The assessment of such efficiency is a task that must play an important role in the management of Safaga port in order to improve the possibility of development and success in commercial activities. Drawing on Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA)models, this paper develops a manner of assessing the comparative efficiency of Safaga port in Egypt during the study period 2004-2013. Previous research for port efficiencies measurement usually using radial DEA models (DEA-CCR), (DEA-BCC), but not using non radial DEA model. The research applying radial - output oriented (DEA-CCR), (DEA-BCC) and non-radial (DEA-SBM) model with ten inputs and four outputs. The results were obtained from the analysis input and output variables based on DEA-CCR, DEA-BCC and SBM models, by software Max DEA Pro 6.3. DP World Sokhna port higher efficiency for all outputs were compared to Safaga port. DP World Sokhna position is below the southern entrance to the Suez Canal, on the Red Sea, Egypt, makes it strategically located to handle cargo transiting through one of the world's busiest commercial waterways.

  7. DoDEA 2010-11 Customer Satisfaction Survey. Executive Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2011

    2011-01-01

    Every two years the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) administers the DoDEA Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) to all parents with children attending DoDEA schools and all 4th-12th grade students enrolled in a DoDEA school. Parents were asked to complete one survey for each school in which they had a child enrolled. The purpose of…

  8. 21 CFR 1305.14 - Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... on the reverse sides of Copies 1 and 2 of the DEA Form 222) the name and address of the second... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222. 1305.14... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.14 Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222. (a) A...

  9. 21 CFR 1305.16 - Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... names and addresses of the purchasers. (d) If an entire book of DEA Forms 222 is lost or stolen, and the... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222. 1305.16 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.16 Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222. (a) If a purchaser...

  10. 21 CFR 1305.15 - Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222. 1305.15... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.15 Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222. (a) A DEA Form 222 must not be filled if either of the following apply: (1) The order is not complete...

  11. 21 CFR 1305.16 - Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222. 1305.16 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.16 Lost and stolen DEA Forms 222. (a) If a purchaser ascertains that an unfilled DEA Form 222 has been lost, he or she must execute another in triplicate and...

  12. 21 CFR 1305.19 - Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222. 1305.19... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.19 Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222. (a) A purchaser may cancel part or all of an order on a DEA Form 222 by notifying the supplier in...

  13. 21 CFR 1305.14 - Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222. 1305.14... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.14 Procedure for endorsing DEA Forms 222. (a) A DEA Form 222, made out to any supplier who cannot fill all or a part of the order within the time...

  14. 21 CFR 1305.15 - Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222. 1305.15... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.15 Unaccepted and defective DEA Forms 222. (a) A DEA Form 222 must not be filled if either of the following apply: (1) The order is not complete...

  15. 21 CFR 1305.19 - Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222. 1305.19... I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.19 Cancellation and voiding of DEA Forms 222. (a) A purchaser may cancel part or all of an order on a DEA Form 222 by notifying the supplier in...

  16. 21 CFR 1309.72 - Felony conviction; employer responsibilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... application for registration with the DEA denied, had a DEA registration revoked, or surrendered a DEA... procedures to limit the potential for diversion of List I chemicals. (b) It is the position of DEA that...

  17. Stronger multilayer acrylic dielectric elastomer actuators with silicone gel coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lau, Gih-Keong; La, Thanh-Giang; Sheng-Wei Foong, Ervin; Shrestha, Milan

    2016-12-01

    Multilayer dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) perform worst off than single-layer DEAs due to higher susceptibility to electro-thermal breakdown. This paper presents a hot-spot model to predict the electro-thermal breakdown field of DEAs and its dependence on thermal insulation. To inhibit the electrothermal breakdown, silicone gel coating was applied as barrier coating to multilayer acrylic DEA. The gel coating helps suppress the electro-thermally induced puncturing of DEA membrane at the hot spot. As a result, the gel-coated DEAs, in either a single layer or a multilayer stack, can produce 30% more isometric stress change as compared to those none-coated. These gel-coated acrylic DEAs show great potential to make stronger artificial muscles.

  18. 75 FR 56661 - Agency Information Collection (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-16

    ... (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request) Activity; Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans... [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA... currently approved collection. Abstract: VA must notify eligible dependents of veterans receiving DEA...

  19. Diethanolamine alters proliferation and choline metabolism in mouse neural precursor cells.

    PubMed

    Niculescu, Mihai D; Wu, Renan; Guo, Zhong; da Costa, Kerry Ann; Zeisel, Steven H

    2007-04-01

    Diethanolamine (DEA) is a widely used ingredient in many consumer products and in a number of industrial applications. It has been previously reported that dermal administration of DEA to mice diminished hepatic stores of choline and altered brain development in the fetus. The aim of this study was to use mouse neural precursor cells in vitro to assess the mechanism underlying the effects of DEA. Cells exposed to DEA treatment (3mM) proliferated less (by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation) at 48 h (24% of control [CT]), and had increased apoptosis at 72 h (308% of CT). Uptake of choline into cells was reduced by DEA treatment (to 52% of CT), resulting in diminished intracellular concentrations of choline and phosphocholine (55 and 12% of CT, respectively). When choline concentration in the growth medium was increased threefold (to 210 microM), the effects of DEA exposure on cell proliferation and apoptosis were prevented, however, intracellular phosphocholine concentrations remained low. In choline kinase assays, we observed that DEA can be phosphorylated to phospho-DEA at the expense of choline. Thus, the effects of DEA are likely mediated by inhibition of choline transport into neural precursor cells and by altered metabolism of choline. Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to DEA may have a detrimental effect on brain development.

  20. Diethanolamine Alters Proliferation and Choline Metabolism in Mouse Neural Precursor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Niculescu, Mihai D.; Wu, Renan; Guo, Zhong; da Costa, Kerry Ann; Zeisel, Steven H.

    2008-01-01

    Diethanolamine (DEA) is a widely used ingredient in many consumer products and in a number of industrial applications. It has been previously reported that dermal administration of DEA to mice diminished hepatic stores of choline and altered brain development in the fetus. The aim of this study was to use mouse neural precursor cells in vitro to assess the mechanism underlying the effects of DEA. Cells exposed to DEA treatment (3mM) proliferated less (by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation) at 48 h (24% of control [CT]), and had increased apoptosis at 72 h (308% of CT). Uptake of choline into cells was reduced by DEA treatment (to 52% of CT), resulting in diminished intracellular concentrations of choline and phosphocholine (55 and 12% of CT, respectively). When choline concentration in the growth medium was increased threefold (to 210μM), the effects of DEA exposure on cell proliferation and apoptosis were prevented, however, intracellular phosphocholine concentrations remained low. In choline kinase assays, we observed that DEA can be phosphorylated to phospho-DEA at the expense of choline. Thus, the effects of DEA are likely mediated by inhibition of choline transport into neural precursor cells and by altered metabolism of choline. Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to DEA may have a detrimental effect on brain development. PMID:17204582

  1. Frequency of DEA 1 antigen in 1037 mongrel and PUREBREED dogs in ITALY.

    PubMed

    Carli, E; Carminato, A; Ravagnan, S; Capello, K; Antognoni, M T; Miglio, A; Furlanello, T; Proverbio, D; Spada, E; Stefani, A; Mutinelli, F; Vascellari, M

    2017-11-29

    The prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA 1) in canine population is approximately 40-60%. Often data are limited to a small number of breeds and/or dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate frequency of DEA 1 in a large population of purebred and mongrel dogs including Italian native breeds and to recognize a possible association between DEA 1 and breed, sex, and genetic and phenotypical/functional classifications of breeds. Frequencies of DEA 1 blood group collected from screened/enrolled blood donors and from healthy and sick dogs were retrospectively evaluated. The breed and the sex were recorded when available. DEA 1 blood typing was assessed by immunocromatographic test on K3EDTA blood samples. The prevalence of DEA 1 antigen was statistically related to breed, gender, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and genotypic grouping. Sixty-two per cent dogs resulted DEA 1+ and 38% DEA 1-. DEA 1- was statistically associated with Dogo Argentino, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Boxer, Corso dogs, the molossian dogs, the FCI group 1, 2 and 3 and the genetic groups "working dogs" and "mastiff". DEA 1+ was statistically associated with Rottweiler, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Bernese mountain dog, Golden Retriever, the hunting breeds, the FCI group 4, 6, 7 and 8 and the genetic groups "scent hounds" and "retrievers". No gender association was observed. Data obtained by this work may be clinically useful to drive blood donor enrollment and selection among different breeds.

  2. Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens in retired racing Greyhounds.

    PubMed

    Iazbik, Maria Cristina; O'Donnell, Margee; Marin, Liliana; Zaldivar, Sara; Hudson, Dawn; Couto, C Guillermo

    2010-12-01

    Blood groups in dogs are designated as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and Dal. There is limited information about the frequency of different antigens in Greyhound dogs, despite their frequent use as blood donors. The aims of this study were to determine the frequencies of DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in Greyhounds, to compare the frequencies with those of non-Greyhound dogs, and to evaluate the presence of naturally occurring anti-DEA antibodies. Blood was collected from 206 Greyhound and 66 non-Greyhound dogs being screened as potential blood donors. Blood-typing was performed at Animal Blood Resources International by tube agglutination utilizing polyclonal anti-DEA antibodies. Of the Greyhound dogs, 27/206 (13.1%) were positive for DEA 1.1, and this frequency was significantly lower (P<.0001) than for non-Greyhound dogs of which 40/66 (60.6%) were DEA 1.1-positive. The frequency of positivity for both DEA 1.1 and 1.2 was also lower in Greyhounds (P<.0001). There were no significant differences between Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds for DEA 1.2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. All 137 dogs (113 Greyhounds and 24 non-Greyhounds) that were evaluated for naturally occurring anti-DEA antibodies in serum were negative. A higher percentage of Greyhound dogs (57.3%, 118/206) were considered "universal donors" (negative for all DEAs except DEA 4) compared with non-Greyhound dogs (28%, 13/46). The frequency of positivity for DEA 1.1 in our population of Greyhounds was significantly lower than previously reported for dogs. Furthermore, a large majority of Greyhounds met the criteria for universal donors. ©2010 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

  3. Considerations for using data envelopment analysis for the assessment of radiotherapy treatment plan quality.

    PubMed

    Simpson, John; Raith, Andrea; Rouse, Paul; Ehrgott, Matthias

    2017-10-09

    Purpose The operations research method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) shows promise for assessing radiotherapy treatment plan quality. The purpose of this paper is to consider the technical requirements for using DEA for plan assessment. Design/methodology/approach In total, 41 prostate treatment plans were retrospectively analysed using the DEA method. The authors investigate the impact of DEA weight restrictions with reference to the ability to differentiate plan performance at a level of clinical significance. Patient geometry influences plan quality and the authors compare differing approaches for managing patient geometry within the DEA method. Findings The input-oriented DEA method is the method of choice when performing plan analysis using the key undesirable plan metrics as the DEA inputs. When considering multiple inputs, it is necessary to constrain the DEA input weights in order to identify potential plan improvements at a level of clinical significance. All tested approaches for the consideration of patient geometry yielded consistent results. Research limitations/implications This work is based on prostate plans and individual recommendations would therefore need to be validated for other treatment sites. Notwithstanding, the method that requires both optimised DEA weights according to clinical significance and appropriate accounting for patient geometric factors is universally applicable. Practical implications DEA can potentially be used during treatment plan development to guide the planning process or alternatively used retrospectively for treatment plan quality audit. Social implications DEA is independent of the planning system platform and therefore has the potential to be used for multi-institutional quality audit. Originality/value To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published examination of the optimal approach in the use of DEA for radiotherapy treatment plan assessment.

  4. A study on the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 and detection of canine Babesia by polymerase chain reaction from apparently healthy dogs in a selected rural community in Zimbabwe.

    PubMed

    Dhliwayo, Solomon; Makonese, Tariro A; Whittall, Belinda; Chikerema, Silvester M; Pfukenyi, Davies M; Tivapasi, Musavenga T

    2016-10-26

    A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of blood group antigen dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 in mixed breed dogs in rural Chinamhora, Zimbabwe. DEA 1.1 is clinically the most important canine blood group as it is the most antigenic blood type; hence, DEA 1.1 antibodies are capable of causing acute haemolytic, potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 dogs in Chinamhora, and blood typing was carried out using standardised DEA 1.1 typing strips with monoclonal anti-DEA 1.1 antibodies (Alvedia® LAB DEA 1.1 test kits). Polymerase chain reaction for detecting Babesia spp. antigen was carried out on 58 of the samples. Of the 100 dogs, 78% were DEA 1.1 positive and 22% were DEA 1.1 negative. A significantly (p = 0.02) higher proportion of females (90.5%) were DEA 1.1 positive than males (69.0%). The probability of sensitisation of recipient dogs following first-time transfusion of untyped or unmatched blood was 17.2%, and an approximately 3% (2.95%) probability of an acute haemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion was found. Babesia spp. antigen was found in 6.9% of the samples. No significant relationship (χ2 = 0.56, p = 0.45) was found between DEA 1.1 positivity and Babesia spp. antigen presence. Despite a low probability of haemolysis after a second incompatibility transfusion, the risk remains present and should not be ignored. Hence, where possible, blood typing for DEA 1.1 is recommended. A survey of DEA 3, 4, 5 and 7 in various breeds is also recommended.

  5. 75 FR 39620 - Proposed Information Collection (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-09

    ... (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans... veterans beginning date to start their DEA benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the.... Title: Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request, VA Form Letter 22-909. OMB Control...

  6. 78 FR 17778 - Proposed Information Collection (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-22

    ... (Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans... veterans beginning date to start their DEA benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the.... Title: Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Election Request, VA Form Letter 22-909. OMB Control...

  7. Fabrication and performance analysis of a DEA cuff designed for dry-suit applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmadi, S.; Camacho Mattos, A.; Barbazza, A.; Soleimani, M.; Boscariol, P.; Menon, C.

    2013-03-01

    A method for manufacturing a cylindrical dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is presented. The cylindrical DEA can be used in fabricating the cuff area of dry-suits where the garment is very tight and wearing the suit is difficult. When electrically actuated, the DEA expands radially and the suit can be worn more comfortably. In order to study the performance of the DEA, a customized testing setup was designed, and silicone-made cuff samples with different material stiffnesses were tested. Analytical and FEM modeling were considered to evaluate the experimental output. The results revealed that although the stiffness of the DEA material has a direct relationship with the radial constrictive pressure caused by mechanically stretching the DEA, it has a minor effect on the actuation pressure. It was also found that stacking multiple layers of the DEA to fabricate a laminated structure enabled the attainment of a desired variation of pressure required for the implementation of an electrically tunable cuff.

  8. Modification of Lethality Induced by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B in Dutch Rabbits

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-03-01

    Purification of staphylococcal enterotoxin 2. Liu CT, DeLauter RD. Faulkner RT: cation of monkeys by intravenous staphylo- B. Biochemistry 4:1011...nteotoinB (EB)ata ds- to produce death within 24 hours in Staphylococcal enterotoxin B is a age level of 50 pg/kg of body weight monkeys , 13 dogs...8KB accumulates in the renal proximal peatbyrod&-tomy and Mesm R. D. DeaII15 and caq1 G. 0Croe for tehela sitace. the monkey and rabbit is still of much

  9. 21 CFR 1301.93 - Sources of information for employee checks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...-Practitioners § 1301.93 Sources of information for employee checks. DEA recommends that inquiries concerning... enforcement agencies. DEA inquiries. Inquiries supplying identifying information should also be furnished to DEA Field Division Offices along with written consent from the concerned individual for a check of DEA...

  10. 21 CFR 1301.93 - Sources of information for employee checks.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...-Practitioners § 1301.93 Sources of information for employee checks. DEA recommends that inquiries concerning... enforcement agencies. DEA inquiries. Inquiries supplying identifying information should also be furnished to DEA Field Division Offices along with written consent from the concerned individual for a check of DEA...

  11. Impact of a cyclonic eddy on phytoplankton community structure and photosynthetic competency in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vaillancourt, Robert D.; Marra, John; Seki, Michael P.; Parsons, Michael L.; Bidigare, Robert R.

    2003-07-01

    A synoptic spatial examination of the eddy Haulani (17-20 November 2000) revealed a structure typical of Hawaiian cyclonic eddies with divergent surface flow forcing the upward displacement of deep waters. Hydrographic surveys revealed that surface water in the eddy center was ca. 3.5°C cooler, 0.5 saltier, and 1.4 kg m -3 denser than surface waters outside the eddy. Vertically integrated concentrations of nitrate+nitrite, phosphate and silicate were enhanced over out-eddy values by about 2-fold, and nitrate+nitrite concentrations were ca. 8× greater within the euphotic zone inside the eddy than outside. Si:N ratios were lower within the upper mixed layer of the eddy, indicating an enhanced Si uptake relative to nitrate+nitrite. Chlorophyll a concentrations were higher within the eddy compared to control stations outside, when integrated over the upper 150 m, but were not significantly different when integrated over the depth of the euphotic zone. Photosynthetic competency, assessed using fast repetition-rate fluorometry, varied with the doming of the isopycnals and the supply of macro-nutrients to the euphotic zone. The physical and chemical environment of the eddy selected for the accumulation of larger phytoplankton species. Photosynthetic bacteria ( Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus) and small (<3 μm diameter) photosynthetic eukaryotes were 3.6-fold more numerically abundant outside the eddy as compared to inside. Large photosynthetic eukaryotes (>3 μm diameter) were more abundant inside the eddy than outside. Diatoms of the genera Rhizosolenia and Hemiaulus outside the eddy contained diazotrophic endosymbiontic cyanobacteria, but these endosymbionts were absent from the cells of these species inside the eddy. The increase in cell numbers of large photosynthetic eukaryotes with hard silica or calcite cell walls is likely to have a profound impact on the proportion of the organic carbon production that is exported to deep water by sinking of senescent cells and cells grazed by herbivorous zooplankton and repackaged as large fecal pellets.

  12. An assessment of energy efficiency based on environmental constraints and its influencing factors in China.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yao; Xu, Jing-Ting

    2018-05-03

    The super-efficiency directional distance function (DDF) with data envelopment analysis (DEA) model (SEDDF-DEA) is more facilitative than to increase traditional method as a rise of energy efficiency in China, which is currently important energy development from Asia-pacific region countries. SEDDF-DEA is promoted as sustained total-factor energy efficiency (TFEE), value added outputs, and Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index (MLPI) to otherwise thorny environmental energy productivity problems with environmental constraint to concrete the means of regression model. This paper assesses the energy efficiency under environmental constraints using panel data covering the years of 2000-2015 in China. Considering the environmental constraints, the results showed that the average TFEE of the whole country followed an upward trend after 2006. The average MLPI score for the whole country increased by 10.57% during 2005-2010, which was mainly due to the progress made in developing and applying environmental technologies. The TFEE of the whole nation was promoted by the accumulation of capital stock, while it was suppressed by excessive production in secondary industries and foreign investment. The primary challenge for the northeast of China is to strengthen industrial transformation and upgrade traditional industries, as well as adjusting the economy and energy structure. The eastern and central regions of the country need to exploit clean- or low-energy industry to improve inefficiencies due to excessive consumption. The western region of China needs to implement renewable energy strategies to promote regional development.

  13. 28 CFR 16.98 - Exemption of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-limited access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... (Justice/DEA-013) (7) System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE/Ballistics) (Justice/DEA... Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE/Ballistics) (Justice/DEA-014) only to the extent that..., implemented internal quality assurance procedures to ensure that ESS data is as thorough, accurate, and...

  14. 28 CFR 16.98 - Exemption of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-limited access.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... (Justice/DEA-013) (7) System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE/Ballistics) (Justice/DEA... Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE/Ballistics) (Justice/DEA-014) only to the extent that..., implemented internal quality assurance procedures to ensure that ESS data is as thorough, accurate, and...

  15. Performance improvement of planar dielectric elastomer actuators by magnetic modulating mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yun-Hua; Li, Wen-Bo; Zhang, Wen-Ming; Yan, Han; Peng, Zhi-Ke; Meng, Guang

    2018-06-01

    In this paper, a novel planar dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) with magnetic modulating mechanism is proposed. This design can provide the availability of wider actuation range and larger output force, which are significant indicators to evaluate the performance of DEAs. The DEA tends to be a compact and simple design, and an analytical model is developed to characterize the mechanical behavior. The result shows that the output force induced by the DEA can be improved by 76.90% under a certain applied voltage and initial magnet distance. Moreover, experiments are carried out to reveal the performance of the proposed DEA and validate the theoretical model. It demonstrates that the DEA using magnetic modulating mechanism can enlarge the actuation range and has more remarkable effect with decreasing initial magnet distance within the stable range. It can be useful to promote the applications of DEAs to soft robots and haptic feedback.

  16. 76 FR 46325 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Red Ribbon...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-02

    ... Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Red Ribbon Week Patch DEA Form 316 and 316A... Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office... the collection: Form number: DEA Form 316 and DEA Form 316A. Component: Office of Congressional and...

  17. Review of life-cycle approaches coupled with data envelopment analysis: launching the CFP + DEA method for energy policy making.

    PubMed

    Vázquez-Rowe, Ian; Iribarren, Diego

    2015-01-01

    Life-cycle (LC) approaches play a significant role in energy policy making to determine the environmental impacts associated with the choice of energy source. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be combined with LC approaches to provide quantitative benchmarks that orientate the performance of energy systems towards environmental sustainability, with different implications depending on the selected LC + DEA method. The present paper examines currently available LC + DEA methods and develops a novel method combining carbon footprinting (CFP) and DEA. Thus, the CFP + DEA method is proposed, a five-step structure including data collection for multiple homogenous entities, calculation of target operating points, evaluation of current and target carbon footprints, and result interpretation. As the current context for energy policy implies an anthropocentric perspective with focus on the global warming impact of energy systems, the CFP + DEA method is foreseen to be the most consistent LC + DEA approach to provide benchmarks for energy policy making. The fact that this method relies on the definition of operating points with optimised resource intensity helps to moderate the concerns about the omission of other environmental impacts. Moreover, the CFP + DEA method benefits from CFP specifications in terms of flexibility, understanding, and reporting.

  18. Prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens 1, 4, and 7 in Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hounds) from Ibiza Island

    PubMed Central

    Proverbio, Daniela; Viñals Flórez, Luis Miguel; Serra Gómez de la Serna, Blanca; del Rosario Perlado Chamizo, Maria; Baggiani, Luciana; Perego, Roberta

    2016-01-01

    The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEA) 1, 4, and 7 in Ibizan hounds, to compare the results with the prevalence of DEA in Spanish greyhounds, and to determine the risk of sensitization following the first transfusion of blood not typed for DEA 1 and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion using untyped DEA 1 blood. DEA 1, 4, and 7 status was determined in 92 Ibizan hounds. Results were compared with the previously reported prevalence in Spanish greyhounds. The risks of sensitization and of a hemolytic transfusion reaction were determined amongst Ibizan hounds and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds. The prevalence of DEA 1, 4, and 7 was 75%, 98.9%, and 25%, respectively. There was a significantly higher expression of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in Spanish greyhounds. The probability of sensitization of a recipient dog to DEA 1 with transfusions amongst Ibizan hounds was 18.5% and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds was 13.7%. The probability of an acute hemolytic reaction in each group was 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. There is a higher prevalence of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in other sighthounds. PMID:27034890

  19. Review of Life-Cycle Approaches Coupled with Data Envelopment Analysis: Launching the CFP + DEA Method for Energy Policy Making

    PubMed Central

    Vázquez-Rowe, Ian

    2015-01-01

    Life-cycle (LC) approaches play a significant role in energy policy making to determine the environmental impacts associated with the choice of energy source. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be combined with LC approaches to provide quantitative benchmarks that orientate the performance of energy systems towards environmental sustainability, with different implications depending on the selected LC + DEA method. The present paper examines currently available LC + DEA methods and develops a novel method combining carbon footprinting (CFP) and DEA. Thus, the CFP + DEA method is proposed, a five-step structure including data collection for multiple homogenous entities, calculation of target operating points, evaluation of current and target carbon footprints, and result interpretation. As the current context for energy policy implies an anthropocentric perspective with focus on the global warming impact of energy systems, the CFP + DEA method is foreseen to be the most consistent LC + DEA approach to provide benchmarks for energy policy making. The fact that this method relies on the definition of operating points with optimised resource intensity helps to moderate the concerns about the omission of other environmental impacts. Moreover, the CFP + DEA method benefits from CFP specifications in terms of flexibility, understanding, and reporting. PMID:25654136

  20. Controls on the global distribution of contourite drifts: Insights from an eddy-resolving ocean model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thran, Amanda C.; Dutkiewicz, Adriana; Spence, Paul; Müller, R. Dietmar

    2018-05-01

    Contourite drifts are anomalously high sediment accumulations that form due to reworking by bottom currents. Due to the lack of a comprehensive contourite database, the link between vigorous bottom water activity and drift occurrence has yet to be demonstrated on a global scale. Using an eddy-resolving ocean model and a new georeferenced database of 267 contourites, we show that the global distribution of modern contourite drifts strongly depends on the configuration of the world's most powerful bottom currents, many of which are associated with global meridional overturning circulation. Bathymetric obstacles frequently modify flow direction and intensity, imposing additional finer-scale control on drift occurrence. Mean bottom current speed over contourite-covered areas is only slightly higher (2.2 cm/s) than the rest of the global ocean (1.1 cm/s), falling below proposed thresholds deemed necessary to re-suspend and redistribute sediments (10-15 cm/s). However, currents fluctuate more frequently and intensely over areas with drifts, highlighting the role of intermittent, high-energy bottom current events in sediment erosion, transport, and subsequent drift accumulation. We identify eddies as a major driver of these bottom current fluctuations, and we find that simulated bottom eddy kinetic energy is over three times higher in contourite-covered areas in comparison to the rest of the ocean. Our work supports previous hypotheses which suggest that contourite deposition predominantly occurs due to repeated acute events as opposed to continuous reworking under average-intensity background flow conditions. This suggests that the contourite record should be interpreted in terms of a bottom current's susceptibility to experiencing periodic, high-speed current events. Our results also highlight the potential role of upper ocean dynamics in contourite sedimentation through its direct influence on deep eddy circulation.

  1. Frequency of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 in 4 breeds native to different areas in Turkey.

    PubMed

    Ergul Ekiz, Elif; Arslan, Murat; Ozcan, Mukaddes; Gultekin, Guldal Inal; Gulay, Ozlem Yildiz; Kirmizibayrak, Turgut; Giger, Urs

    2011-12-01

    Dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 is the most important RBC antigen clinically, as it is highly immunogenic and causes acute hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR) in sensitized dogs. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of DEA 1.1 expression in 4 Turkish dog breeds, and to estimate the potential risk of HTR when blood from a DEA 1.1-positive donor is administered to a DEA 1.1-negative recipient following sensitization by a prior mismatched transfusion. EDTA blood samples (n = 178) were typed for DEA 1.1 using a commercial gel-column agglutination test (ID-Gel-Test Canine DEA 1.1). Probabilities of sensitization and risk of an HTR were calculated. The frequency of positivity for DEA 1.1 among Kars (n = 59), Kangal (n = 53), Akbash (n = 50), and Catalburun (n = 16) breeds was 71.2%, 67.9%, 60.0%, and 50.0%, respectively. Potential risk for occurrence of an HTR after administration of blood from a dog of the same breed ranged from 12.5% to 14.8%, whereas HTR induced by blood of a dog from a different breed ranged from 7.2% to 25.3%. The frequency of DEA 1.1-positive dogs among 4 Turkish breeds is high compared with that of most other breeds previously surveyed. The predicted risk of both sensitization and occurrence of DEA 1.1-related HTR following transfusion between dogs of either the same or different Turkish breeds was considerable. Although few dogs are transfused ≥4 days after the first transfusion, we recommend that (1) all donors and recipients be typed for DEA 1.1, (2) DEA 1.1-negative recipients receive only DEA 1.1-negative blood, and (3) blood be cross-matched prior to transfusing any dog ≥4 days after the first transfusion. These guidelines are also applicable to other breeds and countries. © 2011 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

  2. 21 CFR 1305.18 - Return of unused DEA Forms 222.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Return of unused DEA Forms 222. 1305.18 Section... II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES DEA Form 222 § 1305.18 Return of unused DEA Forms 222. If the registration... business or professional practice, or changes the name or address as shown on the purchaser's registration...

  3. 21 CFR 1312.27 - Contents of special controlled substances invoice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... DEA Form 236 to the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, not less than 15 calendar... directed in § 1312.28 of this part. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for... destination. (iii) Any reexportation be made known to DEA at the time the initial DEA Form 236, Controlled...

  4. 21 CFR 1312.27 - Contents of special controlled substances invoice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... DEA Form 236 to the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, not less than 15 calendar... directed in § 1312.28 of this part. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for... destination. (iii) Any reexportation be made known to DEA at the time the initial DEA Form 236, Controlled...

  5. 21 CFR 1309.32 - Application forms; contents; signature.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... and is not so registered, shall apply on DEA Form 510. (b) Any person who is registered pursuant to Section 1309.21, shall apply for reregistration on DEA Form 510a. (c) DEA Form 510 may be obtained at any... Administration. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing...

  6. Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA), Chapter 25 of Title 38, U.S. Code

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2005

    2005-01-01

    This pamphlet provides a general description of the Dependents' Educational Assistance program, or DEA (chapter 35 of title 38, U. S. Code). The DEA program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans. It covers the main questions prospective participants may have about DEA benefits,…

  7. 21 CFR 1305.29 - Reporting to DEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Reporting to DEA. 1305.29 Section 1305.29 Food and... SUBSTANCES Electronic Orders § 1305.29 Reporting to DEA. A supplier must, for each electronic order filled, forward either a copy of the electronic order or an electronic report of the order in a format that DEA...

  8. 21 CFR 1305.29 - Reporting to DEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 9 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Reporting to DEA. 1305.29 Section 1305.29 Food and... SUBSTANCES Electronic Orders § 1305.29 Reporting to DEA. A supplier must, for each electronic order filled, forward either a copy of the electronic order or an electronic report of the order in a format that DEA...

  9. A Circadian Rhythm-Regulated Tomato Gene Is Induced by Arachidonic Acid and Phythophthora infestans Infection1[W

    PubMed Central

    Weyman, Philip D.; Pan, Zhiqiang; Feng, Qin; Gilchrist, David G.; Bostock, Richard M.

    2006-01-01

    A cDNA clone of unknown function, DEA1, was isolated from arachidonic acid-treated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves by differential display PCR. The gene, DEA1, is expressed in response to the programmed cell death-inducing arachidonic acid within 8 h following treatment of a tomato leaflet, 16 h prior to the development of visible cell death. DEA1 transcript levels were also affected by the late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. To gain further insight into the transcriptional regulation of DEA1, the promoter region was cloned by inverse PCR and was found to contain putative stress-, signaling-, and circadian-response elements. DEA1 is highly expressed in roots, stems, and leaves, but not in flowers. Leaf expression of DEA1 is regulated by circadian rhythms during long days with the peak occurring at midday and the low point midway through the dark period. During short days, the rhythm is lost and DEA1 expression becomes constitutive. The predicted DEA1 protein has a conserved domain shared by the eight-cysteine motif superfamily of protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, seed storage proteins, and lipid transfer proteins. A DEA1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane in protoplasts and plasmolysis experiments, suggesting that the native protein is associated with the plasmalemma in intact cells. PMID:16361525

  10. Disordered eating attitudes, alexithymia and suicide probability among Turkish high school girls.

    PubMed

    Alpaslan, Ahmet Hamdi; Soylu, Nusret; Avci, Kadriye; Coşkun, Kerem Şenol; Kocak, Uğur; Taş, Hanife Uzel

    2015-03-30

    We aimed to examine association between disordered eating attitudes (DEAs), alexithymia and suicide probability among adolescent females and to explore potential link between alexithymia and suicide probability in subjects with DEAs. 381 female students completed Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS). It was found that 13.2% (n=52) of the subjects have DEAs. Results indicated that total TAS-20 score and scores of Difficulty in Identifying Feelings (DIF) and Difficulty in Describing Feelings (DDF) subscales were significantly higher in DEAs group than in those non DEAs group (p<0.05). Additionally, total SPS score (p<0.001), Hopelessness (p=0.001), Suicide Ideation (p<0.001) and Hostility (p=0.003) subscales scores of SPS were significantly higher in the alexithymic DEAs than the non-alexithymic DEAs group. In order to control potential effect of depression, SPS subscales were used as covariate factors in ANCOVA. Negative Self-Evaluation subscale yielded a statistically significant difference between groups, other subscales did not. Results point out these; DEAs are relatively frequent phenomenon among female students in Turkey and presence of alexithymia was associated with an increased suicide probability in adolescents with DEAs. The results should be evaluated taking into account that depressive symptomatology was not assessed using a depression scale. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. SY 2010-11 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results (Full Report). DoDEA Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2011

    2011-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Customer Satisfaction Survey is a biennial survey administered by DoDEA to parents and students to monitor DoDEA's success in meeting students' needs. The survey is administered every other year to sponsors with children in pre-kindergarten-12th grade and to students in grades 4-12. For the…

  12. SY 2008-09 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results (Full Report). DoDEA Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2009

    2009-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Customer Satisfaction Survey is a biennial survey administered by DoDEA to parents and students to monitor DoDEA's success in meeting students' needs. The survey is administered every other year to sponsors with children in pre-kindergarten--12th grade and to students in grades 4-12. For the…

  13. 76 FR 24056 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-29

    ... Forms 510 and 510a AGENCY: Department of Justice. ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection under... Department sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Forms 510 and 510a. Component: Office of Diversion...) burden DEA-510 (paper) 12 0.5 hours 6 DEA-510 (electronic) 112 0.25 hours 28 DEA-510a (paper) 165 0.5...

  14. Review of the carcinogenic activity of diethanolamine and evidence of choline deficiency as a plausible mode of action.

    PubMed

    Leung, Hon-Wing; Kamendulis, Lisa M; Stott, William T

    2005-12-01

    Diethanolamine (DEA) is a chemical used widely in a number of industries and is present in many consumer products. Studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have indicated that lifetime dermal exposure to DEA increased the incidence and multiplicity of liver tumors in mice, but not in rats. In addition, DEA was not carcinogenic when tested in the Tg.Ac transgenic mouse model. Short-term genotoxicity tests have yielded negative results. In view of these apparent inconsistencies, we have critically evaluated the NTP studies and other data relevant to assessing the carcinogenic potential of DEA. The available data indicate that DEA induces mouse liver tumors by a non-genotoxic mode of action that involves its ability to cause choline deficiency. The following experimental evidence supports this hypothesis. DEA decreased the hepatic choline metabolites and S-adenosylmethionine levels in mice, similar to those observed in choline-deficient mice. In contrast, DEA had no effect in the rat, a species in which it was not carcinogenic at a maximum tolerated dose level. In addition, a consistent dose-effect relationship had been established between choline deficiency and carcinogenic activity since all DEA dosages that induced tumors in the NTP studies were also shown to cause choline deficiency. DEA decreased phosphatidylcholine synthesis by blocking the cellular uptake of choline in vitro, but these events did not occur in the presence of excess choline. Finally, DEA induced transformation in the Syrian hamster embryo cells, increased S-phase DNA synthesis in mouse hepatocytes, and decreased gap junctional intracellular communication in primary cultured mouse and rat hepatocytes, but all these events were prevented with choline supplementation. Since choline is an essential nutrient in mammals, this mode of action is qualitatively applicable to humans. However, there are marked species differences in susceptibility to choline deficiency, with rats and mice being far more susceptible than other mammalian species including humans. These differences are attributed to quantitative differences in the enzyme kinetics controlling choline metabolism. The fact that DEA was carcinogenic in mice but not in rats also has important implications for human risk assessment. DEA has been shown to be less readily absorbed across rat and human skin than mouse skin. Since a no observed effect level for DEA-induced choline deficiency in mice has been established to be 10 mg/kg/d, this indicates that there is a critical level of DEA that must be attained in order to affect choline homeostasis. The lack of a carcinogenic response in rats suggests that exposure to DEA did not reach this critical level. Since rodents are far more sensitive to choline deficiency than humans, it can be concluded that the hepatocarcinogenic effect of DEA in mice is not predictive of similar susceptibility in humans.

  15. Plant Trait Diversity Buffers Variability in Denitrification Potential over Changes in Season and Soil Conditions

    PubMed Central

    McGill, Bonnie M.; Sutton-Grier, Ariana E.; Wright, Justin P.

    2010-01-01

    Background Denitrification is an important ecosystem service that removes nitrogen (N) from N-polluted watersheds, buffering soil, stream, and river water quality from excess N by returning N to the atmosphere before it reaches lakes or oceans and leads to eutrophication. The denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) assay is widely used for measuring denitrification potential. Because DEA is a function of enzyme levels in soils, most ecologists studying denitrification have assumed that DEA is less sensitive to ambient levels of nitrate (NO3 −) and soil carbon and thus, less variable over time than field measurements. In addition, plant diversity has been shown to have strong effects on microbial communities and belowground processes and could potentially alter the functional capacity of denitrifiers. Here, we examined three questions: (1) Does DEA vary through the growing season? (2) If so, can we predict DEA variability with environmental variables? (3) Does plant functional diversity affect DEA variability? Methodology/Principal Findings The study site is a restored wetland in North Carolina, US with native wetland herbs planted in monocultures or mixes of four or eight species. We found that denitrification potentials for soils collected in July 2006 were significantly greater than for soils collected in May and late August 2006 (p<0.0001). Similarly, microbial biomass standardized DEA rates were significantly greater in July than May and August (p<0.0001). Of the soil variables measured—soil moisture, organic matter, total inorganic nitrogen, and microbial biomass—none consistently explained the pattern observed in DEA through time. There was no significant relationship between DEA and plant species richness or functional diversity. However, the seasonal variance in microbial biomass standardized DEA rates was significantly inversely related to plant species functional diversity (p<0.01). Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that higher plant functional diversity may support a more constant level of DEA through time, buffering the ecosystem from changes in season and soil conditions. PMID:20661464

  16. Silicone based dielectric elastomer strip actuators coupled with nonlinear biasing elements for large actuation strains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hau, S.; Bruch, D.; Rizzello, G.; Motzki, P.; Seelecke, S.

    2018-07-01

    There are two major categories of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), which differ from the way in which the actuation is exploited: stack DEAs, using the thickness compression, and membrane DEAs, which exploit the expansion in area. In this work we focus on a specific type of membrane DEAs, i.e., silicone-based strip-in-plane (SIP) DEAs with screen printed electrodes. The performance of such actuators strongly depends on their geometry and on the adopted mechanical biasing system. Typically, the biasing is based on elastomer pre-stretch or on dead loads, which results in relatively low actuation strain. Biasing systems characterized by a negative rate spring have proven to significantly increase the performance of circular out-of-plane DEAs. However, this kind of biasing has never been systematically applied to silicone SIP DEAs. In this work, the biasing design based on negative rate springs is extended to strip DEAs as well, allowing to improve speed, strain, and force of the resulting actuator. At first, the DEAs are characterized under electrical and mechanical loading. Afterwards, two actuator systems are studied and compared in terms of actuation strain, force output, and actuation speed. In a first design stage, the DEA is coupled with a linear spring. Subsequently, the membrane is loaded with a combination of linear and nonlinear spring (working in a negative stiffness region). The resulting stroke output of the second systems is more than 9 times higher in comparison to the first one. An actuation strain of up to 45% (11.2 millimeter) and a force output of 0.38 Newton are measured. A maximum speed of 0.29 m s‑1 is achieved, which is about 60 times faster than the one typically measured for similar systems based on VHB.

  17. Survey of Two New (Kai 1 and Kai 2) and Other Blood Groups in Dogs of North America.

    PubMed

    Euler, C C; Lee, J H; Kim, H Y; Raj, K; Mizukami, K; Giger, U

    2016-09-01

    Based upon serology, >10 canine blood group systems have been reported. We surveyed dogs for dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 and 2 new blood types (Kai 1 and Kai 2), and some samples also were screened for Dal and DEA 3, 4, and 7. Blood samples provided by owners, breeders, animal blood banks, and clinical laboratories were typed for DEA 1 by an immunochromatographic strip technique with a monoclonal antibody and analysis of band intensity. Both new antigens, the Dal and other DEAs (except DEA 7 by tube method), were assessed by a gel column method with either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. The same gel column method was applied for alloantibody detection. Of 503 dogs typed, 59.6% were DEA 1+ with 4% weakly, 10% moderately, and 45.6% strongly DEA 1+. Regarding Kai 1 and Kai 2, 94% were Kai 1+/Kai 2-, 5% were Kai 1-/Kai 2- and 1% were Kai 1-/Kai 2+, but none were Kai 1+/Kai 2+. There was no relationship between Kai 1/Kai 2 and other blood types tested. Plasma from DEA 1-, Kai 1-, Kai 2- dogs, or some combination of these contained no detectable alloantibodies against DEA 1 and Kai 1 or Kai, respectively. The new blood types, called Kai 1 and Kai 2, are unrelated to DEA 1, 3, 4, and 7 and Dal. Kai 1+/Kai 2- dogs were most commonly found in North America. The clinical relevance of Kai 1 and Kai 2 in canine transfusion medicine still needs to be elucidated. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  18. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide.

    PubMed

    Aalto-Korte, Kristiina; Pesonen, Maria; Kuuliala, Outi; Suuronen, Katri

    2014-03-01

    Coconut fatty acids diethanolamide [cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA)] is a surface-active derivative of coconut oil that is used in industrial, household and cosmetic products. Cocamide DEA contact allergy has been reported relatively seldom. To describe cocamide DEA-positive patients in an occupational dermatology clinic. We retrieved allergic reactions to cocamide DEA from test files, and studied the occupation, exposure, concomitant allergic reactions and diagnoses of the positive patients. Of the 2572 patients tested, 25 (1%) had an allergic reaction to cocamide DEA. Nineteen patients were occupational cases, and 11 worked in the metal industry. Hand cleansers constituted the main source of sensitization (n = 17). Other sources included two dishwashing liquids, one barrier cream, and one metalworking fluid. Three patients reacted to monoethanolamine and 2 to diethanolamine. Diethanolamine is an impurity of cocamide DEA, and can be found in cocamide DEA-containing products and in commercial patch test substances, which may explain some concomitant reactions. Cocamide DEA allergy is relatively common in patients with occupational hand dermatitis, and mainly derives from hand cleansers. However, exposure to detergents, metalworking fluids and barrier creams must also be taken into account. Concomitant reactions to ethanolamines are possible. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. Influence of Kuroshio Oceanic Eddies on North Pacific Weather Patterns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, X.; Chang, P.; Saravanan, R.; Montuoro, R.; Hsieh, J. S.; Wu, D.; Lin, X.; Wu, L.; Jing, Z.

    2016-02-01

    High-resolution satellite observations reveal energetic meso-scale ocean eddy activity and positive correlation between meso-scale sea surface temperature (SST) and surface wind along oceanic frontal zones, such as the Kuroshio and Gulf Stream, suggesting a potential role of meso-scale oceanic eddies in forcing the atmosphere. Using a 27 km horizontal resolution Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model forced with observed daily SST at 0.09° spatial resolution during boreal winter season, two ensembles of 10 WRF simulations, in one of which meso-scale SST variability induced by ocean eddies was suppressed, were conducted in the North Pacific to study the local and remote influence of meso-scale oceanic eddies in the Kuroshio Extention Region (KER) on the atmosphere. Suppression of meso-scale oceanic eddies results in a deep tropospheric response along and downstream of the KER, including a significant decrease (increase) in winter season mean rainfall along the KER (west coast of US), a reduction of storm genesis in the KER, and a southward shift of the jet stream and North Pacific storm track in the eastern North Pacific. The simulated local and remote rainfall response to meso-scale oceanic eddies in the KER is also supported by observational analysis. A mechanism invoking moist baroclinic instability is proposed as a plausible explanation for the linkage between meso-scale oceanic eddies in the KER and large-scale atmospheric response in the North Pacific. It is argued that meso-scale oceanic eddies can have a rectified effect on planetary boundary layer moisture, the stability of the lower atmosphere and latent heat release, which in turn affect cyclogenesis. The accumulated effect of the altered storm development downstream further contributes to the equivalent barotropic mean flow change in the eastern North Pacific basin.

  20. Data Envelopment Analysis in the Presence of Measurement Error: Case Study from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®)

    PubMed Central

    Gajewski, Byron J.; Lee, Robert; Dunton, Nancy

    2012-01-01

    Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is the most commonly used approach for evaluating healthcare efficiency (Hollingsworth, 2008), but a long-standing concern is that DEA assumes that data are measured without error. This is quite unlikely, and DEA and other efficiency analysis techniques may yield biased efficiency estimates if it is not realized (Gajewski, Lee, Bott, Piamjariyakul and Taunton, 2009; Ruggiero, 2004). We propose to address measurement error systematically using a Bayesian method (Bayesian DEA). We will apply Bayesian DEA to data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®) to estimate nursing units’ efficiency. Several external reliability studies inform the posterior distribution of the measurement error on the DEA variables. We will discuss the case of generalizing the approach to situations where an external reliability study is not feasible. PMID:23328796

  1. A finite element model of rigid body structures actuated by dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simone, F.; Linnebach, P.; Rizzello, G.; Seelecke, S.

    2018-06-01

    This paper presents on finite element (FE) modeling and simulation of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) coupled with articulated structures. DEAs have proven to represent an effective transduction technology for the realization of large deformation, low-power consuming, and fast mechatronic actuators. However, the complex dynamic behavior of the material, characterized by nonlinearities and rate-dependent phenomena, makes it difficult to accurately model and design DEA systems. The problem is further complicated in case the DEA is used to activate articulated structures, which increase both system complexity and implementation effort of numerical simulation models. In this paper, we present a model based tool which allows to effectively implement and simulate complex articulated systems actuated by DEAs. A first prototype of a compact switch actuated by DEA membranes is chosen as reference study to introduce the methodology. The commercially available FE software COMSOL is used for implementing and coupling a physics-based dynamic model of the DEA with the external structure, i.e., the switch. The model is then experimentally calibrated and validated in both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Finally, preliminary results on how to use the simulation tool to optimize the design are presented.

  2. Large axial actuation of pre-stretched tubular dielectric elastomer and use of oil encapsulation to enhance dielectric breakdown strength

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lau, Gih-Keong; Di-Teng Tan, Desmond; La, Thanh-Giang

    2015-04-01

    Rolled dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are subjected to necking and non-uniform deformation upon pre-stress relaxation. Though rolled up from flat DEAs, they performed much poorer than the flat ones. Their electrically induced axial strains were previously reported as not more than 37.3%, while the flat ones produced greater than 100% strain. Often, the rolled DEAs succumb to premature breakdown before they can realize the full actuation potential like the flat ones do. This study shows that oil encapsulation, together with large hoop pre-stretch, helps single-wound rolled DEAs, which are also known as tubular DEAs, suppress premature breakdown. Consequently, the oil-encapsulated tubular DEAs can sustain higher electric fields, and thus produce larger isotonic strain and higher isometric stress change. Under isotonic testing, they sustained very high electric fields of up to 712.7 MV m-1, which is approximately 50% higher than those of the dry tubular DEAs. They produced up to 55.4% axial isotonic strain despite axially stiffening by the passive oil capsules. In addition, due to the use of large hoop pre-stretch, even the dry tubular DEAs without oil encapsulation achieved a very large axial strain of up to 84.2% compared to previous works. Under isometric testing, the oil-encapsulated tubular DEA with enhanced breakdown strength produced an axial stress change of up to nearly 0.6 MPa, which is 114% higher than that produced by the dry ones. In conclusion, the oil encapsulation and large pre-stretch help realize fuller actuation potential of tubular dielectric elastomer, which is subjected to initially non-uniform deformation.

  3. Evaluation of Material Models within LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) for a Kevlar/Epoxy Composite Honeycomb

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Polanco, Michael A.; Kellas, Sotiris; Jackson, Karen

    2009-01-01

    The performance of material models to simulate a novel composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) was evaluated using the nonlinear explicit dynamic finite element code LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark). Prototypes of the DEA concept were manufactured using a Kevlar/Epoxy composite material in which the fibers are oriented at +/-45 degrees with respect to the loading axis. The development of the DEA has included laboratory tests at subcomponent and component levels such as three-point bend testing of single hexagonal cells, dynamic crush testing of single multi-cell components, and impact testing of a full-scale fuselage section fitted with a system of DEA components onto multi-terrain environments. Due to the thin nature of the cell walls, the DEA was modeled using shell elements. In an attempt to simulate the dynamic response of the DEA, it was first represented using *MAT_LAMINATED_COMPOSITE_FABRIC, or *MAT_58, in LS-DYNA. Values for each parameter within the material model were generated such that an in-plane isotropic configuration for the DEA material was assumed. Analytical predictions showed that the load-deflection behavior of a single-cell during three-point bending was within the range of test data, but predicted the DEA crush response to be very stiff. In addition, a *MAT_PIECEWISE_LINEAR_PLASTICITY, or *MAT_24, material model in LS-DYNA was developed, which represented the Kevlar/Epoxy composite as an isotropic elastic-plastic material with input from +/-45 degrees tensile coupon data. The predicted crush response matched that of the test and localized folding patterns of the DEA were captured under compression, but the model failed to predict the single-cell three-point bending response.

  4. Pre- and Post-Transfusion Alloimmunization in Dogs Characterized by 2 Antiglobulin-Enhanced Cross-match Tests.

    PubMed

    Goy-Thollot, I; Giger, U; Boisvineau, C; Perrin, R; Guidetti, M; Chaprier, B; Barthélemy, A; Pouzot-Nevoret, C; Canard, B

    2017-09-01

    When dogs are transfused, blood compatibility testing varies widely but may include dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 typing and rarely cross-matching. Prospective study to examine naturally occurring alloantibodies against red blood cells (RBCs) and alloimmunization by transfusion using 2 antiglobulin-enhanced cross-match tests. Eighty client-owned anemic, 72 donor, and 7 control dogs. All dogs were typed for DEA 1 and some also for DEA 4 and DEA 7. Major cross-match tests with canine antiglobulin-enhanced immunochromatographic strip and gel columns were performed 26-129 days post-transfusion (median, 39 days); some dogs had an additional early evaluation 11-22 days post-transfusion (median, 16 days). Plasma from alloimmunized recipients was cross-matched against RBCs from 34 donor and control dogs. The 2 cross-match methods gave entirely concordant results. All 126 pretransfusion cross-match results for the 80 anemic recipients were compatible, but 54 dogs died or were lost to follow up. Among the 26 recipients with follow-up, 1 dog accidently received DEA 1-mismatched blood and became cross-match-incompatible post-transfusion. Eleven of the 25 DEA 1-matched recipients (44%) became incompatible against other RBC antigens. No naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 alloantibodies were detected in DEA 7- dogs. The antiglobulin-enhanced immunochromatographic strip cross-match and laboratory gel column techniques identified no naturally occurring alloantibodies against RBC antigens, but a high degree of post-transfusion alloimmunization in dogs. Cross-matching is warranted in any dog that has been previously transfused independent of initial DEA 1 typing and cross-matching results before the first transfusion event. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  5. 21 CFR 1305.05 - Power of attorney.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... of revocation must be similar to the following format: Power of Attorney for DEA Forms 222 and Electronic Orders (Name of registrant) (Address of registrant) (DEA registration number) I, ____ (name of... most recent application for DEA registration or reregistration; the person to whom the power of...

  6. 76 FR 10391 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: ARCOS...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-24

    ... Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: ARCOS Transaction Reporting; DEA Form 333... Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information collection request to the... approved collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: ARCOS Transaction Reporting--DEA Form 333. (3...

  7. 76 FR 24054 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Registrants...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-29

    ... Collection; Comments Requested: Registrants Inventory of Drugs Surrendered; DEA Form 41 AGENCY: Department of...), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information collection request... component of the Department sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Form 41; component: Office of...

  8. 21 CFR 1305.05 - Power of attorney.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... of revocation must be similar to the following format: Power of Attorney for DEA Forms 222 and Electronic Orders (Name of registrant) (Address of registrant) (DEA registration number) I, ____ (name of... most recent application for DEA registration or reregistration; the person to whom the power of...

  9. Simulating the Response of a Composite Honeycomb Energy Absorber. Part 1; Dynamic Crushing of Components and Multi-Terrain Impacts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, Karen E.; Fasanella, Edwin L.; Polanco, Michael A.

    2012-01-01

    This paper describes the experimental and analytical evaluation of an externally deployable composite honeycomb structure that is designed to attenuate impact energy during helicopter crashes. The concept, designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA), utilizes an expandable Kevlar (Registered Trademark) honeycomb to dissipate kinetic energy through crushing. The DEA incorporates a unique flexible hinge design that allows the honeycomb to be packaged and stowed until needed for deployment. Experimental evaluation of the DEA included dynamic crush tests of multi-cell components and vertical drop tests of a composite fuselage section, retrofitted with DEA blocks, onto multi-terrain. Finite element models of the test articles were developed and simulations were performed using the transient dynamic code, LSDYNA (Registered Trademark). In each simulation, the DEA was represented using shell elements assigned two different material properties: Mat 24, an isotropic piecewise linear plasticity model, and Mat 58, a continuum damage mechanics model used to represent laminated composite fabrics. DEA model development and test-analysis comparisons are presented.

  10. Determinants of Problematic Internet use and its Association with Disordered Eating Attitudes among Minia University Students.

    PubMed

    Kamal, Nashwa Nabil; Kamal, Nashaat Nabil

    2018-01-01

    To determine the association between problematic Internet use (PIU) and disordered eating attitudes (DEAs) and to detect the potential risk factors for PIU among University students in Minia, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was carried out among a random sample ( n = 2365) of Minia University students. PIU was assessed using The Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS), and the DEAs were assessed using eating attitudes test-26 questionnaire. Of the 2365 students, 424 (17.9%) had DEAs, and it was more in females than males (22.3% and 14.5%, respectively). The mean of the PIUS score also was significantly higher in males than females (120.3 ± 30.5, and 117.5 ± 30.6, respectively). A positive moderate correlation ( r = 0.48, P < 0.05) was detected between PIU and DEAs. The results of this study indicate that PIU is significantly correlated with DEAs among University students in Minia, Egypt, and further studies are needed to identify the association between DEAs and PIU.

  11. A prodrug approach to enhance azelaic acid percutaneous availability.

    PubMed

    Al-Marabeh, Sara; Khalil, Enam; Khanfar, Mohammad; Al-Bakri, Amal G; Alzweiri, Muhammed

    2017-06-01

    Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid compound used in treatment of acne vulgaris. However, high concentration (ca 20%) is needed to guarantee the drug availability in the skin. The latter increases the incidence of side effects such as local irritation. The prodrug strategy to enhance azelaic acid diffusion through skin was not reported before. Thus, a lipophilic prodrug of azelaic acid (diethyl azelate [DEA]) was synthesized and investigated to improve percutaneous availability of azelaic acid, with a subsequent full physical, chemical, and biological characterization. Expectedly, DEA exhibited a significant increase in diffusion compared to azelaic acid through silicone membrane. In contrast, the diffusion results through human stratum corneum (SC) displayed weaker permeation for DEA with expected retention in the SC. Therefore, a desorption study of DEA from SC was conducted to examine the reservoir behavior in SC. Results showed an evidence of sustained release behavior of DEA from SC. Consequently, enhancement of keratolytic effect is expected due to azelaic acid produced from enzymatic conversion of DEA released from SC.

  12. Stress measurements of planar dielectric elastomer actuators

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

    Osmani, Bekim; Aeby, Elise A.; Müller, Bert

    Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) micro- and nano-structures are referred to artificial muscles because of their specific continuous power and adequate time response. The bending measurement of an asymmetric, planar DEA is described. The asymmetric cantilevers consist of 1 or 5 μm-thin DEAs deposited on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates 16, 25, 38, or 50 μm thick. The application of a voltage to the DEA electrodes generates an electrostatic pressure in the sandwiched silicone elastomer layer, which causes the underlying PEN substrate to bend. Optical beam deflection enables the detection of the bending angle vs. applied voltage. Bending radii as large asmore » 850 m were reproducibly detected. DEA tests with electric fields of up to 80 V/μm showed limitations in electrode’s conductivity and structure failures. The actuation measurement is essential for the quantitative characterization of nanometer-thin, low-voltage, single- and multi-layer DEAs, as foreseen for artificial sphincters to efficiently treat severe urinary and fecal incontinence.« less

  13. A variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuator based on electrostatic chucking.

    PubMed

    Imamura, Hiroya; Kadooka, Kevin; Taya, Minoru

    2017-05-14

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) are one type of promising artificial muscle; however, applications of bending-type DEA for robotic end-effectors may be limited by their low stiffness and ability to resist external loads without buckling. Unimorph DEA can produce large out-of-plane deformation suitable for use as robotic end effectors; however, design of such actuators for large displacement comes at the cost of low stiffness and blocking force. This work proposes and demonstrates a variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuator (VSDEA) consisting of a plurality of unimorph DEA units operating in parallel, which can exhibit variable electrostatic chucking to modulate the structure's bending stiffness. The unimorph DEA units are additively manufactured using a high-resolution pneumatic dispenser, and VSDEA comprising various numbers of units are assembled. The performance of the DEA units and VSDEA are compared to model predictions, exhibiting a maximum stiffness change of 39.2×. A claw actuator comprising two VSDEA and weighing 0.6 grams is demonstrated grasping and lifting a 10 gram object.

  14. 75 FR 54653 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-08

    ..., Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 488) ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under..., Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 488). (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable... ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine during the next calendar year shall apply on DEA Form...

  15. 76 FR 29793 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Controlled...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-23

    ... Declaration; DEA Form 236 ACTION: 30-Day notice of information collection under review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information... the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Form 236...

  16. 76 FR 10392 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

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    2011-02-24

    ... collection under review; Registrants' Inventory of Drugs Surrendered--DEA Form 41. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information collection...--DEA Form 41. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring...

  17. 21 CFR 1311.20 - Coordinators for CSOS digital certificate holders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... digital certificates issued under that registrant's DEA registration. While the coordinator will be the main point of contact between one or more DEA registered locations and the CSOS Certification Authority... application that the DEA Certification Authority provides and submit the following: (1) Two copies of...

  18. 76 FR 20710 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: U.S. Official...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-13

    ... II Controlled Substances (Accountable Forms); Order Form Requisition DEA Form 222, 222a, Controlled... Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information...: DEA Forms 222 and 222a. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration...

  19. 77 FR 75414 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-20

    ... conduct non-DoDEA sponsored research studies in DoDEA schools, districts, and/ or areas. The DoDEA Form 2071.3-F1, ``Research Study Request'' collects information about the researcher, the research project, audience, timeline, and the statistical analyses that will be conducted during the proposed research study...

  20. 21 CFR 1321.01 - DEA mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... Addresses Code of Federal Regulations Section—Topic DEA Mailing address DEA Administrator 1308.43(b)—Petition to initiate proceedings for rulemaking316.23(b)—Petition for grant of confidentiality for research..., Springfield, VA 22152-2639. 1301.18(c)—Research project controlled substance increase request. 1301.51...

  1. 21 CFR 1321.01 - DEA mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... Addresses Code of Federal Regulations Section—Topic DEA Mailing address DEA Administrator 1308.43(b)—Petition to initiate proceedings for rulemaking316.23(b)—Petition for grant of confidentiality for research..., Springfield, VA 22152-2639. 1301.18(c)—Research project controlled substance increase request. 1301.51...

  2. 21 CFR 1321.01 - DEA mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... Addresses Code of Federal Regulations Section—Topic DEA Mailing address DEA Administrator 1308.43(b)—Petition to initiate proceedings for rulemaking316.23(b)—Petition for grant of confidentiality for research..., Springfield, VA 22152-2639. 1301.18(c)—Research project controlled substance increase request. 1301.51...

  3. 21 CFR 1321.01 - DEA mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Addresses Code of Federal Regulations Section—Topic DEA Mailing address DEA Administrator 1308.43(b)—Petition to initiate proceedings for rulemaking316.23(b)—Petition for grant of confidentiality for research..., Springfield, VA 22152-2639. 1301.18(c)—Research project controlled substance increase request. 1301.51...

  4. 21 CFR 1321.01 - DEA mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Addresses Code of Federal Regulations Section—Topic DEA Mailing address DEA Administrator 1308.43(b)—Petition to initiate proceedings for rulemaking316.23(b)—Petition for grant of confidentiality for research..., Springfield, VA 22152-2639. 1301.18(c)—Research project controlled substance increase request. 1301.51...

  5. 76 FR 35913 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: U.S. Official...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-20

    ... II Controlled Substances (Accountable Forms); Order Form Requisition; DEA Form 222, 222a, Controlled... Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information... applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Forms 222 and 222a...

  6. 21 CFR 1316.81 - Handling of petitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    .... Upon receipt of a petition, the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture System shall request an appropriate... the Administrator of the DEA, depending upon which agency seized the property. If the petition... custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture System shall transmit the petition to the U.S. Attorney for the judicial...

  7. 77 FR 1510 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-10

    ... for Registration Renewal DEA Forms 363 and 363a ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the...: Form number: DEA forms 363 and 363a. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement...

  8. 76 FR 14993 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Controlled...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-18

    ... Declaration-- DEA Form 236 ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information... Substances Import/ Export Declaration--DEA Form 236. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable...

  9. 21 CFR 1311.110 - Requirements for obtaining an authentication credential-Individual practitioners eligible to use...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... within a DEA-registered institutional practitioner that grants that individual practitioner privileges at... current and in good standing. (3) Either ensure that the individual practitioner's DEA registration is... prescribe controlled substances using the institutional practitioner's DEA registration number. (4) If the...

  10. 77 FR 47666 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Import/Export...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-09

    ... II Chemicals; DEA Forms 486 and 486A ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the... Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: DEA Forms 486 and 486A. Component: Office of Diversion...

  11. 21 CFR 1316.78 - Judicial forfeiture.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... have been received for property the jurisdictional limits in § 1316.76, the custodian or DEA Asset... furnished the newspaper advertisements required by § 1316.75. The Forfeiture Counsel of DEA shall make applications to the U.S. District Courts to place property in official DEA use. (Authority: Sec. 610, 46 Stat...

  12. 76 FR 24057 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; ARCOS...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-29

    ... Collection; Comments Requested; ARCOS Transaction Reporting DEA Form 333 ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be... applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: DEA Form 333...

  13. 21 CFR 1311.25 - Requirements for obtaining a CSOS digital certificate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... attorney for a registrant must complete the application that the DEA Certification Authority provides and... photographic identification. (2) A current listing of DEA registrations for which the individual has authority... agrees to the statement of subscriber obligations that DEA provides. (b) The applicant must provide the...

  14. 21 CFR 1316.81 - Handling of petitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    .... Upon receipt of a petition, the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture System shall request an appropriate... the Administrator of the DEA, depending upon which agency seized the property. If the petition... custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture System shall transmit the petition to the U.S. Attorney for the judicial...

  15. 21 CFR 1316.78 - Judicial forfeiture.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... have been received for property the jurisdictional limits in § 1316.76, the custodian or DEA Asset... furnished the newspaper advertisements required by § 1316.75. The Forfeiture Counsel of DEA shall make applications to the U.S. District Courts to place property in official DEA use. (Authority: Sec. 610, 46 Stat...

  16. 21 CFR 1311.10 - Eligibility to obtain a CSOS digital certificate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... obtain a CSOS digital certificate from the DEA Certification Authority to sign electronic orders for controlled substances. (a) The person who signed the most recent DEA registration application or renewal... by a DEA registrant to sign orders for one or more schedules of controlled substances. ...

  17. 21 CFR 1311.125 - Requirements for establishing logical access control-Individual practitioner.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... least one of the individuals designated under paragraph (a) of this section must verify that the DEA... authentication credential to satisfy the logical access controls. The second individual must be a DEA registrant... practitioner's DEA registration expires, unless the registration has been renewed. (3) The individual...

  18. 76 FR 27352 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-11

    ... Substances/Export Controlled Substances for Reexport DEA Forms 161 and 161r ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA... sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Forms 161 and 161r. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug...

  19. 76 FR 12371 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-07

    ... Controlled Substances/Export Controlled Substances for Re-Export--DEA Forms 161 and 161r ACTION: 60-Day... Administration (DEA), will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and...: Application for Permit to Export Controlled Substances/Export Controlled Substances for Reexport--DEA Forms...

  20. Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of a Composite Honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, Karen E.; Kellas, Sotiris; Horta, Lucas G.; Annett, Martin S.; Polanco, Michael A.; Littell, Justin D.; Fasanella, Edwin L.

    2011-01-01

    In 2006, the NASA Subsonic Rotary Wing Aeronautics Program sponsored the experimental and analytical evaluation of an externally deployable composite honeycomb structure that is designed to attenuate impact energy during helicopter crashes. The concept, which is designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA), utilizes an expandable Kevlar honeycomb structure to dissipate kinetic energy through crushing. The DEA incorporates a unique flexible hinge design that allows the honeycomb to be packaged and stowed flat until needed for deployment. A variety of deployment options such as linear, radial, and/or hybrid methods can be used. Experimental evaluation of the DEA utilized a building block approach that included material characterization testing of its constituent, Kevlar -129 fabric/epoxy, and flexural testing of single hexagonal cells. In addition, the energy attenuation capabilities of the DEA were demonstrated through multi-cell component dynamic crush tests, and vertical drop tests of a composite fuselage section, retrofitted with DEA blocks, onto concrete, water, and soft soil. During each stage of the DEA evaluation process, finite element models of the test articles were developed and simulations were performed using the explicit, nonlinear transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. This report documents the results of the experimental evaluation that was conducted to assess the energy absorption capabilities of the DEA.

  1. Enhanced Deposition by Electrostatic Field-Assistance Aggravating Diesel Exhaust Aerosol Toxicity for Human Lung Cells.

    PubMed

    Stoehr, Linda C; Madl, Pierre; Boyles, Matthew S P; Zauner, Roland; Wimmer, Monika; Wiegand, Harald; Andosch, Ancuela; Kasper, Gerhard; Pesch, Markus; Lütz-Meindl, Ursula; Himly, Martin; Duschl, Albert

    2015-07-21

    Air pollution is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, but conventional air quality monitoring gives no information about biological consequences. Exposing human lung cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) to ambient aerosol could help identify acute biological responses. This study investigated electrode-assisted deposition of diesel exhaust aerosol (DEA) on human lung epithelial cells (A549) in a prototype exposure chamber. A549 cells were exposed to DEA at the ALI and under submerged conditions in different electrostatic fields (EFs) and were assessed for cell viability, membrane integrity, and IL-8 secretion. Qualitative differences of the DEA and its deposition under different EFs were characterized using scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Upon exposure to DEA only, cell viability decreased and membrane impairment increased for cells at the ALI; submerged cells were unaffected. These responses were enhanced upon application of an EF, as was DEA deposition. No adverse effects were observed for filtered DEA or air only, confirming particle-induced responses. The prototype exposure chamber proved suitable for testing DEA-induced biological responses of cells at the ALI using electrode-assisted deposition and may be useful for analysis of other air pollutants.

  2. Continuous Flow Hygroscopicity-Resolved Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (Hy-Res REA) Method of Measuring Size-Resolved Sea-Salt Particle Fluxes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meskhidze, N.; Royalty, T. M.; Phillips, B.; Dawson, K. W.; Petters, M. D.; Reed, R.; Weinstein, J.; Hook, D.; Wiener, R.

    2017-12-01

    The accurate representation of aerosols in climate models requires direct ambient measurement of the size- and composition-dependent particle production fluxes. Here we present the design, testing, and analysis of data collected through the first instrument capable of measuring hygroscopicity-based, size-resolved particle fluxes using a continuous-flow Hygroscopicity-Resolved Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (Hy-Res REA) technique. The different components of the instrument were extensively tested inside the US Environmental Protection Agency's Aerosol Test Facility for sea-salt and ammoniums sulfate particle fluxes. The new REA system design does not require particle accumulation, therefore avoids the diffusional wall losses associated with long residence times of particles inside the air collectors of the traditional REA devices. The Hy-Res REA system used in this study includes a 3-D sonic anemometer, two fast-response solenoid valves, two Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs), a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), and a Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA). A linear relationship was found between the sea-salt particle fluxes measured by eddy covariance and REA techniques, with comparable theoretical (0.34) and measured (0.39) proportionality constants. The sea-salt particle detection limit of the Hy-Res REA flux system is estimated to be 6x105 m-2s-1. For the conditions of ammonium sulfate and sea-salt particles of comparable source strength and location, the continuous-flow Hy-Res REA instrument was able to achieve better than 90% accuracy of measuring the sea-salt particle fluxes. In principle, the instrument can be applied to measure fluxes of particles of variable size and distinct hygroscopic properties (i.e., mineral dust, black carbon, etc.).

  3. State and change of Dryland East Asia (DEA)

    Treesearch

    Jiquan Chen; Ranjeet John; Guanghua Qiao; Ochirbat Batkhishig; Wenping Yuan; Yaoqi Zhang; Changliang Shao; Zutao Ouyang; Linghao Li; Ke Guo; Ge Sun

    2013-01-01

    Dry land East Asia (DEA) refers to a region with 4.81 million square kilometers (km²) and includes Mongolia and four provinces/regions in Northern China (hereafter called "administrative units" ): Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, and Xinjiang. This introduction chapter provides an overview of the DEA region from three perspectives: 1) geography,...

  4. 76 FR 24055 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Report of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-29

    ... Collection; Comments Requested: Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances; DEA Form 106 AGENCY...) Title of the Form/Collection: Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances (DEA Form 106). (3... DEA-106 upon discovery of a theft or significant loss of controlled substances. This provides accurate...

  5. 77 FR 70471 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-26

    ... Diversion Control Act of 1993 DEA Forms 510 & 510A ACTION: 60-Day notice. The Department of Justice (DOJ... Application for Registration under Domestic Chemical Diversion Control Act of 1993 DEA Forms 510 & 510A. (3...: Form number: DEA Forms 510 and 510a. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement...

  6. 78 FR 6348 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-30

    ...; DEA Forms 510 and 510a ACTION: 30-Day notice. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement... collection: Form number: DEA Forms 510 and 510a. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement... average respondent to respond: Total hour Respondents Burden (minutes) burden @ $50.14/hour = DEA-510...

  7. 21 CFR 1312.12 - Application for import permit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... permit. (a) An application for a permit to import controlled substances shall be made on DEA Form 357. DEA Form 357 may be obtained from, and shall be filed with, the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing...

  8. 76 FR 64381 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-18

    ... Registration Renewal, Affidavit for Chain Renewal--DEA Forms 225, 225a, 225b ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA... applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: DEA Forms 225, 225a...

  9. 76 FR 80406 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-23

    ... Registration Renewal, Affidavit for Chain Renewal DEA Forms 225, 225a, 225b ACTION: 30-Day notice of information collection under review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA... applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: Form number: DEA Forms 225, 225a, 225b...

  10. 21 CFR 1312.18 - Contents of import declaration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... furnish a controlled substances import declaration on DEA Form 236 to the Import/Export Unit, Drug... distribute four copies of same as hereinafter directed in § 1312.19. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (c) DEA Form 236 must be executed in...

  11. 78 FR 48718 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-09

    ... Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes (DEA Form 357) ACTION: 60-Day notice. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information... Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952 (DEA Form 357). (3) Agency form...

  12. 21 CFR 1312.18 - Contents of import declaration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... furnish a controlled substances import declaration on DEA Form 236 to the Import/Export Unit, Drug... distribute four copies of same as hereinafter directed in § 1312.19. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (c) DEA Form 236 must be executed in...

  13. 77 FR 62532 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Import/Export...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-15

    ... II Chemicals; DEA Forms 486 and 486A ACTION: 30-Day Notice. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office... number: DEA Forms 486 and 486A. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration...

  14. 76 FR 66085 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection, Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-25

    ... for Registration Renewal DEA Forms 363 and 363a ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be submitting the... Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: DEA forms 363 and 363a. Component: Office of...

  15. 21 CFR 1312.12 - Application for import permit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... permit. (a) An application for a permit to import controlled substances shall be made on DEA Form 357. DEA Form 357 may be obtained from, and shall be filed with, the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing...

  16. 21 CFR 1313.22 - Contents of export declaration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... through procedures outlined in § 1313.21 and distribute three copies of DEA Form 486 as directed in § 1313.23. (c) The DEA Form 486 must be executed in triplicate and must include all the following... record. A brief written notification (this does not require a DEA Form 486) outlining the circumstances...

  17. Solubility of carbon dioxide in aqueous mixtures of alkanolamines

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

    Dawodu, O.F.; Meisen, A.

    1994-07-01

    The solubility of CO[sub 2] in water + N-methyldiethanolamine + monoethanolamine (MDEA + MEA) and water + N-methyldiethanolamine + diethanolamine (MDEA + DEA) are reported at two compositions of 3.4 M MDEA + 0.8 M MEA or DEA and 2.1 M MDEA + 2.1 M MEA or DEA at temperatures from 70 to 180 C and CO[sub 2] partial pressures from 100 to 3,850 kPa. The solubility of CO[sub 2] in the blends decreased with an increase in temperature but increased with an increase in CO[sub 2] partial pressure. At low partial pressures of CO[sub 2] and the same totalmore » amine concentration, the equilibrium CO[sub 2] loadings were in the order MDEA + MEA > MDEA + DEA > MDEA. However, at high CO[sub 2] partial pressures, the equilibrium CO[sub 2] loadings in the MDEA solutions were higher than those of the MDEA + MEA and MDEA + DEA blends of equal molar strengths due to the stoichiometric loading limitations of MEA and DEA. The nonadditivity of the equilibrium loadings for single amine systems highlights the need for independent measurements on amine blends.« less

  18. Pharmacists correcting schedule II prescriptions: DEA flip-flops continue.

    PubMed

    Abood, Richard R

    2010-12-01

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has in recent years engaged in flip-flopping over important policy decisions. The most recent example involved whether a pharmacist can correct a written schedule II prescription upon verification with the prescriber. For several years the DEA's policy permitted this practice. Then the DEA issued a conflicting policy statement in 2007 in the preamble to the multiple schedule II prescription regulation, causing a series of subsequent contradictory statements ending with the policy that pharmacists should follow state law or policy until the Agency issues a regulation. It is doubtful that the DEA's opinion in the preamble would in itself constitute legal authority, or that the Agency would try to enforce the opinion. Nonetheless, these flip-flop opinions have confused pharmacists, caused some pharmacies to have claims rejected by third party payors, and most likely have inconvenienced patients.

  19. Dog erythrocyte antigens 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal blood typing and cross-matching by gel column technique.

    PubMed

    Kessler, Rebecca J; Reese, Jessica; Chang, Denise; Seth, Mayank; Hale, Anne S; Giger, Urs

    2010-09-01

    Testing for canine blood types other than dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 (DEA 1.1) is controversial and complicated by reagent availability and methodology. The objectives of this study were to use available gel column technology to develop an extended blood-typing method using polyclonal reagents for DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal and to assess the use of gel columns for cross-matching. Dogs (43-75) were typed for DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 7, and Dal. METHODS included tube agglutination (Tube) using polyclonal reagents, a commercially available DEA 1.1 gel column test kit (Standard-Gel) using monoclonal reagent, and multiple gel columns (Extended-Gel) using polyclonal reagents. Blood from 10 recipient and 15 donor dogs was typed as described above and cross-matched using the gel column technique. Of 43 dogs typed for DEA 1.1, 23, 25, and 20 dogs were positive using Standard-Gel, Extended-Gel, and Tube, respectively. Typing for DEA 1.2 was not achievable with Extended-Gel. For 75 dogs typed for DEA 3, 4, and 7, concordance of Extended-Gel with Tube was 94.7%, 100%, and 84%, respectively. Dal, determined only by Extended-Gel, was positive for all dogs. Post-transfusion major cross-matches were incompatible in 10 of 14 pairings, but none were associated with demonstrable blood type incompatibilities. Gel column methodology can be adapted for use with polyclonal reagents for detecting DEA 1.1, 3, 4, 7, and Dal. Agglutination reactions are similar between Extended-Gel and Tube, but are more easily interpreted with Extended-Gel. When using gel columns for cross-matching, incompatible blood cross-matches can be detected following sensitization by transfusion, although in this study incompatibilities associated with any tested DEA or Dal antigens were not found. ©2010 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

  20. Ground-water quality in agricultural areas, Anoka Sand Plain Aquifer, east-central Minnesota, 1984-90

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Landon, M.K.; Delin, G.N.

    1995-01-01

    Concentrations of atrazine and DEA generally were greater near the water table and decreased or were not detected in deeper wells. All of the samples in which atrazine and DEA were detected also had increased (greater than 3 mg/L) nitrate-N concentrations. However, not all samples with increased concentrations of nitrate-N had detections of atrazine or DEA. This likely indicates either that there were sources of nitrate-N other than cultivated fields on which both atrazine and nitrogen were applied or that nitrate-N reached ground water more readily than atrazine or DEA.

  1. At-sea detection of marine debris: overview of technologies, processes, issues, and options.

    PubMed

    Mace, Thomas H

    2012-01-01

    At-sea detection of marine debris presents a difficult problem, as the debris items are often relatively small and partially submerged. However, they may accumulate in water parcel boundaries or eddy lines. The application of models, satellite radar and multispectral data, and airborne remote sensing (particularly radar) to focus the search on eddies and convergence zones in the open ocean appear to be a productive avenue of investigation. A multistage modeling and remote sensing approach is proposed for the identification of areas of the open ocean where debris items are more likely to congregate. A path forward may best be achieved through the refinement of the Ghost Net procedures with the addition of a final search stage using airborne radar from an UAS simulator aircraft to detect zones of potential accumulation for direct search. Sampling strategies, direct versus indirect measurements, remote sensing resolution, sensor/platform considerations, and future state are addressed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Homogeneous graft copolymerization of styrene onto cellulose in a sulfur dioxide-diethylamine-dimethyl sulfoxide cellulose solvent

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

    Tsuzuki, M.; Hagiwara, I.; Shiraishi, N.

    1980-12-01

    Graft copolymerization of styrene onto cellulose was studied in a homogeneous system (SO/sub 2/(liquid)- diethylamine (DEA)-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) medium)) by ..gamma..-ray mutual irradiation technique. At the same time, homopolymerization of styrene was also examined separately in DMSO, SO/sub 2/-DMSO, DEA-DMSO, and SO/sub 2/-DEA-DMSO media by the same technique. Polymerization of styrene hardly occurs on concentrations above 10 mole SO/sub 2/-DEA complex per mole glucose unit. Maximum percent grafting was obtained in concentrations of 4 mole, after which it decreased rapidly. Total conversion and percent grafting increased with the irradiation time. The value (=0.55) of the slope of the total conversionmore » rate plotted against the dose was only a little higher than the 1/2 which was expected from normal kinetics. No retardation in homopolymerization of styrene in DMSO, SO/sub 2/-DMSO, and DEA-DMSO was evident, while the retardation of homopolymerization in the SO/sub 2/-DEA-DMSO medium was measurable. Sulfur atoms were detected in the polymers obtained in both of SO/sub 2/-DMSO and SO/sub 2/-DEA-DMSO solutions. All of the molecular weights of polymers obtained in the present experiment were very low (3.9 x 10/sup 3/-1.75 x 10/sup 4/).« less

  3. Electric field around a dielectric elastomer actuator in proximity to the human body

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McKenzie, Anita C.; Calius, Emilio P.; Anderson, Iain A.

    2008-03-01

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are a promising artificial muscle technology that will enable new kinds of prostheses and wearable rehabilitation devices. DEAs are driven by electric fields in the MV/m range and the dielectric elastomer itself is typically 30μm in thickness or more. Large operating voltages, in the order of several kilovolts, are then required to produce useful strains and these large voltages and the resulting electric fields could potentially pose problems when DEAs are used in close proximity to the human body. The fringing electric fields of a DEA in close association with the skin were modelled using finite element methods. The model was verified against a known analytic solution describing the electric field surrounding a capacitor in air. The agreement between the two is good, as the difference is less than 10% unless within 4.5mm of the DEA's lateral edges. As expected, it was found that for a DEA constructed with thinner dielectric layers, the fringe field strength dropped in direct proportion to the reduction in applied voltage, despite the internal field being maintained at the same level. More interestingly, modelling the electric field around stacked DEAs showed that for an even number of layers the electric field is an order of magnitude less than for an odd number of layers, due to the cancelling of opposing electric fields.

  4. The Impact of Size and Specialisation on Universities' Department Performance: A DEA Analysis Applied to Austrian Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leitner, Karl-Heinz; Prikoszovits, Julia; Schaffhauser-Linzatti, Michaela; Stowasser, Rainer; Wagner, Karin

    2007-01-01

    This paper explores the performance efficiency of natural and technical science departments at Austrian universities using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). We present DEA as an alternative tool for benchmarking and ranking the assignment of decision-making units (organisations and organisational units). The method applies a multiple input and…

  5. 75 FR 54653 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-08

    ... Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952; DEA Form 357 ACTION: 30-Day... Administration (DEA) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management... U.S.C. 952 (DEA Form 357). (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the...

  6. 21 CFR 1313.32 - Requirement of authorization for international transactions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... completed DEA Form 486 must be received by the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, not later than 15 days prior to the international transaction. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (2) A copy of the DEA Form 486 may be...

  7. 21 CFR 1313.21 - Requirement of authorization to export.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... notification to the Administration as far in advance of the 15 days as possible. (b) A completed DEA Form 486... prior to the exportation. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. A copy of the completed DEA Form 486 may be transmitted directly to the Drug...

  8. 78 FR 63246 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-23

    ... Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952 (DEA Form 357) ACTION: 30-Day Notice. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be submitting the... pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952 (DEA Form 357). (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of...

  9. 21 CFR 1303.12 - Procurement quotas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... purposes of manufacturing, shall apply on DEA Form 250 for a procurement quota for such basic class. A... specified unit of the second basic class. DEA Form 250 shall be filed on or before April 1 of the year preceding the calendar year for which the procurement quota is being applied. Copies of DEA Form 250 may be...

  10. 28 CFR 0.103a - Delegations respecting claims against the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... claims against the Drug Enforcement Administration. (a) The Administrator of DEA is authorized to... lawful activities of DEA personnel in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in any one case. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of 28 CFR 0.104, the Administrator of DEA is authorized to redelegate the power and...

  11. 75 FR 38835 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed collection; comments requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-06

    ... Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952; DEA Form 357 ACTION: 60-Day... Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management... Import Controlled Substances for Domestic and/or Scientific Purposes pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 952 (DEA Form...

  12. 21 CFR 1311.45 - Requirements for registrants that allow powers of attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates under their DEA registration. 1311.45 Section 1311.45 Food and... registrants that allow powers of attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates under their DEA registration. (a) A registrant that grants power of attorney must report to the DEA Certification Authority within 6...

  13. 28 CFR 0.103a - Delegations respecting claims against the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... claims against the Drug Enforcement Administration. (a) The Administrator of DEA is authorized to... lawful activities of DEA personnel in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in any one case. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of 28 CFR 0.104, the Administrator of DEA is authorized to redelegate the power and...

  14. 21 CFR 1313.32 - Requirement of authorization for international transactions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... completed DEA Form 486 must be received by the Import/Export Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, not later than 15 days prior to the international transaction. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (2) A copy of the DEA Form 486 may be...

  15. 21 CFR 1313.12 - Requirement of authorization to import.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... not later than 15 days before the transaction is to take place. (b) A completed DEA Form 486 must be... importation. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. A copy of the completed DEA Form 486 may be transmitted directly to the Drug Enforcement...

  16. 21 CFR 1313.12 - Requirement of authorization to import.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... not later than 15 days before the transaction is to take place. (b) A completed DEA Form 486 must be... importation. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. A copy of the completed DEA Form 486 may be transmitted directly to the Drug Enforcement...

  17. The RNA Helicase DeaD Stimulates ExsA Translation To Promote Expression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System

    PubMed Central

    Intile, Peter J.; Balzer, Grant J.; Wolfgang, Matthew C.

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT The Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system (T3SS) is a primary virulence factor important for phagocytic avoidance, disruption of host cell signaling, and host cell cytotoxicity. ExsA is the master regulator of T3SS transcription. The expression, synthesis, and activity of ExsA is tightly regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic regulation consists of the well-characterized ExsECDA partner-switching cascade, while extrinsic factors include global regulators that alter exsA transcription and/or translation. To identify novel extrinsic regulators of ExsA, we conducted a transposon mutagenesis screen in the absence of intrinsic control. Transposon disruptions within gene PA2840, which encodes a homolog of the Escherichia coli RNA-helicase DeaD, significantly reduced T3SS gene expression. Recent studies indicate that E. coli DeaD can promote translation by relieving inhibitory secondary structures within target mRNAs. We report here that PA2840, renamed DeaD, stimulates ExsA synthesis at the posttranscriptional level. Genetic experiments demonstrate that the activity of an exsA translational fusion is reduced in a deaD mutant. In addition, exsA expression in trans fails to restore T3SS gene expression in a deaD mutant. We hypothesized that DeaD relaxes mRNA secondary structure to promote exsA translation and found that altering the mRNA sequence of exsA or the native exsA Shine-Dalgarno sequence relieved the requirement for DeaD in vivo. Finally, we show that purified DeaD promotes ExsA synthesis using in vitro translation assays. Together, these data reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for P. aeruginosa DeaD and add to the complexity of global regulation of T3SS. IMPORTANCE Although members of the DEAD box family of RNA helicases are appreciated for their roles in mRNA degradation and ribosome biogenesis, an additional role in gene regulation is now emerging in bacteria. By relaxing secondary structures in mRNAs, DEAD box helicases are now thought to promote translation by enhancing ribosomal recruitment. We identify here an RNA helicase that plays a critical role in promoting ExsA synthesis, the central regulator of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system, and provide additional evidence that DEAD box helicases directly stimulate translation of target genes. The finding that DeaD stimulates exsA translation adds to a growing list of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms that control type III gene expression. PMID:26055113

  18. Use of LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) to Assess the Energy Absorption Performance of a Shell-Based Kevlar(TradeMark)/Epoxy Composite Honeycomb

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Polanco, Michael

    2010-01-01

    The forward and vertical impact stability of a composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) was evaluated during a full-scale crash test of an MD-500 helicopter at NASA Langley?s Landing and Impact Research Facility. The lower skin of the helicopter was retrofitted with DEA components to protect the airframe subfloor upon impact and to mitigate loads transmitted to Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) occupants. To facilitate the design of the DEA for this test, an analytical study was conducted using LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) to evaluate the performance of a shell-based DEA incorporating different angular cell orientations as well as simultaneous vertical and forward impact conditions. By conducting this study, guidance was provided in obtaining an optimum design for the DEA that would dissipate the kinetic energy of the airframe while maintaining forward and vertical impact stability.

  19. How does methylation suppress the electron-induced decomposition of 1-methyl-nitroimidazoles?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kossoski, F.; Varella, M. T. do N.

    2017-10-01

    The efficient decomposition of nitroimidazoles (NIs) by low energy electrons is believed to underlie their radiosensitizing properties. Recent dissociative electron attachment (DEA) measurements showed that methylation at the N1 site unexpectedly suppresses the electron-induced reactions in 4(5)-NI. We report theoretical results that provide a clear interpretation of that astounding finding. Around 1.5 eV, DEA reactions into several fragments are initiated by a π* resonance, not considered in previous studies. The autoionization lifetime of this anion state, which limits the predissociation dynamics, is considerably shorter in the methylated species, thereby suppressing the DEA signals. On the other hand, the lifetime of the π* resonance located around 3 eV is less affected by methylation, which explains why DEA is still observed at these energies. Our results demonstrate how even a simple methylation can significantly modify the probabilities for DEA reactions, which may be significant for NI-based cancer therapy.

  20. Material Model Evaluation of a Composite Honeycomb Energy Absorber

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, Karen E.; Annett, Martin S.; Fasanella, Edwin L.; Polanco, Michael A.

    2012-01-01

    A study was conducted to evaluate four different material models in predicting the dynamic crushing response of solid-element-based models of a composite honeycomb energy absorber, designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA). Dynamic crush tests of three DEA components were simulated using the nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic code, LS-DYNA . In addition, a full-scale crash test of an MD-500 helicopter, retrofitted with DEA blocks, was simulated. The four material models used to represent the DEA included: *MAT_CRUSHABLE_FOAM (Mat 63), *MAT_HONEYCOMB (Mat 26), *MAT_SIMPLIFIED_RUBBER/FOAM (Mat 181), and *MAT_TRANSVERSELY_ANISOTROPIC_CRUSHABLE_FOAM (Mat 142). Test-analysis calibration metrics included simple percentage error comparisons of initial peak acceleration, sustained crush stress, and peak compaction acceleration of the DEA components. In addition, the Roadside Safety Verification and Validation Program (RSVVP) was used to assess similarities and differences between the experimental and analytical curves for the full-scale crash test.

  1. A new conifer herbarium

    Treesearch

    William B. Critchfield

    1966-01-01

    At the Institute of Forest Genetics, Placerville, California), we have recently organized a specialized herbarium of pines (Pinus) and firs {Abies). Incorporated in it are the many specimens that have accumulated since the Institute was established in 1925. Like the Eddy Arboretum, the herbarium is an integral part of our...

  2. Measuring Productivity of Depot-Level Aircraft Maintenance in the Air Force Logistics Command.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-09-01

    of Figures...... . . . . . . . . . . . . vi List of Tables . . . . . . . . . ............ vii Abstract . . . ...................... viii I...59 6. DEA Efficiency Values (Third DEA Model) . .... 62 7. DMU 5 Input Efficiencies ................ 64 vi F "-’ List of Tables Table Page I. DEA...Regression Results for 20 Months . . . ..... 68 V. Regression Results for 7 Quarters . . ..... 70 VI . Coefficients of Correlation (Using Quarterly Data

  3. 28 CFR 0.157 - Federal Bureau of Investigation-Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be known as the FBI-DEA Senior Executive Service (FBI-DEA SES). (b) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3151(b)(2)(B), a... the position of Deputy Director of the FBI (which remains subject to the exclusive authority of the...

  4. 28 CFR 0.157 - Federal Bureau of Investigation-Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be known as the FBI-DEA Senior Executive Service (FBI-DEA SES). (b) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3151(b)(2)(B), a... the position of Deputy Director of the FBI (which remains subject to the exclusive authority of the...

  5. 28 CFR 0.157 - Federal Bureau of Investigation-Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be known as the FBI-DEA Senior Executive Service (FBI-DEA SES). (b) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3151(b)(2)(B), a... the position of Deputy Director of the FBI (which remains subject to the exclusive authority of the...

  6. 28 CFR 0.157 - Federal Bureau of Investigation-Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be known as the FBI-DEA Senior Executive Service (FBI-DEA SES). (b) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3151(b)(2)(B), a... the position of Deputy Director of the FBI (which remains subject to the exclusive authority of the...

  7. Services Provided to Military Dependents Who Are "Mentally Gifted" in the US Department of Defense (DoDEA) Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bugaj, Stephen J.

    2013-01-01

    The US Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a federal agency that provides educational services to military dependents in 12 foreign countries, seven states, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Perhaps due to its restricted audience, the general public has limited knowledge of DoDEA services; moreover, empirical information about these services…

  8. 21 CFR 1303.22 - Procedure for applying for individual manufacturing quotas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... in Schedule I or II and who desires to manufacture a quantity of such class shall apply on DEA Form 189 for a manufacturing quota for such quantity of such class. Copies of DEA Form 189 may be obtained... Administration. See the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing...

  9. 21 CFR 1305.04 - Persons entitled to order Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... to order Schedule I and II controlled substances. (a) Only persons who are registered with DEA under... are registered with DEA under section 1008 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 958) to export these substances may obtain and use DEA Form 222 (order forms) or issue electronic orders for these substances. Persons not...

  10. 75 FR 32831 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-09

    ... Change To Change Its Transaction Fees and Rebates to Exchange Participants for SRO Fees and DEA... DEA Examinations. The text of this proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site at... Exchange also proposes to reduce the DEA Examinations Fee under Section J.4. of the Fee Schedule from $1000...

  11. 21 CFR 1305.06 - Persons entitled to fill orders for Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... II controlled substances, whether on a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order, may be filled only by a person registered with DEA as a manufacturer or distributor of controlled substances listed in Schedule I... DEA to dispense the substances, or to export the substances, if he/she is discontinuing business or if...

  12. 21 CFR 1305.06 - Persons entitled to fill orders for Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... II controlled substances, whether on a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order, may be filled only by a person registered with DEA as a manufacturer or distributor of controlled substances listed in Schedule I... DEA to dispense the substances, or to export the substances, if he/she is discontinuing business or if...

  13. 21 CFR 1305.04 - Persons entitled to order Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... to order Schedule I and II controlled substances. (a) Only persons who are registered with DEA under... are registered with DEA under section 1008 of the Act (21 U.S.C. 958) to export these substances may obtain and use DEA Form 222 (order forms) or issue electronic orders for these substances. Persons not...

  14. Modeling a dielectric elastomer as driven by triboelectric nanogenerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Xiangyu; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Zhong Lin

    2017-01-01

    By integrating a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a thin film dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), the DEA can be directly powered and controlled by the output of the TENG, which demonstrates a self-powered actuation system toward various practical applications in the fields of electronic skin and soft robotics. This paper describes a method to construct a physical model for this integrated TENG-DEA system on the basis of nonequilibrium thermodynamics and electrostatics induction theory. The model can precisely simulate the influences from both the viscoelasticity and current leakage to the output performance of the TENG, which can help us to better understand the interaction between TENG and DEA devices. Accordingly, the established electric field, the deformation strain of the DEA, and the output current from the TENG are systemically analyzed by using this model. A comparison between real measurements and simulation results confirms that the proposed model can predict the dynamic response of the DEA driven by contact-electrification and can also quantitatively analyze the relaxation of the tribo-induced strain due to the leakage behavior. Hence, the proposed model in this work could serve as a guidance for optimizing the devices in the future studies.

  15. Global effects of the DEAD-box RNA helicase DeaD (CsdA) on gene expression over a broad range of temperatures

    PubMed Central

    Vakulskas, Christopher A.; Pannuri, Archana; Cortés-Selva, Diana; Zere, Tesfalem R.; Ahmer, Brian M.; Babitzke, Paul; Romeo, Tony

    2014-01-01

    Summary In Escherichia coli, activity of the global regulatory RNA binding protein CsrA is antagonized by two noncoding sRNAs, CsrB and CsrC, which sequester it away from its lower affinity mRNA targets. Transcription of csrB/C requires the BarA-UvrY two component signal transduction system, which responds to short chain carboxylates. We show that two DEAD-box RNA helicases, DeaD and SrmB, activate csrB/C expression by different pathways. DeaD facilitates uvrY translation by counteracting the inhibitory effect of long distance basepairing between the uvrY mRNA leader and coding region, while SrmB does not affect UvrY or UvrY-phosphate levels. Contrary to the prevailing notion that these helicases act primarily at low temperatures, DeaD and SrmB activated csrB expression over a wide temperature range. High-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by crosslinking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) revealed in vivo interactions of DeaD with 39 mRNAs, including those of uvrY and 9 other regulatory genes. Studies on the expression of several of the identified genes revealed regulatory effects of DeaD in all cases and diverse temperature response patterns. Our findings uncover an expanded regulatory role for DeaD, which is mediated through novel mRNA targets, important global regulators and under physiological conditions that were considered to be incompatible with its function. PMID:24708042

  16. Evaluation of DeNitrification DeComposition model for estimating ammonia fluxes from chemical fertilizer application

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    DeNitrification DeComposition (DNDC) model predictions of NH3 fluxes following chemical fertilizer application were evaluated by comparison to relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) measurements, in Central Illinois, United States, over the 2014 growing season of corn. Practical issues for evaluating closu...

  17. Continuous flow hygroscopicity-resolved relaxed eddy accumulation (Hy-Res REA) method of measuring size-resolved sodium chloride particle fluxes

    EPA Science Inventory

    The accurate representation of aerosols in climate models requires direct ambient measurement of the size- and composition-dependent particle production fluxes. Here, we present the design, testing, and analysis of data collected through the first instrument capable of measuring ...

  18. Assessing the Queuing Process Using Data Envelopment Analysis: an Application in Health Centres.

    PubMed

    Safdar, Komal A; Emrouznejad, Ali; Dey, Prasanta K

    2016-01-01

    Queuing is one of the very important criteria for assessing the performance and efficiency of any service industry, including healthcare. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is one of the most widely-used techniques for performance measurement in healthcare. However, no queue management application has been reported in the health-related DEA literature. Most of the studies regarding patient flow systems had the objective of improving an already existing Appointment System. The current study presents a novel application of DEA for assessing the queuing process at an Outpatients' department of a large public hospital in a developing country where appointment systems do not exist. The main aim of the current study is to demonstrate the usefulness of DEA modelling in the evaluation of a queue system. The patient flow pathway considered for this study consists of two stages; consultation with a doctor and pharmacy. The DEA results indicated that waiting times and other related queuing variables included need considerable minimisation at both stages.

  19. Measuring and Benchmarking Technical Efficiency of Public Hospitals in Tianjin, China

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hao; Dong, Siping

    2015-01-01

    China has long been stuck in applying traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models to measure technical efficiency of public hospitals without bias correction of efficiency scores. In this article, we have introduced the Bootstrap-DEA approach from the international literature to analyze the technical efficiency of public hospitals in Tianjin (China) and tried to improve the application of this method for benchmarking and inter-organizational learning. It is found that the bias corrected efficiency scores of Bootstrap-DEA differ significantly from those of the traditional Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model, which means that Chinese researchers need to update their DEA models for more scientific calculation of hospital efficiency scores. Our research has helped shorten the gap between China and the international world in relative efficiency measurement and improvement of hospitals. It is suggested that Bootstrap-DEA be widely applied into afterward research to measure relative efficiency and productivity of Chinese hospitals so as to better serve for efficiency improvement and related decision making. PMID:26396090

  20. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamide diethanolamine.

    PubMed

    Mertens, Sarien; Gilissen, Liesbeth; Goossens, An

    2016-07-01

    Cocamide DEA (CAS no. 68603-42-9) is a non-ionic surfactant frequently used in industrial, household and cosmetic products for its foam-producing and stabilizing properties. Contact allergy has been reported quite rarely in the past, but recently several cases were published, raising the question of an increase in the frequency of allergic dermatitis caused by this substance. To describe cocamide DEA-allergic patients and their characteristics observed in our department. Medical charts of patients, investigated between 1990 and December 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for cocamide DEA-allergy. Demographic characteristics and patch test results were analyzed. Out of 1767 patients tested, 18 (1%) presented with an allergic reaction to cocamide DEA, all of them at least with hand dermatitis. Twelve patients had (past) occupational exposure to cocamide DEA. Out of the 18 patients, 15 showed (most often) multiple positive reactions and 7 also suffered from atopic dermatitis. Cocamide DEA allergy is relatively rare, despite frequent use, and an increasing trend was not observed. Reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine and cocamide MEA only occurred in some of the subjects tested. Shampoos and liquid hand soaps/cleansers dominated as sources of exposure. All patients presented with an impaired skin barrier due to atopic and/or previous contact dermatitis. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Software for Automated Reading of STEP Files by I-DEAS(trademark)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pinedo, John

    2003-01-01

    A program called "readstep" enables the I-DEAS(tm) computer-aided-design (CAD) software to automatically read Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) files. (The STEP format is one of several used to transfer data between dissimilar CAD programs.) Prior to the development of "readstep," it was necessary to read STEP files into I-DEAS(tm) one at a time in a slow process that required repeated intervention by the user. In operation, "readstep" prompts the user for the location of the desired STEP files and the names of the I-DEAS(tm) project and model file, then generates an I-DEAS(tm) program file called "readstep.prg" and two Unix shell programs called "runner" and "controller." The program "runner" runs I-DEAS(tm) sessions that execute readstep.prg, while "controller" controls the execution of "runner" and edits readstep.prg if necessary. The user sets "runner" and "controller" into execution simultaneously, and then no further intervention by the user is required. When "runner" has finished, the user should see only parts from successfully read STEP files present in the model file. STEP files that could not be read successfully (e.g., because of format errors) should be regenerated before attempting to read them again.

  2. Opportunities of hydrostatically coupled dielectric elastomer actuators for haptic interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carpi, Federico; Frediani, Gabriele; De Rossi, Danilo

    2011-04-01

    As a means to improve versatility and safety of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) for several fields of application, so-called 'hydrostatically coupled' DEAs (HC-DEAs) have recently been described. HC-DEAs are based on an incompressible fluid that mechanically couples a DE-based active part to a passive part interfaced to the load, so as to enable hydrostatic transmission. This paper presents ongoing developments of HC-DEAs and potential applications in the field of haptics. Three specific examples are considered. The first deals with a wearable tactile display used to provide users with tactile feedback during electronic navigation in virtual environments. The display consists of HCDEAs arranged in contact with finger tips. As a second example, an up-scaled prototype version of an 8-dots refreshable cell for dynamic Braille displays is shown. Each Braille dot consists of a miniature HC-DEA, with a diameter lower than 2 mm. The third example refers to a device for finger rehabilitation, conceived to work as a sort of active version of a rehabilitation squeezing ball. The device is designed to dynamically change its compliance according to an electric control. The three examples of applications intend to show the potential of the new technology and the prospective opportunities for haptic interfaces.

  3. Technical and scale efficiency in public and private Irish nursing homes - a bootstrap DEA approach.

    PubMed

    Ni Luasa, Shiovan; Dineen, Declan; Zieba, Marta

    2016-10-27

    This article provides methodological and empirical insights into the estimation of technical efficiency in the nursing home sector. Focusing on long-stay care and using primary data, we examine technical and scale efficiency in 39 public and 73 private Irish nursing homes by applying an input-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA). We employ robust bootstrap methods to validate our nonparametric DEA scores and to integrate the effects of potential determinants in estimating the efficiencies. Both the homogenous and two-stage double bootstrap procedures are used to obtain confidence intervals for the bias-corrected DEA scores. Importantly, the application of the double bootstrap approach affords true DEA technical efficiency scores after adjusting for the effects of ownership, size, case-mix, and other determinants such as location, and quality. Based on our DEA results for variable returns to scale technology, the average technical efficiency score is 62 %, and the mean scale efficiency is 88 %, with nearly all units operating on the increasing returns to scale part of the production frontier. Moreover, based on the double bootstrap results, Irish nursing homes are less technically efficient, and more scale efficient than the conventional DEA estimates suggest. Regarding the efficiency determinants, in terms of ownership, we find that private facilities are less efficient than the public units. Furthermore, the size of the nursing home has a positive effect, and this reinforces our finding that Irish homes produce at increasing returns to scale. Also, notably, we find that a tendency towards quality improvements can lead to poorer technical efficiency performance.

  4. Viscoelastic effects on the actuation performance of a dielectric elastomer actuator under different equal, un-equal biaxial pre-stretches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quang Tran, Danh; Li, Jin; Xuan, Fuzhen; Xiao, Ting

    2018-06-01

    Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are belonged to a group of polymers which cause a time-dependence deformation due to the effect of viscoelastic. In recent years, viscoelasticity has been accounted in the modeling in order to understand the complete electromechanical behavior of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). In this paper, we investigate the actuation performance of a circular DEA under different equal, un-equal biaxial pre-stretches, based on a nonlinear rheological model. The theoretical results are validated by experiments, which verify the electromechanical constitutive equation of the DEs. The viscoelastic mechanical characteristic is analyzed by modeling simulation analysis and experimental to describe the influence of frequency, voltage, pre-stretch, and waveform on the actuation response of the actuator. Our study indicates that: The DEA with different equal or un-equal biaxial pre-stretches undergoes different actuation performance when subject to high voltage. Under an un-equal biaxial pre-stretch, the DEA deforms unequally and shows different deformation abilities in two directions. The relative creep strain behavior of the DEA due to the effect of viscoelasticity can be reduced by increasing pre-stretch ratio. Higher equal biaxial pre-stretch obtains larger deformation strain, improves actuation response time, and reduces the drifting of the equilibrium position in the dynamic response of the DEA when activated by step and period voltage, while increasing the frequency will inhibit the output stretch amplitude. The results in this paper can provide theoretical guidance and application reference for design and control of the viscoelastic DEAs.

  5. Efficiency and productivity change in the English National Health Service: can data envelopment analysis provide a robust and useful measure?

    PubMed

    Hollingsworth, Bruce; Parkin, David

    2003-10-01

    Several tools are available to health care organisations in England to measure efficiency, but these are widely reported to be unpopular and unusable. Moreover, they do not have a sound conceptual basis. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a user-friendly tool that organisations can use to measure their efficiency, based on the technique of data envelopment analysis (DEA), which has a firm basis in economic theory. Routine data from 57 providers and 14 purchasing organisations in one region of the English National Health Service (NHS) for 1994-1996 were used to create information on efficiency based on DEA. This was presented to them using guides that explained the information and how it was to be used. They were surveyed to elicit their views on current measures of efficiency and on the potential use of the DEA-based information. The DEA measure demonstrated considerable scope for improvements in health service efficiency. There was a very small improvement over time with larger changes in some hospitals than others. Overall, 80% of those surveyed gave high scores for the potential usefulness of the DEA-based measures compared with 9-45% for existing methods. The quality of presentation of the information was also consistently high. There is dissatisfaction with efficiency information currently available to the NHS. DEA produces potentially useful information, which is easy to use and can be easily explained to and understood by potential users. The next step would be the implementation, on a developmental basis, of a routine DEA-based information system.

  6. Scalar Similarity for Relaxed Eddy Accumulation Methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruppert, Johannes; Thomas, Christoph; Foken, Thomas

    2006-07-01

    The relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method allows the measurement of trace gas fluxes when no fast sensors are available for eddy covariance measurements. The flux parameterisation used in REA is based on the assumption of scalar similarity, i.e., similarity of the turbulent exchange of two scalar quantities. In this study changes in scalar similarity between carbon dioxide, sonic temperature and water vapour were assessed using scalar correlation coefficients and spectral analysis. The influence on REA measurements was assessed by simulation. The evaluation is based on observations over grassland, irrigated cotton plantation and spruce forest. Scalar similarity between carbon dioxide, sonic temperature and water vapour showed a distinct diurnal pattern and change within the day. Poor scalar similarity was found to be linked to dissimilarities in the energy contained in the low frequency part of the turbulent spectra ( < 0.01 Hz). The simulations of REA showed significant change in b-factors throughout the diurnal course. The b-factor is part of the REA parameterisation scheme and describes a relation between the concentration difference and the vertical flux of a trace gas. The diurnal course of b-factors for carbon dioxide, sonic temperature and water vapour matched well. Relative flux errors induced in REA by varying scalar similarity were generally below ± 10%. Systematic underestimation of the flux of up to - 40% was found for the use of REA applying a hyperbolic deadband (HREA). This underestimation was related to poor scalar similarity between the scalar of interest and the scalar used as proxy for the deadband definition.

  7. Maintaining High Quality Data and Consistency Across a Diverse Flux Network: The Ameriflux QA/QC Technical Team

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chan, S.; Billesbach, D. P.; Hanson, C. V.; Biraud, S.

    2014-12-01

    The AmeriFlux quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) technical team conducts short term (<2 weeks) intercomparisons using a portable eddy covariance system (PECS) to maintain high quality data observations and data consistency across the AmeriFlux network (http://ameriflux.lbl.gov/). Site intercomparisons identify discrepancies between the in situ and portable measurements and calculated fluxes. Findings are jointly discussed by the site staff and the QA/QC team to improve in the situ observations. Despite the relatively short duration of an individual site intercomparison, the accumulated record of all site visits (numbering over 100 since 2002) is a unique dataset. The ability to deploy redundant sensors provides a rare opportunity to identify, quantify, and understand uncertainties in eddy covariance and ancillary measurements. We present a few specific case studies from QA/QC site visits to highlight and share new and relevant findings related to eddy covariance instrumentation and operation.

  8. Canopy Level Emissions of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes from a Pinus taeda Experimental Plantation

    EPA Science Inventory

    Emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) observed during 2007 from a Pinus taeda experimental plantation in Central North Carolina are compared with model estimates from MEGAN 2.1. Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (REA) estimates of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) fluxes are ...

  9. Stimulation of soil nitrification and denitrification by grazing in grasslands: do changes in plant species composition matter?

    PubMed

    Le Roux, X; Bardy, M; Loiseau, P; Louault, F

    2003-11-01

    Stimulation of nitrification and denitrification by long term (from years to decades) grazing has commonly been reported in different grassland ecosystems. However, grazing generally induces important changes in plant species composition, and whether changes in nitrification and denitrification are primarily due to changes in vegetation composition has never been tested. We compared soil nitrification- and denitrification-enzyme activities (NEA and DEA, respectively) between semi-natural grassland sites experiencing intensive (IG) and light (LG) grazing/mowing regimes for 13 years. Mean NEA and DEA (i.e. observed from random soil sampling) were higher in IG than LG sites. The NEA/DEA ratio was higher in IG than LG sites, indicating a higher stimulation of nitrification. Marked changes in plant species composition were observed in response to the grazing/mowing regime. In particular, the specific phytomass volume of Elymus repens was lower in IG than LG sites, whereas the specific volume of Lolium perenne was higher in IG than LG sites. In contrast, the specific volume of Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis and Arrhenatherum elatius were not significantly different between treatments. Soils sampled beneath grass tussocks of the last three species exhibited higher DEA, NEA and NEA/DEA ratio in IG than LG sites. For a given grazing regime, plant species did not affect significantly soil DEA, NEA and NEA/DEA ratio. The modification of plant species composition is thus not the primary factor driving changes in nitrification and denitrification in semi-natural grassland ecosystems experiencing long term intensive grazing. Factors such as trampling, N returned in animal excreta, and/or modification of N uptake and C exudation by frequently defoliated plants could be responsible for the enhanced microbial activities.

  10. Variability and regulation of denitrification in an Upper Mississippi River backwater

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Strauss, E.A.; Richardson, W.B.; Cavanaugh, J.C.; Bartsch, L.A.; Kreiling, Rebecca M.; Standorf, A.J.

    2006-01-01

    Sediments in the backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) are highly organic and provide an optimal environment for N removal. We monitored an 8.6-ha UMR backwater site near La Crosse, Wisconsin, for nearly 3 y to assess temporal variability, seasonal trends, and the factors regulating denitrification. We measured rates of unamended denitrification (DEN) and denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) rates at ambient temperature and DEA at 30 degrees C (DEA30). Seasonal mean (+/- 1 SE) DEN rates ranged from 0.041 +/- 0.015 to 0.47 +/- 0.23 mu g N cm(-2) h(-1)and were highest in winter and lowest in autumn. Seasonal rates of DEA exhibited a different pattern with the highest rates in summer (25.6 +/- 3.4 mu g N cm(-2) h(-1)) and the lowest rates in winter (10.6 +/- 2.1 mu g N cm(-2) h(-1)). The overall mean DEA30 rate was 31.0 +/- 1.9 mu g N cm(-2) h(-1) but showed no significant seasonal pattern. Short-term (weekly) and seasonal variability exhibited by rates of DEN and DEA were best explained by water-column NO3- concentration and temperature, respectively. No environmental variables explained a significant amount of variability in DEA30. Our results suggest that nutrient (i.e., NO3-) availability and temperature are both regulators of denitrification, with NO3- concentration being the most important limiting factor in this system. The high DEN rates during winter were in response to elevated NO3- concentrations resulting from a chain reaction beginning with algal blooms creating oxic conditions that stimulated nitrification. Increasing hydrological connectivity in large rivers as a river management tool to reduce N flux to downstream areas may be beneficial.

  11. Assessment of Fenton's reagent and ozonation as pre-treatments for increasing the biodegradability of aqueous diethanolamine solutions from an oil refinery gas sweetening process.

    PubMed

    Durán-Moreno, A; García-González, S A; Gutiérrez-Lara, M R; Rigas, F; Ramírez-Zamora, R M

    2011-02-28

    The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of three chemical oxidation processes for increasing the biodegradability of aqueous diethanolamine solutions (aqueous DEA solutions), to be used as pre-treatments before a biological process. The raw aqueous DEA solution, sourced from a sour gas sweetening plant at a Mexican oil refinery, was first characterized by standardized physico-chemical methods. Then experiments were conducted on diluted aqueous DEA solutions to test the effects of Fenton's reagent, ozone and ozone-hydrogen peroxide on the removal of some physicochemical parameters of these solutions. Lastly, biodegradability tests based on Dissolved Organic Carbon Die Away OECD301-A, were carried out on a dilution of the raw aqueous DEA solution and on the treated aqueous DEA solutions, produced by applying the best experimental conditions determined during the aforementioned oxidation tests. Experimental results showed that for aqueous DEA solutions treated with Fenton's reagent, the best degradation rate (70%) was obtained at pH 2.8, with Fe(2+) and H(2)O(2) at doses of 1000 and 10,000 mg/L respectively. In the ozone process, the best degradation (60%) was observed in aqueous DEA solution (100 mg COD/L), using 100 mg O(3)/L at pH 5. In the ozone-hydrogen peroxide process, no COD or DOC removals were observed. The diluted spent diethanolamine solution showed its greatest increase in biodegradability after a reaction period of 28 days when treated with Fenton's reagent, but after only 15 days in the case of ozonation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Expedited patient-specific assessment of contact stress exposure in the ankle joint following definitive articular fracture reduction.

    PubMed

    Kern, Andrew M; Anderson, Donald D

    2015-09-18

    Acute injury severity, altered joint kinematics, and joint incongruity are three important mechanical factors linked to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Finite element analysis (FEA) was previously used to assess the influence of increased contact stress due to joint incongruity on PTOA development. While promising agreement with PTOA development was seen, the inherent complexities of contact FEA limited the numbers of subjects that could be analyzed. Discrete element analysis (DEA) is a simplified methodology for contact stress computation, which idealizes contact surfaces as a bed of independent linear springs. In this study, DEA was explored as an expedited alternative to FEA contact stress exposure computation. DEA was compared to FEA using results from a previously completed validation study of two cadaveric human ankles, as well as a previous study of post-operative contact stress exposure in 11 patients with tibial plafond fracture. DEA-computed maximum contact stresses were within 19% of those experimentally measured, with 90% of the contact area having computed contact stress values within 1MPa of those measured. In the 11 fractured ankles, maximum contact stress and contact area differences between DEA and FEA were 0.85 ± 0.64 MPa and 22.5 ± 11.5mm(2). As a predictive measure for PTOA development, both DEA and FEA had 100% concordance with presence of OA (KL grade ≥ 2) and >95% concordance with KL grade at 2 years. These results support DEA as a reasonable alternative to FEA for computing contact stress exposures following surgical reduction of a tibial plafond fracture. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Observation of methane fluxes using eddy covariance technique and relaxed eddy accumulation techniques simultaneously over rice paddies in Taiwan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, M.; Tsai, J.; Tsuang, B.; Feng, P.; Kuo, P.

    2012-12-01

    In the past decades, more and more attention was given to the increase of atmospheric methane concentration from the scientific community. Methane is one of greenhouse gases with a global warming potential 21 times greater than carbon dioxide on a 100-year horizon. Rice paddy fields were considered as a major source for methane and so far there are few studies where the eddy covariance (EC) technique has been used to measure methane fluxes from rice paddy fields, especially in Asia. Therefore, in this study we used EC technique and relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method simultaneously to observe the methane fluxes over rice paddy, fertilized with pig manure, in Taiwan from 22th February to 5th June in 2012. A suit of Micrometeorologial variables and water table depth were measured in conjunction with the fluxes. The results showed that the rice paddy field was source of methane during most of the study period and the observed methane fluxes ranged between - 0.5 and 13 μg m-2 s-1. and the maximum values usually occurred in the afternoon. A significant methane emission was observed in the first one and a half month after transplanting. Comparison of daily methane fluxes measured by EC and REA showed generally good agreement between both methods with a coefficient of determination of 0.81, although the magnitude of methane fluxes measured by REA were slightly lower than those by EC. During the continuous flooded period, the methane fluxes can be depicted well by a function of soil temperature with an exponential form. Sudden pulses of methane fluxes were observed when drained for the removal of obstruction which hindered the methane diffuse from the soil to the atmosphere. During fallow period between growth periods, the paddy fields was a sink of methane where the methane uptake was about 0.5μg m-2 s-1 around noon.

  14. Inkjet 3D printing of UV and thermal cure silicone elastomers for dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McCoul, David; Rosset, Samuel; Schlatter, Samuel; Shea, Herbert

    2017-12-01

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are an attractive form of electromechanical transducer, possessing high energy densities, an efficient design, mechanical compliance, high speed, and noiseless operation. They have been incorporated into a wide variety of devices, such as microfluidic systems, cell bioreactors, tunable optics, haptic displays, and actuators for soft robotics. Fabrication of DEA devices is complex, and the majority are inefficiently made by hand. 3D printing offers an automated and flexible manufacturing alternative that can fabricate complex, multi-material, integrated devices consistently and in high resolution. We present a novel additive manufacturing approach to DEA devices in which five commercially available, thermal and UV-cure DEA silicone rubber materials have been 3D printed with a drop-on-demand, piezoelectric inkjet system. Using this process, 3D structures and high-quality silicone dielectric elastomer membranes as thin as 2 μm have been printed that exhibit mechanical and actuation performance at least as good as conventionally blade-cast membranes. Printed silicone membranes exhibited maximum tensile strains of up to 727%, and DEAs with printed silicone dielectrics were actuated up to 6.1% area strain at a breakdown strength of 84 V μm-1 and also up to 130 V μm-1 at 2.4% strain. This approach holds great potential to manufacture reliable, high-performance DEA devices with high throughput.

  15. Multi-scale observations of the variability of magmatic CO2 emissions, Mammoth Mountain, CA, USA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lewicki, J. L.; Hilley, G. E.

    2014-09-01

    One of the primary indicators of volcanic unrest at Mammoth Mountain is diffuse emission of magmatic CO2, which can effectively track this unrest if its variability in space and time and relationship to near-surface meteorological and hydrologic phenomena versus those occurring at depth beneath the mountain are understood. In June-October 2013, we conducted accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys and made half-hourly CO2 flux measurements with automated eddy covariance and accumulation chamber (auto-chamber) instrumentation at the largest area of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain (Horseshoe Lake tree kill; HLTK). Estimated CO2 emission rates for HLTK based on 20 June, 30 July, and 24-25 October soil CO2 flux surveys were 165, 172, and 231 t d- 1, respectively. The average (June-October) CO2 emission rate estimated for this area was 123 t d- 1 based on an inversion of 4527 eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements and corresponding modeled source weight functions. Average daily eddy covariance and auto-chamber CO2 fluxes consistently declined over the four-month observation time. Wavelet analysis of auto-chamber CO2 flux and environmental parameter time series was used to evaluate the periodicity of, and local correlation between these variables in time-frequency space. Overall, CO2 emissions at HLTK were highly dynamic, displaying short-term (hourly to weekly) temporal variability related to meteorological and hydrologic changes, as well as long-term (monthly to multi-year) variations related to migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids beneath the volcano. Accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys were also conducted in the four additional areas of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain in July-August 2013. Summing CO2 emission rates for all five areas yielded a total for the mountain of 311 t d- 1, which may suggest that emissions returned to 1998-2009 levels, following an increase from 2009 to 2011.

  16. Multi-scale observations of the variability of magmatic CO2 emissions, Mammoth Mountain, CA, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lewicki, Jennifer L.; Hilley, George E.

    2014-01-01

    One of the primary indicators of volcanic unrest at Mammoth Mountain is diffuse emission of magmatic CO2, which can effectively track this unrest if its variability in space and time and relationship to near-surface meteorological and hydrologic phenomena versus those occurring at depth beneath the mountain are understood. In June–October 2013, we conducted accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys and made half-hourly CO2 flux measurements with automated eddy covariance and accumulation chamber (auto-chamber) instrumentation at the largest area of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain (Horseshoe Lake tree kill; HLTK). Estimated CO2 emission rates for HLTK based on 20 June, 30 July, and 24–25 October soil CO2 flux surveys were 165, 172, and 231 t d− 1, respectively. The average (June–October) CO2 emission rate estimated for this area was 123 t d− 1 based on an inversion of 4527 eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements and corresponding modeled source weight functions. Average daily eddy covariance and auto-chamber CO2 fluxes consistently declined over the four-month observation time. Wavelet analysis of auto-chamber CO2 flux and environmental parameter time series was used to evaluate the periodicity of, and local correlation between these variables in time–frequency space. Overall, CO2 emissions at HLTK were highly dynamic, displaying short-term (hourly to weekly) temporal variability related to meteorological and hydrologic changes, as well as long-term (monthly to multi-year) variations related to migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids beneath the volcano. Accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys were also conducted in the four additional areas of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain in July–August 2013. Summing CO2 emission rates for all five areas yielded a total for the mountain of 311 t d− 1, which may suggest that emissions returned to 1998–2009 levels, following an increase from 2009 to 2011.

  17. Measuring and Benchmarking Technical Efficiency of Public Hospitals in Tianjin, China: A Bootstrap-Data Envelopment Analysis Approach.

    PubMed

    Li, Hao; Dong, Siping

    2015-01-01

    China has long been stuck in applying traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models to measure technical efficiency of public hospitals without bias correction of efficiency scores. In this article, we have introduced the Bootstrap-DEA approach from the international literature to analyze the technical efficiency of public hospitals in Tianjin (China) and tried to improve the application of this method for benchmarking and inter-organizational learning. It is found that the bias corrected efficiency scores of Bootstrap-DEA differ significantly from those of the traditional Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model, which means that Chinese researchers need to update their DEA models for more scientific calculation of hospital efficiency scores. Our research has helped shorten the gap between China and the international world in relative efficiency measurement and improvement of hospitals. It is suggested that Bootstrap-DEA be widely applied into afterward research to measure relative efficiency and productivity of Chinese hospitals so as to better serve for efficiency improvement and related decision making. © The Author(s) 2015.

  18. Predicting the Dynamic Crushing Response of a Composite Honeycomb Energy Absorber Using Solid-Element-Based Models in LS-DYNA

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jackson, Karen E.

    2010-01-01

    This paper describes an analytical study that was performed as part of the development of an externally deployable energy absorber (DEA) concept. The concept consists of a composite honeycomb structure that can be stowed until needed to provide energy attenuation during a crash event, much like an external airbag system. One goal of the DEA development project was to generate a robust and reliable Finite Element Model (FEM) of the DEA that could be used to accurately predict its crush response under dynamic loading. The results of dynamic crush tests of 50-, 104-, and 68-cell DEA components are presented, and compared with simulation results from a solid-element FEM. Simulations of the FEM were performed in LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) to compare the capabilities of three different material models: MAT 63 (crushable foam), MAT 26 (honeycomb), and MAT 126 (modified honeycomb). These material models are evaluated to determine if they can be used to accurately predict both the uniform crushing and final compaction phases of the DEA for normal and off-axis loading conditions

  19. Designing Performance Measurement For Supply Chain's Actors And Regulator Using Scale Balanced Scorecard And Data Envelopment Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kusrini, Elisa; Subagyo; Aini Masruroh, Nur

    2016-01-01

    This research is a sequel of the author's earlier conducted researches in the fields of designing of integrated performance measurement between supply chain's actors and regulator. In the previous paper, the design of performance measurement is done by combining Balanced Scorecard - Supply Chain Operation Reference - Regulator Contribution model and Data Envelopment Analysis. This model referred as B-S-Rc-DEA model. The combination has the disadvantage that all the performance variables have the same weight. This paper investigates whether by giving weight to performance variables will produce more sensitive performance measurement in detecting performance improvement. Therefore, this paper discusses the development of the model B-S-Rc-DEA by giving weight to its performance'variables. This model referred as Scale B-S-Rc-DEA model. To illustrate the model of development, some samples from small medium enterprises of leather craft industry supply chain in province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia are used in this research. It is found that Scale B-S-Rc-DEA model is more sensitive to detecting performance improvement than B-S- Rc-DEA model.

  20. Simulating the Response of a Composite Honeycomb Energy Absorber. Part 2; Full-Scale Impact Testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fasanella, Edwin L.; Annett, Martin S.; Jackson, Karen E.; Polanco, Michael A.

    2012-01-01

    NASA has sponsored research to evaluate an externally deployable composite honeycomb designed to attenuate loads in the event of a helicopter crash. The concept, designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA), is an expandable Kevlar(Registered TradeMark) honeycomb. The DEA has a flexible hinge that allows the honeycomb to be stowed collapsed until needed during an emergency. Evaluation of the DEA began with material characterization of the Kevlar(Registered TradeMark)-129 fabric/epoxy, and ended with a full-scale crash test of a retrofitted MD-500 helicopter. During each evaluation phase, finite element models of the test articles were developed and simulations were performed using the dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark). The paper will focus on simulations of two full-scale impact tests involving the DEA, a mass-simulator and a full-scale crash of an instrumented MD-500 helicopter. Isotropic (MAT24) and composite (MAT58) material models, which were assigned to DEA shell elements, were compared. Based on simulations results, the MAT58 model showed better agreement with test.

  1. 21 CFR 1311.130 - Requirements for establishing logical access control-Institutional practitioner.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... applicable, individual practitioner's DEA registration expires, unless the registration has been renewed. (3) The institutional practitioner's or, where applicable, individual practitioner's DEA registration is...

  2. Benchmarking physician performance, part 2.

    PubMed

    Collier, David A; Collier, Cindy Eddins; Kelly, Thomas M

    2006-01-01

    Part 1 of this article (January-February 2006) reviewed ways of measuring the work of physicians through methods such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) and relative value units (RVUs). These techniques provide insights into: 1. Who are the best-performing physicians? 2. Who are the underperforming physicians? 3. How can underperforming physicians improve? 4. What are the underperformers' performance targets? 5. How do you deal with full- and part-time physicians in a university setting? Part 2 compares the performance of 16 primary care physicians in the same medical specialty using DEA efficiency scores. DEA is capable of modeling multiple criteria and automatically determines the relative weights of each performance measure. This research also provides a preliminary framework for how work measurement and DEA can be used as a basis for a medical team or physician compensation system.

  3. Measuring routine nursing service efficiency: a comparison of cost per patient day and data envelopment analysis models.

    PubMed Central

    Nunamaker, T R

    1983-01-01

    This article provides an illustrative application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to the measurement of routine nursing service efficiency at a group of Wisconsin hospitals. The DEA efficiency ratings and cost savings estimates are then compared to those resulting from application of Medicare's routine cost limitation to the sample data. DEA is also used to determine if any changes in the potential for efficient operations occurred during the 1978-1979 period. Empirical results were representative of the fundamental differences existing between the DEA and cost per patient day approaches. No evidence was found to support the notion that the overall potential for efficient delivery of routine services by the sample institutions was greater in one year than another. PMID:6874357

  4. Information on foreign chain of distribution for ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2010-03-05

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is finalizing, without change, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2008 (73 FR 16793). The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (CMEA) requires DEA to collect from importers of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine all information known to the importer on the foreign chain of distribution of the chemical from the manufacturer to the importer. This rule amends DEA regulations to incorporate the requirement for this information.

  5. 21 CFR 1316.47 - Request for hearing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... in the following form (see the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address): (Date) Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration, Attention: DEA Federal...

  6. 21 CFR 1316.47 - Request for hearing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... in the following form (see the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address): (Date) Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration, Attention: DEA Federal...

  7. Above Canopy Emissions of Isoprene and Monoterpenes from a Southeast Asian Tropical Forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baker, B.; Johnson, C.; Cai, Z.; Guenther, A.; Greenberg, J.; Bai, J.; Li, Q.

    2003-12-01

    Fluxes of isoprene were measured using the eddy covariance technique and an ozone chemiluminescence isoprene sensor above a secondary tropical forest/rubber tree plantation located in the Xishuangbanna region of southern China during the wet and dry seasons. Fluxes of monoterpenes were inferred from ambient boundary layer concentrations (wet season) and from relaxed eddy accumulation measurements (dry season). Isoprene emissions were comparable to what has been observed from other tropical forests in Africa and South America. In this forest, monoterpene emissions were much higher during the wet season due to the senescence of the rubber trees during the dry season. These flux measurements represent the first ecosystem level flux measurements reported from Southeast Asian tropical forests.

  8. 21 CFR 1316.75 - Advertisement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... controlled substance is involved, the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section shall cause a notice of the... first publication of the notice, file with the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section a claim to the...

  9. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... meets both of the following conditions: (1) The practitioner is separately registered with DEA as a narcotic treatment program. (2) The practitioner is in compliance with DEA regulations regarding treatment...

  10. 21 CFR 1306.07 - Administering or dispensing of narcotic drugs.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... meets both of the following conditions: (1) The practitioner is separately registered with DEA as a narcotic treatment program. (2) The practitioner is in compliance with DEA regulations regarding treatment...

  11. Converting to DEA/MDEA mix ups sweetening capacity

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

    Spears, M.L.; Hagan, K.M.; Bullin, J.A.

    1996-08-12

    Mixing amines can be the best method for increasing capacity or improving efficiency in an amine sweetening unit. In many cases, it may be possible simply to add a second amine to the existing solution on the fly, or as the unit is running. Union Pacific Resources` Bryan, Tex., gas plant provides one example. The plant was converted from diethanolamine (DEA) to a DEA/MDEA (methyl DEA) mixture after analysis by TSWEET, a process-simulation program. After conversion, CO{sub 2} levels in the sales gas fell to less than pipeline specifications. Data were taken for the absorber at a constant amine circulationmore » of 120 gpm. A comparison of the performance data to the values calculated by the program proved the accuracy of TSWEET. The conversion and performance of the plant are described.« less

  12. Electron-induced hydrogen loss in uracil in a water cluster environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smyth, M.; Kohanoff, J.; Fabrikant, I. I.

    2014-05-01

    Low-energy electron-impact hydrogen loss due to dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to the uracil and thymine molecules in a water cluster environment is investigated theoretically. Only the A'-resonance contribution, describing the near-threshold behavior of DEA, is incorporated. Calculations are based on the nonlocal complex potential theory and the multiple scattering theory, and are performed for a model target with basic properties of uracil and thymine, surrounded by five water molecules. The DEA cross section is strongly enhanced when the attaching molecule is embedded in a water cluster. This growth is due to two effects: the increase of the resonance lifetime and the negative shift in the resonance position due to interaction of the intermediate negative ion with the surrounding water molecules. A similar effect was earlier found in DEA to chlorofluorocarbons.

  13. Tactile feedback to the palm using arbitrarily shaped DEA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mößinger, Holger; Haus, Henry; Kauer, Michaela; Schlaak, Helmut F.

    2014-03-01

    Tactile stimulation enhances user experience and efficiency in human machine interaction by providing information via another sensory channel to the human brain. DEA as tactile interfaces have been in the focus of research in recent years. Examples are (vibro-) tactile keyboards or Braille displays. These applications of DEA focus mainly on interfacing with the user's fingers or fingertips only - demonstrating the high spatial resolution achievable with DEA. Besides providing a high resolution, the flexibility of DEA also allows designing free form surfaces equipped with single actuators or actuator matrices which can be fitted to the surface of the human skin. The actuators can then be used to provide tactile stimuli to different areas of the body, not to the fingertips only. Utilizing and demonstrating this flexibility we designed a free form DEA pad shaped to fit into the inside of the human palm. This pad consists of four single actuators which can provide e.g. directional information such as left, right, up and down. To demonstrate the value of such free form actuators we manufactured a PC-mouse using 3d printing processes. The actuator pad is mounted on the back of the mouse, resting against the palm while operating it. Software on the PC allows control of the vibration patterns displayed by the actuators. This allows helping the user by raising attention to certain directions or by discriminating between different modes like "pick" or "manipulate". Results of first tests of the device show an improved user experience while operating the PC mouse.

  14. Processes influencing model-data mismatch in drought-stressed, fire-disturbed eddy flux sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitchell, Stephen; Beven, Keith; Freer, Jim; Law, Beverly

    2011-06-01

    Semiarid forests are very sensitive to climatic change and among the most difficult ecosystems to accurately model. We tested the performance of the Biome-BGC model against eddy flux data taken from young (years 2004-2008), mature (years 2002-2008), and old-growth (year 2000) ponderosa pine stands at Metolius, Oregon, and subsequently examined several potential causes for model-data mismatch. We used the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation methodology, which involved 500,000 model runs for each stand (1,500,000 total). Each simulation was run with randomly generated parameter values from a uniform distribution based on published parameter ranges, resulting in modeled estimates of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) that were compared to measured eddy flux data. Simulations for the young stand exhibited the highest level of performance, though they overestimated ecosystem C accumulation (-NEE) 99% of the time. Among the simulations for the mature and old-growth stands, 100% and 99% of the simulations underestimated ecosystem C accumulation. One obvious area of model-data mismatch is soil moisture, which was overestimated by the model in the young and old-growth stands yet underestimated in the mature stand. However, modeled estimates of soil water content and associated water deficits did not appear to be the primary cause of model-data mismatch; our analysis indicated that gross primary production can be accurately modeled even if soil moisture content is not. Instead, difficulties in adequately modeling ecosystem respiration, mainly autotrophic respiration, appeared to be the fundamental cause of model-data mismatch.

  15. Processes influencing model-data mismatch in drought-stressed, fire-disturbed eddy flux sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitchell, S. R.; Beven, K.; Freer, J. E.; Law, B. E.

    2010-12-01

    Semi-arid forests are very sensitive to climatic change and among the most difficult ecosystems to accurately model. We tested the performance of the Biome-BGC model against eddy flux data taken from young (years 2004-2008), mature (years 2002-2008), and old-growth (year 2000) Ponderosa pine stands at Metolius, Oregon, and subsequently examined several potential causes for model-data mismatch. We used the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology, which involved 500,000 model runs for each stand (1,500,000 total). Each simulation was run with randomly generated parameter values from a uniform distribution based on published parameter ranges, resulting in modeled estimates of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) that were compared to measured eddy flux data. Simulations for the young stand exhibited the highest level of performance, though they over-estimated ecosystem C accumulation (-NEE) 99% of the time. Among the simulations for the mature and old-growth stands, 100% and 99% of the simulations under-estimated ecosystem C accumulation. One obvious area of model-data mismatch is soil moisture, which was overestimated by the model in the young and old-growth stands yet underestimated in the mature stand. However, modeled estimates of soil water content and associated water deficits did not appear to be the primary cause of model-data mismatch; our analysis indicated that gross primary production can be accurately modeled even if soil moisture content is not. Instead, difficulties in adequately modeling ecosystem respiration, both autotrophic and heterotrophic, appeared to be fundamental causes of model-data mismatch.

  16. Denitrification potential of riparian soils in relation to multiscale spatial environmental factors: a case study of a typical watershed, China.

    PubMed

    Wei, Jianbing; Feng, Hao; Cheng, Quanguo; Gao, Shiqian; Liu, Haiyan

    2017-02-01

    The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that environmental regulators of riparian zone soil denitrification potential differ according to spatial scale within a watershed; consequently, a second objective was to provide spatial strategies for conserving and restoring the purification function of runoff in riparian ecosystems. The results show that soil denitrification in riparian zones was more heterogeneous at the profile scale than at the cross-section and landscape scales. At the profile scale, biogeochemical factors (including soil total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen) were the major direct regulators of the spatial distribution of soil denitrification enzyme activity (DEA). At the cross-section scale, factors included distance from river bank and vegetation density, while landscape-scale factors, including topographic index, elevation, and land use types, indirectly regulated the spatial distribution of DEA. At the profile scale, soil DEA was greatest in the upper soil layers. At the cross-section scale, maximum soil DEA occurred in the mid-part of the riparian zone. At the landscape scale, soil DEA showed an increasing trend towards downstream sites, except for those in urbanized areas.

  17. Absorption of Carbon Dioxide in the aqueous solution of Diethanolamine (DEA) blended with 1-Butyl-1-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate [BmPyrr][OTf] at high pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jamaludin, S. N.; Salleh, R. M.

    2018-03-01

    Solubility data of carbon dioxide (CO2) in aqueous Diethanolamine (DEA) blended with 1-Butyl-1-Methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethanesulfonate [Bmpyrr][OTf] were measured at temperature 313.15K, 323.15K, 333.15K and pressure from 500psi up to 700 psi. The experiments covered over the concentration range of 0-10wt% for [Bmpyrr][OTf] and 30-40wt% for DEA. The solubility of CO2 was evaluated by measuring the pressure drop in high pressure stirred absorption cell reactor. The experimental results showed that CO2 loading in all DEA-[BmPyrr][OTf] mixtures studied increases with increasing of CO2 partial pressure and temperature. It was also found that the CO2 loading capacity increase significantly as the concentration of [Bmpyrr][OTf] increases. Jou and Mather model was used to predict the solubility of CO2 in the mixtures where the experimental data were correlated as a function of temperature and CO2 partial pressure. It was found that the model was successful in predicting the solubility behavior of the aqueous DEA-[Bmpyrr][OTf] systems considered in this study.

  18. Drug Enforcement Administration

    MedlinePlus

    ... Cannabis Plant Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyls: A Global Threat Public Drug Disposal: Search for an Authorized Drug Disposal Location RESOURCE CENTER Controlled Substances Act DEA Museum and Visitors Center Doing Business with DEA Drug Disposal Employee Assistance Program For ...

  19. 21 CFR 1314.15 - Loss reporting.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Charge of the DEA Divisional Office for the area in which the regulated person making the report is... orally to the DEA Divisional Office for the area in which the regulated person making the report is...

  20. 21 CFR 1309.61 - Modification in registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. The... of registration (DEA Form 511) to the registrant, who shall maintain it with the old certificate of...

  1. 21 CFR 1311.40 - Renewal of CSOS digital certificates.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... obtain a new CSOS digital certificate when the registrant's DEA registration expires or whenever the... certificate will expire on the date on which the DEA registration on which the certificate is based expires...

  2. 21 CFR 1301.51 - Modification in registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. The letter shall... registration (DEA Form 223) to the registrant, who shall maintain it with the old certificate of registration...

  3. 21 CFR 1301.51 - Modification in registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. The letter shall... registration (DEA Form 223) to the registrant, who shall maintain it with the old certificate of registration...

  4. 21 CFR 1301.35 - Certificate of registration; denial of registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... registration. (a) The Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 223) to an applicant if... Federal Register. (c) The Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 223) shall contain the name, address, and...

  5. 21 CFR 1301.35 - Certificate of registration; denial of registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... registration. (a) The Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 223) to an applicant if... Federal Register. (c) The Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 223) shall contain the name, address, and...

  6. 21 CFR 1309.61 - Modification in registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... the Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. The... of registration (DEA Form 511) to the registrant, who shall maintain it with the old certificate of...

  7. Assessing Canadian Bank Branch Operating Efficiency Using Data Envelopment Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Zijiang

    2009-10-01

    In today's economy and society, performance analyses in the services industries attract more and more attention. This paper presents an evaluation of 240 branches of one big Canadian bank in Greater Toronto Area using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Special emphasis was placed on how to present the DEA results to management so as to provide more guidance to them on what to manage and how to accomplish the changes. Finally the potential management uses of the DEA results were presented. All the findings are discussed in the context of the Canadian banking market.

  8. Electron attachment to molecules in a cluster environment: suppression and enhancement effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fabrikant, Ilya I.

    2018-05-01

    Cluster environments can strongly influence dissociative electron attachment (DEA) processes. These effects are important in many applications, particularly for surface chemistry, radiation damage, and atmospheric physics. We review several mechanisms for DEA suppression and enhancement due to cluster environments, particularly due to microhydration. Long-range electron-molecule and electron-cluster interactions play often a significant role in these effects and can be analysed by using theoretical models. Nevertheless many observations remain unexplained due to complexity of the physics and chemistry of interaction of DEA fragments with the cluster environment.

  9. Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research (AVIATR). Task Order 0023: Predictive Capability for Hypersonic Structural Response and Life Prediction: Phase 2 - Detailed Design of Hypersonic Cruise Vehicle Hot-Structure

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-01

    x Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. I-DEAS/ TMG Thermal analysis software IR Initial Review ITAR International Traffic in Arms...the finite element code I- DEAS/ TMG . A mesh refinement study was conducted on the first panel to determine the mesh density required to accurately...ng neer ng, pera ons ec no ogy oe ng esearc ec no ogy • heat transfer analysis conducted with I-DEAS/ TMG exercises mapping of temperatures to

  10. A Novel Method of Evaluating Key Factors for Success in a Multifaceted Critical Care Fellowship Using Data Envelopment Analysis.

    PubMed

    Tiwari, Vikram; Kumar, Avinash B

    2018-01-01

    The current system of summative multi-rater evaluations and standardized tests to determine readiness to graduate from critical care fellowships has limitations. We sought to pilot the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess what aspects of the fellowship program contribute the most to an individual fellow's success. DEA is a nonparametric, operations research technique that uses linear programming to determine the technical efficiency of an entity based on its relative usage of resources in producing the outcome. Retrospective cohort study. Critical care fellows (n = 15) in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship at a major academic medical center in the United States. After obtaining institutional review board approval for this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 15 anesthesiology critical care fellows from academic years 2013-2015. The input-oriented DEA model develops a composite score for each fellow based on multiple inputs and outputs. The inputs included the didactic sessions attended, the ratio of clinical duty works hours to the procedures performed (work intensity index), and the outputs were the Multidisciplinary Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Program (MCCKAP) score and summative evaluations of fellows. A DEA efficiency score that ranged from 0 to 1 was generated for each of the fellows. Five fellows were rated as DEA efficient, and 10 fellows were characterized in the DEA inefficient group. The model was able to forecast the level of effort needed for each inefficient fellow, to achieve similar outputs as their best performing peers. The model also identified the work intensity index as the key element that characterized the best performers in our fellowship. DEA is a feasible method of objectively evaluating peer performance in a critical care fellowship beyond summative evaluations alone and can potentially be a powerful tool to guide individual performance during the fellowship.

  11. 75 FR 6061 - Importer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-05

    ... to import the listed controlled substance for distribution to its customers. One comment was received... national quota for Nabilone established by DEA will be affected by Kenco VPI's application. DEA's response... application. The [[Page 6062

  12. 75 FR 4788 - FY 2010 Grant Competition Announcement; Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-29

    ... Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is amending the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by... Liaison, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), e- mail: [email protected] . Dated...

  13. 21 CFR 1311.135 - Requirements for creating a controlled substance prescription.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... practitioner holds multiple DEA registrations, the practitioner or his agent must select the appropriate... chapter. (c) If required by State law, a supervisor's name and DEA number may be listed on a prescription...

  14. 21 CFR 1309.42 - Certificate of registration; denial of registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...; denial of registration. (a) The Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 511) to..., shall hold a hearing on the application pursuant to § 1309.51. (b) The Certificate of Registration (DEA...

  15. 21 CFR 1316.76 - Requirements as to claim and bond.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section, conditioned that in the case of condemnation of the property the... and bond are received by the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section, he shall, after finding the...

  16. 21 CFR 1316.76 - Requirements as to claim and bond.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section, conditioned that in the case of condemnation of the property the... and bond are received by the custodian or DEA Asset Forfeiture Section, he shall, after finding the...

  17. 21 CFR 1309.42 - Certificate of registration; denial of registration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...; denial of registration. (a) The Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Registration (DEA Form 511) to..., shall hold a hearing on the application pursuant to § 1309.51. (b) The Certificate of Registration (DEA...

  18. Green supplier selection: a new genetic/immune strategy with industrial application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Amit; Jain, Vipul; Kumar, Sameer; Chandra, Charu

    2016-10-01

    With the onset of the 'climate change movement', organisations are striving to include environmental criteria into the supplier selection process. This article hybridises a Green Data Envelopment Analysis (GDEA)-based approach with a new Genetic/Immune Strategy for Data Envelopment Analysis (GIS-DEA). A GIS-DEA approach provides a different view to solving multi-criteria decision making problems using data envelopment analysis (DEA) by considering DEA as a multi-objective optimisation problem with efficiency as one objective and proximity of solution to decision makers' preferences as the other objective. The hybrid approach called GIS-GDEA is applied here to a well-known automobile spare parts manufacturer in India and the results presented. User validation developed based on specific set of criteria suggests that the supplier selection process with GIS-GDEA is more practical than other approaches in a current industrial scenario with multiple decision makers.

  19. Efficiency evaluation with feedback for regional water use and wastewater treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Zhineng; Yan, Shiyu; Yao, Liming; Moudi, Mahdi

    2018-07-01

    Clean water is crucial for sustainable economic and social development; however, around the world low water use efficiency and increasing water pollution have become serious problems. To comprehensively evaluate water use and wastewater treatment, this paper integrated bi-level programming (BLP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with a feedback variable to deal with poor output to rank DMUs using a super efficiency DEA. The proposed model was applied to a case study of 10 cities in the Minjiang River Basin to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness, from which it was found that a water system can only be cost-efficient when both the water use and wastewater treatment subsystems are both cost-efficient. The comparison analysis demonstrated that the proposed model was more discriminating, and stable than traditional DEA models and was able to better improve total water system cost efficiencies than a BLP-DEA model.

  20. Methods for understanding super-efficient data envelopment analysis results with an application to hospital inpatient surgery.

    PubMed

    O'Neill, Liam; Dexter, Franklin

    2005-11-01

    We compare two techniques for increasing the transparency and face validity of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) results for managers at a single decision-making unit: multifactor efficiency (MFE) and non-radial super-efficiency (NRSE). Both methods incorporate the slack values from the super-efficient DEA model to provide a more robust performance measure than radial super-efficiency scores. MFE and NRSE are equivalent for unique optimal solutions and a single output. MFE incorporates the slack values from multiple output variables, whereas NRSE does not. MFE can be more transparent to managers since it involves no additional optimization steps beyond the DEA, whereas NRSE requires several. We compare results for operating room managers at an Iowa hospital evaluating its growth potential for multiple surgical specialties. In addition, we address the problem of upward bias of the slack values of the super-efficient DEA model.

  1. Evaluation of a disposable diesel exhaust filter for permissible mining machines

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

    Ambs, J.L.; Cantrell, B.K.; Watts, W.F.

    1994-01-01

    The US Bureau of Mines (USBM) Diesel Research Program emphasizes the development and evaluation of emission control devices to reduce exposure of miners to diesel exhaust pollutants. Studies by the USBM have shown that diesel exhaust aerosol (DEA) contributes a substantial portion of the respirable aerosol in underground coal mines using diesel equipment not equipped with emission controls. The USBM and the Donaldson Co., Inc., Minneapolis, MN, have developed a low-temperature, disposable diesel exhaust filter (DDEF) for use on permissible diesel haulage vehicles equipped with waterbath exhaust conditioners. These were evaluated in three underground mines to determine their effectiveness inmore » reducing DEA concentrations. The DDEF reduced DEA concentrations from 70 to 90% at these mines. The usable life of the filter ranged from 10 to 32 h, depending on factors that affect DEA output, such as mine altitude, engine type, and duty-cycle. Cost per filter is approximately $40.« less

  2. Fabrication and electromechanical examination of a spherical dielectric elastomer actuator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmadi, S.; Gooyers, M.; Soleimani, M.; Menon, C.

    2013-11-01

    In this paper, a procedure for fabricating and testing a seamless spherical dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is presented. In previously developed spherical prototypes, the DEA material is pre-strained by a rigid frame to improve the actuator’s output force; however, it is possible to pre-strain a spherical DEA by inflating the sample with a liquid or gas as long as the sample contains the pressure. In this work, a very compliant silicone-based material was used to fabricate a nearly spherical balloon-shaped prototype. The DEA sample was inflated by air and various electrical-actuation regimes were considered. The performance of the DEA sample was studied using an analytical and a finite element-based model. An Ogden hyperelastic model was used in formulation of the analytical model to include nonlinear behavior of the silicone material. Full statistical analysis of the experimental and numerical results was carried out using the root-mean-square (RMS) error and the normalized RMS error. The analytical and FEM results were in good agreement with the experimental data. According to modeling results, it was found that the DEA’s actuation force can be mainly improved by increasing the voltage, reducing the thickness, lowering the stiffness, and/or increasing the initial pressure. As an example, a three-fold increase of the actuation force was found when the thickness was reduced to half of its initial value. This improvement of the efficiency suggests that the spherical DEA is suitable for use in several applications if an appropriate design with optimal governing parameters is developed.

  3. Insecticidal effect and impact of fitness of three diatomaceous earths on different maize hybrids for the eco-friendly control of the invasive stored-product pest Prostephanus truncatus (Horn).

    PubMed

    Kavallieratos, Nickolas G; Athanassiou, Christos G; Peteinatos, Gerassimos G; Boukouvala, Maria C; Benelli, Giovanni

    2018-04-01

    Diatomaceous earths (DEs) are able to successfully protect grain commodities from noxious stored-product insect and mite infestations; however, their effectiveness may be moderated by the grain hybrid or variety they are applied to. There is a gap of information on the comparison of the efficacy of different DEs when are applied on different maize hybrids against Prostephanus truncatus (Horn). Therefore, here we tested three commercially available DEs (DEA-P at 75 and 150 ppm, Protect-It at 500 ppm, and PyriSec at 500 ppm) on five different maize hybrids (Calaria, Doxa, Rio Grande, Sisco, and Studio) for the control of P. truncatus adults in terms of mortality (at 7 and 14 days), progeny production, properties of the infested maize hybrids (number and weight of kernels with or without holes, number of holes per kernel) and the adherence level of the tested DEs to the kernels. DEA-P was very effective at 75 ppm while a considerable proportion of the exposed P. truncatus adults was still alive after 14 days of exposure on all maize hybrids treated with 500 ppm of Protect-It or PyriSec, even though it was 3.3 times higher than the maximal application tested dose of DEA-P. Apart from parental mortality, DEA-P was able to reduce P. truncatus progeny production in all hybrids contrary to Protect-It or PyriSec. The adherence ratios were always higher for DEA-P than Protect-It or PyriSec to all maize hybrids. The highest numbers of kernels (or weight of kernels) without holes were noticed after their treatment with DEA-P. Doxa and Sisco performed better than Calaria, Rio Grande, or Studio based on the differences found concerning the numbers of kernels without holes at treatments with DEA-P and Protect-It. Overall, the findings of our study indicate the high potentiality of DEA-P as protectant of different maize hybrids to P. truncatus infestations at low doses, a fact that could help the eco-friendly management of this noxious species in the stored-product environment.

  4. 21 CFR 1316.79 - Petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... Forfeiture Section or Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA or FBI, depending upon which agency seized the... addressed to the Director of the FBI or the Administrator of the DEA, depending upon which agency seized the...

  5. 21 CFR 1316.79 - Petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Forfeiture Section or Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA or FBI, depending upon which agency seized the... addressed to the Director of the FBI or the Administrator of the DEA, depending upon which agency seized the...

  6. 21 CFR 1316.79 - Petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Forfeiture Section or Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA or FBI, depending upon which agency seized the... addressed to the Director of the FBI or the Administrator of the DEA, depending upon which agency seized the...

  7. 21 CFR 1312.28 - Distribution of special controlled substances invoice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... substances export invoice, DEA (or BND) Form 236, will be distributed as follows: (a) Copy 1 shall accompany... Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (e) Copy 5...

  8. 21 CFR 1312.28 - Distribution of special controlled substances invoice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... substances export invoice, DEA (or BND) Form 236, will be distributed as follows: (a) Copy 1 shall accompany... Table of DEA Mailing Addresses in § 1321.01 of this chapter for the current mailing address. (e) Copy 5...

  9. Effect of diisopropanolamine upon choline uptake and phospholipid synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

    PubMed

    Stott, W T; Kleinert, K M

    2008-02-01

    Aminoalcohols differ in mammalian toxicity at least in part based upon their ability to alter the metabolism of phospholipids and to cause depletion of the essential nutrient choline in animals. This study examined the incorporation of diisopropanolamine (DIPA) into phospholipids (PLs) and effects of DIPA upon choline uptake and phospholipid synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Results were compared to those of a related secondary alcohol amine, diethanolamine (DEA), whose systemic toxicity is closely associated with its metabolic incorporation into PLs and depletion of choline pools. DIPA caused a dose-related inhibition of (3)H-choline uptake by CHO cells that was approximately 3-4 fold less potent, based upon an IC50, than that reported for DEA. DIPA, in contrast to DEA, did not cause changes in the synthesis rates of (33)P-phosphatidylethanolamine, (33)P-phosphatidylcholine or (33)P-sphingomyelin at either non-toxic or moderately toxic concentrations. Only approximately 0.004%, of administered (14)C-DIPA was metabolically incorporated into PLs, over 30-fold less than the incorporation of (14)C-DEA under similar conditions. Overall, these data and previous pharmacokinetic and toxicity data obtained in vivo suggests that DIPA is distinct from DEA and lacks significant choline and PL metabolism related toxicity in animals.

  10. Pabon Lasso and Data Envelopment Analysis: A Complementary Approach to Hospital Performance Measurement

    PubMed Central

    Mehrtak, Mohammad; Yusefzadeh, Hasan; Jaafaripooyan, Ebrahim

    2014-01-01

    Background: Performance measurement is essential to the management of health care organizations to which efficiency is per se a vital indicator. Present study accordingly aims to measure the efficiency of hospitals employing two distinct methods. Methods: Data Envelopment Analysis and Pabon Lasso Model were jointly applied to calculate the efficiency of all general hospitals located in Iranian Eastern Azerbijan Province. Data was collected using hospitals’ monthly performance forms and analyzed and displayed by MS Visio and DEAP software. Results: In accord with Pabon Lasso model, 44.5% of the hospitals were entirely efficient, whilst DEA revealed 61% to be efficient. As such, 39% of the hospitals, by the Pabon Lasso, were wholly inefficient; based on DEA though; the relevant figure was only 22.2%. Finally, 16.5% of hospitals as calculated by Pabon Lasso and 16.7% by DEA were relatively efficient. DEA appeared to show more hospitals as efficient as opposed to the Pabon Lasso model. Conclusion: Simultaneous use of two models rendered complementary and corroborative results as both evidently reveal efficient hospitals. However, their results should be compared with prudence. Whilst the Pabon Lasso inefficient zone is fully clear, DEA does not provide such a crystal clear limit for inefficiency. PMID:24999147

  11. Uncaria gambir Roxb. mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using diethanolamine as capping agent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labanni, A.; Zulhadjri; Handayani, D.; Arief, S.

    2018-01-01

    Studies of silver nanoparticles preparation has been developed increasingly due to the wide application in various areas and field, such as medicine, energy, catalysis, and electronic. An environmental-friendly method is needed to fabricate biocompatible silver nanoparticles without producing hazardous materials to the environment. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles by green synthesis method, using leaf extract of gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) as bioreducing agent and aqueous diethanolamine (DEA) solution as capping agents. The AgNO3/DEA molar ratio was varied to investigate the effect of DEA concentration to the properties of silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by colour changes to yellowish brown and confirmed by result of UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis which shown absorption band at 400 to 410 nm. The absorbance was increased to the reaction time of 24 hours, and was decrease by the increasing of DEA concentration in reaction. TEM analysis showed that prepared silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with diameter of 3,5 - 45,5 nm. The diameter of DEA capped silver nanoparticles was 13 nm, smaller than uncapped silver nanoparticles which was 26 nm It exhibited good stability to time reaction of one month which was potential to be developed in some fields.

  12. Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from industrial sludges in the ambient air conditions: automotive industry.

    PubMed

    Karaca, Gizem; Tasdemir, Yucel

    2013-01-01

    Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) existed in automotive industry treatment sludge was examined by considering the effects of temperature, UV, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and diethyl amine (DEA) in different dosages (i.e., 5% and 20%) in this study. Application of TiO2 and DEA to the sludge samples in ambient environment was studied. Ten PAH (Σ10 PAH) compounds were targeted and their average value in the sludge was found to be 4480 ± 1450 ng/g dry matter (DM). Total PAH content of the sludge was reduced by 25% in the ambient air environment. Meteorological conditions, atmospheric deposition, evaporation and sunlight irradiation played an effective role in the variations in PAH levels during the tests carried out in ambient air environment. Moreover, it was observed that when the ring numbers of PAHs increased, their removal rates also increased. Total PAH level did not change with the addition of 5% DEA and only 10% decreased with 5% TiO2 addition. PAH removal ratios were 8% and 32% when DEA (20%) and TiO2 (20%) were added, respectively. It was concluded that DEA was a weak photo-sensitizer yet TiO2 was effective only at 20% dosage.

  13. Monitoring gas and heat emissions at Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA based on a combined eddy covariance and Multi-GAS approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lewicki, J. L.; Kelly, P. J.; Bergfeld, D.; Vaughan, R. G.; Lowenstern, J. B.

    2017-11-01

    We quantified gas and heat emissions in an acid-sulfate, vapor-dominated area (0.04-km2) of Norris Geyser Basin, located just north of the 0.63 Ma Yellowstone Caldera and near an area of anomalous uplift. From 14 May to 3 October 2016, an eddy covariance system measured half-hourly CO2, H2O and sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes and a Multi-GAS instrument measured (1 Hz frequency) atmospheric H2O, CO2 and H2S volumetric mixing ratios. We also measured soil CO2 fluxes using the accumulation chamber method and temperature profiles on a grid and collected fumarole gas samples for geochemical analysis. Eddy covariance CO2 fluxes ranged from - 56 to 885 g m- 2 d- 1. Using wavelet analysis, average daily eddy covariance CO2 fluxes were locally correlated with average daily environmental parameters on several-day to monthly time scales. Estimates of CO2 emission rate from the study area ranged from 8.6 t d- 1 based on eddy covariance measurements to 9.8 t d- 1 based on accumulation chamber measurements. Eddy covariance water vapor fluxes ranged from 1178 to 24,600 g m- 2 d- 1. Nighttime H and LE were considered representative of hydrothermal heat fluxes and ranged from 4 to 183 and 38 to 504 W m- 2, respectively. The total hydrothermal heat emission rate (H + LE + radiant) estimated for the study area was 11.6 MW and LE contributed 69% of the output. The mean ± standard deviation of H2O, CO2 and H2S mixing ratios measured by the Multi-GAS system were 9.3 ± 3.1 parts per thousand, 467 ± 61 ppmv, and 0.5 ± 0.6 ppmv, respectively, and variations in the gas compositions were strongly correlated with diurnal variations in environmental parameters (wind speed and direction, atmospheric temperature). After removing ambient H2O and CO2, the observed variations in the Multi-GAS data could be explained by the mixing of relatively H2O-CO2-H2S-rich fumarole gases with CO2-rich and H2O-H2S-poor soil gases. The fumarole H2O/CO2 and CO2/H2S end member ratios (101.7 and 27.1, respectively, on average) were invariant during the measurement period and fell within the range of values measured in direct fumarole gas samples. The soil gas H2O/CO2 end member ratios ( 15-30) were variable and low relative to the fumarole end member, likely resulting from water vapor loss during cooling and condensation in the shallow subsurface, whereas the CO2/H2S end member ratio was high ( 160), presumably related to transport of CO2-dominated soil gas emissions mixed with trace fumarolic emissions to the Multi-GAS station. Nighttime eddy covariance ratios of H2O to CO2 flux were typically between the soil gas and fumarole end member H2O/CO2 ratios defined by Multi-GAS measurements. Overall, the combined eddy covariance and Multi-GAS approach provides a powerful tool for quasi-continuous measurements of gas and heat emissions for improved volcano-hydrothermal monitoring.

  14. Aircraft assessment of trace compound fluxes in the atmosphere with Relaxed Eddy Accumulation: Sensitivity to the conditions of selection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delon, C.; Druilhet, A.; Delmas, R.; Greenberg, J.

    2000-08-01

    The Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (REA) technique, implemented aboard aircraft, may be used to measure a wide variety of trace gas fluxes at a regional scale. Its principle is rather simple: air is sampled at a constant rate and the flux is calculated by multiplying a constant β (0.58 in field experiment and 0.62 in simulations) by the standard deviation of the vertical velocity and by the difference between the average concentrations of the scalar (trace gas) for updrafts and downdrafts. The storage of the chemical compound in reservoirs allows for trace gas analysis in laboratory, when in situ measurement with fast response and high sensitivity sensors are not available. The REA method was implemented on the Avion de Recherche Atmosphérique et de Télédétection aircraft during the Experiment for Regional Sources and Sinks of Oxidants (EXPRESSO) campaign. The main requirement for accurate flux determination is the measurement of the vertical component of wind velocity in real time. A simulation technique was developed to evaluate the performance of an aircraft REA. The influence of the time lag between the vertical velocity (W) measurement and REA control was tested, as well as the offset of W, the threshold, and the filtering imposed on W. Correction factors, used in a deployment of aircraft REA, were deduced from this study. An additional simulation was performed to evaluate the influence of spatial or temporal drifts on the scalar. The simulation showed that the REA method is not more disturbed than the Eddy Correlation method by low frequencies of physical origin, such as topography. The REA method was used during EXPRESSO for the measurement of isoprene fluxes over the wet savanna and the evergreen rain forest.

  15. Direct Statistical Simulation of Astrophysical and Geophysical Flows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marston, B.; Tobias, S.

    2011-12-01

    Astrophysical and geophysical flows are amenable to direct statistical simulation (DSS), the calculation of statistical properties that does not rely upon accumulation by direct numerical simulation (DNS) (Tobias and Marston, 2011). Anisotropic and inhomogeneous flows, such as those found in the atmospheres of planets, in rotating stars, and in disks, provide the starting point for an expansion in fluctuations about the mean flow, leading to a hierarchy of equations of motion for the equal-time cumulants. The method is described for a general set of evolution equations, and then illustrated for two specific cases: (i) A barotropic jet on a rotating sphere (Marston, Conover, and Schneider, 2008); and (ii) A model of a stellar tachocline driven by relaxation to an underlying flow with shear (Cally 2001) for which a joint instability arises from the combination of shearing forces and magnetic stress. The reliability of DSS is assessed by comparing statistics so obtained against those accumulated from DNS, the traditional approach. The simplest non-trivial closure, CE2, sets the third and higher cumulants to zero yet yields qualitatively accurate low-order statistics for both systems. Physically CE2 retains only the eddy-mean flow interaction, and drops the eddy-eddy interaction. Quantitatively accurate zonal means are found for barotropic jet for long and short (but not intermediate) relaxation times, and for Cally problem in the case of strong shearing and large magnetic fields. Deficiencies in CE2 can be repaired at the CE3 level, that is by retaining the third cumulant (Marston 2011). We conclude by discussing possible extensions of the method both in terms of computational methods and the range of astrophysical and geophysical problems that are of interest.

  16. 77 FR 3236 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-23

    ...: ``Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Sure Start Parent Questionnaire,'' OMB CONTROL NUMBER 0704... Collection The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Sure Start Parent Questionnaire will be... nutrition, social, and parent involvement services. Close collaboration between families, schools, and the...

  17. 78 FR 34654 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-10

    ... Control Number: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Parent Survey and Student Survey, OMB Control Number 0704-0462. Needs And Uses: This information collection requirement is necessary for schools... and organizational performance, and stakeholder responses. DoDEA is seeking renewal for the Parent...

  18. 76 FR 62451 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-07

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration Manufacturer of Controlled Substances..., made application by renewal to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be registered as a bulk... for other animal and wildlife applications. No comments or objections have been received. DEA has...

  19. Eddy-covariance methane flux measurements over a European beech forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gentsch, Lydia; Siebicke, Lukas; Knohl, Alexander

    2015-04-01

    The role of forests in global methane (CH4) turnover is currently not well constrained, partially because of the lack of spatially integrative forest-scale measurements of CH4 fluxes. Soil chamber measurements imply that temperate forests generally act as CH4 sinks. Upscaling of chamber observations to the forest scale is however problematic, if the upscaling is not constrained by concurrent 'top-down' measurements, such as of the eddy-covariance type, which provide sufficient integration of spatial variations and of further potential CH4 flux components within forest ecosystems. Ongoing development of laser absorption-based optical instruments, resulting in enhanced measurement stability, precision and sampling speed, has recently improved the prospects for meaningful eddy-covariance measurements at sites with presumably low CH4 fluxes, hence prone to reach the flux detection limit. At present, we are launching eddy-covariance CH4 measurements at a long-running ICOS flux tower site (Hainich National Park, Germany), located in a semi natural, unmanaged, beech dominated forest. Eddy-covariance measurements will be conducted with a laser spectrometer for parallel CH4, H2Ov and CO2 measurements (FGGA, Los Gatos Research, USA). Independent observations of the CO2 flux by the FGGA and a standard Infrared Gas Analyser (LI-7200, LI-COR, USA) will allow to evaluate data quality of measured CH4 fluxes. Here, we want to present first results with a focus on uncertainties of the calculated CH4 fluxes with regard to instrument precision, data processing and site conditions. In future, we plan to compare eddy-covariance flux estimates to side-by-side turbulent flux observations from a novel eddy accumulation system. Furthermore, soil CH4 fluxes will be measured with four automated chambers situated within the tower footprint. Based on a previous soil chamber study at the same site, we expect the Hainich forest site to act as a CH4 sink. However, we hypothesize that our measurements might also reveal short CH4 emission periods when soils become water-saturated. Nonetheless, CH4 emissions by plants could also result in a close to neutral net CH4 flux.

  20. Sensitivity of super-efficient data envelopment analysis results to individual decision-making units: an example of surgical workload by specialty.

    PubMed

    Dexter, Franklin; O'Neill, Liam; Xin, Lei; Ledolter, Johannes

    2008-12-01

    We use resampling of data to explore the basic statistical properties of super-efficient data envelopment analysis (DEA) when used as a benchmarking tool by the manager of a single decision-making unit. Our focus is the gaps in the outputs (i.e., slacks adjusted for upward bias), as they reveal which outputs can be increased. The numerical experiments show that the estimates of the gaps fail to exhibit asymptotic consistency, a property expected for standard statistical inference. Specifically, increased sample sizes were not always associated with more accurate forecasts of the output gaps. The baseline DEA's gaps equaled the mode of the jackknife and the mode of resampling with/without replacement from any subset of the population; usually, the baseline DEA's gaps also equaled the median. The quartile deviations of gaps were close to zero when few decision-making units were excluded from the sample and the study unit happened to have few other units contributing to its benchmark. The results for the quartile deviations can be explained in terms of the effective combinations of decision-making units that contribute to the DEA solution. The jackknife can provide all the combinations contributing to the quartile deviation and only needs to be performed for those units that are part of the benchmark set. These results show that there is a strong rationale for examining DEA results with a sensitivity analysis that excludes one benchmark hospital at a time. This analysis enhances the quality of decision support using DEA estimates for the potential ofa decision-making unit to grow one or more of its outputs.

  1. Detection of Zn2+ release in nitric oxide treated cells and proteome: dependence on fluorescent sensor and proteomic sulfhydryl groups.

    PubMed

    Karim, Mohammad R; Petering, David H

    2017-04-19

    Nitric oxide (NO) is both an important regulatory molecule in biological systems and a toxic xenobiotic. Its oxidation products react with sulfhydryl groups and either nitrosylate or oxidize them. The aerobic reaction of NO supplied by diethylamine NONOate (DEA-NO) with pig kidney LLC-PK 1 cells and Zn-proteins within the isolated proteome was examined with three fluorescent zinc sensors, zinquin (ZQ), TSQ, and FluoZin-3 (FZ-3). Observations of Zn 2+ labilization from Zn-proteins depended on the specific sensor used. Upon cellular exposure to DEA-NO, ZQ sequestered about 13% of the proteomic Zn 2+ as Zn(ZQ) 2 and additional Zn 2+ as proteome·Zn-ZQ ternary complexes. TSQ, a sensor structurally related to ZQ with lower affinity for Zn 2+ , did not form Zn(TSQ) 2 . Instead, Zn 2+ mobilized by DEA-NO was exclusively bound as proteome·Zn-TSQ adducts. Analogous reactions of proteome with ZQ or TSQ in vitro displayed qualitatively similar products. Titration of native proteome with Zn 2+ in the presence of ZQ resulted in the sole formation of proteome·Zn-ZQ species. This result suggested that sulfhydryl groups are involved in non-specific proteomic binding of mobile Zn 2+ and that the appearance of Zn(ZQ) 2 after exposure of cells and proteome to DEA-NO resulted from a reduction in proteomic sulfhydryl ligands, favoring the formation of Zn(ZQ) 2 instead of proteome·Zn-ZQ. With the third sensor, FluoZin-3, neither Zn-FZ-3 nor proteome·Zn-FZ-3 was detected during the reaction of proteome with DEA-NO. Instead, it reacted independently with DEA-NO with a modest enhancement of fluorescence.

  2. Data envelopment analysis model for the appraisal and relative performance evaluation of nurses at an intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Osman, Ibrahim H; Berbary, Lynn N; Sidani, Yusuf; Al-Ayoubi, Baydaa; Emrouznejad, Ali

    2011-10-01

    The appraisal and relative performance evaluation of nurses are very important and beneficial for both nurses and employers in an era of clinical governance, increased accountability and high standards of health care services. They enhance and consolidate the knowledge and practical skills of nurses by identification of training and career development plans as well as improvement in health care quality services, increase in job satisfaction and use of cost-effective resources. In this paper, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is proposed for the appraisal and relative performance evaluation of nurses. The model is validated on thirty-two nurses working at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at one of the most recognized hospitals in Lebanon. The DEA was able to classify nurses into efficient and inefficient ones. The set of efficient nurses was used to establish an internal best practice benchmark to project career development plans for improving the performance of other inefficient nurses. The DEA result confirmed the ranking of some nurses and highlighted injustice in other cases that were produced by the currently practiced appraisal system. Further, the DEA model is shown to be an effective talent management and motivational tool as it can provide clear managerial plans related to promoting, training and development activities from the perspective of nurses, hence increasing their satisfaction, motivation and acceptance of appraisal results. Due to such features, the model is currently being considered for implementation at ICU. Finally, the ratio of the number DEA units to the number of input/output measures is revisited with new suggested values on its upper and lower limits depending on the type of DEA models and the desired number of efficient units from a managerial perspective.

  3. Formulation of insecticide profenofos using Surfactant Diethanolamide (DEA) based on palm olein

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dewi, H. S.; Rahayuningsih, M.; Hambali, E.

    2017-05-01

    Soybean is one of the major food commodities in Indonesia that the consumption is increasing each year, but this is not in line with the domestic soybean production capacity. One cause of the low production capacity is the armyworm attact. Generally, the armyworm attack controled by spread insecticide profenofos. Profenofos need to be dissolved, but profenofos couldn’t dissolved in water. So that, it need the right formulation between the solvent and other ingredients which can supprotprofenofos performance. One of that ingredient is surfactant. This research used surfactant diethanolamide (DEA) based on palm olein. DEAfunction in insecticide formulation are as homogenizer, dispersant, sticker and spreader agent.The aims of this research are to obtain the best emultion insecticide product based on profenofos as the active ingredients and DEA as the surfactant, moreover it also to obtain information of the physico-chemical properties. The formulation test performed with compeletely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, first factor is DEA concentrationand the second factor is profenofos concentration. Data of physico-chemical properties test was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant result tested by Duncant Multiple Range Test (DMRT).The result showed that, surfactant DEA could make good emultion between profenofos and sodium ethoxide as the solvent. The best treatment which obtain from formulation stage is concentrate with DEA 10% and profenofos 40%. Physico-chemical properties test result showed that droplet size is 1,76-2,07 µm, contact angle 11,575-24,218°, density 0,996-0,998 g/cm3, surface tension 16,56-40,72 dyne/cm, viscosity 1,032-1,078 Cp and pH 6,87-8,22.

  4. Discrete element analysis is a valid method for computing joint contact stress in the hip before and after acetabular fracture.

    PubMed

    Townsend, Kevin C; Thomas-Aitken, Holly D; Rudert, M James; Kern, Andrew M; Willey, Michael C; Anderson, Donald D; Goetz, Jessica E

    2018-01-23

    Evaluation of abnormalities in joint contact stress that develop after inaccurate reduction of an acetabular fracture may provide a potential means for predicting the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Discrete element analysis (DEA) is a computational technique for calculating intra-articular contact stress distributions in a fraction of the time required to obtain the same information using the more commonly employed finite element analysis technique. The goal of this work was to validate the accuracy of DEA-computed contact stress against physical measurements of contact stress made in cadaveric hips using Tekscan sensors. Four static loading tests in a variety of poses from heel-strike to toe-off were performed in two different cadaveric hip specimens with the acetabulum intact and again with an intentionally malreduced posterior wall acetabular fracture. DEA-computed contact stress was compared on a point-by-point basis to stress measured from the physical experiments. There was good agreement between computed and measured contact stress over the entire contact area (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.99). DEA-computed peak contact stress was within an average of 0.5 MPa (range 0.2-0.8 MPa) of the Tekscan peak stress for intact hips, and within an average of 0.6 MPa (range 0-1.6 MPa) for fractured cases. DEA-computed contact areas were within an average of 33% of the Tekscan-measured areas (range: 1.4-60%). These results indicate that the DEA methodology is a valid method for accurately estimating contact stress in both intact and fractured hips. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. 77 FR 71832 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-04

    ... Controlled Substances and Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine DEA Form 250 ACTION: 60-Day..., Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 250). (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable... ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine for purposes of manufacturing during the next calendar...

  6. 75 FR 42133 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-20

    ... Controlled Substances and Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine--DEA Form 250 ACTION: 60[dash... Quota for Controlled Substances and Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 250... substances listed in Schedule I or II or the List I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and...

  7. 75 FR 42133 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-20

    ... Quota for a Basic Class of Controlled Substance and for Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and... Substance and for Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 189). (3) Agency form number... using the List I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, must apply on DEA Form...

  8. 75 FR 60137 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-29

    ... Quota for a Basic Class of Controlled Substance and for Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and... Substance and for Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Phenylpropanolamine (DEA Form 189). (3) Agency form number... using the List I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, must apply on DEA Form...

  9. 75 FR 77906 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Drug...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-14

    ..., Human Resources Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA 22152... collection: Form number: DEA Form 341. Component: Human Resources Division, Drug Enforcement Administration... Administration (DEA), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management...

  10. 75 FR 69467 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration Manufacturer of Controlled Substances... 80524, made application by renewal to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be registered as a..., zoos, and for other animal and wildlife applications. No comments or objections have been received. DEA...

  11. Establishment of a New Drug Code for Marihuana Extract. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2016-12-14

    The Drug Enforcement Administration is creating a new Administration Controlled Substances Code Number for "Marihuana Extract." This code number will allow DEA and DEA-registered entities to track quantities of this material separately from quantities of marihuana. This, in turn, will aid in complying with relevant treaty provisions. Under international drug control treaties administered by the United Nations, some differences exist between the regulatory controls pertaining to marihuana extract versus those for marihuana and tetrahydrocannabinols. The DEA has previously established separate code numbers for marihuana and for tetrahydrocannabinols, but not for marihuana extract. To better track these materials and comply with treaty provisions, DEA is creating a separate code number for marihuana extract with the following definition: "Meaning an extract containing one or more cannabinoids that has been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis, other than the separated resin (whether crude or purified) obtained from the plant." Extracts of marihuana will continue to be treated as Schedule I controlled substances.

  12. Densities of aqueous blended amines

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

    Hsu, C.H.; Li, M.H.

    1997-05-01

    Solutions of alkanolamines are an industrially important class of compounds used in the natural gas and synthetic ammonia industries and petroleum chemical plants for the removal of CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}S from gas streams. The densities of aqueous mixtures of diethanolamine (DEA) + N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) + water, DEA + 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) + water, and monoethanolamine (MEA) + 2-piperidineethanol (2-PE) + water were measured from 30 C to 80 C. A Redlich-Kister equation of the excess volume was applied to represent the density. Based on the available density data for five ternary systems: MEA + MDEA + H{sub 2}O, MEAmore » + AMP + H{sub 2}O, DEA + MDEA + H{sub 2}O, DEA + AMP + H{sub 2}O, and MEA + 2-PE + H{sub 2}O, a generalized set of binary parameters were determined. The density calculations show quite satisfactory results. The overall average absolute percent deviation is about 0.04% for a total of 686 data points.« less

  13. Viscosities of aqueous blended amines

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

    Hsu, C.H.; Li, M.H.

    1997-07-01

    Solutions of alkanolamines are an industrially important class of compounds used in the natural gas, oil refineries, petroleum chemical plants, and synthetic ammonia industries for the removal of acidic components like CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}S from gas streams. The viscosities of aqueous mixtures of diethanolamine (DEA) + N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), DEA + 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), and monoethanolamine (MEA) + 2-piperidineethanol (2-PE) were measured from 30 C to 80 C. A Redlich-Kister equation for the viscosity deviation was applied to represent the viscosity. On the basis of the available viscosity data for five ternary systems, MEA + MDEA + H{sub 2}O, MEAmore » + AMP + H{sub 2}O, DEA + MDEA + H{sub 2}O, DEA + AMP + H{sub 2}O, and MEA + 2-PE + H{sub 2}O, a generalized set of binary parameters were determined. For the viscosity calculation of the systems tested, the overall average absolute percent deviation is about 1.0% for a total of 499 data points.« less

  14. Evaluation of a disposable diesel exhaust filter for permissible mining machines. Report of investigations/1994

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

    Ambs, J.L.; Cantrell, B.K.; Watts, W.F.

    1994-01-01

    The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Diesel Research Program emphasizes the development and evaluation of emission control devices to reduce exposure of miners to diesel exhaust pollutants. Studies by the USBM have shown that diesel exhaust aerosol (DEA) contributes a substantial portion of the respirable aerosol in underground coal mining using diesel equipment not equipped with emission controls. The USBM and the Donaldson Co., Inc., Minneapolis, MN, have developed a low-temperature, disposable diesel exhaust filter (DDEF) for use on permissible diesel haulage vehicles equipped with waterban exhaust conditioners. These were evaluated in three underground mines to determine their effectiveness inmore » reducing DEA concentrations. The DDEF reduced DEA concentrations from 70 to 90 pct at these mines. The usable life of the filter ranged from 10 to 32 h, depending on factors that affect DEA output, such as mine altitude, engine type, and duty-cycle. Cost per filter is approximately $40.« less

  15. Illicit online marketing of lorcaserin before DEA scheduling.

    PubMed

    Liang, Bryan A; Mackey, Tim K; Archer-Hayes, Ashley N; Shinn, Linda M

    2013-05-01

    Antiobesity drugs have been marketed illicitly by "no prescription" online pharmacies after approval and scheduling by the drug enforcement agency. We assess whether antiobesity drug Belviq® (lorcaserin HCl) was available from illicit online vendors before DEA-scheduling when sales are unauthorized. Online searches of "buy Belviq no prescription" examining first five result pages marketing the drug. Searches were performed from 11/5/2012-12/8/2012, prior to DEA scheduing. Belviq® is actively marketed by "no prescription" online vendors despite official unavailability and prescription requirements. Approaches included direct-to-consumer advertising using descriptive website URLs; linking to illicit marketers; and directing customers to other weight-loss websites for additional marketing. Finally, large quantities were marketed by business-to-business vendors. Illicit online "no prescription" pharmacies are marketing unauthorized, suspect antiobesity drugs before DEA scheduling and permitted marketing. Regulators must legally intercede to ensure patient safety, and providers must educate patients about online-sourcing risks. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

  16. Cost and performance: complements for improvement.

    PubMed

    Rouse, Paul; Harrison, Julie; Turner, Nikki

    2011-10-01

    Activity-based costing (ABC) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) share similar views of resource consumption in the production of outputs. While DEA has a high level focus typically using aggregated data in the form of inputs and outputs, ABC is more detailed and oriented around very disaggregated data. We use a case study of immunisation activities in 24 New Zealand primary care practices to illustrate how DEA and ABC can be used in conjunction to improve performance analysis and benchmarking. Results show that practice size, socio-economic environment, parts of the service delivery process as well as regular administrative tasks are major cost and performance drivers for general practices in immunisation activities. It is worth noting that initial analyses of the ABC results, using contextual information and conventional methods of analysis such as regression and correlations, did not result in any patterns of significance. Reorganising this information using the DEA efficiency scores has revealed trends that make sense to practitioners and provide insights into where to place efforts for improvement.

  17. Diffusivity of nitrous oxide in aqueous solutions of N-methyldiethanolamine and diethanolamine from 293 to 368 K

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

    Tamimi, A.; Rinker, E.B.; Sandall, O.C.

    1994-04-01

    The diffusion coefficients for nitrous oxide in aqueous solutions of diethanolamine (DEA) and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) were determined using a wetted-sphere absorber over the temperature range 293--368 K. The ranges of amine concentrations covered in the experiments were 10--30 mass % for DEA and 10--50 mass % for MDEA. The diffusion coefficients indicated a linear dependence on amine concentration, but the temperature dependence was nonlinear. It was found that the diffusivity of N[sub 2]O in aqueous DEA is always less than that in aqueous MDEA under equivalent conditions of amine concentration and temperature.

  18. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model in Operation Management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malik, Meilisa; Efendi, Syahril; Zarlis, Muhammad

    2018-01-01

    Quality management is an effective system in operation management to develops, maintains, and improves quality from groups of companies that allow marketing, production, and service at the most economycal level as well as ensuring customer satisfication. Many companies are practicing quality management to improve their bussiness performance. One of performance measurement is through measurement of efficiency. One of the tools can be used to assess efficiency of companies performance is Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The aim of this paper is using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess efficiency of quality management. In this paper will be explained CCR, BCC, and SBM models to assess efficiency of quality management.

  19. 78 FR 664 - Establishment of Drug Codes for 26 Substances

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-04

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration 21 CFR Part 1308 [Docket No. DEA-368] Establishment of Drug Codes for 26 Substances AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Justice. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: On July 9, 2012, the President signed into law the Synthetic Drug...

  20. 76 FR 65371 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Three Synthetic Cathinones Into...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration 21 CFR Part 1308 [Docket No. DEA-357...: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. ACTION: Final Order. SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this final order to temporarily schedule...

  1. 76 FR 55616 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Three Synthetic Cathinones Into...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-08

    ... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Drug Enforcement Administration 21 CFR Part 1308 [Docket No. DEA-357...: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this notice of intent to temporarily...

  2. 21 CFR 1305.03 - Distributions requiring a Form 222 or a digitally signed electronic order.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Distributions requiring a Form 222 or a digitally signed electronic order. Either a DEA Form 222 or its... laboratory or its agent approved by DEA. (d) Delivery from a central fill pharmacy, as defined in § 1300.01(b...

  3. 21 CFR 1305.03 - Distributions requiring a Form 222 or a digitally signed electronic order.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... Distributions requiring a Form 222 or a digitally signed electronic order. Either a DEA Form 222 or its... laboratory or its agent approved by DEA. (d) Delivery from a central fill pharmacy, as defined in § 1300.01(b...

  4. Simultaneous analysis of mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine in cosmetic products using liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Shin, Kyong-Oh; Lee, Yong-Moon

    2016-01-01

    Alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) are used as wetting agents in shampoos, lotions, creams, and other cosmetics. DEA is widely used to provide lather in shampoos and maintain a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. Although DEA is not harmful, it may react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula after extended storage periods to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked to the development of stomach, esophagus, liver, and bladder cancers. The purpose of this study was to develop a simultaneous quantification method for measurement of MEA, DEA, and TEA in cosmetic products. Liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column with isocratic elution containing acetonitrile and 5 mM ammonium formate in water (88:12, v/v). Identification and quantification of alkanolamines were performed using MS/MS monitoring to assess the transition from precursor to product ion of MEA (m/z, 61.1 → 44.0), DEA (m/z, 106.1 → 88.0), TEA (m/z, 150.1 → 130.0), and the internal standard triethylamine (m/z, 102.2 → 58.0). Alkanolamines extractions were simplified using a single extraction with acetonitrile in the cosmetic matrix. Performance of the method was evaluated with quality parameters such as specificity, carry-over, linearity and calibration, correlation of determination (R(2)), detection limit, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Calibration curves of MEA (2.9-1000 ppb), DEA (1-1000 ppb), and TEA (1-1000 ppb) were constructed by plotting concentration versus peak-area ratio (analyte/internal standard with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99). The intra- and inter-assay accuracy ranged from 92.92 to 101.15 % for all analytes. The intra- and inter-assay precision for MEA, DEA, and TEA showed all coefficients of variance were less than 9.38 % for QC samples. Limits of detection and limits of quantification were 2.00 and 15.63 ppb for MEA, 0.49 and 1.96 ppb for DEA, and 0.49 and 1.96 ppb for TEA, respectively. This novel quantification method simplified sample preparation and allowed accurate and reproducible quantification of alkanolamines in the ng/g cosmetic weight (ppb) range for several cosmetic products.

  5. Regression method-derived energy value of dried egg albumen for broiler chickens.

    PubMed

    Hancock, S; Zhang, F; Adeola, O

    2018-05-01

    The energy value of dried egg albumen (DEA) for broiler chickens was determined with male Ross 708 broilers. Birds were fed a common broiler starter diet from day 0 to 17 and experimental diets from day 17 to 22 post hatching. A total of 192 birds was allotted to 3 diets in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages per diet and 8 birds per cage. The experiment used a corn-soybean meal reference diet and 2 test diets which the DEA was added at 50 or 100 g/kg to partially replace the energy source in the reference diet. The analyzed DM of DEA was 934 g/kg, and the respective analyzed gross energy and CP were 5,310 kcal and 894 g/kg DM. Addition of DEA to the reference diet linearly increased (P < 0.01) ileal DM digestibility, ileal energy digestibility, and ileal digestible energy (IDE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (MEn), whereas the effect on N retention was quadratic (P < 0.05). The IDE, ME, MEn of DEA values determined by the regression method were 4,777, 4,966, and 4,750 kcal/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that between 89 and 94% of the gross energy in dried egg albumen is utilized by broiler chickens.

  6. Formation and transport of deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine in surface water

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Thurman, E.M.; Meyer, M.T.; Mills, M.S.; Zimmerman, L.R.; Perry, C.A.; Goolsby, D.A.

    1994-01-01

    Field disappearance studies and a regional study of nine rivers in the Midwest Corn Belt show that deethylatrazine (DEA; 2-amino-4-chloro-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) and deisopropylatrazine (DIA; 2-amino-4-chloro-6-ethylaminos-triazine) occur frequently in surface water that has received runoff from two parent triazine herbicides, atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) and cyanazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-methylpropionitrileamino-s-triazine). The concentration of DEA and DIA in surface water varies with the hydrologic conditions of the basin and the timing of runoff, with maximum concentrations reaching 5 ??g/L (DEA + DIA). Early rainfall followed by a dry summer will result in an early peak concentration of metabolites in surface water. A wet summer will delay the maximum concentrations of metabolites and increase their runoff into surface water, occasionally resulting in a slight separation of the parent atrazine maximum concentrations from the metabolite maximum concentrations, giving a "second flush?? of triazine metabolites to surface water. Replicated field dissipation studies of atrazine and cyanazine indicate that DIA/DEA ratios will vary from 0.4 ?? 0.1 when atrazine is the major triazine present to 0.6 ?? 0.1 when significant amounts of cyanazine are present. A comparison of transport time of DEA and DIA from field plots to their appearance in surface water indicates that storage and dilution are occurring in the alluvial aquifers of the basin.

  7. Assessing the degradation of compliant electrodes for soft actuators.

    PubMed

    Rosset, Samuel; de Saint-Aubin, Christine; Poulin, Alexandre; Shea, Herbert R

    2017-10-01

    We present an automated system to measure the degradation of compliant electrodes used in dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) over millions of cycles. Electrodes for DEAs generally experience biaxial linear strains of more than 10%. The decrease in electrode conductivity induced by this repeated fast mechanical deformation impacts the bandwidth of the actuator and its strain homogeneity. Changes in the electrode mechanical properties lead to reduced actuation strain. Rather than using an external actuator to periodically deform the electrodes, our measurement method consists of measuring the properties of an electrode in an expanding circle DEA. A programmable high voltage power supply drives the actuator with a square signal up to 1 kHz, periodically actuating the DEA, and thus stretching the electrodes. The DEA strain is monitored with a universal serial bus camera, while the resistance of the ground electrode is measured with a multimeter. The system can be used for any type of electrode. We validated the test setup by characterising a carbon black/silicone composite that we commonly use as compliant electrode. Although the composite is well-suited for tens of millions of cycles of actuation below 5%, we observe important degradation for higher deformations. When activated at a 20% radial strain, the electrodes suffer from important damage after a few thousand cycles, and an inhomogeneous actuation is observed, with the strain localised in a sub-region of the actuator only.

  8. Assessing the degradation of compliant electrodes for soft actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosset, Samuel; de Saint-Aubin, Christine; Poulin, Alexandre; Shea, Herbert R.

    2017-10-01

    We present an automated system to measure the degradation of compliant electrodes used in dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) over millions of cycles. Electrodes for DEAs generally experience biaxial linear strains of more than 10%. The decrease in electrode conductivity induced by this repeated fast mechanical deformation impacts the bandwidth of the actuator and its strain homogeneity. Changes in the electrode mechanical properties lead to reduced actuation strain. Rather than using an external actuator to periodically deform the electrodes, our measurement method consists of measuring the properties of an electrode in an expanding circle DEA. A programmable high voltage power supply drives the actuator with a square signal up to 1 kHz, periodically actuating the DEA, and thus stretching the electrodes. The DEA strain is monitored with a universal serial bus camera, while the resistance of the ground electrode is measured with a multimeter. The system can be used for any type of electrode. We validated the test setup by characterising a carbon black/silicone composite that we commonly use as compliant electrode. Although the composite is well-suited for tens of millions of cycles of actuation below 5%, we observe important degradation for higher deformations. When activated at a 20% radial strain, the electrodes suffer from important damage after a few thousand cycles, and an inhomogeneous actuation is observed, with the strain localised in a sub-region of the actuator only.

  9. Parents Guide to "First Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  10. Parents Guide to "Kindergarten" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  11. Parents Guide to "Prekindergarten" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  12. Parents Guide to "Second Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  13. Parents Guide to "Third Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  14. Parents Guide to "Fourth Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  15. Parents Guide to "Sixth Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  16. Parents Guide to "Fifth Grade" Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2012

    2012-01-01

    The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards.…

  17. 76 FR 17968 - Importer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-31

    ... application by renewal to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be registered as an importer of Cocaine... quantities of ioflupane, in the form of three separate analogues of Cocaine, to validate production and... obligations under international treaties, conventions, or protocols in effect on May 1, 1971. DEA has...

  18. DIESEL EXHAUST ENHANCES TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR 3 EXPRESSION AND SIGNALING IN RESPIRATORY EPITHELIAL CELLS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Our previous studies have shown that prior exposure of respiratory epithelial cells to an aqueous-trapped solution of DE (DEas) enhances the susceptibility to Influenza infections. Here we examined the effect of DEas on the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) pathway, which is responsib...

  19. 76 FR 1405 - DoDEA FY 2011 Grant Program

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-10

    ... will be based on military dependent student enrollment and will range in size from $100,000 to $2,500,000. DoDEA estimates that 25-35 grants will be awarded. The Department's aim is to improve student achievement, increase educational opportunities, ensure student preparation for success in college and careers...

  20. 21 CFR 1304.33 - Reports to ARCOS.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... with the ARCOS Unit on DEA Form 333, or on media which contains the data required by DEA Form 333 and... registrant. Inventories shall provide data on the stocks of each reported controlled substance on hand as of...) Substances covered. (1) Manufacturing and acquisition/distribution transaction reports shall include data on...

  1. DoDEA Seniors' Postsecondary Plans and Scholarships, 2008

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2008

    2008-01-01

    This report summarizes the postsecondary plans and scholarship monies of graduates of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) high school seniors in SY07-08. Postsecondary plans represent the intentions of seniors the year after graduation. Students indicate whether they plan to attend a 4-year college/university, junior/community…

  2. 75 FR 13678 - Schedules of Controlled Substances; Table of Excluded Nonnarcotic Products: Nasal Decongestant...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-23

    ... 1117-AB23 Schedules of Controlled Substances; Table of Excluded Nonnarcotic Products: Nasal Decongestant Inhalers Manufactured by Classic Pharmaceuticals, LLC AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA... Administration (DEA) is updating the Table of Excluded Nonnarcotic Products found in 21 CFR 1308.22 to include...

  3. DoDEA Seniors' Postsecondary Plans and Scholarships, 2010

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Embler, Sandra

    2010-01-01

    During their senior year students in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools develop a postsecondary plan. This plan outlines what students intend to do after graduating from high school; whether they are planning to attend a 4-year college/university, junior/community college, or vocational/technical school; seek employment…

  4. Department of Defense Education Activity. An Overview.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Department of Defense, 2004

    2004-01-01

    DoDEA operates 223 public schools in 16 districts located in seven states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and 13 foreign countries to serve the children of military service members and Department of Defense civilian employees. Approximately 104,935 students are enrolled in DoDEA schools, with approximately 73,200 students in the DoDDS system, and…

  5. 78 FR 33442 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration; GE Healthcare

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-04

    ... II. The company plans to manufacture a radioactive product to diagnose Parkinson's disease; and to... received. DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a), and determined that the registration of GE... interest at this time. DEA has investigated GE Healthcare to ensure that the company's registration is...

  6. 76 FR 8777 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-15

    ... radioactive product used in diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and for manufacture in... been received. DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and determined that the registration... public interest at this time. DEA has investigated GE Healthcare to ensure that the company's...

  7. 77 FR 5849 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-06

    ... company plans to manufacture a radioactive product to diagnose Parkinson's disease, and to manufacture a.... DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and determined that the registration of GE... interest at this time. DEA has investigated GE Healthcare to ensure that the company's registration is...

  8. 76 FR 50498 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-15

    ... Pharmacies DEA Forms 224, 224a, 224b, 224c ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection under Review. The...; Affidavit for Chain Renewal; Application for Modification of Registration for Online Pharmacies. (3) Agency... substances must register with the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacies wishing to be online...

  9. 76 FR 64380 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-18

    ... Pharmacies, DEA Forms 224, 224a, 224b, 224c ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The...; Affidavit for Chain Renewal; Application for Modification of Registration for Online Pharmacies. (3) Agency... register with the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacies wishing to be online pharmacies must...

  10. 77 FR 47095 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-07

    ... Pharmacies DEA Forms 224, 224a, 224b, 224c ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The...; Affidavit for Chain Renewal; Application for Modification of Registration for Online Pharmacies. (3) Agency... register with the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacies wishing to be online pharmacies must...

  11. 76 FR 9812 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Application...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-22

    ... Diversion Control Act of 1993 DEA Forms 510 & 510A ACTION: 60-day notice of information collection under... Registration under Domestic Chemical Diversion Control Act of 1993 DEA Forms 510 & 510A. (3) Agency form number... Forms 510 and 510a. Component: Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S...

  12. DoDEA Seniors' Postsecondary Plans and Scholarships, 2009

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Embler, Sandra; Graves, Stacy

    2009-01-01

    This report summarizes the postsecondary intentions and scholarship monies earned by high school graduates of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) in SY08-09. As part of the process for planning for postsecondary life, seniors indicate whether they are planning to attend a 4-year college/university, junior/community college, or…

  13. 77 FR 64143 - Importer of Controlled Substances, Notice of Registration, Akorn, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-18

    ... Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be registered as an importer of Remifentanil (9739), a basic class of controlled substance listed in schedule II. The company plans to import Remifentanil in bulk for use in dosage- form manufacturing. No comments or objections have been received. DEA has considered the factors...

  14. An Economic Wellbeing Index for the Spanish Provinces: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murias, Pilar; Martinez, Fidel; De Miguel, Carlos

    2006-01-01

    This article presents the estimation of a synthetic economic wellbeing index using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The DEA is a multidimensional technique that has its origins in efficiency analysis, but its usage within the social indicators context is particularly appropriate. It allows the researcher to take advantage of the inherent…

  15. The effects of different substrates on the electron stimulated desorption dynamics of O - from physisorbed O2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hedhili, M. N.; Parenteau, L.; Huels, M. A.; Azria, R.; Tronc, M.; Sanche, L.

    1997-11-01

    We report condensed phase measurements of kinetic energy (Ek) distributions of O-, produced by dissociative electron attachment (DEA) at 6 eV incident electron energy; they are obtained under identical experimental conditions from submonolayer quantities of 16O2 deposited on disordered multilayer substrates of 18O2, Ar, Kr, Xe, CH4, and C2H6, all condensed at 20 K on polycrystalline platinum (Pt). The results suggest that the desorption dynamics of O- DEA fragments is, in part, determined by large angle elastic scattering of O- prior to desorption, as well as the net image charge potential (Ep) induced in the condensed dielectric solid and the Pt metal. The measurements also indicate that, particularly at small Kr substrate thicknesses, the Ep may not necessarily be uniform across the surface, but may fluctuate due to surface roughness. Thus, in addition to energy losses in the substrate prior to, and during, DEA, these effects may influence the dissociation dynamics of the O2- resonance itself, as well as the desorption of the DEA O- fragment.

  16. Knowledge discovery from data and Monte-Carlo DEA to evaluate technical efficiency of mental health care in small health areas

    PubMed Central

    García-Alonso, Carlos; Pérez-Naranjo, Leonor

    2009-01-01

    Introduction Knowledge management, based on information transfer between experts and analysts, is crucial for the validity and usability of data envelopment analysis (DEA). Aim To design and develop a methodology: i) to assess technical efficiency of small health areas (SHA) in an uncertainty environment, and ii) to transfer information between experts and operational models, in both directions, for improving expert’s knowledge. Method A procedure derived from knowledge discovery from data (KDD) is used to select, interpret and weigh DEA inputs and outputs. Based on KDD results, an expert-driven Monte-Carlo DEA model has been designed to assess the technical efficiency of SHA in Andalusia. Results In terms of probability, SHA 29 is the most efficient being, on the contrary, SHA 22 very inefficient. 73% of analysed SHA have a probability of being efficient (Pe) >0.9 and 18% <0.5. Conclusions Expert knowledge is necessary to design and validate any operational model. KDD techniques make the transfer of information from experts to any operational model easy and results obtained from the latter improve expert’s knowledge.

  17. Resonant Formation of Strand Breaks in Sensitized Oligonucleotides Induced by Low-Energy Electrons (0.5-9 eV).

    PubMed

    Schürmann, Robin; Tsering, Thupten; Tanzer, Katrin; Denifl, Stephan; Kumar, S V K; Bald, Ilko

    2017-08-28

    Halogenated nucleobases are used as radiosensitizers in cancer radiation therapy, enhancing the reactivity of DNA to secondary low-energy electrons (LEEs). LEEs induce DNA strand breaks at specific energies (resonances) by dissociative electron attachment (DEA). Although halogenated nucleobases show intense DEA resonances at various electron energies in the gas phase, it is inherently difficult to investigate the influence of halogenated nucleobases on the actual DNA strand breakage over the broad range of electron energies at which DEA can take place (<12 eV). By using DNA origami nanostructures, we determined the energy dependence of the strand break cross-section for oligonucleotides modified with 8-bromoadenine ( 8Br A). These results were evaluated against DEA measurements with isolated 8Br A in the gas phase. Contrary to expectations, the major contribution to strand breaks is from resonances at around 7 eV while resonances at very low energy (<2 eV) have little influence on strand breaks. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Curing kinetics of visible light curing dental resin composites investigated by dielectric analysis (DEA).

    PubMed

    Steinhaus, Johannes; Hausnerova, Berenika; Haenel, Thomas; Großgarten, Mandy; Möginger, Bernhard

    2014-03-01

    During the curing process of light curing dental composites the mobility of molecules and molecule segments is reduced leading to a significant increase of the viscosity as well as the ion viscosity. Thus, the kinetics of the curing behavior of 6 different composites was derived from dielectric analysis (DEA) using especially redesigned flat sensors with interdigit comb electrodes allowing for irradiation at the top side and measuring the ion viscosity at the bottom side. As the ion viscosities of dental composites change 1-3 orders of magnitude during the curing process, DEA provides a sensitive approach to evaluate their curing behavior, especially in the phase of undisturbed chain growth. In order to determine quantitative kinetic parameters a kinetic model is presented and examined for the evaluation of the ion viscosity curves. From the obtained results it is seen that DEA might be employed in the investigation of the primary curing process, the quality assurance of ingredients as well as the control of processing stability of the light curing dental composites. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Assessing efficiency and effectiveness of Malaysian Islamic banks: A two stage DEA analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kamarudin, Norbaizura; Ismail, Wan Rosmanira; Mohd, Muhammad Azri

    2014-06-01

    Islamic banks in Malaysia are indispensable players in the financial industry with the growing needs for syariah compliance system. In the banking industry, most recent studies concerned only on operational efficiency. However rarely on the operational effectiveness. Since the production process of banking industry can be described as a two-stage process, two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) can be applied to measure the bank performance. This study was designed to measure the overall performance in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of Islamic banks in Malaysia using Two-Stage DEA approach. This paper presents analysis of a DEA model which split the efficiency and effectiveness in order to evaluate the performance of ten selected Islamic Banks in Malaysia for the financial year period ended 2011. The analysis shows average efficient score is more than average effectiveness score thus we can say that Malaysian Islamic banks were more efficient rather than effective. Furthermore, none of the bank exhibit best practice in both stages as we can say that a bank with better efficiency does not always mean having better effectiveness at the same time.

  20. Mm-size bistable zipping dielectric elastomer actuators for integrated microfluidics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maffli, Luc; Rosset, Samuel; Shea, Herbert R.

    2013-04-01

    We report on a new structure of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) called zipping DEAs, which have a set of unique characteristics that are a good match for the requirements of electrically-powered integrated microfluidic pumping and/or valving units as well as Braille displays. The zipping DEAs operate by pulling electrostatically an elastomer membrane in contact with the rigid sidewalls of a sloped chamber. In this work, we report on fully functional mm-size zipping DEAs that demonstrate a complete sealing of the chamber sidewalls and a tunable bistable behavior, and compare the measurements with an analytical model. Compared to our first generation of devices, we are able vary the sidewall angle and benefit therefore from more flexibility to study the requirements to make fully functional actuators. In particular, we show that with Nusil CF19 as membrane material (1.2 MPa Young's modulus), it is possible to zip completely 2.3 mm diameter chambers with 15° and 21° sidewalls angle equibiaxially prestretched to λ0=1.12 and 15° chambers with λ0=1.27.

  1. Zipping dielectric elastomer actuators: characterization, design and modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maffli, L.; Rosset, S.; Shea, H. R.

    2013-10-01

    We report on miniature dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) operating in zipping mode with an analytical model that predicts their behavior. Electrostatic zipping is a well-known mechanism in silicon MEMS to obtain large deformations and forces at lower voltages than for parallel plate electrostatic actuation. We extend this concept to DEAs, which allows us to obtain much larger out-of-plane displacements compared to silicon thanks to the softness of the elastomer membrane. We study experimentally the effect of sidewall angles and elastomer prestretch on 2.3 mm diameter actuators with PDMS membranes. With 15° and 22.5° sidewall angles, the devices zip in a bistable manner down 300 μm to the bottom of the chambers. The highly tunable bistable behavior is controllable by both chamber geometry and membrane parameters. Other specific characteristics of zipping DEAs include well-controlled deflected shape, tunable displacement versus voltage characteristics to virtually any shape, including multi-stable modes, sealing of embedded holes or channels for valving action and the reduction of the operating voltage. These properties make zipping DEAs an excellent candidate for applications such as integrated microfluidics actuators or Braille displays.

  2. Synthesis and characterization of thick PZT films via sol-gel dip coating method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shakeri, Amid; Abdizadeh, Hossein; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza

    2014-09-01

    Thick films of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) offer possibilities for micro-electro-mechanical systems such as high frequency ultrasonic transducers. In this paper, crack-free thick films of PZT have been prepared up to 45 μm thickness via modified sol-gel dip coating method. In this procedure, acetic acid-alcoholic based sol is used by applying diethanolamine (DEA) and deionized water as additives. The effects of DEA and water on the crystal structure and surface morphology of the films are investigated. The mechanisms of acetic acid and DEA complexations are introduced by using FTIR spectrometer which illustrates suitable substitution of complexing agents with alkoxide groups. DEA/(Ti + Zr) = 0.5 or water/(Ti + Zr) = 0.5 are determined as the optimum molar ratio of additives, which lead to the formation of almost pure perovskite phase with the tetragonal lattice parameters of ct = 4.16 Ǻ and at = 4.02 Ǻ and a distortion of 2%. Values of remanent polarization and dielectric constant of 7.8 μC cm-2 and 1630 were obtained for 45 μm thick films, respectively.

  3. Evaluation and selection of sustainable suppliers in supply chain using new GP-DEA model with imprecise data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jafarzadeh Ghoushchi, Saeid; Dodkanloi Milan, Mehran; Jahangoshai Rezaee, Mustafa

    2017-11-01

    Nowadays, with respect to knowledge growth about enterprise sustainability, sustainable supplier selection is considered a vital factor in sustainable supply chain management. On the other hand, usually in real problems, the data are imprecise. One method that is helpful for the evaluation and selection of the sustainable supplier and has the ability to use a variety of data types is data envelopment analysis (DEA). In the present article, first, the supplier efficiency is measured with respect to all economic, social and environmental dimensions using DEA and applying imprecise data. Then, to have a general evaluation of the suppliers, the DEA model is developed using imprecise data based on goal programming (GP). Integrating the set of criteria changes the new model into a coherent framework for sustainable supplier selection. Moreover, employing this model in a multilateral sustainable supplier selection can be an incentive for the suppliers to move towards environmental, social and economic activities. Improving environmental, economic and social performance will mean improving the supply chain performance. Finally, the application of the proposed approach is presented with a real dataset.

  4. Flexible and stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosset, Samuel; Shea, Herbert R.

    2013-02-01

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are flexible lightweight actuators that can generate strains of over 100 %. They are used in applications ranging from haptic feedback (mm-sized devices), to cm-scale soft robots, to meter-long blimps. DEAs consist of an electrode-elastomer-electrode stack, placed on a frame. Applying a voltage between the electrodes electrostatically compresses the elastomer, which deforms in-plane or out-of plane depending on design. Since the electrodes are bonded to the elastomer, they must reliably sustain repeated very large deformations while remaining conductive, and without significantly adding to the stiffness of the soft elastomer. The electrodes are required for electrostatic actuation, but also enable resistive and capacitive sensing of the strain, leading to self-sensing actuators. This review compares the different technologies used to make compliant electrodes for DEAs in terms of: impact on DEA device performance (speed, efficiency, maximum strain), manufacturability, miniaturization, the integration of self-sensing and self-switching, and compatibility with low-voltage operation. While graphite and carbon black have been the most widely used technique in research environments, alternative methods are emerging which combine compliance, conduction at over 100 % strain with better conductivity and/or ease of patternability, including microfabrication-based approaches for compliant metal thin-films, metal-polymer nano-composites, nanoparticle implantation, and reel-to-reel production of μm-scale patterned thin films on elastomers. Such electrodes are key to miniaturization, low-voltage operation, and widespread commercialization of DEAs.

  5. Surface texture change on-demand and microfluidic devices based on thickness mode actuation of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ankit, Ankit; Nguyen, Anh Chien; Mathews, Nripan

    2017-04-01

    Tactile feedback devices and microfluidic devices have huge significance in strengthening the area of robotics, human machine interaction and low cost healthcare. Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) are an attractive alternative for both the areas; offering the advantage of low cost and simplistic fabrication in addition to the high actuation strains. The inplane deformations produced by the DEAs can be used to produce out-of-plane deformations by what is known as the thickness mode actuation of DEAs. The thickness mode actuation is achieved by adhering a soft passive layer to the DEA. This enables a wide area of applications in tactile applications without the need of complex systems and multiple actuators. But the thickness mode actuation has not been explored enough to understand how the deformations can be improved without altering the material properties; which is often accompanied with increased cost and a trade off with other closely associated material properties. We have shown the effect of dimensions of active region and non-active region in manipulating the out-of-plane deformation. Making use of this, we have been able to demonstrate large area devices and complex patterns on the passive top layer for the surface texture change on-demand applications. We have also been able to demonstrate on-demand microfluidic channels and micro-chambers without the need of actually fabricating the channels; which is a cost incurring and cumbersome process.

  6. Chalcone Based Homodimeric PET Agent, 11C-(Chal)2DEA-Me, for Beta Amyloid Imaging: Synthesis and Bioevaluation.

    PubMed

    Chauhan, Kanchan; Tiwari, Anjani K; Chadha, Nidhi; Kaul, Ankur; Singh, Ajai Kumar; Datta, Anupama

    2018-04-02

    Homodimeric chalcone based 11 C-PET radiotracer, 11 C-(Chal) 2 DEA-Me, was synthesized, and binding affinity toward beta amyloid (Aβ) was evaluated. The computational studies revealed multiple binding of the tracer at the recognition sites of Aβ fibrils. The bivalent ligand 11 C-(Chal) 2 DEA-Me displayed higher binding affinity compared to the corresponding monomer, 11 C-Chal-Me, and classical Aβ agents. The radiolabeling yield with carbon-11 was 40-55% (decay corrected) with specific activity of 65-90 GBq/μmol. A significant ( p < 0.0001) improvement in the binding affinity of 11 C-(Chal) 2 DEA-Me with synthetic Aβ42 aggregates over the monomer, 11 C-Chal-Me, demonstrates the utility of the bivalent approach. The PET imaging and biodistribution data displayed suitable brain pharmacokinetics of both ligands with higher brain uptake in the case of the bivalent ligand. Metabolite analysis of healthy ddY mouse brain homogenates exhibited high stability of the radiotracers in the brain with >93% intact tracer at 30 min post injection. Both chalcone derivatives were fluorescent in nature and demonstrated significant changes in the emission properties after binding with Aβ42. The preliminary analysis indicates high potential of 11 C-(Chal) 2 DEA-Me as in vivo Aβ42 imaging tracer and highlights the significance of the bivalent approach to achieve a higher biological response for detection of early stages of amyloidosis.

  7. Resource needs and gap analysis in achieving universal access to HIV/AIDS services: a data envelopment analysis of 45 countries.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Wu; Shepard, Donald S; Avila-Figueroa, Carlos; Ahn, Haksoon

    2016-06-01

    -To manage the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic, international donors have pledged unprecedented commitments for needed services. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) projected that low- and middle-income countries needed $25 billion to meet the 2010 HIV/AIDS goal of universal access to AIDS prevention and care, using the resource needs model (RNM). -Drawing from the results from its sister study, which used a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a Tobit model to evaluate and adjust the technical efficiency of 61 countries in delivering HIV/AIDS services from 2002 to 2007, this study extended the DEA and developed an approach to estimate resource needs and decompose the performance gap into efficiency gap and resource gap. In the DEA, we considered national HIV/AIDS spending as the input and volume of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) as the outputs. An input-oriented DEA model was constructed to project resource needs in achieving 2010 HIV/AIDS goal for 45 countries using the data in 2006, assuming that all study countries maximized efficiency. -The DEA approach demonstrated the potential to include efficiency of national HIV/AIDS programmes in resource needs estimation, using macro-level data. Under maximal efficiency, the annual projected resource needs for the 45 countries was $6.3 billion, ∼47% of their UNAIDS estimate of $13.5 billion. Given study countries' spending of $3.9 billion, improving efficiency could narrow the gap from $9.6 to $2.4 billion. The results suggest that along with continued financial commitment to HIV/AIDS, improving the efficiency of HIV/AIDS programmes would accelerate the pace to reach 2010 HIV/AIDS goals. The DEA approach provides a supplement to the AIDS RNM to inform policy making. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  8. Challenging an immediate suspension of a DEA registration: is it time for a new tact?

    PubMed

    Behr, Douglas J

    2014-01-01

    A Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") registration is not only a necessity, but also an invaluable commodity for doctors, pharmacists, hospitals and drug wholesalers who prescribe, stock, and distribute controlled substances. While the DEA may only suspend a registration by issuing an immediate suspension order ("ISO) after an ex parte finding of "imminent danger to the public health or safety," the law fails to explicitly protect the registrant by way of a post-suspension hearing on the ISO, despite the registrant's constitutionally protected property interest in the registration. A registrant has only two procedural options--which are often unsuccessful--to challenge the ISO: endure a long and arduous administrative review proceeding or petition the court for a "not-so-easily proven" injunction, all the while the suspension remains in effect and the controlled substance business operations cease. Accordingly, a suspension of the registration may be certain death to doctors and pharmacists without the financial means to operate the business in the absence of the registration. Because the DEA registration is a constitutionally-protected interest, there is a better way to challenge the suspension. The Supreme Court has held that once a license is issued, the continued possession of it is essential to the registrant's livelihood. Therefore suspension or revocation of such a protected interest requires due process. Due-process hearings, while varied, will provide the necessary avenues of review to provide a fair review of the justification of the suspension and its continuance, i.e., whether there truly is imminent danger to public health or safety and whether the suspension is overbroad and should be limited. To date, this thesis remains to be tested and awaits a petitioner with a justiciable claim and the financial resources to challenge the DEA in court. But in the field of DEA ISO challenges, it is time for a new tact!

  9. Rice growing farmers efficiency measurement using a slack based interval DEA model with undesirable outputs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khan, Sahubar Ali Mohd. Nadhar; Ramli, Razamin; Baten, M. D. Azizul

    2017-11-01

    In recent years eco-efficiency which considers the effect of production process on environment in determining the efficiency of firms have gained traction and a lot of attention. Rice farming is one of such production processes which typically produces two types of outputs which are economic desirable as well as environmentally undesirable. In efficiency analysis, these undesirable outputs cannot be ignored and need to be included in the model to obtain the actual estimation of firm's efficiency. There are numerous approaches that have been used in data envelopment analysis (DEA) literature to account for undesirable outputs of which directional distance function (DDF) approach is the most widely used as it allows for simultaneous increase in desirable outputs and reduction of undesirable outputs. Additionally, slack based DDF DEA approaches considers the output shortfalls and input excess in determining efficiency. In situations when data uncertainty is present, the deterministic DEA model is not suitable to be used as the effects of uncertain data will not be considered. In this case, it has been found that interval data approach is suitable to account for data uncertainty as it is much simpler to model and need less information regarding the underlying data distribution and membership function. The proposed model uses an enhanced DEA model which is based on DDF approach and incorporates slack based measure to determine efficiency in the presence of undesirable factors and data uncertainty. Interval data approach was used to estimate the values of inputs, undesirable outputs and desirable outputs. Two separate slack based interval DEA models were constructed for optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. The developed model was used to determine rice farmers efficiency from Kepala Batas, Kedah. The obtained results were later compared to the results obtained using a deterministic DDF DEA model. The study found that 15 out of 30 farmers are efficient in all cases. It is also found that the average efficiency values of all farmers for deterministic case is always lower than the optimistic scenario and higher than pessimistic scenario. The results confirm with the hypothesis since farmers who operates in optimistic scenario are in best production situation compared to pessimistic scenario in which they operate in worst production situation. The results show that the proposed model can be applied when data uncertainty is present in the production environment.

  10. Influence of mesoscale eddies on the distribution of nitrous oxide in the eastern tropical South Pacific

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arévalo-Martínez, Damian L.; Kock, Annette; Löscher, Carolin R.; Schmitz, Ruth A.; Stramma, Lothar; Bange, Hermann W.

    2016-02-01

    Recent observations in the eastern tropical South Pacific (ETSP) have shown the key role of meso- and submesoscale processes (e.g. eddies) in shaping its hydrographic and biogeochemical properties. Off Peru, elevated primary production from coastal upwelling in combination with sluggish ventilation of subsurface waters fuels a prominent oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Given that nitrous oxide (N2O) production-consumption processes in the water column are sensitive to oxygen (O2) concentrations, the ETSP is a region of particular interest to investigate its source-sink dynamics. To date, no detailed surveys linking mesoscale processes and N2O distributions as well as their relevance to nitrogen (N) cycling are available. In this study, we present the first measurements of N2O across three mesoscale eddies (two mode water or anticyclonic and one cyclonic) which were identified, tracked, and sampled during two surveys carried out in the ETSP in November-December 2012. A two-peak structure was observed for N2O, wherein the two maxima coincide with the upper and lower boundaries of the OMZ, indicating active nitrification and partial denitrification. This was further supported by the abundances of the key gene for nitrification, ammonium monooxygenase (amoA), and the gene marker for N2O production during denitrification, nitrite reductase (nirS). Conversely, we found strong N2O depletion in the core of the OMZ (O2 < 5 µmol L-1) to be consistent with nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and low levels of nitrate (NO3-), thus suggesting active denitrification. N2O depletion within the OMZ's core was substantially higher in the centre of mode water eddies, supporting the view that eddy activity enhances N-loss processes off Peru, in particular near the shelf break where nutrient-rich, productive waters from upwelling are trapped before being transported offshore. Analysis of eddies during their propagation towards the open ocean showed that, in general, "ageing" of mesoscale eddies tends to decrease N2O concentrations through the water column in response to the reduced supply of material to fuel N loss, although hydrographic variability might also significantly impact the pace of the production-consumption pathways for N2O. Our results evidence the relevance of mode water eddies for N2O distribution, thereby improving our understanding of the N-cycling processes, which are of crucial importance in times of climate change and ocean deoxygenation.

  11. 21 CFR 1311.45 - Requirements for registrants that allow powers of attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates under their DEA registration. 1311.45 Section 1311.45 Food and... PRESCRIPTIONS (Eff. 6-1-10) Obtaining and Using Digital Certificates for Electronic Orders § 1311.45 Requirements for registrants that allow powers of attorney to obtain CSOS digital certificates under their DEA...

  12. 77 FR 45675 - Margy Temponeras, M.D.; Decision and Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-01

    ..., under DEA regulations, ``[i]n the event a person commences business with no controlled substances on... further noted that it was ``[o]f significance, [that] no invoices, DEA Form 222s, or dispensing logs were... requires that a registrant retain its invoices, form 222s, as well as a dispensing log, for at least two...

  13. A Value-Added Approach to Selecting the Best Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fisher, Dorothy M.; Kiang, Melody; Fisher, Steven A.

    2007-01-01

    Although numerous studies rank master of business administration (MBA) programs, prospective students' selection of the best MBA program is a formidable task. In this study, the authors used a linear-programming-based model called data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate MBA programs. The DEA model connects costs to benefits to evaluate the…

  14. "It's a Way of Life for Us": High Mobility and High Achievement in Department of Defense Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smrekar, Claire E.; Owens, Debra E.

    2003-01-01

    Examines the academic performance of students in U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, which have high student mobility. Some observers contend that these students' high achievement is a function of their middle class family and community characteristics. Asserts that DoDEA schools simultaneously "do the right…

  15. 76 FR 62447 - Importer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-07

    ... Administration (DEA) to be registered as an importer of Remifentanil (9739), a basic class of controlled substance listed in schedule II. The company plans to import Remifentanil in bulk for use in dosage- form manufacturing. No comments or objections have been received. DEA has considered the factors in 21 U.S.C. 823(a...

  16. 21 CFR 1303.22 - Procedure for applying for individual manufacturing quotas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... manufacturing quotas. Any person who is registered to manufacture any basic class of controlled substance listed in Schedule I or II and who desires to manufacture a quantity of such class shall apply on DEA Form 189 for a manufacturing quota for such quantity of such class. Copies of DEA Form 189 may be obtained...

  17. DoDEA 2006 Postsecondary Plans and Scholarships Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Defense Education Activity, 2006

    2006-01-01

    At the end of every school year, each high school in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is required to document the postsecondary plans and scholarships of twelfth grade students. This report provides a summary of these data, including the postsecondary plans of students and the monies offered and accepted by these students for…

  18. Identifying the Best Buys in U.S. Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eff, E. Anthon; Klein, Christopher C.; Kyle, Reuben

    2012-01-01

    Which U.S. institutions of higher education offer the best value to consumers? To answer this question, we evaluate U.S. institutions relative to a data envelopment analysis (DEA) multi-factor frontier based on 2000-2001 data for 1,179 4-year institutions. The resulting DEA "best buy" scores allow the ranking of institutions by a…

  19. 21 CFR 1305.06 - Persons entitled to fill orders for Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order may return the substance to the supplier of the substance with either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order from the supplier. (c) A person registered to... person registered or authorized to conduct chemical analysis or research with controlled substances may...

  20. 21 CFR 1305.06 - Persons entitled to fill orders for Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order may return the substance to the supplier of the substance with either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order from the supplier. (c) A person registered to... person registered or authorized to conduct chemical analysis or research with controlled substances may...

  1. 21 CFR 1305.06 - Persons entitled to fill orders for Schedule I and II controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order may return the substance to the supplier of the substance with either a DEA Form 222 or an electronic order from the supplier. (c) A person registered to... person registered or authorized to conduct chemical analysis or research with controlled substances may...

  2. Selected Private Higher Educational Institutions in Metro Manila: A DEA Efficiency Measurement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    de Guzman, Maria Corazon Gwendolyn N.; Cabana, Emilyn

    2009-01-01

    This paper measures the technical efficiency of 16 selected colleges and universities in Metro Manila, Philippines, using academic data for the SY 2001-2005. Using the data envelopment analysis (DEA), on average, schools posted 0.807 index score and need additional 19.3% efficiency growth to be efficient. Overall, there are top four efficient…

  3. Model Evaluation To Measuring Efficiencies of ICT Development In Indonesia Region Using DEA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Efendi, Syahril; Fadly Syahputra, M.; Anggia Muchtar, M.

    2018-01-01

    ICT Pura or digital city is a program designed by the Indonesian government with the main objective is to determine the level of readiness of each district and city in each province in the era of digital economy. It is necessarily to evaluate whether a city or a region that was successfully managing ICT better than other city and significantly contributes to the communities and living systems. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a well known technique to estimate efficiency and returns to scale through the construction of a best practice frontier, based on non-parametric mathematical programming approach. This paper addresses DEA BCC method to get index of efficiencies for all region in Indonesia covered by ICT Pura. Numerical result is given.

  4. Improved actuation strain of PDMS-based DEA materials chemically modified with softening agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biedermann, Miriam; Blümke, Martin; Wegener, Michael; Krüger, Hartmut

    2015-04-01

    Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are smart materials that gained much in interest particularly in recent years. One active field of research is the improvement of their properties by modification of their structural framework. The object of this work is to improve the actuation properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based DEAs by covalent incorporation of mono-vinyl-terminated low-molecular PDMS chains into the PDMS network. These low-molecular units act as a kind of softener within the PDMS network. The loose chain ends interfere with the network formation and lower the network's density. PDMS films with up to 50wt% of low-molecular PDMS additives were manufactured and the chemical, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of these novel materials were investigated.

  5. Implementation and simulation of a cone dielectric elastomer actuator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Huaming; Zhu, Jianying

    2008-11-01

    The purpose is to investigate the performance of cone dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) by experiment and FEM simulation. Two working equilibrium positions of cone DEA, which correspond to its initial displacement and displacement output with voltage off and on respectively, are determined through the analysis on its working principle. Experiments show that analytical results accord with experimental ones, and work output in a workcycle is hereby calculated. Actuator can respond quickly when voltage is applied and can return to its original position rapidly when voltage is released. Also, FEM simulation is used to obtain the movement of cone DEA in advance. Simulation results agree well with experimental ones and prove the feasibility of simulation. Also, causes for small difference between them in displacement output are analyzed.

  6. Soil concentrations and soil-atmosphere exchange of alkylamines in a boreal Scots pine forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kieloaho, Antti-Jussi; Pihlatie, Mari; Launiainen, Samuli; Kulmala, Markku; Riekkola, Marja-Liisa; Parshintsev, Jevgeni; Mammarella, Ivan; Vesala, Timo; Heinonsalo, Jussi

    2017-03-01

    Alkylamines are important precursors in secondary aerosol formation in the boreal forest atmosphere. To better understand the behavior and sources of two alkylamines, dimethylamine (DMA) and diethylamine (DEA), we estimated the magnitudes of soil-atmosphere fluxes of DMA and DEA using a gradient-diffusion approximation based on measured concentrations in soil solution and in the canopy air space. The ambient air concentration of DMA used in this study was a sum of DMA and ethylamine. To compute the amine fluxes, we first estimated the soil air space concentration from the measured soil solution amine concentration using soil physical (temperature, soil water content) and chemical (pH) state variables. Then, we used the resistance analogy to account for gas transport mechanisms in the soil, soil boundary layer, and canopy air space. The resulting flux estimates revealed that the boreal forest soil with a typical long-term mean pH 5.3 is a possible source of DMA (170 ± 51 nmol m-2 day-1) and a sink of DEA (-1.2 ± 1.2 nmol m-2 day-1). We also investigated the potential role of fungi as a reservoir for alkylamines in boreal forest soil. We found high DMA and DEA concentrations both in fungal hyphae collected from field humus samples and in fungal pure cultures. The highest DMA and DEA concentrations were found in fungal strains belonging to decay and ectomycorrhizal fungal groups, indicating that boreal forest soil and, in particular, fungal biomass may be important reservoirs for these alkylamines.

  7. Influence of plant communities on denitrification in a tidal freshwater marsh of the Potomac River, United States.

    PubMed

    Hopfensperger, Kristine N; Kaushal, Sujay S; Findlay, Stuart E G; Cornwell, Jeffrey C

    2009-01-01

    We investigated whether marsh surface elevation, plant community composition (annuals vs. perennials), and organic matter quantity/quality were associated with differences in denitrification rates in an urban tidal freshwater marsh of the Potomac River, United States. We measured denitrification rates using both denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) with acetylene inhibition (June: n = 38, 3234 +/- 303; October: n = 38, 1557 +/- 368 ng N g dry soil(-1) h(-1)) and direct N(2) flux measurements with membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) (November: n = 6, 147 +/- 24 mumol m(-2) h(-1)). Organic carbon content and nitrate concentrations in soil, and plant community composition were correlated with elevation, but DEA rates did not differ across marsh surface elevation. Soil organic carbon was highest in plots dominated by perennial graminoids, but DEA rates did not differ across plant community types. The DEA rates increased with increasing soil ammonium concentrations and total N content, and DEA rates differed between summer and fall sampling. The MIMS rates did not differ across plant community types, but were correlated with soil organic N content. Denitrification rates suggest that potential N removal at the site could be substantial. In addition, denitrification rates measured in Dyke Marsh were higher than rates for sediments measured in the adjacent Potomac River. Tidal freshwater marshes can represent an important site for denitrification, and factors fostering denitrification should be considered when restoring urban tidal freshwater wetlands as they are faced with pressures from increasing land use change and sea level rise.

  8. Efficiency measurement of health care organizations: What models are used?

    PubMed Central

    Jaafaripooyan, Ebrahim; Emamgholipour, Sara; Raei, Behzad

    2017-01-01

    Background: Literature abounds with various techniques for efficiency measurement of health care organizations (HCOs), which should be used cautiously and appropriately. The present study aimed at discovering the rules regulating the interplay among the number of inputs, outputs, and decision- making units (DMUs) and identifying all methods used for the measurement of Iranian HCOs and critically appraising all DEA studies on Iranian HCOs in their application of such rules. Methods: The present study employed a systematic search of all studies related to efficiency measurement of Iranian HCOs. A search was conducted in different databases such as PubMed and Scopus between 2001 and 2015 to identify the studies related to the measurement in health care. The retrieved studies passed through a multi-stage (title, abstract, body) filtering process. Data extraction table for each study was completed and included method, number of inputs and outputs, DMUs, and their efficiency score. Results: Various methods were found for efficiency measurement. Overall, 122 studies were retrieved, of which 73 had exclusively employed DEA technique for measuring the efficiency of HCOs in Iran, and 23 with hybrid models (including DEA). Only 6 studies had explicitly used the rules of thumb. Conclusion: The number of inputs, outputs, and DMUs should be cautiously selected in DEA like techniques, as their proportionality can directly affect the discriminatory power of the technique. The given literature seemed to be, to a large extent, unsuccessful in attending to such proportionality. This study collected a list of key rules (of thumb) on the interplay of inputs, outputs, and DMUs, which could be considered by most researchers keen to apply DEA technique.

  9. Dielectric elastomer actuator for mechanical loading of 2D cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Poulin, Alexandre; Saygili Demir, Cansaran; Rosset, Samuel; Petrova, Tatiana V; Shea, Herbert

    2016-09-21

    We demonstrate the use of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) for mechanical stimulation of cells in vitro. The development of living tissues is regulated by their mechanical environment through the modification of fundamental cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation and gene expression. Mechanical cues have been linked to numerous pathological conditions, and progress in cellular mechanobiology could lead to better diagnosis and treatments of diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancers. Research in this field heavily relies on in vitro models due to the high complexity of the in vivo environment. Current in vitro models however build on bulky and often complex sets of mechanical motors or pneumatic systems. In this work we present an alternative approach based on DEAs, a class of soft actuators capable of large deformation (>100%) and fast response time (<1 ms). The key advantage of DEAs is that they can be integrated within the culture substrate, therefore providing a very compact solution. Here we present a DEA-based deformable bioreactor which can generate up to 35% uniaxial tensile strain, and is compatible with standard cell culture protocols. Our transparent device also includes a static control area, and enables real-time optical monitoring of both the stimulated and control cell populations. As a proof of concept we cycled a population of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) between 0% and 10% strain at a 0.1 Hz frequency for 24 h. We observe stretch-induced alignment and elongation of LECs, providing the first demonstration that DEAs can be interfaced with living cells and used to control their mechanical environment.

  10. Assessing the Effectiveness of Public Research Universities: Using NSF/NCES Data and Data Envelopment Analysis Technique. AIR 2000 Annual Forum Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zheng, Henry Y.; Stewart, Alice A.

    This study explores data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a tool for assessing and benchmarking the performance of public research universities. Using of national databases such as those conducted by the National Science Foundation and the National Center for Education Statistics, DEA analysis was conducted of the research and instructional outcomes…

  11. 76 FR 24523 - Sun & Lake Pharmacy, Inc.; D/B/A the Medicine Shoppe; Revocation of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-02

    ... history be taken and a physical examination be performed) and the DEA Pharmacist's Manual. ALJ at 34- 35... begin on the date it is mailed. Kwame Fosu, who is a registered pharmacist, is the director, registered...'s wife, Tr. 184, is also a registered pharmacist in Florida. Id. at 317. Sometime in early 2005, DEA...

  12. Using a DEA Management Tool through a Nonparametric Approach: An Examination of Urban-Rural Effects on Thai School Efficiency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kantabutra, Sangchan

    2009-01-01

    This paper examines urban-rural effects on public upper-secondary school efficiency in northern Thailand. In the study, efficiency was measured by a nonparametric technique, data envelopment analysis (DEA). Urban-rural effects were examined through a Mann-Whitney nonparametric statistical test. Results indicate that urban schools appear to have…

  13. The Prediction of the Students' Academic Underachievement in Mathematics Using the DEA Model: A Developing Country Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moradi, Fatemeh; Amiripour, Parvaneh

    2017-01-01

    In this study, an attempt was made to predict the students' mathematical academic underachievement at the Islamic Azad University-Yadegare-Imam branch and the appropriate strategies in mathematical academic achievement to be applied using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. Survey research methods were used to select 91 students from the…

  14. Forest and rangeland ecosystem condition indicators: identifying national areas of opportunity using data development analysis

    Treesearch

    John G. Hof; Curtis H. Flather; Tony J. Baltic; Rudy M. King

    2004-01-01

    This article reports the methodology and results of a data envelopment analysis (DEA) that attempts to identify areas in the country where there is maximum potential for improving the forest and rangeland condition, based on 12 indicator variables. This analysis differs from previous DEA studies in that the primary variables are measures of human activity and...

  15. Determinants of School Efficiency: The Case of Primary Schools in the State of Geneva, Switzerland

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huguenin, Jean-Marc

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is: to measure school technical efficiency and to identify the determinants of primary school performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: A two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) of school efficiency is conducted. At the first stage, DEA is employed to calculate an individual efficiency score for each school. At…

  16. A Novel Approach to Measuring Efficiency of Scientific Research Projects: Data Envelopment Analysis.

    PubMed

    Dilts, David M; Zell, Adrienne; Orwoll, Eric

    2015-10-01

    Measuring the efficiency of resource allocation for the conduct of scientific projects in medical research is difficult due to, among other factors, the heterogeneity of resources supplied (e.g., dollars or FTEs) and outcomes expected (e.g., grants, publications). While this is an issue in medical science, it has been approached successfully in other fields by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA has a number of advantages over other techniques as it simultaneously uses multiple heterogeneous inputs and outputs to determine which projects are performing most efficiently, referred to as being at the efficiency frontier, when compared to others in the data set. This research uses DEA for the evaluation of supported translational science projects by the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NCATS Clinical & Translational Science Award (CTSA) recipient. These results suggest that the primary determinate of overall project efficiency at OCTRI is the amount of funding, with smaller amounts of funding providing more efficiency than larger funding amounts. These results, and the use of DEA, highlight both the success of using this technique in helping determine medical research efficiency and those factors to consider when distributing funds for new projects at CTSAs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Solution processed ZnO hybrid nanocomposite with tailored work function for improved electron transport layer in organic photovoltaic devices.

    PubMed

    Lee, Yun-Ju; Wang, Jian; Cheng, Samuel R; Hsu, Julia W P

    2013-09-25

    We demonstrate improved organic photovoltaic device performance using solution processed electron transport layers of ZnO nanoparticle (NP) films containing organic additives, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), or diethanolamine (DEA), that do not require post processing after film deposition. Inclusion of PVP or DEA decreased the ZnO work function by 0.4 eV through interfacial dipole formation. While PVP did not change the ZnO NP shape or size, DEA modified the ZnO shape from 5 nm × 15 nm nanorods to 5 nm nanoparticles. At an optimized PVP concentration of 0.7 wt %, ZnO NP:PVP electron transport layers (ETLs) improved the efficiency of inverted P3HT:PCBM devices by 37%, primarily through higher fill factor. ZnO NP:PVP and ZnO NP:DEA ETLs increased the open circuit voltage of inverted P3HT:ICBA devices by 0.07 V due to decreasing ETL work function, leading to enhanced built-in field. The relationship between ZnO nanocomposite ETL work function, donor-acceptor energy offset, and device performance is discussed. The effects of the two additives are compared.

  18. Controlling for exogenous environmental variables when using data envelopment analysis for regional environmental assessments.

    PubMed

    Macpherson, Alexander J; Principe, Peter P; Shao, Yang

    2013-04-15

    Researchers are increasingly using data envelopment analysis (DEA) to examine the efficiency of environmental policies and resource allocations. An assumption of the basic DEA model is that decisionmakers operate within homogeneous environments. But, this assumption is not valid when environmental performance is influenced by variables beyond managerial control. Understanding the influence of these variables is important to distinguish between characterizing environmental conditions and identifying opportunities to improve environmental performance. While environmental assessments often focus on characterizing conditions, the point of using DEA is to identify opportunities to improve environmental performance and thereby prevent (or rectify) an inefficient allocation of resources. We examine the role of exogenous variables such as climate, hydrology, and topography in producing environmental impacts such as deposition, runoff, invasive species, and forest fragmentation within the United States Mid-Atlantic region. We apply a four-stage procedure to adjust environmental impacts in a DEA model that seeks to minimize environmental impacts while obtaining given levels of socioeconomic outcomes. The approach creates a performance index that bundles multiple indicators while adjusting for variables that are outside management control, offering numerous advantages for environmental assessment. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  19. VOC flux measurements using a novel Relaxed Eddy Accumulation GC-FID system in urban Houston, Texas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, C.; Schade, G.; Boedeker, I.

    2008-12-01

    Houston experiences higher ozone production rates than most other major cities in the US, which is related to high anthropogenic VOC emissions from both area/mobile sources (car traffic) and a large number of petrochemical facilities. The EPA forecasts that Houston is likely to still violate the new 8-h NAAQS in 2020. To monitor neighborhood scale pollutant fluxes, we established a tall flux tower installation a few kilometers north of downtown Houston. We measure energy and trace gas fluxes, including VOCs from both anthropogenic and biogenic emission sources in the urban surface layer using eddy covariance and related techniques. Here, we describe a Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (REA) system combined with a dual-channel GC-FID used for VOC flux measurements, including first results. Ambient air is sampled at approximately 15 L min-1 through a 9.5 mm OD PFA line from 60 m above ground next to a sonic anemometer. Subsamples of this air stream are extracted through an ozone scrubber and pushed into two Teflon bag reservoirs, from which they are transferred to the GC pre-concentration units consisting of carbon-based adsorption traps encapsulated in heater blocks for thermal desorption. We discuss the performance of our system and selected measurement results from the 2008 spring and summer seasons in Houston. We present diurnal variations of the fluxes of the traffic tracers benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) during different study periods. Typical BTEX fluxes ranged from -0.36 to 3.10 mg m-2 h-1 for benzene, and -0.47 to 5.04 mg m-2 h-1 for toluene, and exhibited diurnal cycles with two dominant peaks related to rush-hour traffic. A footprint analysis overlaid onto a geographic information system (GIS) will be presented to reveal the dominant emission sources and patterns in the study area.

  20. Multi Laser Pulse Investigation of the DEAS Concept in Hypersonic Flow

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

    Minucci, M.A.S.; Toro, P.G.P.; Oliveira, A.C.

    2004-03-30

    The present paper presents recent experimental results on the Laser-Supported Directed Energy 'Air Spike' - DEAS in hypersonic flow achieved by the Laboratory of Aerothermodynamics and Hypersonics - LAH, Brazil. Two CO2 TEA lasers, sharing the same optical cavity, have been used in conjunction with the IEAv 0.3m Hypersonic Shock Tunnel - HST to demonstrate the Laser-Supported DEAS concept. A single and double laser pulse, generated during the tunnel useful test time, were focused through a NaCl lens upstream of a Double Apollo Disc model fitted with seven piezoelectric pressure transducers and six platinum thin film heat transfer gauges. Themore » objective being to corroborate previous results as well as to obtain additional pressure and heat flux distributions information when two laser pulses are used.« less

  1. Monitoring gas and heat emissions at Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA based on a combined eddy covariance and Multi-GAS approach

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lewicki, Jennifer L.; Kelly, Peter; Bergfeld, Deborah; Vaughan, R. Greg; Lowenstern, Jacob B.

    2017-01-01

    We quantified gas and heat emissions in an acid-sulfate, vapor-dominated area (0.04-km2) of Norris Geyser Basin, located just north of the 0.63 Ma Yellowstone Caldera and near an area of anomalous uplift. From 14 May to 3 October 2016, an eddy covariance system measured half-hourly CO2, H2O and sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes and a Multi-GAS instrument measured (1 Hz frequency) atmospheric H2O, CO2 and H2S volumetric mixing ratios. We also measured soil CO2 fluxes using the accumulation chamber method and temperature profiles on a grid and collected fumarole gas samples for geochemical analysis. Eddy covariance CO2 fluxes ranged from − 56 to 885 g m− 2 d− 1. Using wavelet analysis, average daily eddy covariance CO2 fluxes were locally correlated with average daily environmental parameters on several-day to monthly time scales. Estimates of CO2emission rate from the study area ranged from 8.6 t d− 1 based on eddy covariance measurements to 9.8 t d− 1 based on accumulation chamber measurements. Eddy covariance water vapor fluxes ranged from 1178 to 24,600 g m− 2 d− 1. Nighttime H and LEwere considered representative of hydrothermal heat fluxes and ranged from 4 to 183 and 38 to 504 W m− 2, respectively. The total hydrothermal heat emission rate (H + LE + radiant) estimated for the study area was 11.6 MW and LE contributed 69% of the output. The mean ± standard deviation of H2O, CO2 and H2S mixing ratios measured by the Multi-GAS system were 9.3 ± 3.1 parts per thousand, 467 ± 61 ppmv, and 0.5 ± 0.6 ppmv, respectively, and variations in the gas compositions were strongly correlated with diurnal variations in environmental parameters (wind speed and direction, atmospheric temperature). After removing ambient H2O and CO2, the observed variations in the Multi-GAS data could be explained by the mixing of relatively H2O-CO2-H2S-rich fumarole gases with CO2-rich and H2O-H2S-poor soil gases. The fumarole H2O/CO2 and CO2/H2S end member ratios (101.7 and 27.1, respectively, on average) were invariant during the measurement period and fell within the range of values measured in direct fumarole gas samples. The soil gas H2O/CO2end member ratios (~ 15–30) were variable and low relative to the fumarole end member, likely resulting from water vapor loss during cooling and condensation in the shallow subsurface, whereas the CO2/H2S end member ratio was high (~ 160), presumably related to transport of CO2-dominated soil gas emissions mixed with trace fumarolic emissions to the Multi-GAS station. Nighttime eddy covariance ratios of H2O to CO2 flux were typically between the soil gas and fumarole end member H2O/CO2 ratios defined by Multi-GAS measurements. Overall, the combined eddy covariance and Multi-GAS approach provides a powerful tool for quasi-continuous measurements of gas and heat emissions for improved volcano-hydrothermal monitoring.

  2. Micrometeorological measurements at Ash Meadows and Corn Creek Springs, Nye and Clark counties, Nevada, 1986-87

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Johnson, M.J.; Pupacko, Alex

    1992-01-01

    Micrometeorological data were collected at Ash Meadows and Corn Creek Springs, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, from October 1, 1986 through September 30, 1987. The data include accumulated measurements recorded hourly or every 30 minutes, at each site, for the following climatic variables: air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, net radiation, and soil-heat flux. Periodic sampling of sensible-heat flux and latent-heat flux were also recorded using 5-minute intervals of accumulated data. Evapotranspiration was calculated by both the eddy-correlation method and the Penman combination method. The data collected and the computer programs used to process the data are available separately on three magnetic diskettes in card-image format. (USGS)

  3. Field comparison of an eddy accumulation and an aerodynamic-gradient system for measuring pesticide volatilization fluxes

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Majewski, M.; Desjardina, R.; Rochette, P.; Pattey, E.; Selber, J.; Glotfelty, D.

    1993-01-01

    The field experiment reported here applied the relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) technique to the measurement of triallate (TA) and trifluralin (TF) volatilization from fallow soil. A critical analysis of the REA system used in this experiment is done, and the fluxes are compared to those obtained by the aerodynamic-gradient (AG) technique. The measured cumulative volatilization losses, corrected for the effective upwind source area (footprint), for the AG system were higher than with the REA system. The differences between the methods over the first 5 days of the experiment were 27 and 13% for TA and TF, respectively. A mass balance based on the amount of parent compounds volatilized from soil during the first 5 days of the experiment showed a 110 and 70% and a 79 and 61% accountability for triallate and trifluralin by the AG and REA methods, respectively. These results also show that the non-footprint-corrected AG flux values underestimated the volatilization flux by approximately 16%. The footprint correction model used in this experiment does not presently have the capability of accounting for changes in atmospheric stability. However, these values still provide an indication of the most likely upwind area affecting the evaporative flux estimations. The soil half-lives for triallate and trifluralin were 9.8 and 7.0 days, respectively. ?? 1992 American Chemical Society.

  4. Long-term measurement of terpenoid flux above a Larix kaempferi forest using a relaxed eddy accumulation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mochizuki, Tomoki; Tani, Akira; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Saigusa, Nobuko; Ueyama, Masahito

    2014-02-01

    Terpenoids emitted from forests contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols and affect the carbon budgets of forest ecosystems. To investigate seasonal variation in terpenoid flux involved in the aerosol formation and carbon budget, we measured the terpenoid flux of a Larix kaempferi forest between May 2011 and May 2012 by using a relaxed eddy accumulation method. Isoprene was emitted from a fern plant species Dryopteris crassirhizoma on the forest floor and monoterpenes from the L. kaempferi. α-Pinene was the dominant compound, but seasonal variation of the monoterpene composition was observed. High isoprene and monoterpene fluxes were observed in July and August. The total monoterpene flux was dependent on temperature, but several unusual high positive fluxes were observed after rain fall events. We found a good correlation between total monoterpene flux and volumetric soil water content (r = 0.88), and used this correlation to estimate monoterpene flux after rain events and calculate annual terpenoid emissions. Annual carbon emission in the form of total monoterpenes plus isoprene was determined to be 0.93% of the net ecosystem exchange. If we do not consider the effect of rain fall, carbon emissions may be underestimated by about 50%. Our results suggest that moisture conditions in the forest soil is a key factor controlling the monoterpene emissions from the forest ecosystem.

  5. 76 FR 40551 - Denial of Petition To Initiate Proceedings To Reschedule Marijuana

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-08

    ...By letter dated June 21, 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) denied a petition to initiate rulemaking proceedings to reschedule marijuana.\\1\\ Because DEA believes that this matter is of particular interest to members of the public, the agency is publishing below the letter sent to the petitioner (denying the petition), along with the supporting documentation that was attached to the letter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

  6. Heat capacity of aqueous monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, and N-methyldiethanolamine-based blends with carbon dioxide

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

    Weiland, R.H.; Dingman, J.C.; Cronin, D.B.

    1997-09-01

    New data are reported on the heat capacity of CO{sub 2}-loaded, aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and aqueous MDEA-based blends with MEA and DEA. The work reported here was motivated by the need to quantify the effect of acid gas loading on the important physical properties of gas-sweetening solvents.

  7. Measuring the Efficiency of Public Universities: Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to Examine Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alabdulmenem, Fahad Mohammed

    2017-01-01

    Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that allot substantial amount of government resources for education. Thus, it is important to measure how these resources are used to generate favorable academic outcomes for its nationals. In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to measure the relative efficiency of 25 public universities in…

  8. The Efficiency of Italian Secondary Schools and the Potential Role of Competition: A Data Envelopment Analysis Using OECD-PISA2006 Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Agasisti, Tommaso

    2013-01-01

    In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to compute efficiency scores for a sample of Italian schools by employing OECD-PISA2006 data aggregated at school level. Efficiency has been defined as the ability to transform inputs (resources, student background, etc.) into outputs (student achievement). Different versions of the DEA models…

  9. Laboratory and clinical trials of cocamide diethanolamine lotion against head lice

    PubMed Central

    Brunton, Elizabeth R.; Brown, Christine M.

    2015-01-01

    Context. During the late 1990s, insecticide resistance had rendered a number of treatment products ineffective; some companies saw this as an opportunity to develop alternative types of treatment. We investigated the possibility that a surfactant-based lotion containing 10% cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA) was effective to eliminate head louse infestation. Settings and Design. Initial in vitro testing of the lotion formulation versus laboratory reared body/clothing lice, followed by two randomised, controlled, community-based, assessor blinded, clinical studies. Materials and Methods. Preliminary laboratory tests were performed by exposing lice or louse eggs to the product using a method that mimicked the intended use. Clinical Study 1: Children and adults with confirmed head louse infestation were treated by investigators using a single application of aqueous 10% cocamide DEA lotion applied for 60 min followed by shampooing or a single 1% permethrin creme rinse treatment applied to pre-washed hair for 10 min. Clinical Study 2: Compared two treatment regimens using 10% cocamide DEA lotion that was concentrated by hair drying. A single application left on for 8 h/overnight was compared with two applications 7 days apart of 2 h duration, followed by a shampoo wash. Results. The initial laboratory tests showed a pediculicidal effect for a 60 min application but limited ovicidal effect. A longer application time of 8 h or overnight was found capable of killing all eggs but this differed between batches of test material. Clinical Study 1: Both treatments performed badly with only 3/23 (13%) successful treatments using cocamide DEA and 5/25 (23.8%) using permethrin. Clinical Study 2: The single overnight application of cocamide DEA concentrated by hair drying gave 10/56 (17.9%) successes compared with 19/56 (33.9%) for the 2 h application regimen repeated after 1 week. Intention to treat analysis showed no significant difference (p = 0.0523) between the treatments. Over the two studies, there were 18 adverse events possibly or probably associated with treatment, most of which were increased pruritus after treatment. Conclusions. Cocamide DEA 10% lotion, even when concentrated by hair drying, showed limited activity to eliminate head louse infestation. PMID:26557439

  10. Efficiency of primary care in rural Burkina Faso. A two-stage DEA analysis

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Providing health care services in Africa is hampered by severe scarcity of personnel, medical supplies and financial funds. Consequently, managers of health care institutions are called to measure and improve the efficiency of their facilities in order to provide the best possible services with their resources. However, very little is known about the efficiency of health care facilities in Africa and instruments of performance measurement are hardly applied in this context. Objective This study determines the relative efficiency of primary care facilities in Nouna, a rural health district in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, it analyses the factors influencing the efficiency of these institutions. Methodology We apply a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on data from a comprehensive provider and household information system. In the first stage, the relative efficiency of each institution is calculated by a traditional DEA model. In the second stage, we identify the reasons for being inefficient by regression technique. Results The DEA projections suggest that inefficiency is mainly a result of poor utilization of health care facilities as they were either too big or the demand was too low. Regression results showed that distance is an important factor influencing the efficiency of a health care institution Conclusions Compared to the findings of existing one-stage DEA analyses of health facilities in Africa, the share of relatively efficient units is slightly higher. The difference might be explained by a rather homogenous structure of the primary care facilities in the Burkina Faso sample. The study also indicates that improving the accessibility of primary care facilities will have a major impact on the efficiency of these institutions. Thus, health decision-makers are called to overcome the demand-side barriers in accessing health care. PMID:22828358

  11. Subluxação da mandíbula para abordagem de bifurcação carotídea alta em paciente com parotidite por contraste iodado: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

    PubMed Central

    dos Santos, Reinaldo Benevides; Queiroz, André Brito; Fidelis, Ronald José Ribeiro; Lopes, Cicero Fidelis; de Araújo, José Siqueira

    2017-01-01

    Resumo A doença aterosclerótica das carótidas extracranianas pode resultar em complicações com alta morbidade e mortalidade. A avaliação pré-operatória com exames contrastados de imagem é associada a complicações como a parotidite, além das já bem conhecidas reações alérgicas e da disfunção renal. A bifurcação carotídea alta e a doença aterosclerótica de extensão cranial costumam ser fatores limitantes para o tratamento cirúrgico convencional. Entretanto, quando há contraindicação ao uso de contraste iodado ou impossibilidade do tratamento endovascular, há a necessidade do conhecimento de técnicas cirúrgicas que permitam a realização da endarterectomia com segurança. A subluxação da mandíbula se mostrou uma técnica adjuvante segura e efetiva, de fácil execução e reprodutibilidade, possibilitando o acesso a bifurcações carotídeas altas com boa exposição do campo cirúrgico e permitindo a realização da endarterectomia conforme a técnica padrão. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com bifurcação carotídea alta e com limitações para uso do contraste iodado que foi submetida a endarterectomia carotídea após subluxação de mandíbula. PMID:29930669

  12. iDEAS: A web-based system for dry eye assessment.

    PubMed

    Remeseiro, Beatriz; Barreira, Noelia; García-Resúa, Carlos; Lira, Madalena; Giráldez, María J; Yebra-Pimentel, Eva; Penedo, Manuel G

    2016-07-01

    Dry eye disease is a public health problem, whose multifactorial etiology challenges clinicians and researchers making necessary the collaboration between different experts and centers. The evaluation of the interference patterns observed in the tear film lipid layer is a common clinical test used for dry eye diagnosis. However, it is a time-consuming task with a high degree of intra- as well as inter-observer variability, which makes the use of a computer-based analysis system highly desirable. This work introduces iDEAS (Dry Eye Assessment System), a web-based application to support dry eye diagnosis. iDEAS provides a framework for eye care experts to collaboratively work using image-based services in a distributed environment. It is composed of three main components: the web client for user interaction, the web application server for request processing, and the service module for image analysis. Specifically, this manuscript presents two automatic services: tear film classification, which classifies an image into one interference pattern; and tear film map, which illustrates the distribution of the patterns over the entire tear film. iDEAS has been evaluated by specialists from different institutions to test its performance. Both services have been evaluated in terms of a set of performance metrics using the annotations of different experts. Note that the processing time of both services has been also measured for efficiency purposes. iDEAS is a web-based application which provides a fast, reliable environment for dry eye assessment. The system allows practitioners to share images, clinical information and automatic assessments between remote computers. Additionally, it save time for experts, diminish the inter-expert variability and can be used in both clinical and research settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Effectiveness of maritime safety control in different navigation zones using a spatial sequential DEA model: Yangtze River case.

    PubMed

    Wu, Bing; Wang, Yang; Zhang, Jinfen; Savan, Emanuel Emil; Yan, Xinping

    2015-08-01

    This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of maritime safety control from the perspective of safety level along the Yangtze River with special considerations for navigational environments. The influencing variables of maritime safety are reviewed, including ship condition, maritime regulatory system, human reliability and navigational environment. Because the former three variables are generally assumed to be of the same level of safety, this paper focuses on studying the impact of navigational environments on the level of safety in different waterways. An improved data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is proposed by treating the navigational environment factors as inputs and ship accident data as outputs. Moreover, because the traditional DEA model cannot provide an overall ranking of different decision making units (DMUs), the spatial sequential frontiers and grey relational analysis are incorporated into the DEA model to facilitate a refined assessment. Based on the empirical study results, the proposed model is able to solve the problem of information missing in the prior models and evaluate the level of safety with a better accuracy. The results of the proposed DEA model are further compared with an evidential reasoning (ER) method, which has been widely used for level of safety evaluations. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to better understand the relationship between the variation of navigational environments and level of safety. The sensitivity analysis shows that the level of safety varies in terms of traffic flow. It indicates that appropriate traffic control measures should be adopted for different waterways to improve their safety. This paper presents a practical method of conducting maritime level of safety assessments under dynamic navigational environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Sand deposition in shoreline eddies along five Wild and Scenic Rivers, Idaho

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Andrews, E.D.; Vincent, K.R.

    2007-01-01

    Sand bars deposited along the lateral margin of a river channel are frequently a focus of recreational activities. Sand bars are appealing sites on which to camp, picnic, fish and relax because they are relatively flat, soft, non-cohesive sand, free of vegetation and near the water's edge. The lack of vegetation and cohesion make sand bars easily erodible. Without appreciable deposition of new material, number and size of bars through a given reach of river will decline substantially over a period of years. We studied 63 beaches and their associated eddies located throughout 10 selected reaches within the designated Wild and Scenic River sections of the Lochsa, Selway, Middle Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Salmon and Salmon Rivers in Idaho to determine the relation of beaches to the frequency and magnitude of streamflows that deposit appreciable quantities of sand. At present, these rivers have been altered little, if at all, by flow regulation, and only the Salmon River has substantial diversion upstream of a study reach. The river reaches studied have an abundance of sand bar beaches of appreciable size, in spite of suspended sand concentrations that rarely exceeded a few hundred milligrams per litre even during the largest floods. Calculated mean annual rates of deposition in an eddy vary from 5.8 to more than 100 cm depending primarily on: (1) the duration of streamflows that inundate the eddy sand bar depositions; (2) the rate of the flow exchange between the channel and an eddy and (3) the concentrations of suspended sand in the primary channel. The annual thickness of sand deposition in an eddy varies greatly from year to year depending on the duration of relatively large streamflows. Maximum annual sand depositions in an eddy are three to nine times the estimated long-term mean values. Relatively large, sustained floods deposit an appreciable portion of total deposition over a period of years. For the period of record, 1930-2002, the seven largest annual depositions, which represent more than 40% of all material deposited over the Lochsa River 21.9 km eddy, occurred in the years with the seven largest instantaneous annual peak floods. Beach area and volume for most beaches, however, are less variable year-to-year than the variation in annual deposition would indicate. Accumulative 10-year weighed deposition rate was computed to estimate the effective variability of beach deposition. Although less variable than the annual deposition, the cumulative 10-year deposition calculated for the longest hydrologic records, 71 years, existing on the Idaho Wild and Scenic Rivers varied by more than an order of magnitude from less than 20 cm to more than 220 cm.

  15. Semi-Autonomous Control with Cyber-Pain for Artificial Muscles and Smart Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-15

    avoid some key failure modes. Our approach has built on our developments in dynamic self-sensing and realistic simulation of DEA electromechanics...local controller) to avoid some key failure modes. Our approach has built on our developments in dynamic self-sensing and realistic simulation of DEA...strains [4]. In its natural state long polymer backbones are entangled with intermittent cross-links tying neighbouring backbones together. The soft

  16. A Novel Approach to Measuring Efficiency of Scientific Research Projects: Data Envelopment Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Zell, Adrienne; Orwoll, Eric

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Purpose Measuring the efficiency of resource allocation for the conduct of scientific projects in medical research is difficult due to, among other factors, the heterogeneity of resources supplied (e.g., dollars or FTEs) and outcomes expected (e.g., grants, publications). While this is an issue in medical science, it has been approached successfully in other fields by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA has a number of advantages over other techniques as it simultaneously uses multiple heterogeneous inputs and outputs to determine which projects are performing most efficiently, referred to as being at the efficiency frontier, when compared to others in the data set. Method This research uses DEA for the evaluation of supported translational science projects by the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NCATS Clinical & Translational Science Award (CTSA) recipient. Results These results suggest that the primary determinate of overall project efficiency at OCTRI is the amount of funding, with smaller amounts of funding providing more efficiency than larger funding amounts. Conclusion These results, and the use of DEA, highlight both the success of using this technique in helping determine medical research efficiency and those factors to consider when distributing funds for new projects at CTSAs. PMID:26243147

  17. Dielectric elastomer memory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    O'Brien, Benjamin M.; McKay, Thomas G.; Xie, Sheng Q.; Calius, Emilio P.; Anderson, Iain A.

    2011-04-01

    Life shows us that the distribution of intelligence throughout flexible muscular networks is a highly successful solution to a wide range of challenges, for example: human hearts, octopi, or even starfish. Recreating this success in engineered systems requires soft actuator technologies with embedded sensing and intelligence. Dielectric Elastomer Actuator(s) (DEA) are promising due to their large stresses and strains, as well as quiet flexible multimodal operation. Recently dielectric elastomer devices were presented with built in sensor, driver, and logic capability enabled by a new concept called the Dielectric Elastomer Switch(es) (DES). DES use electrode piezoresistivity to control the charge on DEA and enable the distribution of intelligence throughout a DEA device. In this paper we advance the capabilities of DES further to form volatile memory elements. A set reset flip-flop with inverted reset line was developed based on DES and DEA. With a 3200V supply the flip-flop behaved appropriately and demonstrated the creation of dielectric elastomer memory capable of changing state in response to 1 second long set and reset pulses. This memory opens up applications such as oscillator, de-bounce, timing, and sequential logic circuits; all of which could be distributed throughout biomimetic actuator arrays. Future work will include miniaturisation to improve response speed, implementation into more complex circuits, and investigation of longer lasting and more sensitive switching materials.

  18. Dynamic contact angle analysis of protein adsorption on polysaccharide multilayer's films for biomaterial reendothelialization.

    PubMed

    Benni, Safiya; Avramoglou, Thierry; Hlawaty, Hanna; Mora, Laurence

    2014-01-01

    Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease. One of the side effects is restenosis. The aim of this work was to study the coating of stents by dextran derivates based polyelectrolyte's multilayer (PEM) films in order to increase endothelialization of injured arterial wall after stent implantation. Films were composed with diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE) as polycation and dextran sulphate (DS) as polyanion. One film was composed with 4 bilayers of (DEAE-DS)4 and was labeled D-. The other film was the same as D- but with an added terminal layer of DEAE polycation: (DEAE-DS)4-DEAE (labeled D+). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of proteins on the films were characterized by dynamic contact angle (DCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation were quantified and correlated to protein adsorption analyzed by DCA for fibronectin, vitronectin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our results showed that the endothelial cell response was optimal for films composed of DS as external layer. Fibronectin was found to be the only protein to exhibit a reversible change in conformation after desorption test. This behavior was only observed for (DEAE-DS)4 films. (DEAE-DS)4 films could enhance HUVEC proliferation in agreement with fibronectin ability to easily change from conformation.

  19. Dynamic Contact Angle Analysis of Protein Adsorption on Polysaccharide Multilayer's Films for Biomaterial Reendothelialization

    PubMed Central

    Benni, Safiya; Mora, Laurence

    2014-01-01

    Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease. One of the side effects is restenosis. The aim of this work was to study the coating of stents by dextran derivates based polyelectrolyte's multilayer (PEM) films in order to increase endothelialization of injured arterial wall after stent implantation. Films were composed with diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE) as polycation and dextran sulphate (DS) as polyanion. One film was composed with 4 bilayers of (DEAE-DS)4 and was labeled D−. The other film was the same as D− but with an added terminal layer of DEAE polycation: (DEAE-DS)4-DEAE (labeled D+). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of proteins on the films were characterized by dynamic contact angle (DCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and proliferation were quantified and correlated to protein adsorption analyzed by DCA for fibronectin, vitronectin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our results showed that the endothelial cell response was optimal for films composed of DS as external layer. Fibronectin was found to be the only protein to exhibit a reversible change in conformation after desorption test. This behavior was only observed for (DEAE-DS)4 films. (DEAE-DS)4 films could enhance HUVEC proliferation in agreement with fibronectin ability to easily change from conformation. PMID:25276808

  20. Further potentials in the joint implementation of life cycle assessment and data envelopment analysis.

    PubMed

    Iribarren, Diego; Vázquez-Rowe, Ian; Moreira, María Teresa; Feijoo, Gumersindo

    2010-10-15

    The combined application of Life Cycle Assessment and Data Envelopment Analysis has been recently proposed to provide a tool for the comprehensive assessment of the environmental and operational performance of multiple similar entities. Among the acknowledged advantages of LCA+DEA methodology, eco-efficiency verification and avoidance of average inventories are usually highlighted. However, given the novelty of LCA+DEA methods, a high number of additional potentials remain unexplored. In this sense, there are some features that are worth detailing given their wide interest to enhance LCA performance. Emphasis is laid on the improved interpretation of LCA results through the complementary use of DEA with respect to: (i) super-efficiency analysis to facilitate the selection of reference performers, (ii) inter- and intra-assessments of multiple data sets within any specific sector with benchmarking and trend analysis purposes, (iii) integration of an economic dimension in order to enrich sustainability assessments, and (iv) window analysis to evaluate environmental impact efficiency over a certain period of time. Furthermore, the capability of LCA+DEA methodology to be generally implemented in a wide range of scenarios is discussed. These further potentials are explained and demonstrated via the presentation of brief case studies based on real data sets. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Budget of Turbulent Kinetic Energy in a Shock Wave Boundary-Layer Interaction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vyas, Manan; Waindim, Mbu; Gaitonde, Datta

    2016-01-01

    Implicit large-eddy simulation (ILES) of a shock wave boundary-layer interaction (SBLI) was performed. Quantities present in the exact equation of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) transport were accumulated. These quantities will be used to calculate the components of TKE-like production, dissipation, transport, and dilatation. Correlations of these terms will be presented to study the growth and interaction between various terms. A comparison with its RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) counterpart will also be presented.

  2. Eddy covariance measurement of isoprene fluxes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guenther, Alex B.; Hills, Alan J.

    1998-06-01

    A system has been developed to directly measure isoprene flux above a forest canopy by eddy covariance using the combination of a fast response, real-time isoprene sensor and sonic anemometer. This system is suitable for making nearly unattended, long-term, and continuous measurements of isoprene fluxes. Isoprene detection is based on chemiluminescence between isoprene and reactant ozone, which produces green light at 500 nm. The sensor has a noise level (1σ) of 450 pptv for a 1-s integration which is dominated by random high-frequency noise that does not significantly degrade eddy covariance flux measurements. Interference from the flux of other compounds is primarily due to the emission of monoterpenes, propene, ethene, and methyl butenol and the deposition of methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone. The average total interference for North American landscapes in midday summer is estimated to be about 5% for emissions and -3% for deposition fluxes. In only a few North American landscapes, where isoprene emissions are very low and methyl butenol emissions are high, are interferences predicted to be significant. The system was field tested on a tower above a mixed deciduous forest canopy (Duke Forest, North Carolina, U.S.A.) dominated by oak trees, which are strong isoprene emitters. Isoprene fluxes were estimated for 307 half-hour sampling periods over 10 days. Daytime fluxes ranging from 1 to 14 mg C m-2 h-1 were strongly correlated with light and temperature. The daytime mean flux of 6 mg C m-2 h-1 is similar to previous estimates determined by relaxed eddy accumulation by Geron et al [1997] at this site. Nighttime fluxes were near zero (0.01±0.03 mg C m-2 h-1).

  3. Influence of a dam on fine-sediment storage in a canyon river

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hazel, J.E.; Topping, D.J.; Schmidt, J.C.; Kaplinski, M.

    2006-01-01

    Glen Canyon Dam has caused a fundamental change in the distribution of fine sediment storage in the 99-km reach of the Colorado River in Marble Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The two major storage sites for fine sediment (i.e., sand and finer material) in this canyon river are lateral recirculation eddies and the main-channel bed. We use a combination of methods, including direct measurement of sediment storage change, measurements of sediment flux, and comparison of the grain size of sediment found in different storage sites relative to the supply and that in transport, in order to evaluate the change in both the volume and location of sediment storage. The analysis shows that the bed of the main channel was an important storage environment for fine sediment in the predam era. In years of large seasonal accumulation, approximately 50% of the fine sediment supplied to the reach from upstream sources was stored on the main-channel bed. In contrast, sediment budgets constructed for two short-duration, high experimental releases from Glen Canyon Dam indicate that approximately 90% of the sediment discharge from the reach during each release was derived from eddy storage, rather than from sandy deposits on the main-channel bed. These results indicate that the majority of the fine sediment in Marble Canyon is now stored in eddies, even though they occupy a small percentage (???17%) of the total river area. Because of a 95% reduction in the supply of fine sediment to Marble Canyon, future high releases without significant input of tributary sediment will potentially erode sediment from long-term eddy storage, resulting in continued degradation in Marble Canyon. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.

  4. Influence from Surrounding Land on the Turbulence Measurements Above a Lake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sahlée, Erik; Rutgersson, Anna; Podgrajsek, Eva; Bergström, Hans

    2014-02-01

    Turbulence measurements taken at a Swedish lake are analyzed. Although the measurements took place over a relatively large lake with several km of undisturbed fetch, the turbulence structure was found to be highly influenced by the surrounding land during daytime. Variance spectra of both horizontal velocity and scalars during both unstable and stable stratification displayed a low frequency peak. The energy at lower frequencies showed a daily variation, increasing in the morning and decreasing in the afternoon. This behaviour is explained by spectral lag, where the low frequency energy due to large eddies that originate from the convective boundary layer above the surrounding land. When the air is advected over the lake the small eddies rapidly equilibrate with the new surface forcing. However, the large eddies remain for an appreciable distance and influence the turbulence in the developing lake boundary layer. The variances of the horizontal velocity and scalars are increased by these large eddies, while the turbulent fluxes are mainly unaffected. The drag coefficient, Stanton number and Dalton number used to parametrize the momentum flux, heat flux and latent heat flux respectively all compare well with current parametrizations developed for open sea conditions. The diurnal cycle of the partial pressure of methane, pCH4, observed at this site is closely related to the diurnal cycle of the lake-air methane flux. An idealized two-dimensional model simulation of the boundary layer at a lake site indicates that the strong response of pCH4 to the surface methane flux is due to the shallow internal boundary layer that develops above the lake, allowing methane to accumulate in a relatively small volume.

  5. Can CO2 Turbulent Flux Be Measured by Lidar? A Preliminary Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gilbert, Fabien; Koch, Grady; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Hilton, Timothy W.; Davis, Kenneth J.; Andrews, Arlyn; Flamant, Pierre H.; Singh, Upendra N.

    2011-01-01

    The vertical profiling ofCO2 turbulent fluxes in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is investigated using a coherent differential absorption lidar (CDIAL) operated nearby a tall tower in Wisconsin during June 2007. A CDIAL can perform simultaneous range-resolved CO2 DIAL and velocity measurements. The lidar eddy covariance technique is presented. The aims of the study are (i) an assessment of performance and current limitation of available CDIAL for CO2 turbulent fluxes and (ii) the derivation of instrument specifications to build a future CDIAL to perform accurate range-resolved CO2 fluxes. Experimental lidar CO2 mixing ratio and vertical velocity profiles are successfully compared with in situ sensors measurements. Time and space integral scales of turbulence in the ABL are addressed that result in limitation for time averaging and range accumulation. A first attempt to infer CO2 fluxes using an eddy covariance technique with currently available 2-mm CDIAL dataset is reported.

  6. Effect of stable stratification on dispersion within urban street canyons: A large-eddy simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xian-Xiang; Britter, Rex; Norford, Leslie K.

    2016-11-01

    This study employs a validated large-eddy simulation (LES) code with high tempo-spatial resolution to investigate the effect of a stably stratified roughness sublayer (RSL) on scalar transport within an urban street canyon. The major effect of stable stratification on the flow and turbulence inside the street canyon is that the flow slows down in both streamwise and vertical directions, a stagnant area near the street level emerges, and the vertical transport of momentum is weakened. Consequently, the transfer of heat between the street canyon and overlying atmosphere also gets weaker. The pollutant emitted from the street level 'pools' within the lower street canyon, and more pollutant accumulates within the street canyon with increasing stability. Under stable stratification, the dominant mechanism for pollutant transport within the street canyon has changed from ejections (flow carries high-concentration pollutant upward) to unorganized motions (flow carries high-concentration pollutant downward), which is responsible for the much lower dispersion efficiency under stable stratifications.

  7. Holographic Structuring of Elastomer Actuator: First True Monolithic Tunable Elastomer Optics.

    PubMed

    Ryabchun, Alexander; Kollosche, Matthias; Wegener, Michael; Sakhno, Oksana

    2016-12-01

    Volume diffraction gratings (VDGs) are inscribed selectively by diffusive introduction of benzophenone and subsequent UV-holographic structuring into an electroactive dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), to afford a continuous voltage-controlled grating shift of 17%. The internal stress coupling of DEA and optical domain allows for a new generation of true monolithic tunable elastomer optics with voltage controlled properties. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Elimination of exemptions for chemical mixtures containing the list I chemicals ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2008-07-10

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is finalizing, without change, the Interim Rule with Request for Comment published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2007 (72 FR 40738). The Interim Rule removed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) exemptions for chemical mixtures containing ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine with concentration limits at or below five percent. Upon the effective date of the Interim Rule, all ephedrine and pseudoephedrine chemical mixtures, regardless of concentration and form, became subject to the regulatory provisions of the CSA. DEA regulated the importation, exportation, manufacture, and distribution of these chemical mixtures by requiring persons who handle these chemical mixtures to register with DEA, maintain certain records common to business practice, and file certain reports, regarding these chemical mixtures. No comments to the Interim Rule were received. This Final Rule finalizes the Interim Rule without change.

  9. Temperature dependence of the cross section for the fragmentation of thymine via dissociative electron attachment

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

    Kopyra, Janina; Abdoul-Carime, Hassan, E-mail: hcarime@ipnl.in2p3.fr

    Providing experimental values for absolute Dissociative Electron Attachment (DEA) cross sections for nucleobases at realistic biological conditions is a considerable challenge. In this work, we provide the temperature dependence of the cross section, σ, of the dehydrogenated thymine anion (T − H){sup −} produced via DEA. Within the 393-443 K temperature range, it is observed that σ varies by one order of magnitude. By extrapolating to a temperature of 313 K, the relative DEA cross section for the production of the dehydrogenated thymine anion at an incident energy of 1 eV decreases by 2 orders of magnitude and the absolutemore » value reaches approximately 6 × 10{sup −19} cm{sup 2}. These quantitative measurements provide a benchmark for theoretical prediction and also a contribution to a more accurate description of the effects of ionizing radiation on molecular medium.« less

  10. Optimal haptic feedback control of artificial muscles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Daniel; Besier, Thor; Anderson, Iain; McKay, Thomas

    2014-03-01

    As our population ages, and trends in obesity continue to grow, joint degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) are becoming increasingly prevalent. With no cure currently in sight, the only effective treatments for OA are orthopaedic surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, neither of which is guaranteed to succeed. Gait retraining has tremendous potential to alter the contact forces in the joints due to walking, reducing the risk of one developing hip and knee OA. Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) are being explored as a potential way of applying intuitive haptic feedback to alter a patient's walking gait. The main challenge with the use of DEAs in this application is producing large enough forces and strains to induce sensation when coupled to a patient's skin. A novel controller has been proposed to solve this issue. The controller uses simultaneous capacitive self-sensing and actuation which will optimally apply a haptic sensation to the patient's skin independent of variability in DEAs and patient geometries.

  11. A road to practical dielectric elastomer actuators based robotics and mechatronics: discrete actuation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Plante, Jean-Sébastien; Devita, Lauren M.; Dubowsky, Steven

    2007-04-01

    Fundamental studies of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) using viscoelastic materials such as VHB 4905/4910 from 3M showed significant advantages at high stretch rates. The film's viscous forces increase actuator life and the short power-on times minimize energy losses through current leakage. This paper presents a design paradigm that exploits these fundamental properties of DEAs called discrete actuation. Discrete actuation uses DEAs at high stretch rates to change the states of robotic or mechatronic systems in discrete steps. Each state of the system is stable and can be maintained without actuator power. Discrete actuation can be used in robotic and mechatronic applications such as manipulation and locomotion. The resolution of such systems increases with the number of discrete states, 10 to 100 being sufficient for many applications. An MRI-guided needle positioning device for cancer treatments and a space exploration robot using hopping for locomotion are presented as examples of this concept.

  12. Schedules of controlled substances: placement of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Final rule.

    PubMed

    2010-12-20

    With the issuance of this final rule, the Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) places the substance 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), including its salts, isomers and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This action by the DEA Deputy Administrator is based on a scheduling recommendation from the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and a DEA review indicating that 5-MeO-DMT meets the criteria for placement in schedule I of the CSA. This final rule will impose the criminal sanctions and regulatory controls of schedule I substances under the CSA on the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, importation, exportation, and possession of 5-MeO-DMT.

  13. Benchmarking the efficiency of the Chilean water and sewerage companies: a double-bootstrap approach.

    PubMed

    Molinos-Senante, María; Donoso, Guillermo; Sala-Garrido, Ramon; Villegas, Andrés

    2018-03-01

    Benchmarking the efficiency of water companies is essential to set water tariffs and to promote their sustainability. In doing so, most of the previous studies have applied conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. However, it is a deterministic method that does not allow to identify environmental factors influencing efficiency scores. To overcome this limitation, this paper evaluates the efficiency of a sample of Chilean water and sewerage companies applying a double-bootstrap DEA model. Results evidenced that the ranking of water and sewerage companies changes notably whether efficiency scores are computed applying conventional or double-bootstrap DEA models. Moreover, it was found that the percentage of non-revenue water and customer density are factors influencing the efficiency of Chilean water and sewerage companies. This paper illustrates the importance of using a robust and reliable method to increase the relevance of benchmarking tools.

  14. Reactions in Nitroimidazole and Methylnitroimidazole Triggered by Low-Energy (0-8 eV) Electrons.

    PubMed

    Tanzer, Katrin; Feketeová, Linda; Puschnigg, Benjamin; Scheier, Paul; Illenberger, Eugen; Denifl, Stephan

    2015-06-25

    Low-energy electrons (0-8 eV) effectively decompose 4-nitroimidazole (4NI) and the two methylated isomers 1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole and 1-methyl-4-nitroimidazole via dissociative electron attachment (DEA). The involved unimolecular decompositions range from simple bond cleavages (loss of H(•), formation of NO2(-)) to complex reactions possibly leading to a complete degradation of the target molecule (formation of CN(-), etc.). At energies below 2 eV, the entire rich chemistry induced by DEA is completely quenched by methylation, as demonstrated in a previous communication (Tanzer, K.; Feketeová, L.; Puschnigg, B.; Scheier, P.; Illenberger. E.; Denifl, S. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 12240). The observation that in 4NI neutral radicals and radical anions are formed via DEA at high efficiency already at threshold (0 eV) may have significant implications for the development of nitroimidazole-based radiosensitizers in tumor radiation therapy.

  15. Stochastic Frontier Approach and Data Envelopment Analysis to Total Factor Productivity and Efficiency Measurement of Bangladeshi Rice

    PubMed Central

    Hossain, Md. Kamrul; Kamil, Anton Abdulbasah; Baten, Md. Azizul; Mustafa, Adli

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this paper is to apply the Translog Stochastic Frontier production model (SFA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to estimate efficiencies over time and the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth rate for Bangladeshi rice crops (Aus, Aman and Boro) throughout the most recent data available comprising the period 1989–2008. Results indicate that technical efficiency was observed as higher for Boro among the three types of rice, but the overall technical efficiency of rice production was found around 50%. Although positive changes exist in TFP for the sample analyzed, the average growth rate of TFP for rice production was estimated at almost the same levels for both Translog SFA with half normal distribution and DEA. Estimated TFP from SFA is forecasted with ARIMA (2, 0, 0) model. ARIMA (1, 0, 0) model is used to forecast TFP of Aman from DEA estimation. PMID:23077500

  16. Magnetic force induced tristability for dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xin-Qiang; Li, Wen-Bo; Zhang, Wen-Ming; Zou, Hong-Xiang; Peng, Zhi-Ke; Meng, Guang

    2017-10-01

    This paper presents a novel dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) with three stable states. By introducing magnetic forces and coupling them with two cone dielectric elastomer (DE) films, an inherent tristability for the DEA is obtained with a compact design. It is easy to switch between the three stable states by controlling the voltages applied to the DE films. A theoretical model of the system’s potential energy that contains the free energy of the DEs and the potential energy of the applied magnetic field was developed for the tristable mechanism. The experimental results demonstrate that controllable transitions between the three stable states can be achieved with this design by applying over-critical voltages to the various DE films. The maximum dynamic range of the DEA can exceed 53.8% of the total length of the device and the DE’s creep speed was accelerated under the action of the magnetic field.

  17. Ethene, propene, butene and isoprene emissions from a ponderosa pine forest measured by relaxed eddy accumulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rhew, Robert C.; Deventer, Malte Julian; Turnipseed, Andrew A.; Warneke, Carsten; Ortega, John; Shen, Steve; Martinez, Luis; Koss, Abigail; Lerner, Brian M.; Gilman, Jessica B.; Smith, James N.; Guenther, Alex B.; de Gouw, Joost A.

    2017-11-01

    Alkenes are reactive hydrocarbons that influence local and regional atmospheric chemistry by playing important roles in the photochemical production of tropospheric ozone and in the formation of secondary organic aerosols. The simplest alkene, ethene (ethylene), is a major plant hormone and ripening agent for agricultural commodities. The group of light alkenes (C2-C4) originates from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources, but their biogenic sources are poorly characterized, with limited field-based flux observations. Here we report net ecosystem fluxes of light alkenes and isoprene from a semiarid ponderosa pine forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA using the relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) technique during the summer of 2014. Ethene, propene, butene and isoprene emissions have strong diurnal cycles, with median daytime fluxes of 123, 95, 39 and 17 µg m-2 h-1, respectively. The fluxes were correlated with each other, followed general ecosystem trends of CO2 and water vapor, and showed similar sunlight and temperature response curves as other biogenic VOCs. The May through October flux, based on measurements and modeling, averaged 62, 52, 24 and 18 µg m-2 h-1 for ethene, propene, butene and isoprene, respectively. The light alkenes contribute significantly to the overall biogenic source of reactive hydrocarbons: roughly 18 % of the dominant biogenic VOC, 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. The measured ecosystem scale fluxes are 40-80 % larger than estimates used for global emissions models for this type of ecosystem.

  18. Road safety risk evaluation and target setting using data envelopment analysis and its extensions.

    PubMed

    Shen, Yongjun; Hermans, Elke; Brijs, Tom; Wets, Geert; Vanhoof, Koen

    2012-09-01

    Currently, comparison between countries in terms of their road safety performance is widely conducted in order to better understand one's own safety situation and to learn from those best-performing countries by indicating practical targets and formulating action programmes. In this respect, crash data such as the number of road fatalities and casualties are mostly investigated. However, the absolute numbers are not directly comparable between countries. Therefore, the concept of risk, which is defined as the ratio of road safety outcomes and some measure of exposure (e.g., the population size, the number of registered vehicles, or distance travelled), is often used in the context of benchmarking. Nevertheless, these risk indicators are not consistent in most cases. In other words, countries may have different evaluation results or ranking positions using different exposure information. In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a performance measurement technique is investigated to provide an overall perspective on a country's road safety situation, and further assess whether the road safety outcomes registered in a country correspond to the numbers that can be expected based on the level of exposure. In doing so, three model extensions are considered, which are the DEA based road safety model (DEA-RS), the cross-efficiency method, and the categorical DEA model. Using the measures of exposure to risk as the model's input and the number of road fatalities as output, an overall road safety efficiency score is computed for the 27 European Union (EU) countries based on the DEA-RS model, and the ranking of countries in accordance with their cross-efficiency scores is evaluated. Furthermore, after applying clustering analysis to group countries with inherent similarity in their practices, the categorical DEA-RS model is adopted to identify best-performing and underperforming countries in each cluster, as well as the reference sets or benchmarks for those underperforming ones. More importantly, the extent to which each reference set could be learned from is specified, and practical yet challenging targets are given for each underperforming country, which enables policymakers to recognize the gap with those best-performing countries and further develop their own road safety policy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Comment (1) on “Formation of the Isthmus of Panama” by O’Dea et al.

    PubMed Central

    Jaramillo, Carlos; Montes, Camilo; Cardona, Agustín; Silvestro, Daniele; Antonelli, Alexandre; Bacon, Christine D.

    2017-01-01

    A review and reanalysis of geological, molecular, and paleontological data led O’Dea et al. (1) to propose (i) that reports by Montes et al. (2) and Bacon et al. (3) regarding a middle Miocene closure of the Central American Seaway (CAS) are unsupported, and (ii) a new age of the formation of the Isthmus at 2.8 million years ago (Ma). Here, we reject both of these conclusions. PMID:28630903

  20. Analysis of spacecraft data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1984-01-01

    A software program for the production and analysis of data from the Dynamics Explorer-A (DE-A) satellite was maintained and modified and new software initiated. A capability was developed to process DE-A plasma-wave instrument mission analysis files on the Tektronic 4027 color CRT, for which two programs were written. The algorithm for the calibration lookup table for the plasma-wave instrument data was modified and verified, and a production program to generate color FR-80 spectrograms was written.

  1. Unexpected behavior of some nitric oxide modulators under cadmium excess in plant tissue.

    PubMed

    Kováčik, Jozef; Babula, Petr; Klejdus, Bořivoj; Hedbavny, Josef; Jarošová, Markéta

    2014-01-01

    Various nitric oxide modulators (NO donors--SNP, GSNO, DEA NONOate and scavengers--PTIO, cPTIO) were tested to highlight the role of NO under Cd excess in various ontogenetic stages of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Surprisingly, compared to Cd alone, SNP and PTIO elevated Cd uptake (confirmed also by PhenGreen staining) but depleted glutathione (partially ascorbic acid) and phytochelatins PC2 and PC3 in both older plants (cultured hydroponically) and seedlings (cultured in deionised water). Despite these anomalous impacts, fluorescence staining of NO and ROS confirmed predictable assumptions and revealed reciprocal changes (decrease in NO but increase in ROS after PTIO addition and the opposite after SNP application). Subsequent tests using alternative modulators and seedlings confirmed changes to NO and ROS after application of GSNO and DEA NONOate as mentioned above for SNP while cPTIO altered only NO level (depletion). On the contrary to SNP and PTIO, GSNO, DEA NONOate and cPTIO did not elevate Cd content and phytochelatins (PC2, PC3) were rather elevated. These data provide evidence that various NO modulators are useful in terms of NO and ROS manipulation but interactions with intact plants affect metal uptake and must therefore be used with caution. In this view, cPTIO and DEA NONOate revealed the less pronounced side impacts and are recommended as suitable NO scavenger/donor in plant physiological studies under Cd excess.

  2. Nitrosative damage to free and zinc-bound cysteine thiols underlies nitric oxide toxicity in wild-type Borrelia burgdorferi

    PubMed Central

    Bourret, Travis J; Boylan, Julie A; Lawrence, Kevin A; Gherardini, Frank C

    2011-01-01

    Borrelia burgdorferi encounters potentially harmful reactive nitrogen species (RNS) throughout its infective cycle. In this study, diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO) was used to characterize the lethal effects of RNS on B. burgdorferi. RNS produce a variety of DNA lesions in a broad spectrum of microbial pathogens; however, levels of the DNA deamination product, deoxyinosine, and the numbers of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites were identical in DNA isolated from untreated and DEA/NO-treated B. burgdorferi cells. Strains with mutations in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway genes uvrC or uvrB treated with DEA/NO had significantly higher spontaneous mutation frequencies, increased numbers of AP sites in DNA and reduced survival compared with wild-type controls. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in B. burgdorferi cell membranes, which are susceptible to peroxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), were not sensitive to RNS-mediated lipid peroxidation. However, treatment of B. burgdorferi cells with DEA/NO resulted in nitrosative damage to several proteins, including the zinc-dependent glycolytic enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (BB0445), the Borrelia oxidative stress regulator (BosR) and neutrophil-activating protein (NapA). Collectively, these data suggested that nitrosative damage to proteins harbouring free or zinc-bound cysteine thiols, rather than DNA or membrane lipids underlies RNS toxicity in wild-type B. burgdorferi. PMID:21564333

  3. Complaint liquid metal electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finkenauer, Lauren R.; Majidi, Carmel

    2014-03-01

    This work presents a liquid-phase metal electrode to be used with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) for a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). DEAs are favorable for soft-matter applications where high efficiency and response times are desirable. A consistent challenge faced during the fabrication of these devices is the selection and deposition of electrode material. While numerous designs have been demonstrated with a variety of conductive elastomers and greases, these materials have significant and often intrinsic shortcomings, e.g. low conductivity, hysteresis, incapability of large deformations, and complex fabrication requirements. The liquid metal alloy eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) is a promising alternative to existing compliant electrodes, having both high conductivity and complete soft-matter functionality. The liquid electrode shares almost the same electrical conductivity as conventional metal wiring and provides no mechanical resistance to bending or stretching of the DEA. This research establishes a straightforward and effective method for quickly depositing EGaIn electrodes, which can be adapted for batch fabrication, and demonstrates the successful actuation of sample curved cantilever elastomer actuators using these electrodes. As with the vast majority of electrostatically actuated elastomer devices, the voltage requirements for these curved DEAs are still quite significant, though modifications to the fabrication process show some improved electrical properties. The ease and speed with which this method can be implemented suggests that the development of a more electronically efficient device is realistic and worthwhile.

  4. Resonance electron attachment to plant hormones and its likely connection with biochemical processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pshenichnyuk, Stanislav A.; Modelli, Alberto

    2014-01-01

    Gas-phase formation of temporary negative ion states via resonance attachment of low-energy (0-6 eV) electrons into vacant molecular orbitals of salicylic acid (I) and its derivatives 3-hydroxy- (II) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (III), 5-cloro salicylic acid (IV) and methyl salicylate (V) was investigated for the first time by electron transmission spectroscopy. The description of their empty-level structures was supported by density functional theory and Hartree-Fock calculations, using empirically calibrated linear equations to scale the calculated virtual orbital energies. Dissociative electron attachment spectroscopy (DEAS) was used to measure the fragment anion yields generated through dissociative decay channels of the parent molecular anions of compounds I-V, detected with a mass filter as a function of the incident electron energy in the 0-14 eV energy range. The most intense negative fragment produced by DEA to isomers I-III is the dehydrogenated molecular anion [M-H]-, mainly formed at incident electron energies around 1 eV. The vertical and adiabatic electron affinities were evaluated at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level as the anion/neutral total energy difference. The same theoretical method was also used for evaluation of the thermodynamic energy thresholds for production of the negative fragments observed in the DEA spectra. The gas-phase DEAS data can provide support for biochemical reaction mechanisms in vivo.

  5. Unexpected Behavior of Some Nitric Oxide Modulators under Cadmium Excess in Plant Tissue

    PubMed Central

    Kováčik, Jozef; Babula, Petr; Klejdus, Bořivoj; Hedbavny, Josef; Jarošová, Markéta

    2014-01-01

    Various nitric oxide modulators (NO donors - SNP, GSNO, DEA NONOate and scavengers – PTIO, cPTIO) were tested to highlight the role of NO under Cd excess in various ontogenetic stages of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Surprisingly, compared to Cd alone, SNP and PTIO elevated Cd uptake (confirmed also by PhenGreen staining) but depleted glutathione (partially ascorbic acid) and phytochelatins PC2 and PC3 in both older plants (cultured hydroponically) and seedlings (cultured in deionised water). Despite these anomalous impacts, fluorescence staining of NO and ROS confirmed predictable assumptions and revealed reciprocal changes (decrease in NO but increase in ROS after PTIO addition and the opposite after SNP application). Subsequent tests using alternative modulators and seedlings confirmed changes to NO and ROS after application of GSNO and DEA NONOate as mentioned above for SNP while cPTIO altered only NO level (depletion). On the contrary to SNP and PTIO, GSNO, DEA NONOate and cPTIO did not elevate Cd content and phytochelatins (PC2, PC3) were rather elevated. These data provide evidence that various NO modulators are useful in terms of NO and ROS manipulation but interactions with intact plants affect metal uptake and must therefore be used with caution. In this view, cPTIO and DEA NONOate revealed the less pronounced side impacts and are recommended as suitable NO scavenger/donor in plant physiological studies under Cd excess. PMID:24626462

  6. Lack of evidence of pregnancy-induced alloantibodies in dogs.

    PubMed

    Blais, M-C; Rozanski, E A; Hale, A S; Shaw, S P; Cotter, S M

    2009-01-01

    It is controversial whether or not pregnant bitches become sensitized to red blood cell (RBC) antigens. Bitches do not develop alloantibodies to RBC antigens during gestation and can be used safely as blood donors. The study group included 35 healthy female dogs with a prior history of 1 (n = 12), 2 (n = 14), or >or= 3 (n = 9) pregnancies. The control group consisted of 15 healthy female dogs without any history of pregnancy. All dogs were blood typed for dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples and polyclonal antisera. Antibody screening was performed with serum and canine RBC panels of known blood type. An autocontrol and direct antiglobulin test were performed to rule out the presence of autoantibodies. The only alloantibodies identified were those against DEA 7 and the prevalence of anti-DEA 7 alloantibodies was similar in dogs with known history of pregnancy (11.4%) and in the control group (13.3%). These results confirm previous studies and clinical transfusion medicine experience. Naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 alloantibodies have been reported but their clinical relevance has not been shown. Pregnancy does not appear to sensitize dogs to RBC antigens. Consequently, dogs with prior history of pregnancy can be used safely as blood donors. Conversely, no additional pretransfusion compatibility studies would be required should these dogs themselves need to be transfused.

  7. Nutrient Dependence of RNase E Essentiality in Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    Tamura, Masaru; Moore, Christopher J.

    2013-01-01

    Escherichia coli cells normally require RNase E activity to form colonies (colony-forming ability [CFA]). The CFA-defective phenotype of cells lacking RNase E is partly reversed by overexpression of the related endoribonuclease RNase G or by mutation of the gene encoding the RNA helicase DeaD. We found that the carbon source utilization by rne deaD doubly mutant bacteria differs from that of rne+ cells and from that of cells mutated in deaD alone and that the loss of rne function in these bacteria limits conversion of the glycolytic pathway product phosphoenolpyruvate to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate oxaloacetic acid. We show that the mechanism underlying this effect is reduced production of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PPC) and that adventitious overexpression of PPC, which facilitates phosphoenolpyruvate utilization and connects the glycolytic pathway with the TCA cycle, restored CFA to rne deaD mutant bacteria cultured on carbon sources that otherwise were unable to sustain growth. We further show that bacteria producing full-length RNase E, which allows formation of degradosomes, have nutritional requirements different from those of cells supplied with only the N-terminal catalytic region of RNase E and that mitigation of RNase E deficiency by overexpression of a related RNase, RNase G, is also affected by carbon source. Our results reveal previously unsuspected effects of RNase E deficiency and degradosome formation on nutrient utilization by E. coli cells. PMID:23275245

  8. A framework for performance measurement in university using extended network data envelopment analysis (DEA) structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kashim, Rosmaini; Kasim, Maznah Mat; Rahman, Rosshairy Abd

    2015-12-01

    Measuring university performance is essential for efficient allocation and utilization of educational resources. In most of the previous studies, performance measurement in universities emphasized the operational efficiency and resource utilization without investigating the university's ability to fulfill the needs of its stakeholders and society. Therefore, assessment of the performance of university should be separated into two stages namely efficiency and effectiveness. In conventional DEA analysis, a decision making unit (DMU) or in this context, a university is generally treated as a black-box which ignores the operation and interdependence of the internal processes. When this happens, the results obtained would be misleading. Thus, this paper suggest an alternative framework for measuring the overall performance of a university by incorporating both efficiency and effectiveness and applies network DEA model. The network DEA models are recommended because this approach takes into account the interrelationship between the processes of efficiency and effectiveness in the system. This framework also focuses on the university structure which is expanded from the hierarchical to form a series of horizontal relationship between subordinate units by assuming both intermediate unit and its subordinate units can generate output(s). Three conceptual models are proposed to evaluate the performance of a university. An efficiency model is developed at the first stage by using hierarchical network model. It is followed by an effectiveness model which take output(s) from the hierarchical structure at the first stage as a input(s) at the second stage. As a result, a new overall performance model is proposed by combining both efficiency and effectiveness models. Thus, once this overall model is realized and utilized, the university's top management can determine the overall performance of each unit more accurately and systematically. Besides that, the result from the network DEA model can give a superior benchmarking power over the conventional models.

  9. Interaction of protonated merocyanine dyes with amines in organic solvents.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Eduardo Alberton; Sidooski, Thiago; Nandi, Leandro Guarezi; Machado, Vanderlei Gageiro

    2011-10-15

    2,6-Diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate (1a) and 4-[(1-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinylidene)-ethylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (2a) were protonated in organic solvents (dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and DMSO) to form 1b and 2b, respectively. The appearance of the solvatochromic bands of 1a and 2a was studied UV-vis spectrophotometrically by deprotonation of 1b and 2b in solution in the presence of the following amines: aniline (AN), N-methylaniline (NMAN), N,N-dimethylaniline (NDAN), n-butylamine (BA), diethylamine (DEA), and triethylamine (TEA). Titrations of 1b and 2b with the amines were carried out and the binding constants were determined from the titration curves in each solvent, using a mathematical model adapted from the literature which considers the simultaneous participation of two dye: amine stoichiometries, 1:1 and 1:2. The data obtained showed the following base order for the two compounds in DMSO: BA>DEA>TEA, while aromatic amines did not cause any effect. In dichloromethane, the following base order for 1b was verified: TEA>DEA>BA≫NDAN, while for 2b the order was: TEA>DEA>BA, suggesting that 1b is more acidic than 2b. The data in acetonitrile indicated for 1b and 2b the following order for the amines: DEA>TEA>BA. The diversity of the experimental data were explained based on a model that considers the level of interaction of the protonated dyes with the amines to be dependent on three aspects: (a) the basicity of the amine, which varies according to their molecular structure and the solvent in which it is dissolved, (b) the molecular structure of the dye, and (c) the solvent used to study the system. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Quality assessment for VMAT prostate radiotherapy planning based on data envelopment analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Kuan-Min; Simpson, John; Sasso, Giuseppe; Raith, Andrea; Ehrgott, Matthias

    2013-08-01

    The majority of commercial radiotherapy treatment planning systems requires planners to iteratively adjust the plan parameters in order to find a satisfactory plan. This iterative trial-and-error nature of radiotherapy treatment planning results in an inefficient planning process and in order to reduce such inefficiency, plans can be accepted without achieving the best attainable quality. We propose a quality assessment method based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) to address this inefficiency. This method compares a plan of interest to a set of past delivered plans and searches for evidence of potential further improvement. With the assistance of DEA, planners will be able to make informed decisions on whether further planning is required and ensure that a plan is only accepted when the plan quality is close to the best attainable one. We apply the DEA method to 37 prostate plans using two assessment parameters: rectal generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) as the input and D95 (the minimum dose that is received by 95% volume of a structure) of the planning target volume (PTV) as the output. The percentage volume of rectum overlapping PTV is used to account for anatomical variations between patients and is included in the model as a non-discretionary output variable. Five plans that are considered of lesser quality by DEA are re-optimized with the goal to further improve rectal sparing. After re-optimization, all five plans improve in rectal gEUD without clinically considerable deterioration of the PTV D95 value. For the five re-optimized plans, the rectal gEUD is reduced by an average of 1.84 Gray (Gy) with only an average reduction of 0.07 Gy in PTV D95. The results demonstrate that DEA can correctly identify plans with potential improvements in terms of the chosen input and outputs.

  11. The role of optimality in characterizing CO2 seepage from geological carbon sequestration sites

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

    Cortis, Andrea; Oldenburg, Curtis M.; Benson, Sally M.

    Storage of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) in deep geological formations for greenhouse gas mitigation is gaining momentum and moving from its conceptual and testing stages towards widespread application. In this work we explore various optimization strategies for characterizing surface leakage (seepage) using near-surface measurement approaches such as accumulation chambers and eddy covariance towers. Seepage characterization objectives and limitations need to be defined carefully from the outset especially in light of large natural background variations that can mask seepage. The cost and sensitivity of seepage detection are related to four critical length scales pertaining to the size ofmore » the: (1) region that needs to be monitored; (2) footprint of the measurement approach, and (3) main seepage zone; and (4) region in which concentrations or fluxes are influenced by seepage. Seepage characterization objectives may include one or all of the tasks of detecting, locating, and quantifying seepage. Each of these tasks has its own optimal strategy. Detecting and locating seepage in a region in which there is no expected or preferred location for seepage nor existing evidence for seepage requires monitoring on a fixed grid, e.g., using eddy covariance towers. The fixed-grid approaches needed to detect seepage are expected to require large numbers of eddy covariance towers for large-scale geologic CO{sub 2} storage. Once seepage has been detected and roughly located, seepage zones and features can be optimally pinpointed through a dynamic search strategy, e.g., employing accumulation chambers and/or soil-gas sampling. Quantification of seepage rates can be done through measurements on a localized fixed grid once the seepage is pinpointed. Background measurements are essential for seepage detection in natural ecosystems. Artificial neural networks are considered as regression models useful for distinguishing natural system behavior from anomalous behavior suggestive of CO{sub 2} seepage without need for detailed understanding of natural system processes. Because of the local extrema in CO{sub 2} fluxes and concentrations in natural systems, simple steepest-descent algorithms are not effective and evolutionary computation algorithms are proposed as a paradigm for dynamic monitoring networks to pinpoint CO{sub 2} seepage areas.« less

  12. [Influences of long-term application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the composition and abundance of nirS-type denitrifiers in black soil].

    PubMed

    Yin, Chang; Fan, Fen-Liang; Li, Zhao-Jun; Song, A-Lin; Zhu, Ping; Peng, Chang; Liang, Yong-Chao

    2012-11-01

    The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of long-term organic and inorganic fertilizations on the composition and abundance of nirS-type denitrifiers in black soil. Soil samples were collected from 4 treatments (i. e. no fertilizer treatment, CK; organic manure treatment, OM; chemical fertilizer treatment (NPK) and combination of organic and chemical fertilizers treatment (MNPK)) in Gongzhuling Long-term Fertilization Experiment Station. Composition and abundance of nirS-type denitrifiers were analyzed with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), respectively. Denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) and soil properties were also measured. Application of organic fertilizers (OM and MNPK) significantly increased the DEAs of black soil, with the DEAs in OM and MNPK being 5.92 and 6.03 times higher than that in CK treatment, respectively, whereas there was no significant difference between NPK and CK. OM and MNPK treatments increased the abundances of nirS-type denitrifiers by 2.73 and 3.83 times relative to that of CK treatment, respectively. The abundance of nirS-type denitrifiers in NPK treatment was not significantly different from that of CK. The T-RFLP analysis of nirS genes showed significant differences in community composition between organic and inorganic treatments, with the emergence of a 79 bp T-RF, a significant decrease in relative abundance of the 84 bp T-RF and a loss of the 99 bp T-RF in all organic treatments. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the airS-type denitrifiers in the black soil were mainly composed of alpha, beta and gamma-Proteobacteria. The 79 bp-type denitrifiers inhabiting exclusively in organic treatments (OM and MNPK) were affiliated to Pseudomonadaceae in gamma-Proteobacteria and Burkholderiales in beta-Proteobacteria. The 84 bp-types were related to Burkholderiales and Rhodocyclales. Correlation analysis indicated that pH, concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total organic carbon (TOC), nitrate (NO3(-) -N) and ammonia (NH4(+) -N) were significantly related to abundances of nirS-denitrifers (r = 0.724-0.922, P < 0.05) and the DEA (r = 0.453-0.938, P < 0.01). In addition, the DEAs were linearly and positively correlated with the abundances of nirS-type denitrifers (r = 0.85, P < 0.01). Redundancy analysis showed that except moisture, pH and concentrations of TP, TP, TOC, NH4(+) -N and NO3(-) -N were significantly correlated with the community structure of nirS-type denirifiers (r = 0.440-0.862, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the DEAs were significantly correlated with the compositions of nirS-denirifiers (r = 0.863, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the airS-type denitrifiers in the black soil are more responsive to the organic treatments than to the inorganic treatments in terms of community composition and abundance, both of which are correlated with the changes of DEAs.

  13. Evaluating Technical Efficiency of Nursing Care Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Multilevel Modeling.

    PubMed

    Min, Ari; Park, Chang Gi; Scott, Linda D

    2016-05-23

    Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is an advantageous non-parametric technique for evaluating relative efficiency of performance. This article describes use of DEA to estimate technical efficiency of nursing care and demonstrates the benefits of using multilevel modeling to identify characteristics of efficient facilities in the second stage of analysis. Data were drawn from LTCFocUS.org, a secondary database including nursing home data from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting System and Minimum Data Set. In this example, 2,267 non-hospital-based nursing homes were evaluated. Use of DEA with nurse staffing levels as inputs and quality of care as outputs allowed estimation of the relative technical efficiency of nursing care in these facilities. In the second stage, multilevel modeling was applied to identify organizational factors contributing to technical efficiency. Use of multilevel modeling avoided biased estimation of findings for nested data and provided comprehensive information on differences in technical efficiency among counties and states. © The Author(s) 2016.

  14. Relative performance of academic departments using DEA with sensitivity analysis.

    PubMed

    Tyagi, Preeti; Yadav, Shiv Prasad; Singh, S P

    2009-05-01

    The process of liberalization and globalization of Indian economy has brought new opportunities and challenges in all areas of human endeavor including education. Educational institutions have to adopt new strategies to make best use of the opportunities and counter the challenges. One of these challenges is how to assess the performance of academic programs based on multiple criteria. Keeping this in view, this paper attempts to evaluate the performance efficiencies of 19 academic departments of IIT Roorkee (India) through data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The technique has been used to assess the performance of academic institutions in a number of countries like USA, UK, Australia, etc. But we are using it first time in Indian context to the best of our knowledge. Applying DEA models, we calculate technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies and identify the reference sets for inefficient departments. Input and output projections are also suggested for inefficient departments to reach the frontier. Overall performance, research performance and teaching performance are assessed separately using sensitivity analysis.

  15. Estimating Most Productive Scale Size in Data Envelopment Analysis with Integer Value Data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dwi Sari, Yunita; Angria S, Layla; Efendi, Syahril; Zarlis, Muhammad

    2018-01-01

    The most productive scale size (MPSS) is a measurement that states how resources should be organized and utilized to achieve optimal results. The most productive scale size (MPSS) can be used as a benchmark for the success of an industry or company in producing goods or services. To estimate the most productive scale size (MPSS), each decision making unit (DMU) should pay attention the level of input-output efficiency, by data envelopment analysis (DEA) method decision making unit (DMU) can identify units used as references that can help to find the cause and solution from inefficiencies can optimize productivity that main advantage in managerial applications. Therefore, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is chosen to estimating most productive scale size (MPSS) that will focus on the input of integer value data with the CCR model and the BCC model. The purpose of this research is to find the best solution for estimating most productive scale size (MPSS) with input of integer value data in data envelopment analysis (DEA) method.

  16. Evaluation of operating room suite efficiency in the Veterans Health Administration system by using data-envelopment analysis.

    PubMed

    Basson, Marc D; Butler, Timothy

    2006-11-01

    Operating room (OR) activity transcends single ratios such as cases/room, but weighting multiple inputs and outputs may be arbitrary. Data-envelopment analysis (DEA) is a novel technique by which each facility is analyzed by the weightings that optimize its score. We performed DEA analysis of 23 Veterans Health Administration annual OR activity; 87,180 cases were performed, 24 publications generated, and 560 trainee-years of education delivered, in 168 ORs over 166,377 hours by 1,384 full-time equivalents of surgical and anesthesia providers and 523 nonproviders. Varying analyzed parameters produced similar efficiency rankings, with individual differences suggesting possible inefficiencies. We characterized returns to scale for efficient sites, suggesting whether patient flow might be efficiently further increased through these sites. We matched inefficient sites to similar efficient sites for comparison and suggested resource alterations to increase efficiency. Broader DEA application might characterize OR efficiency more informatively than conventional single-ratio rank ordering.

  17. The input and output management of solid waste using DEA models: A case study at Jengka, Pahang

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohamed, Siti Rosiah; Ghazali, Nur Fadzrina Mohd; Mohd, Ainun Hafizah

    2017-08-01

    Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a tool for obtaining performance indices has been used extensively in several of organizations sector. The ways to improve the efficiency of Decision Making Units (DMUs) is impractical because some of inputs and outputs are uncontrollable and in certain situation its produce weak efficiency which often reflect the impact for operating environment. Based on the data from Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd Jengka, the researcher wants to determine the efficiency of solid waste management (SWM) in town Jengka Pahang using CCRI and CCRO model of DEA and duality formulation with vector average input and output. Three input variables (length collection in meter, frequency time per week in hour and number of garbage truck) and 2 outputs variables (frequency collection and the total solid waste collection in kilogram) are analyzed. As a conclusion, it shows only three roads from 23 roads are efficient that achieve efficiency score 1. Meanwhile, 20 other roads are in an inefficient management.

  18. The thermochromic behavior of aromatic amine-SO2 charge transfer complexes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Monezi, Natália M.; Borin, Antonio C.; Santos, Paulo S.; Ando, Rômulo A.

    2017-02-01

    The distinct thermochromism observed in solutions containing N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) and N,N-diethylaniline (DEA) and SO2 was investigated by resonance Raman spectroscopy in a wide range of temperatures. The results indicate in addition to the charge transfer (CT) complexes DMA-SO2 and DEA-SO2, the presence of collision complexes involving the CT complexes and excess DMA and DEA molecules. The latter in fact is the chromophore responsible for the long wavelength absorption originating the color. The Raman signature of the collision complex was attributed to the distinct enhancement of a band at 1140 cm- 1 assigned to νs(SO2), in contrast to the same mode in the 1:1 complex at 1115 cm- 1. The intensity of such band, assigned to the collision complex is favored at high temperatures and depends on the steric hindrance associated to amines, as well as the SO2 molar fraction. Quantum chemical calculations based on time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) support the proposed interpretation.

  19. Specific formation of negative ions from leucine and isoleucine molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Papp, Peter; Shchukin, Pavel; Matejčík, Štefan

    2010-01-01

    Dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to gas phase leucine (Leu) and isoleucine (Ile) molecules was studied using experimental and quantum-chemical methods. The relative partial cross sections for DEA have been measured using crossed electron/molecular beams technique. Supporting ab initio calculations of the structure, energies of neutral molecules, fragments, and negative ions have been carried out at G3MP2 and B3LYP levels in order to interpret the experimental data. Leu and Ile exhibit several common features. The negative ionic fragments from both molecules are formed in the electron energy range from 0 to approximately 14 eV via three resonances (1.2, 5.5, and 8 eV). The relative partial cross sections for DEA Leu and Ile are very similar. The dominant negative ions formed were closed shell negative ions (M-H)- (m/z=130) formed preferentially via low electron energy resonance of 1.23 eV. Additional negative ions with m/z=115, 114, 113, 112, 84, 82, 74, 45, 26, and 17 have been detected.

  20. A new time of flight mass spectrometer for absolute dissociative electron attachment cross-section measurements in gas phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chakraborty, Dipayan; Nag, Pamir; Nandi, Dhananjay

    2018-02-01

    A new time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) has been developed to study the absolute dissociative electron attachment (DEA) cross section using a relative flow technique of a wide variety of molecules in gas phase, ranging from simple diatomic to complex biomolecules. Unlike the Wiley-McLaren type TOFMS, here the total ion collection condition has been achieved without compromising the mass resolution by introducing a field free drift region after the lensing arrangement. The field free interaction region is provided for low energy electron molecule collision studies. The spectrometer can be used to study a wide range of masses (H- ion to few hundreds atomic mass unit). The mass resolution capability of the spectrometer has been checked experimentally by measuring the mass spectra of fragment anions arising from DEA to methanol. Overall performance of the spectrometer has been tested by measuring the absolute DEA cross section of the ground state SO2 molecule, and the results are satisfactory.

  1. System control module diagnostic Expert Assistant

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Flores, Luis M.; Hansen, Roger F.

    1990-01-01

    The Orbiter EXperiments (OEX) Program was established by NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) to accomplish the precise data collection necessary to support a complete and accurate assessment of Space Transportation System (STS) Orbiter performance during all phases of a mission. During a mission, data generated by the various experiments are conveyed to the OEX System Control Module (SCM) which arranges for and monitors storage of the data on the OEX tape recorder. The SCM Diagnostic Expert Assistant (DEA) is an expert system which provides on demand advice to technicians performing repairs of a malfunctioning SCM. The DEA is a self-contained, data-driven knowledge-based system written in the 'C' Language Production System (CLIPS) for a portable micro-computer of the IBM PC/XT class. The DEA reasons about SCM hardware faults at multiple levels; the most detailed layer of encoded knowledge of the SCM is a representation of individual components and layouts of the custom-designed component boards.

  2. System-Integrated Finite Element Analysis of a Full-Scale Helicopter Crash Test with Deployable Energy Absorbers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Annett, Martin S.; Polanco, Michael A.

    2010-01-01

    A full-scale crash test of an MD-500 helicopter was conducted in December 2009 at NASA Langley's Landing and Impact Research facility (LandIR). The MD-500 helicopter was fitted with a composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) and tested under vertical and horizontal impact velocities of 26-ft/sec and 40-ft/sec, respectively. The objectives of the test were to evaluate the performance of the DEA concept under realistic crash conditions and to generate test data for validation of a system integrated finite element model. In preparation for the full-scale crash test, a series of sub-scale and MD-500 mass simulator tests was conducted to evaluate the impact performances of various components, including a new crush tube and the DEA blocks. Parameters defined within the system integrated finite element model were determined from these tests. The objective of this paper is to summarize the finite element models developed and analyses performed, beginning with pre-test predictions and continuing through post-test validation.

  3. LS-DYNA Analysis of a Full-Scale Helicopter Crash Test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Annett, Martin S.

    2010-01-01

    A full-scale crash test of an MD-500 helicopter was conducted in December 2009 at NASA Langley's Landing and Impact Research facility (LandIR). The MD-500 helicopter was fitted with a composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) and tested under vertical and horizontal impact velocities of 26 ft/sec and 40 ft/sec, respectively. The objectives of the test were to evaluate the performance of the DEA concept under realistic crash conditions and to generate test data for validation of a system integrated LS-DYNA finite element model. In preparation for the full-scale crash test, a series of sub-scale and MD-500 mass simulator tests was conducted to evaluate the impact performances of various components, including a new crush tube and the DEA blocks. Parameters defined within the system integrated finite element model were determined from these tests. The objective of this paper is to summarize the finite element models developed and analyses performed, beginning with pre-test and continuing through post test validation.

  4. Tailoring chain length and cross-link density in dielectric elastomer toward enhanced actuation strain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Quan-Ping; Liu, Jun-Hua; Liu, Hai-Dong; Jia, Fei; Zhou, Yuan-Lin; Zheng, Jian

    2017-10-01

    Adding ceramic or conductive fillers into polymers for increasing permittivity is a direct and effective approach to enhance the actuation strain of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). Unfortunately, the major dielectric loss caused by weak interfaces potentially harms the electro-mechanical stability and lifetime of DEAs. Here, we construct a desired macromolecular network with a long chain length and low cross-link density to reduce the elastic modulus of silicone elastomers. Selecting a high molecular weight of polymethylvinylsiloxane and a low dose of the cross-linker leads the soft but tough networks with rich entanglements, poor cross-links, and a low amount of defects. Then, a ductile material with low elastic modulus but high elongation at break is obtained. It accounts for much more excellent actuation strain of Hl in comparison to that of the other silicone elastomers. Importantly, without other fillers, the ultralow dielectric loss, conductivity, and firm networks possibly promote the electro-mechanical stability and lifetime for the DEA application.

  5. Financial performance monitoring of the technical efficiency of critical access hospitals: a data envelopment analysis and logistic regression modeling approach.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Asa B; Kerr, Bernard J; Bastian, Nathaniel D; Fulton, Lawrence V

    2012-01-01

    From 1980 to 1999, rural designated hospitals closed at a disproportionally high rate. In response to this emergent threat to healthcare access in rural settings, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 made provisions for the creation of a new rural hospital--the critical access hospital (CAH). The conversion to CAH and the associated cost-based reimbursement scheme significantly slowed the closure rate of rural hospitals. This work investigates which methods can ensure the long-term viability of small hospitals. This article uses a two-step design to focus on a hypothesized relationship between technical efficiency of CAHs and a recently developed set of financial monitors for these entities. The goal is to identify the financial performance measures associated with efficiency. The first step uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to differentiate efficient from inefficient facilities within a data set of 183 CAHs. Determining DEA efficiency is an a priori categorization of hospitals in the data set as efficient or inefficient. In the second step, DEA efficiency is the categorical dependent variable (efficient = 0, inefficient = 1) in the subsequent binary logistic regression (LR) model. A set of six financial monitors selected from the array of 20 measures were the LR independent variables. We use a binary LR to test the null hypothesis that recently developed CAH financial indicators had no predictive value for categorizing a CAH as efficient or inefficient, (i.e., there is no relationship between DEA efficiency and fiscal performance).

  6. Comparing and contrasting poverty reduction performance of social welfare programs across jurisdictions in Canada using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): an exploratory study of the era of devolution.

    PubMed

    Habibov, Nazim N; Fan, Lida

    2010-11-01

    In the mid-1990s, the responsibilities to design, implement, and evaluate social welfare programs were transferred from federal to local jurisdictions in many countries of North America and Europe through devolution processes. Devolution has caused the need for a technique to measure and compare the performances of social welfare programs across multiple jurisdictions. This paper utilizes Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for a comparison of poverty reduction performances of jurisdictional social welfare programs across Canadian provinces. From the theoretical perspective, findings of this paper demonstrates that DEA is a promising method to evaluate, compare, and benchmark poverty reduction performance across multiple jurisdictions using multiple inputs and outputs. This paper demonstrates that DEA generates easy to comprehend composite rankings of provincial performances, identifies appropriate benchmarks for each inefficient province, and estimates sources and amounts of improvement needed to make the provinces efficient. From a practical perspective the empirical results presented in this paper indicate that Newfoundland, Prince Edwards Island, and Alberta achieve better efficiency in poverty reduction than other provinces. Policy makers and social administrators of the ineffective provinces across Canada may find benefit in selecting one of the effective provinces as a benchmark for improving their own performance based on similar size and structure of population, size of the budget for social programs, and traditions with administering particular types of social programs. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Fluid electrodes for submersible robotics based on dielectric elastomer actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Christianson, Caleb; Goldberg, Nathaniel; Cai, Shengqiang; Tolley, Michael T.

    2017-04-01

    Recently, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have gathered interest for soft robotics due to their low cost, light weight, large strain, low power consumption, and high energy density. However, developing reliable, compliant electrodes for DEAs remains an ongoing challenge due to issues with fabrication, uniformity of the conductive layer, and mechanical stiffening of the actuators caused by conductive materials with large Young's moduli. In this work, we present a method for preparing, patterning, and utilizing conductive fluid electrodes. Further, when we submerse the DEAs in a bath containing a conductive fluid connected to ground, the bath serves as a second electrode, obviating the need for depositing a conductive layer to serve as either of the electrodes required of most DEAs. When we apply a positive electrical potential to the conductive fluid in the actuator with respect to ground, the electric field across the dielectric membrane causes charge carriers in the solution to apply an electrostatic force on the membrane, which compresses the membrane and causes the actuator to deform. We have used this process to develop a tethered submersible robot that can swim in a tank of saltwater at a maximum measured speed of 9.2 mm/s. Since saltwater serves as the electrode, we overcome buoyancy issues that may be a challenge for pneumatically actuated soft robots and traditional, rigid robotics. This research opens the door to low-power underwater robots for search and rescue and environmental monitoring applications.

  8. Performance evaluation of nonhomogeneous hospitals: the case of Hong Kong hospitals.

    PubMed

    Li, Yongjun; Lei, Xiyang; Morton, Alec

    2018-02-14

    Throughout the world, hospitals are under increasing pressure to become more efficient. Efficiency analysis tools can play a role in giving policymakers insight into which units are less efficient and why. Many researchers have studied efficiencies of hospitals using data envelopment analysis (DEA) as an efficiency analysis tool. However, in the existing literature on DEA-based performance evaluation, a standard assumption of the constant returns to scale (CRS) or the variable returns to scale (VRS) DEA models is that decision-making units (DMUs) use a similar mix of inputs to produce a similar set of outputs. In fact, hospitals with different primary goals supply different services and provide different outputs. That is, hospitals are nonhomogeneous and the standard assumption of the DEA model is not applicable to the performance evaluation of nonhomogeneous hospitals. This paper considers the nonhomogeneity among hospitals in the performance evaluation and takes hospitals in Hong Kong as a case study. An extension of Cook et al. (2013) [1] based on the VRS assumption is developed to evaluated nonhomogeneous hospitals' efficiencies since inputs of hospitals vary greatly. Following the philosophy of Cook et al. (2013) [1], hospitals are divided into homogeneous groups and the product process of each hospital is divided into subunits. The performance of hospitals is measured on the basis of subunits. The proposed approach can be applied to measure the performance of other nonhomogeneous entities that exhibit variable return to scale.

  9. Impact of Land Use Management and Soil Properties on Denitrifier Communities of Namibian Savannas.

    PubMed

    Braker, Gesche; Matthies, Diethart; Hannig, Michael; Brandt, Franziska Barbara; Brenzinger, Kristof; Gröngröft, Alexander

    2015-11-01

    We studied potential denitrification activity and the underlying denitrifier communities in soils from a semiarid savanna ecosystem of the Kavango region in NE Namibia to help in predicting future changes in N(2)O emissions due to continuing changes of land use in this region. Soil type and land use (pristine, fallow, and cultivated soils) influenced physicochemical characteristics of the soils that are relevant to denitrification activity and N(2)O fluxes from soils and affected potential denitrification activity. Potential denitrification activity was assessed by using the denitrifier enzyme activity (DEA) assay as a proxy for denitrification activity in the soil. Soil type and land use influenced C and N contents of the soils. Pristine soils that had never been cultivated had a particularly high C content. Cultivation reduced soil C content and the abundance of denitrifiers and changed the composition of the denitrifier communities. DEA was strongly and positively correlated with soil C content and was higher in pristine than in fallow or recently cultivated soils. Soil type and the composition of both the nirK- and nirS-type denitrifier communities also influenced DEA. In contrast, other soil characteristics like N content, C:N ratio, and pH did not predict DEA. These findings suggest that due to greater availability of soil organic matter, and hence a more effective N cycling, the natural semiarid grasslands emit more N(2)O than managed lands in Namibia.

  10. Resonance electron attachment to plant hormones and its likely connection with biochemical processes

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

    Pshenichnyuk, Stanislav A., E-mail: sapsh@anrb.ru; Modelli, Alberto

    Gas-phase formation of temporary negative ion states via resonance attachment of low-energy (0–6 eV) electrons into vacant molecular orbitals of salicylic acid (I) and its derivatives 3-hydroxy- (II) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (III), 5-cloro salicylic acid (IV) and methyl salicylate (V) was investigated for the first time by electron transmission spectroscopy. The description of their empty-level structures was supported by density functional theory and Hartree-Fock calculations, using empirically calibrated linear equations to scale the calculated virtual orbital energies. Dissociative electron attachment spectroscopy (DEAS) was used to measure the fragment anion yields generated through dissociative decay channels of the parent molecular anionsmore » of compounds I–V, detected with a mass filter as a function of the incident electron energy in the 0–14 eV energy range. The most intense negative fragment produced by DEA to isomers I–III is the dehydrogenated molecular anion [M–H]{sup −}, mainly formed at incident electron energies around 1 eV. The vertical and adiabatic electron affinities were evaluated at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level as the anion/neutral total energy difference. The same theoretical method was also used for evaluation of the thermodynamic energy thresholds for production of the negative fragments observed in the DEA spectra. The gas-phase DEAS data can provide support for biochemical reaction mechanisms in vivo.« less

  11. Comparative study on DuPont analysis and DEA models for measuring stock performance using financial ratio

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arsad, Roslah; Shaari, Siti Nabilah Mohd; Isa, Zaidi

    2017-11-01

    Determining stock performance using financial ratio is challenging for many investors and researchers. Financial ratio can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of a company's stock performance. There are five categories of financial ratios namely liquidity, efficiency, leverage, profitability and market ratios. It is important to interpret the ratio correctly for proper financial decision making. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and DuPont analysis Models. The study is conducted in 2015 involving 116 consumer products companies listed in Bursa Malaysia. The estimation method of Data Envelopment Analysis computes the efficiency scores and ranks the companies accordingly. The Alirezaee and Afsharian's method of analysis based Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) where Constant Return to Scale (CRS) is employed. The DuPont analysis is a traditional tool for measuring the operating performance of companies. In this study, DuPont analysis is used to evaluate three different aspects such as profitability, efficiency of assets utilization and financial leverage. Return on Equity (ROE) is also calculated in DuPont analysis. This study finds that both analysis models provide different rankings of the selected samples. Hypothesis testing based on Pearson's correlation, indicates that there is no correlation between rankings produced by DEA and DuPont analysis. The DEA ranking model proposed by Alirezaee and Asharian is unstable. The method cannot provide complete ranking because the values of Balance Index is equal and zero.

  12. A mixed integer bi-level DEA model for bank branch performance evaluation by Stackelberg approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shafiee, Morteza; Lotfi, Farhad Hosseinzadeh; Saleh, Hilda; Ghaderi, Mehdi

    2016-03-01

    One of the most complicated decision making problems for managers is the evaluation of bank performance, which involves various criteria. There are many studies about bank efficiency evaluation by network DEA in the literature review. These studies do not focus on multi-level network. Wu (Eur J Oper Res 207:856-864, 2010) proposed a bi-level structure for cost efficiency at the first time. In this model, multi-level programming and cost efficiency were used. He used a nonlinear programming to solve the model. In this paper, we have focused on multi-level structure and proposed a bi-level DEA model. We then used a liner programming to solve our model. In other hand, we significantly improved the way to achieve the optimum solution in comparison with the work by Wu (2010) by converting the NP-hard nonlinear programing into a mixed integer linear programming. This study uses a bi-level programming data envelopment analysis model that embodies internal structure with Stackelberg-game relationships to evaluate the performance of banking chain. The perspective of decentralized decisions is taken in this paper to cope with complex interactions in banking chain. The results derived from bi-level programming DEA can provide valuable insights and detailed information for managers to help them evaluate the performance of the banking chain as a whole using Stackelberg-game relationships. Finally, this model was applied in the Iranian bank to evaluate cost efficiency.

  13. Amine–mixed oxide hybrid materials for carbon dioxide adsorption from CO2/H2 mixture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ravi, Navin; Aishah Anuar, Siti; Yusuf, Nur Yusra Mt; Isahak, Wan Nor Roslam Wan; Shahbudin Masdar, Mohd

    2018-05-01

    Bio-hydrogen mainly contains hydrogen and high level of carbon dioxide (CO2). High concentration of CO2 lead to a limitation especially in fuel cell application. In this study, the amine-mixed oxide hybrid materials for CO2 separation from bio-hydrogen model (50% CO2:50% H2) have been studied. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations showed that the amine–mixed oxide hybrid materials successfully adsorbed CO2 physically with no chemical adsorption evidence. The dry gas of CO2/H2 mixture adsorbed physically on amine–CuO–MgO hybrid material. No carbonates were detected after several times of adsorption, which indicated the good recyclability of adsorbents. The adsorbent system of diethanolamine (DEA)/15% CuO–75% MgO showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 21.2 wt% due to the presence of polar substance on MgO surface, which can adsorb CO2 at ambient condition. The alcohol group of DEA can enhance the CO2 solubility on the adsorbent surface. In the 20% CuO–50% MgO adsorbent system, DEA as amine type showed a high CO2 adsorption of 19.4 wt%. The 10% amine loading system showed that the DEA adsorption system provided high CO2 adsorption. The BET analysis confirmed that a high amine loading contributed to the decrease in CO2 adsorption due to the low surface area of the adsorbent system.

  14. An avenue of eddies: Quantifying the biophysical properties of mesoscale eddies in the Tasman Sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Everett, J. D.; Baird, M. E.; Oke, P. R.; Suthers, I. M.

    2012-08-01

    The Tasman Sea is unique - characterised by a strong seasonal western boundary current that breaks down into a complicated field of mesoscale eddies almost immediately after separating from the coast. Through a 16-year analysis of Tasman Sea eddies, we identify a region along the southeast Australian coast which we name ‘Eddy Avenue’ where eddies have higher sea level anomalies, faster rotation and greater sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a anomalies. The density of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies within Eddy Avenue is 23% and 16% higher respectively than the broader Tasman Sea. We find that Eddy Avenue cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies have more strongly differentiated biological properties than those of the broader Tasman Sea, as a result of larger anticyclonic eddies formed from Coral Sea water depressing chl. a concentrations, and for coastal cyclonic eddies due to the entrainment of nutrient-rich shelf waters. Cyclonic eddies within Eddy Avenue have almost double the chlorophyll a (0.35 mg m-3) of anticyclonic eddies (0.18 mg m-3). The average chlorophyll a concentration for cyclonic eddies is 16% higher in Eddy Avenue and 28% lower for anticyclonic eddies when compared to the Tasman Sea. With a strengthening East Australian Current, the propagation of these eddies will have significant implications for heat transport and the entrainment and connectivity of plankton and larval fish populations.

  15. Gyrokinetic Simulations of Transport Scaling and Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hahm, Taik Soo

    2001-10-01

    There is accumulating evidence from global gyrokinetic particle simulations with profile variations and experimental fluctuation measurements that microturbulence, with its time-averaged eddy size which scales with the ion gyroradius, can cause ion thermal transport which deviates from the gyro-Bohm scaling. The physics here can be best addressed by large scale (rho* = rho_i/a = 0.001) full torus gyrokinetic particle-in-cell turbulence simulations using our massively parallel, general geometry gyrokinetic toroidal code with field-aligned mesh. Simulation results from device-size scans for realistic parameters show that ``wave transport'' mechanism is not the dominant contribution for this Bohm-like transport and that transport is mostly diffusive driven by microscopic scale fluctuations in the presence of self-generated zonal flows. In this work, we analyze the turbulence and zonal flow statistics from simulations and compare to nonlinear theoretical predictions including the radial decorrelation of the transport events by zonal flows and the resulting probability distribution function (PDF). In particular, possible deviation of the characteristic radial size of transport processes from the time-averaged radial size of the density fluctuation eddys will be critically examined.

  16. Formation of the lunar crust - An electrical source of heating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sonett, C. P.; Colburn, D. S.; Schwartz, K.

    1975-01-01

    A model for formation of the lunar crust based on heating by electrical induction is explored, while adherence is maintained to certain constraints associated with existing models of the solar system. The heating mechanism is based on eddy current induction from disordered magnetic fields swept outwards by an intense (T Tauri-like) plasma flow from the sun. The electrical theory is an alternative to intense short-period accretion as a source of heat for the evolution of lunar maria and highlands, provided that long-lived radioactives are not swept to the surface from too large a melt volume during the initial thermal episode. This formation of the lunar highlands does not intrinsically require rapid accretion, nor on this basis is the time of formation of the planets generally restricted to a very short time. The threshold temperature for eddy current heating is attained by either a solar nebula at 300-400 C during formation of the moon or a very low energy long-period accumulation of the moon, both leading to melting in ten to the fifth to ten to the seventh power years.

  17. Computational Identification and Analysis of Signaling Subnetworks with Distinct Functional Roles in the Regulation of TNF Production

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-04

    extract four distinct quantitative features of response timing and intensity: the trajectory peak height, the peak time, the area under the curve, and...J., 2007, 21, 325–332. 16 S. L. Werner, J. D. Kearns, V. Zadorozhnaya, C. Lynch, E. O’Dea, M. P. Boldin , A. Ma, D. Baltimore and A. Hoffmann, Genes...Werner, J. D. Kearns, V. Zadorozhnaya, C. Lynch, E. O’Dea, M. P. Boldin , A. Ma, D. Baltimore and A. Hoffmann, Genes Dev., 2008, 22, 2093–2101. 58 J

  18. Measuring the performance of Internet companies using a two-stage data envelopment analysis model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Xiongfei; Yang, Feng

    2011-05-01

    In exploring the business operation of Internet companies, few researchers have used data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate their performance. Since the Internet companies have a two-stage production process: marketability and profitability, this study employs a relational two-stage DEA model to assess the efficiency of the 40 dot com firms. The results show that our model performs better in measuring efficiency, and is able to discriminate the causes of inefficiency, thus helping business management to be more effective through providing more guidance to business performance improvement.

  19. Biogeochemistry of Mariana Islands coastal sediments: terrestrial influence on /gd13, Ash, CaCO3, Al, Fe, Si and P

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matson, Ernest A.

    1989-01-01

    Stable C isotope ratios (δ13C-PDB), percentages of organic matter, and HCl insoluble ash and soluble carbonates, extractable Fe, Al, Si and P were used to determine the distribution and accumulation of terrestrial material in reef-flat moats and lagoons of two high islands (Guam and Saipan) in the western tropical Pacific. Carbonate sediments of a reef-flat moat infiltrated by seepage of aquifer waters (but without surface runoff) were depleted in both P (by 38%) and 13C (by 41%) and enriched in Si (by 100%) relative to offshore lagoon sediments. Iron and ash accumulated in depositional regimes regardless of the occurrence of runoff but was depleted from coarse-grained carbonates in turbulent regimes. Aluminum (>ca. 10 to 20 μmol g-1), Fe (>ca. 1 to 3 μmol g-1) and ash (>0.5%) indicated terrigenous influence which was corroborated by depletions in both 13C and P. Low-salinity geochemical segregation, natural biochemical accumulation, as well as long-shore currents and eddies help sequester these materials nearshore.

  20. Distribution pattern of picoplankton carbon biomass linked to mesoscale dynamics in the southern gulf of Mexico during winter conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Linacre, Lorena; Lara-Lara, Rubén; Camacho-Ibar, Víctor; Herguera, Juan Carlos; Bazán-Guzmán, Carmen; Ferreira-Bartrina, Vicente

    2015-12-01

    In order to characterize the carbon biomass spatial distribution of autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton populations linked to mesoscale dynamics, an investigation over an extensive open-ocean region of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GM) was conducted. Seawater samples from the mixed layer were collected during wintertime (February-March 2013). Picoplankton populations were counted and sorted using flow cytometry analyses. Carbon biomass was assessed based on in situ cell abundances and conversion factors from the literature. Approximately 46% of the total picoplankton biomass was composed of three autotrophic populations (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and pico-eukaryotes), while 54% consisted of heterotrophic bacteria populations. Prochlorococcus spp. was the most abundant pico-primary producer (>80%), and accounted for more than 60% of the total pico-autotrophic biomass. The distribution patterns of picoplankton biomass were strongly associated with the mesoscale dynamics that modulated the hydrographic conditions of the surface mixed layer. The main features of the carbon distribution pattern were: (1) the deepening of picoplankton biomass to layers closer to the nitracline base in anticyclonic eddies; (2) the shoaling of picoplankton biomass in cyclonic eddies, constraining the autoprokaryote biomasses to the upper layers, as well as accumulating the pico-eukaryote biomass in the cold core of the eddies; and (3) the increase of heterotrophic bacteria biomass in frontal regions between counter-paired anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies. Factors related to nutrient preferences and light conditions may as well have contributed to the distribution pattern of the microbial populations. The findings reveal the great influence of the mesoscale dynamics on the distribution of picoplankton populations within the mixed layer. Moreover, the significance of microbial components (especially Prochlorococcus) in the southern GM during winter conditions was revealed, indicating that they may play an important role in the pelagic food web, and that they may have a substantial impact on the carbon cycle in oligotrophic regions.

  1. The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) aboard the Mars rover, Curiosity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Edgett, K. S.; Ravine, M. A.; Caplinger, M. A.; Ghaemi, F. T.; Schaffner, J. A.; Malin, M. C.; Baker, J. M.; Dibiase, D. R.; Laramee, J.; Maki, J. N.; Willson, R. G.; Bell, J. F., III; Cameron, J. F.; Dietrich, W. E.; Edwards, L. J.; Hallet, B.; Herkenhoff, K. E.; Heydari, E.; Kah, L. C.; Lemmon, M. T.; Minitti, M. E.; Olson, T. S.; Parker, T. J.; Rowland, S. K.; Schieber, J.; Sullivan, R. J.; Sumner, D. Y.; Thomas, P. C.; Yingst, R. A.

    2009-08-01

    The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity, is expected to land on Mars in 2012. The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) will be used to document martian rocks and regolith with a 2-megapixel RGB color CCD camera with a focusable macro lens mounted on an instrument-bearing turret on the end of Curiosity's robotic arm. The flight MAHLI can focus on targets at working distances of 20.4 mm to infinity. At 20.4 mm, images have a pixel scale of 13.9 μm/pixel. The pixel scale at 66 mm working distance is about the same (31 μm/pixel) as that of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Microscopic Imager (MI). MAHLI camera head placement is dependent on the capabilities of the MSL robotic arm, the design for which presently has a placement uncertainty of ~20 mm in 3 dimensions; hence, acquisition of images at the minimum working distance may be challenging. The MAHLI consists of 3 parts: a camera head, a Digital Electronics Assembly (DEA), and a calibration target. The camera head and DEA are connected by a JPL-provided cable which transmits data, commands, and power. JPL is also providing a contact sensor. The camera head will be mounted on the rover's robotic arm turret, the DEA will be inside the rover body, and the calibration target will be mounted on the robotic arm azimuth motor housing. Camera Head. MAHLI uses a Kodak KAI-2020CM interline transfer CCD (1600 x 1200 active 7.4 μm square pixels with RGB filtered microlenses arranged in a Bayer pattern). The optics consist of a group of 6 fixed lens elements, a movable group of 3 elements, and a fixed sapphire window front element. Undesired near-infrared radiation is blocked using a coating deposited on the inside surface of the sapphire window. The lens is protected by a dust cover with a Lexan window through which imaging can be ac-complished if necessary, and targets can be illuminated by sunlight or two banks of two white light LEDs. Two 365 nm UV LEDs are included to search for fluores-cent materials at night. DEA and Onboard Processing. The DEA incorpo-rates the circuit elements required for data processing, compression, and buffering. It also includes all power conversion and regulation capabilities for both the DEA and the camera head. The DEA has an 8 GB non-volatile flash memory plus 128 MB volatile storage. Images can be commanded as full-frame or sub-frame and the camera has autofocus and autoexposure capa-bilities. MAHLI can also acquire 720p, ~7 Hz high definition video. Onboard processing includes options for Bayer pattern filter interpolation, JPEG-based compression, and focus stack merging (z-stacking). Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) built and will operate the MAHLI. Alliance Spacesystems, LLC, designed and built the lens mechanical assembly. MAHLI shares common electronics, detector, and software designs with the MSL Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) and the 2 MSL Mast Cameras (Mastcam). Pre-launch images of geologic materials imaged by MAHLI are online at: http://www.msss.com/msl/mahli/prelaunch_images/.

  2. Trans-channel interactions in batrachotoxin-modified skeletal muscle sodium channels: voltage-dependent block by cytoplasmic amines, and the influence of mu-conotoxin GIIIA derivatives and permeant ions.

    PubMed

    Pavlov, Evgeny; Britvina, Tatiana; McArthur, Jeff R; Ma, Quanli; Sierralta, Iván; Zamponi, Gerald W; French, Robert J

    2008-11-01

    External mu-conotoxins and internal amine blockers inhibit each other's block of voltage-gated sodium channels. We explore the basis of this interaction by measuring the shifts in voltage-dependence of channel inhibition by internal amines induced by two mu-conotoxin derivatives with different charge distributions and net charges. Charge changes on the toxin were made at residue 13, which is thought to penetrate most deeply into the channel, making it likely to have the strongest individual interaction with an internal charged ligand. When an R13Q or R13E molecule was bound to the channel, the voltage dependence of diethylammonium (DEA)-block shifted toward more depolarized potentials (23 mV for R13Q, and 16 mV for R13E). An electrostatic model of the repulsion between DEA and the toxin simulated these data, with a distance between residue 13 of the mu-conotoxin and the DEA-binding site of approximately 15 A. Surprisingly, for tetrapropylammonium, the shifts were only 9 mV for R13Q, and 7 mV for R13E. The smaller shifts associated with R13E, the toxin with a smaller net charge, are generally consistent with an electrostatic interaction. However, the smaller shifts observed for tetrapropylammonium than for DEA suggest that other factors must be involved. Two observations indicate that the coupling of permeant ion occupancy of the channel to blocker binding may contribute to the overall amine-toxin interaction: 1), R13Q binding decreases the apparent affinity of sodium for the conducting pore by approximately 4-fold; and 2), increasing external [Na(+)] decreases block by DEA at constant voltage. Thus, even though a number of studies suggest that sodium channels are occupied by no more than one ion most of the time, measurable coupling occurs between permeant ions and toxin or amine blockers. Such interactions likely determine, in part, the strength of trans-channel, amine-conotoxin interactions.

  3. Trans-Channel Interactions in Batrachotoxin-Modified Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channels: Voltage-Dependent Block by Cytoplasmic Amines, and the Influence of μ-Conotoxin GIIIA Derivatives and Permeant Ions

    PubMed Central

    Pavlov, Evgeny; Britvina, Tatiana; McArthur, Jeff R.; Ma, Quanli; Sierralta, Iván; Zamponi, Gerald W.; French, Robert J.

    2008-01-01

    External μ-conotoxins and internal amine blockers inhibit each other's block of voltage-gated sodium channels. We explore the basis of this interaction by measuring the shifts in voltage-dependence of channel inhibition by internal amines induced by two μ-conotoxin derivatives with different charge distributions and net charges. Charge changes on the toxin were made at residue 13, which is thought to penetrate most deeply into the channel, making it likely to have the strongest individual interaction with an internal charged ligand. When an R13Q or R13E molecule was bound to the channel, the voltage dependence of diethylammonium (DEA)-block shifted toward more depolarized potentials (23 mV for R13Q, and 16 mV for R13E). An electrostatic model of the repulsion between DEA and the toxin simulated these data, with a distance between residue 13 of the μ-conotoxin and the DEA-binding site of ∼15 Å. Surprisingly, for tetrapropylammonium, the shifts were only 9 mV for R13Q, and 7 mV for R13E. The smaller shifts associated with R13E, the toxin with a smaller net charge, are generally consistent with an electrostatic interaction. However, the smaller shifts observed for tetrapropylammonium than for DEA suggest that other factors must be involved. Two observations indicate that the coupling of permeant ion occupancy of the channel to blocker binding may contribute to the overall amine-toxin interaction: 1), R13Q binding decreases the apparent affinity of sodium for the conducting pore by ∼4-fold; and 2), increasing external [Na+] decreases block by DEA at constant voltage. Thus, even though a number of studies suggest that sodium channels are occupied by no more than one ion most of the time, measurable coupling occurs between permeant ions and toxin or amine blockers. Such interactions likely determine, in part, the strength of trans-channel, amine-conotoxin interactions. PMID:18658222

  4. Enhanced degradation and soil depth effects on the fate of atrazine and major metabolites in Colorado and Mississippi soils.

    PubMed

    Krutz, L Jason; Shaner, Dale L; Zablotowicz, Robert M

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this report is to inform modelers of the differences in atrazine fate between s-triazine-adapted and nonadapted soils as a function of depth in the profile and to recommend atrazine and metabolite input values for pesticide process submodules. The objectives of this study were to estimate the atrazine-mineralizing bacterial population, cumulative atrazine mineralization, atrazine persistence, and metabolite (desethylatrazine [DEA], deisopropylatrazine [DIA], and hydroxyatrazine [HA]) formation and degradation in Colorado and Mississippi s-triazine-adapted and nonadapted soils at three depths (0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm). Regardless of depth, the AMBP and cumulative atrazine mineralization was at least 3.8-fold higher in s-triazine-adapted than nonadapted soils. Atrazine half-life (T1/2) values pooled over nonadapted soils and depths approximated historic estimates (T1/2 = 60 d). Atrazine persistence in all depths of s-triazine-adapted soils was at least fourfold lower than that of the nonadapted soil. Atrazine metabolite concentrations were lower in s-triazine-adapted than in nonadapted soil by 35 d after incubation regardless of depth. Results indicate that (i) reasonable fate and transport modeling of atrazine will require identifying if soils are adapted to s-triazine herbicides. For example, our data confirm the 60-d T1/2 for atrazine in nonadapted soils, but a default input value of 6 d for atrazine is required for s-triazine adapted soils. (ii) Literature estimates for DEA, DIA, and HA T1/2 values in nonadapted soils are 52, 36, and 60 d, respectively, whereas our analysis indicates that reasonable T1/2 values for s-triazine-adapted soils are 10 d for DEA, 8 d for DIA, and 6 d for HA. (iii) An estimate for the relative distribution of DIA, DEA, and HA produced in nonadapted soils is 18, 72, and 10% of parent, respectively. In s-triazine-adapted soils, the values were 6, 23, and 71% for DIA, DEA, and HA, respectively. The effects of soil adaptation on metabolite distribution need to be confirmed in field experiments.

  5. Independent highly sensitive characterization of asparagine deamidation and aspartic acid isomerization by sheathless CZE-ESI-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Gahoual, Rabah; Beck, Alain; François, Yannis-Nicolas; Leize-Wagner, Emmanuelle

    2016-02-01

    Amino acids residues are commonly submitted to various physicochemical modifications occurring at physiological pH and temperature. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) require comprehensive characterization because of their major influence on protein structure and involvement in numerous in vivo process or signaling. Mass spectrometry (MS) has gradually become an analytical tool of choice to characterize PTMs; however, some modifications are still challenging because of sample faint modification levels or difficulty to separate an intact peptide from modified counterparts before their transfer to the ionization source. Here, we report the implementation of capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CZE-ESI-MS/MS) by the intermediate of a sheathless interfacing for independent and highly sensitive characterization of asparagine deamidation (deaN) and aspartic acid isomerization (isoD). CZE selectivity regarding deaN and isoD was studied extensively using different sets of synthetic peptides based on actual tryptic peptides. Results demonstrated CZE ability to separate the unmodified peptide from modified homologous exhibiting deaN, isoD or both independently with a resolution systematically superior to 1.29. Developed CZE-ESI-MS/MS method was applied for the characterization of monoclonal antibodies and complex protein mixture. Conserved CZE selectivity could be demonstrated even for complex samples, and foremost results obtained showed that CZE selectivity is similar regardless of the composition of the peptide. Separation of modified peptides prior to the MS analysis allowed to characterize and estimate modification levels of the sample independently for deaN and isoD even for peptides affected by both modifications and, as a consequence, enables to distinguish the formation of l-aspartic acid or d-aspartic acid generated from deaN. Separation based on peptide modification allowed, as supported by the ESI efficiency provided by CZE-ESI-MS/MS properties, and enabled to characterize and estimate studied PTMs with an unprecedented sensitivity and proved the relevance of implementing an electrophoretic driven separation for MS-based peptide analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Tools and Methods for Visualization of Mesoscale Ocean Eddies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bemis, K. G.; Liu, L.; Silver, D.; Kang, D.; Curchitser, E.

    2017-12-01

    Mesoscale ocean eddies form in the Gulf Stream and transport heat and nutrients across the ocean basin. The internal structure of these three-dimensional eddies and the kinematics with which they move are critical to a full understanding of their transport capacity. A series of visualization tools have been developed to extract, characterize, and track ocean eddies from 3D modeling results, to visually show the ocean eddy story by applying various illustrative visualization techniques, and to interactively view results stored on a server from a conventional browser. In this work, we apply a feature-based method to track instances of ocean eddies through the time steps of a high-resolution multidecadal regional ocean model and generate a series of eddy paths which reflect the life cycle of individual eddy instances. The basic method uses the Okubu-Weiss parameter to define eddy cores but could be adapted to alternative specifications of an eddy. Stored results include pixel-lists for each eddy instance, tracking metadata for eddy paths, and physical and geometric properties. In the simplest view, isosurfaces are used to display eddies along an eddy path. Individual eddies can then be selected and viewed independently or an eddy path can be viewed in the context of all eddy paths (longer than a specified duration) and the ocean basin. To tell the story of mesoscale ocean eddies, we combined illustrative visualization techniques, including visual effectiveness enhancement, focus+context, and smart visibility, with the extracted volume features to explore eddy characteristics at multiple scales from ocean basin to individual eddy. An evaluation by domain experts indicates that combining our feature-based techniques with illustrative visualization techniques provides an insight into the role eddies play in ocean circulation. A web-based GUI is under development to facilitate easy viewing of stored results. The GUI provides the user control to choose amongst available datasets, to specify the variables (such as temperature or salinity) to display on the isosurfaces, and to choose the scale and orientation of the view. These techniques allow an oceanographer to browse the data based on eddy paths and individual eddies rather than slices or volumes of data.

  7. Chiral Sensitivity in Electron-Molecule Interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dreiling, Joan

    2015-09-01

    All molecular forms of life possess a chiral asymmetry, with amino acids and sugars found respectively in L- and D-enantiomers only. The primordial origin of this enantiomeric excess is unknown. One possible explanation is given by the Vester- Ulbricht hypothesis, which suggests that left-handed electrons present in beta-radiation, produced by parity-violating weak decays, interacted with biological precursors and preferentially destroyed one of the two enantiomers. Experimental tests of this idea have thus far yielded inconclusive results. We show direct evidence for chirally-dependent bond breaking through a dissociative electron attachment (DEA) reaction when spin-polarized electrons are incident on gas-phase chiral molecules. This provides unambiguous evidence for a well-defined, chirally-sensitive destructive molecular process and, as such, circumstantial evidence for the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis. I will also present the results of our systematic study of the DEA asymmetry for different chiral halocamphor molecules. Three halocamphor molecules were investigated: 3-bromocamphor (C10H15BrO), 3-iodocamphor(C10H15IO), and 10-iodocamphor. The DEA asymmetries collected for bromocamphor and iodocamphor are qualitatively different, suggesting that the atomic number of the heaviest atom in the molecule plays a crucial role in the asymmetric interactions. The DEA asymmetry data for 3- and 10-iodocamphor have the same qualitative behavior, but the 10-iodocamphor asymmetry is about twice as large at the lowest energies investigated, so the location of the heavy atom in the camphor molecule also affects the asymmetries. This work was performed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This project is funded by NSF Grant PHY-1206067.

  8. Comparison of gel column, card, and cartridge techniques for dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 blood typing

    PubMed Central

    Seth, Mayank; Jackson, Karen V.; Winzelberg, Sarah; Giger, Urs

    2012-01-01

    Objective To compare accuracy and ease of use of a card agglutination assay, an immunochromatographic cartridge method, and a gel-based method for canine blood typing. Sample Blood samples from 52 healthy blood donor dogs, 10 dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and 29 dogs with other diseases. Procedures Blood samples were tested in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Samples with low PCVs were created by the addition of autologous plasma to separately assess the effects of anemia on test results. Results Compared with a composite reference standard of agreement between 2 methods, the gel-based method was found to be 100% accurate. The card agglutination assay was 89% to 91% accurate, depending on test interpretation, and the immunochromatographic cartridge method was 93% accurate but 100% specific. Errors were observed more frequently in samples from diseased dogs, particularly those with IMHA. In the presence of persistent autoagglutination, dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 typing was not possible, except with the immunochromatographic cartridge method. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The card agglutination assay and immunochromatographic cartridge method, performed by trained personnel, were suitable for in-clinic emergency DEA 1.1 blood typing. There may be errors, particularly for samples from dogs with IMHA, and the immunochromatographic cartridge method may have an advantage of allowing typing of samples with persistent autoagglutination. The laboratory gel-based method would be preferred for routine DEA 1.1 typing of donors and patients if it is available and time permits. Current DEA 1.1 typing techniques appear to be appropriately standardized and easy to use. PMID:22280380

  9. A window-DEA based efficiency evaluation of the public hospital sector in Greece during the 5-year economic crisis

    PubMed Central

    Flokou, Angeliki; Aletras, Vassilis; Niakas, Dimitris

    2017-01-01

    The main objective of this study was to apply the non-parametric method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure the efficiency of Greek NHS hospitals between 2009–2013. Hospitals were divided into four separate groups with common characteristics which allowed comparisons to be carried out in the context of increased homogeneity. The window-DEA method was chosen since it leads to increased discrimination on the results especially when applied to small samples and it enables year-by-year comparisons of the results. Three inputs -hospital beds, physicians and other health professionals- and three outputs—hospitalized cases, surgeries and outpatient visits- were chosen as production variables in an input-oriented 2-year window DEA model for the assessment of technical and scale efficiency as well as for the identification of returns to scale. The Malmquist productivity index together with its components (i.e. pure technical efficiency change, scale efficiency change and technological scale) were also calculated in order to analyze the sources of productivity change between the first and last year of the study period. In the context of window analysis, the study identified the individual efficiency trends together with “all-windows” best and worst performers and revealed that a high level of technical and scale efficiency was maintained over the entire 5-year period. Similarly, the relevant findings of Malmquist productivity index analysis showed that both scale and pure technical efficiency were improved in 2013 whilst technological change was found to be in favor of the two groups with the largest hospitals. PMID:28542362

  10. Use of capecitabine to prevent acute renal allograft rejection in dog erythrocyte antigen-mismatched mongrel dogs.

    PubMed

    Milovancev, Milan; Schmiedt, Chad W; Bentley, Ellison; Schwab, Michelle; Dubielzig, Richard R; Gendron-Fitzpatrick, Annette P; McAnulty, Jonathan F

    2007-01-01

    To assess efficacy and toxicity of a capecitabine (CAP)-based regimen for preventing rejection of renal allografts in dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)-mismatched mongrel dogs. Prospective, pilot study. Eight healthy, unrelated, DEA mismatched, adult mongrel dogs. All dogs received CAP, starting at 50 mg/m2 PO b.i.d. 4 days preoperatively, increasing to 200 mg/m2 PO b.i.d. by the day of surgery. All dogs received cyclosporine-A (CsA) and prednisolone starting 2 days preoperatively. Standard heterotopic renal transplantation with native nephrectomy was performed. After 90 days, surviving dogs were euthanatized and histopathologic examination was performed. Two of 8 dogs developed acute neurotoxicity leading to death or euthanasia within 5 days of surgery. For the 6 remaining dogs, there were no statistically significant changes in complete blood count or serum biochemical values. No opportunistic infections developed during the study period. Five of 6 dogs had no to minimal evidence of graft rejection. Two of 6 dogs developed superficial and pigmentary keratitis. Significant histopathologic findings in all dogs included mild lymphoplasmacytic gastroenteritis, steroid hepatopathy, and corneal epithelial thinning. One dog had moderate interstitial nephritis and pyelitis. In this experimental model, a CAP-CsA-prednisolone immunosuppressive regimen was effective in preventing rejection of allografts in DEA-mismatched dogs. Severe, unpredictable neurotoxicity and variable ocular toxicity significantly limit clinical applications at this time. A CAP-CsA-prednisolone protocol is an effective, oral immunosuppressive regimen for prevention of allograft rejection in DEA-mismatched mongrel dogs. For clinical application, identification of patients susceptible to toxic side effects would be necessary.

  11. Nitric Oxide Induces Cardiac Protection by Preventing Extracellular Matrix Degradation through the Complex Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in Cardiac Myocytes

    PubMed Central

    Cuadrado, Irene; Castejon, Borja; Martin, Ana M.; Saura, Marta; Reventun-Torralba, Paula; Zamorano, Jose Luis

    2016-01-01

    Inhibition of Extracellular Matrix degradation by nitric oxide (NO) induces cardiac protection against coronary ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Glycosylation of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) stimulates enzymatic activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the heart, although the mechanisms leading to EMMPRIN glycosylation are poorly understood. We sought to determine if NO may induce cardiac protection by preventing glycosylation of EMMPRIN in a mouse model of IR. Here we found that Caveolin-3 binds to low glycosylated EMMPRIN (LG-EMMPRIN) in cardiac cells and in the hearts of healthy mice, whereas IR disrupted the complex in nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) knockout (KO) mice. By contrast, the binding was partially restored when mice were fed with an NO donor (DEA-NO) in the drinking water, showing a significant reduction on infarct size (NOS2KO: 34.6±5 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 20.7±9), in expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and cardiac performance was improved (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). NOS2KO: 31±4 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 46±6). The role of Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in NO-mediated cardiac protection was further assayed in Caveolin-3 KO mice, showing no significant improvement on infarct size (Caveolin-3 KO: 34.8±3 vs Caveolin-3 KO+DEA-NO:33.7±5), or in the expression of MMPs, suggesting that stabilization of the complex Caveolin-3/LG-EMMPRIN may play a significant role in the cardioprotective effect of NO against IR. PMID:27649573

  12. Nitric Oxide Induces Cardiac Protection by Preventing Extracellular Matrix Degradation through the Complex Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in Cardiac Myocytes.

    PubMed

    Cuadrado, Irene; Castejon, Borja; Martin, Ana M; Saura, Marta; Reventun-Torralba, Paula; Zamorano, Jose Luis; Zaragoza, Carlos

    2016-01-01

    Inhibition of Extracellular Matrix degradation by nitric oxide (NO) induces cardiac protection against coronary ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Glycosylation of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) stimulates enzymatic activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the heart, although the mechanisms leading to EMMPRIN glycosylation are poorly understood. We sought to determine if NO may induce cardiac protection by preventing glycosylation of EMMPRIN in a mouse model of IR. Here we found that Caveolin-3 binds to low glycosylated EMMPRIN (LG-EMMPRIN) in cardiac cells and in the hearts of healthy mice, whereas IR disrupted the complex in nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) knockout (KO) mice. By contrast, the binding was partially restored when mice were fed with an NO donor (DEA-NO) in the drinking water, showing a significant reduction on infarct size (NOS2KO: 34.6±5 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 20.7±9), in expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and cardiac performance was improved (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). NOS2KO: 31±4 vs NOS2KO+DEA-NO: 46±6). The role of Caveolin-3/EMMPRIN in NO-mediated cardiac protection was further assayed in Caveolin-3 KO mice, showing no significant improvement on infarct size (Caveolin-3 KO: 34.8±3 vs Caveolin-3 KO+DEA-NO:33.7±5), or in the expression of MMPs, suggesting that stabilization of the complex Caveolin-3/LG-EMMPRIN may play a significant role in the cardioprotective effect of NO against IR.

  13. The Study of Biogenetic Organic Compound Emissions and Ozone in a Subtropical Bamboo Forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Jianhui; Guenther, Alex; Turnipseed, Andrew; Duhl, Tiffany; Duhl, Nanhao; van der A, Ronald; Yu, Shuquan; Wang, Bin

    2016-08-01

    Emissions of Biogenic Volatile Organic compounds (BVOCs), Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), and meteorological parameters were measured in some ecosystems in China. A Relaxed Eddy Accumulation system and an enclosure technique were used to measure BVOC emissions. Obvious diurnal and seasonal variations of BVOC emissions were found. Empirical models of BVOC emissions were developed, the estimated BVOC emissions were in agreement with observations. BVOC emissions in growing seasons in the Inner Mongolia grassland, Chnagbai Mountain temperate forest, LinAn subtropical bamboo forest were estimated. The emission factors of these ecosystems were calculated.

  14. Robust network data envelopment analysis approach to evaluate the efficiency of regional electricity power networks under uncertainty.

    PubMed

    Fathollah Bayati, Mohsen; Sadjadi, Seyed Jafar

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, new Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) models are developed to evaluate the efficiency of regional electricity power networks. The primary objective of this paper is to consider perturbation in data and develop new NDEA models based on the adaptation of robust optimization methodology. Furthermore, in this paper, the efficiency of the entire networks of electricity power, involving generation, transmission and distribution stages is measured. While DEA has been widely used to evaluate the efficiency of the components of electricity power networks during the past two decades, there is no study to evaluate the efficiency of the electricity power networks as a whole. The proposed models are applied to evaluate the efficiency of 16 regional electricity power networks in Iran and the effect of data uncertainty is also investigated. The results are compared with the traditional network DEA and parametric SFA methods. Validity and verification of the proposed models are also investigated. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed models were more reliable than the traditional Network DEA model.

  15. Robust network data envelopment analysis approach to evaluate the efficiency of regional electricity power networks under uncertainty

    PubMed Central

    Sadjadi, Seyed Jafar

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, new Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) models are developed to evaluate the efficiency of regional electricity power networks. The primary objective of this paper is to consider perturbation in data and develop new NDEA models based on the adaptation of robust optimization methodology. Furthermore, in this paper, the efficiency of the entire networks of electricity power, involving generation, transmission and distribution stages is measured. While DEA has been widely used to evaluate the efficiency of the components of electricity power networks during the past two decades, there is no study to evaluate the efficiency of the electricity power networks as a whole. The proposed models are applied to evaluate the efficiency of 16 regional electricity power networks in Iran and the effect of data uncertainty is also investigated. The results are compared with the traditional network DEA and parametric SFA methods. Validity and verification of the proposed models are also investigated. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed models were more reliable than the traditional Network DEA model. PMID:28953900

  16. A one-model approach based on relaxed combinations of inputs for evaluating input congestion in DEA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khodabakhshi, Mohammad

    2009-08-01

    This paper provides a one-model approach of input congestion based on input relaxation model developed in data envelopment analysis (e.g. [G.R. Jahanshahloo, M. Khodabakhshi, Suitable combination of inputs for improving outputs in DEA with determining input congestion -- Considering textile industry of China, Applied Mathematics and Computation (1) (2004) 263-273; G.R. Jahanshahloo, M. Khodabakhshi, Determining assurance interval for non-Archimedean ele improving outputs model in DEA, Applied Mathematics and Computation 151 (2) (2004) 501-506; M. Khodabakhshi, A super-efficiency model based on improved outputs in data envelopment analysis, Applied Mathematics and Computation 184 (2) (2007) 695-703; M. Khodabakhshi, M. Asgharian, An input relaxation measure of efficiency in stochastic data analysis, Applied Mathematical Modelling 33 (2009) 2010-2023]. This approach reduces solving three problems with the two-model approach introduced in the first of the above-mentioned reference to two problems which is certainly important from computational point of view. The model is applied to a set of data extracted from ISI database to estimate input congestion of 12 Canadian business schools.

  17. Application of data envelopment analysis in measuring the efficiency of mutual fund

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nik, Marzieh Geramian; Mihanzadeh, Hooman; Izadifar, Mozhgan; Nik, Babak Geramian

    2015-05-01

    The growth of mutual fund industry during the past decades emphasizes the importance of this investment vehicle particularly in prosperity of financial markets and in turn, financial growth of each country. Therefore, evaluating the relative efficiency of mutual funds as investment tool is of importance. In this study, a combined model of DEA (data envelopment analysis), and goal programming (GoDEA) approaches contributes widely to analyze the return efficiency of Mutual Funds in an attempt to separate efficient and inefficient Funds as well as identifying the inefficiency resources. Mixed asset local funds, which are managed jointly by CIMB and Public Mutual Berhad, have been selected for the purpose of this paper. As a result, Public Small Cap Fund (P Small Cap) is regarded as the most efficient mutual fund during the period of study. The integrated model aims to first guide investors to choose the best performing fund among other mutual funds, secondly provides the realistic and appropriate benchmark in compare to other classic method, and finally confirms the utility of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as decision-making tool.

  18. Saddle-like deformation in a dielectric elastomer actuator embedded with liquid-phase gallium-indium electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wissman, J.; Finkenauer, L.; Deseri, L.; Majidi, C.

    2014-10-01

    We introduce a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) composed of liquid-phase Gallium-Indium (GaIn) alloy electrodes embedded between layers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and examine its mechanics using a specialized elastic shell theory. Residual stresses in the dielectric and sealing layers of PDMS cause the DEA to deform into a saddle-like geometry (Gaussian curvature K <0). Applying voltage Φ to the liquid metal electrodes induces electrostatic pressure (Maxwell stress) on the dielectric and relieves some of the residual stress. This reduces the longitudinal bending curvature and corresponding angle of deflection ϑ. Treating the elastomer as an incompressible, isotropic, NeoHookean solid, we develop a theory based on the principle of minimum potential energy to predict the principal curvatures as a function of Φ. Based on this theory, we predict a dependency of ϑ on Φ that is in strong agreement with experimental measurements performed on a GaIn-PDMS composite. By accurately modeling electromechanical coupling in a soft-matter DEA, this theory can inform improvements in design and fabrication.

  19. Saddle-like deformation in a dielectric elastomer actuator embedded with liquid-phase gallium-indium electrodes

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

    Wissman, J., E-mail: jwissman@andrew.cmu.edu; Finkenauer, L.; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

    We introduce a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) composed of liquid-phase Gallium-Indium (GaIn) alloy electrodes embedded between layers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and examine its mechanics using a specialized elastic shell theory. Residual stresses in the dielectric and sealing layers of PDMS cause the DEA to deform into a saddle-like geometry (Gaussian curvature K<0). Applying voltage Φ to the liquid metal electrodes induces electrostatic pressure (Maxwell stress) on the dielectric and relieves some of the residual stress. This reduces the longitudinal bending curvature and corresponding angle of deflection ϑ. Treating the elastomer as an incompressible, isotropic, NeoHookean solid, we develop a theorymore » based on the principle of minimum potential energy to predict the principal curvatures as a function of Φ. Based on this theory, we predict a dependency of ϑ on Φ that is in strong agreement with experimental measurements performed on a GaIn-PDMS composite. By accurately modeling electromechanical coupling in a soft-matter DEA, this theory can inform improvements in design and fabrication.« less

  20. Wax inhibitor based on ethylene vinyl acetate with methyl methacrylate and diethanolamine for crude oil pipeline

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anisuzzaman, S. M.; Abang, S.; Bono, A.; Krishnaiah, D.; Karali, R.; Safuan, M. K.

    2017-06-01

    Wax precipitation and deposition is one of the most significant flow assurance challenges in the production system of the crude oil. Wax inhibitors are developed as a preventive strategy to avoid an absolute wax deposition. Wax inhibitors are polymers which can be known as pour point depressants as they impede the wax crystals formation, growth, and deposition. In this study three formulations of wax inhibitors were prepared, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate co-methyl methacrylate (EVA co-MMA) and ethylene vinyl acetate co-diethanolamine (EVA co-DEA) and the comparison of their efficiencies in terms of cloud point¸ pour point, performance inhibition efficiency (%PIE) and viscosity were evaluated. The cloud point and pour point for both EVA and EVA co-MMA were similar, 15°C and 10-5°C, respectively. Whereas, the cloud point and pour point for EVA co-DEA were better, 10°C and 10-5°C respectively. In conclusion, EVA co-DEA had shown the best % PIE (28.42%) which indicates highest percentage reduction of wax deposit as compared to the other two inhibitors.

  1. Temporal evolution of near-surface chlorophyll over cyclonic eddy lifecycles in the southeastern Pacific

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Jie; Xu, Fanghua; Zhou, Kuanbo; Xiu, Peng; Lin, Yanluan

    2017-08-01

    Temporal evolution of near-surface chlorophyll (CHL) associated with mesoscale eddies over entire eddy lifespan is complicated. Based on satellite measurements and a reanalysis data set, we identify and quantify major temporal and spatial CHL responses in cyclonic eddies in the southeastern Pacific, and explore the associated mechanisms. Only few temporal CHL variations can be directly linked to the four primary mechanisms: "eddy pumping," "eddy trapping," "eddy stirring," and "eddy-induced Ekman pumping." About 80% of the temporal CHL variations are too complex to be explained by a single mechanism. Five characteristic CHL responses, including classic dipoles (CD), positive-dominant dipoles (PD), negative-dominant dipoles (ND), positive monopoles (PM), and negative monopoles (NM) are identified using the self-organizing map (SOM). CD, a dominant response induced primarily by "eddy stirring," has a continued increasing of frequency of occurrence with time, although its contribution to the total CHL variability remains low. As the secondary prominent response, NM has two peaks of frequency of occurrence at eddy formation and maturation stages, mainly accounted by "eddy trapping" after eddy breakup and "eddy-induced Ekman pumping," respectively. The sum of frequency of occurrence of PD and PM are comparable to that of NM. The initial positive CHL at eddy formation stage is associated with "eddy trapping." The significant positive CHL increase from the eddy intensification to early decay stage is mainly attributed to "eddy pumping." Although the frequency of occurrence of ND is the smallest, its contribution to negative CHL anomalies is unnegligible.

  2. A comparison of the structure, properties, and water mass composition of quasi-isotropic eddies in western boundary currents in an eddy-resolving ocean model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rykova, Tatiana; Oke, Peter R.; Griffin, David A.

    2017-06-01

    Using output from a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model, we analyse the properties and characteristics of quasi-isotropic eddies in five Western Boundary Current (WBC) regions, including the extensions of the Agulhas, East Australian Current (EAC), Brazil-Malvinas Confluence (BMC), Kuroshio and Gulf Stream regions. We assess the model eddies by comparing to satellite and in situ observations, and show that most aspects of the model's representation of eddies are realistic. We find that the mean eddies differ dramatically between these WBC regions - all with some unique and noteworthy characteristics. We find that the vertical displacement of isopycnals of Agulhas eddies is the greatest, averaging 350-450 m at depths of over 800-900 m. EAC (BMC) eddies are the least (most) barotropic, with only 50% (85-90%) of the velocity associated with the barotropic mode. Kuroshio eddies are the most stratified, resulting in small isopycnal displacement, even for strong eddies; and Gulf Stream eddies carry the most heat. Despite their differences, we explicitly show that the source waters for anticyclonic eddies are a mix of the WBC water (from the boundary current itself) and water that originates equatorward of the WBC eddy-field; and cyclonic eddies are a mix of WBC water and water that originates poleward of the WBC eddy-field.

  3. Long-term Trends and Variability of Eddy Activities in the South China Sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, M.; von Storch, H.

    2017-12-01

    For constructing empirical downscaling models and projecting possible future states of eddy activities in the South China Sea (SCS), long-term statistical characteristics of the SCS eddy are needed. We use a daily global eddy-resolving model product named STORM covering the period of 1950-2010. This simulation has employed the MPI-OM model with a mean horizontal resolution of 10km and been driven by the NCEP reanalysis-1 data set. An eddy detection and tracking algorithm operating on the gridded sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) fields was developed. A set of parameters for the criteria in the SCS are determined through sensitivity tests. Our method detected more than 6000 eddy tracks in the South China Sea. For all of them, eddy diameters, track length, eddy intensity, eddy lifetime and eddy frequency were determined. The long-term trends and variability of those properties also has been derived. Most of the eddies propagate westward. Nearly 100 eddies travel longer than 1000km, and over 800 eddies have a lifespan of more than 2 months. Furthermore, for building the statistical empirical model, the relationship between the SCS eddy statistics and the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic phenomena has been investigated.

  4. The Stability of Outcropping Ocean Eddies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paldor, N.; Cohen, Y.; Dvorkin, Y.

    2017-12-01

    In the end of the last century numerous ship-borne observations and linear instability studies have addressed the long life span of meso-scale ocean eddies. These eddies are observed to persist in the ocean for periods of 2-3 years with little deformation. As eddy instabilities occur because Rossby waves in the surrounding (assumed motionless) ocean interact with various waves in the eddy itself, the stability was attributed to some eddy structure that hinders such wave-wave interactions. However, instabilities with growthrates of the order of the inertial period were found in various multilayer models including hypothesized structures and several observed eddy structures. A solution to the difference between instability theory and observed stability was ultimately suggested by relaxing the assumption of a motionless ocean that surrounds the eddy and prescribing the mean flow in the ocean such that it counterbalances the depth changes imposed by the eddy while maintaining a constant PV-ocean. This hypothesis was successfully applied to Gaussian eddies for mathematical simplicity. Yet, the Gaussian eddy has no surface front - thus avoiding instabilities that involve frontal waves - and it disagrees with observation that clearly show that most eddies have surface fronts. Here the constant PV ocean hypothesis is applied to two frontal eddies: constant PV-eddies and solidly rotating eddy. A complete account of the mean flow of the coupled eddy-ocean system is analyzed using a canonical formulation of the gradient balance. The phase speeds of waves in the eddy-ocean system are computed by a shooting method. Both eddies are found to be unstable in motionless ocean, yet in a constant PV-ocean no instabilities are found using the exact same numerical search. While many eddy structures can be hypothesized there are only a handful of physical mechanisms for instability and in these eddies the assumed constant PV-ocean negates many of these physical mechanisms for instability. This implies that meso-scale eddies should be stable in a constant PV ocean, regardless to their structure, which is not precisely one of the above mentioned. This theory stimulates observations of the ocean under the eddies. To maintain the uniform PV value, relative vorticity must develop in the ocean under the eddy as it moves in the ocean.

  5. Quantifying mesoscale eddies in the Lofoten Basin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raj, R. P.; Johannessen, J. A.; Eldevik, T.; Nilsen, J. E. Ø.; Halo, I.

    2016-07-01

    The Lofoten Basin is the most eddy rich region in the Norwegian Sea. In this paper, the characteristics of these eddies are investigated from a comprehensive database of nearly two decades of satellite altimeter data (1995-2013) together with Argo profiling floats and surface drifter data. An automated method identified 1695/1666 individual anticyclonic/cyclonic eddies in the Lofoten Basin from more than 10,000 altimeter-based eddy observations. The eddies are found to be predominantly generated and residing locally. The spatial distributions of lifetime, occurrence, generation sites, size, intensity, and drift of the eddies are studied in detail. The anticyclonic eddies in the Lofoten Basin are the most long-lived eddies (>60 days), especially in the western part of the basin. We reveal two hotspots of eddy occurrence on either side of the Lofoten Basin. Furthermore, we infer a cyclonic drift of eddies in the western Lofoten Basin. Barotropic energy conversion rates reveals energy transfer from the slope current to the eddies during winter. An automated colocation of surface drifters trapped inside the altimeter-based eddies are used to corroborate the orbital speed of the anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies. Moreover, the vertical structure of the altimeter-based eddies is examined using colocated Argo profiling float profiles. Combination of altimetry, Argo floats, and surface drifter data is therefore considered to be a promising observation-based approach for further studies of the role of eddies in transport of heat and biomass from the slope current to the Lofoten Basin.

  6. Transport induced by mean-eddy interaction: I. Theory, and relation to Lagrangian lobe dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ide, Kayo; Wiggins, Stephen

    2015-02-01

    In this paper we develop a method for the estimation of Transport Induced by the Mean-Eddy interaction (TIME) in two-dimensional unsteady flows. The method is based on the dynamical systems approach to fluid transport and can be viewed as a hybrid combination of Lagrangian and Eulerian methods. The (Eulerian) boundaries across which we consider (Lagrangian) transport are kinematically defined by appropriately chosen streamlines of the mean flow. By evaluating the impact of the mean-eddy interaction on transport, the TIME method can be used as a diagnostic tool for transport processes that occur during a specified time interval along a specified boundary segment. We introduce two types of TIME functions: one that quantifies the accumulation of flow properties and another that measures the displacement of the transport geometry. The spatial geometry of transport is described by the so-called pseudo-lobes, and temporal evolution of transport by their dynamics. In the case where the TIME functions are evaluated along a separatrix, the pseudo-lobes have a relationship to the lobes of Lagrangian transport theory. In fact, one of the TIME functions is identical to the Melnikov function that is used to measure the distance, at leading order in a small parameter, between the two invariant manifolds that define the Lagrangian lobes. We contrast the similarities and differences between the TIME and Lagrangian lobe dynamics in detail. An application of the TIME method is carried out for inter-gyre transport in the wind-driven oceanic circulation model and a comparison with the Lagrangian transport theory is made.

  7. Ingredients of the Eddy Soup: A Geometric Decomposition of Eddy-Mean Flow Interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Waterman, S.; Lilly, J. M.

    2014-12-01

    Understanding eddy-mean flow interactions is a long-standing problem in geophysical fluid dynamics with modern relevance to the task of representing eddy effects in coarse resolution models while preserving their dependence on the underlying dynamics of the flow field. Exploiting the recognition that the velocity covariance matrix/eddy stress tensor that describes eddy fluxes, also encodes information about eddy size, shape and orientation through its geometric representation in the form of the so-called variance ellipse, suggests a potentially fruitful way forward. Here we present a new framework that describes eddy-mean flow interactions in terms of a geometric description of the eddy motion, and illustrate it with an application to an unstable jet. Specifically we show that the eddy vorticity flux divergence F, a key dynamical quantity describing the average effect of fluctuations on the time-mean flow, may be decomposed into two components with distinct geometric interpretations: 1. variations in variance ellipse orientation; and 2. variations in the anisotropic part of the eddy kinetic energy, a function of the variance ellipse size and shape. Application of the divergence theorem shows that F integrated over a region is explained entirely by variations in these two quantities around the region's periphery. This framework has the potential to offer new insights into eddy-mean flow interactions in a number of ways. It identifies the ingredients of the eddy motion that have a mean flow forcing effect, it links eddy effects to spatial patterns of variance ellipse geometry that can suggest the mechanisms underpinning these effects, and finally it illustrates the importance of resolving eddy shape and orientation, and not just eddy size/energy, to accurately represent eddy feedback effects. These concepts will be both discussed and illustrated.

  8. Dynamically consistent parameterization of mesoscale eddies. Part III: Deterministic approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berloff, Pavel

    2018-07-01

    This work continues development of dynamically consistent parameterizations for representing mesoscale eddy effects in non-eddy-resolving and eddy-permitting ocean circulation models and focuses on the classical double-gyre problem, in which the main dynamic eddy effects maintain eastward jet extension of the western boundary currents and its adjacent recirculation zones via eddy backscatter mechanism. Despite its fundamental importance, this mechanism remains poorly understood, and in this paper we, first, study it and, then, propose and test its novel parameterization. We start by decomposing the reference eddy-resolving flow solution into the large-scale and eddy components defined by spatial filtering, rather than by the Reynolds decomposition. Next, we find that the eastward jet and its recirculations are robustly present not only in the large-scale flow itself, but also in the rectified time-mean eddies, and in the transient rectified eddy component, which consists of highly anisotropic ribbons of the opposite-sign potential vorticity anomalies straddling the instantaneous eastward jet core and being responsible for its continuous amplification. The transient rectified component is separated from the flow by a novel remapping method. We hypothesize that the above three components of the eastward jet are ultimately driven by the small-scale transient eddy forcing via the eddy backscatter mechanism, rather than by the mean eddy forcing and large-scale nonlinearities. We verify this hypothesis by progressively turning down the backscatter and observing the induced flow anomalies. The backscatter analysis leads us to formulating the key eddy parameterization hypothesis: in an eddy-permitting model at least partially resolved eddy backscatter can be significantly amplified to improve the flow solution. Such amplification is a simple and novel eddy parameterization framework implemented here in terms of local, deterministic flow roughening controlled by single parameter. We test the parameterization skills in an hierarchy of non-eddy-resolving and eddy-permitting modifications of the original model and demonstrate, that indeed it can be highly efficient for restoring the eastward jet extension and its adjacent recirculation zones. The new deterministic parameterization framework not only combines remarkable simplicity with good performance but also is dynamically transparent, therefore, it provides a powerful alternative to the common eddy diffusion and emerging stochastic parameterizations.

  9. Cyclonic eddies identified in the Cape Basin of the South Atlantic Ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hall, C.; Lutjeharms, J. R. E.

    2011-03-01

    Inter-ocean exchange south of Africa takes place largely through the movement of Agulhas Rings into the Cape Basin. Recent observations have shown that the highly energetic flow field in this basin consists of anti-cyclonic rings as well as cyclonic eddies. Very little is known of the characteristics of the cyclonic eddies. Using altimetric data, this study determines the location, frequency and seasonality of these cyclonic eddies their size, trajectories, life spans and their association with Agulhas Rings. Cyclonic eddies were seen to split, merge and link with other cyclonic eddies, where splitting events created child cyclonic eddies. The 105 parent and 157 child cyclonic eddies identified over a decade show that on average 11 parent and 17 child cyclonic eddies appear annually in AVISO merged absolute dynamic topography data along the continental slope. Thirty-two percent follow an overall west south-westward direction, with 27% going west north-westward. Average translocation speeds are 2.2 ± 0.1 km/day for parent and 3.0 ± 0.2 km/day for child cyclonic eddies. Parent cyclonic eddy lifespan averaged 250 ± 18 days; whereas child cyclonic eddies survived for only 118 ± 11 days. A significant difference in lifespan for parent and child cyclonic eddies identified in the north and south region of the study area was detected. Seventy-seven percent of the northern and 93% of the southern cyclonic eddies were first detected directly adjacent to passing Agulhas Rings, suggesting a vital interaction between these mesoscale eddies within the region. Topographical features appeared to affect the behaviour and lifespan of these deep cyclonic eddies.

  10. Dry deposition of PM2.5 sulfate above a hilly forest using relaxed eddy accumulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuda, Kazuhide; Watanabe, Ichiro; Mizukami, Kou; Ban, Satomi; Takahashi, Akira

    2015-04-01

    Sulfur compounds continue to be an important component of atmospheric deposition in East Asia. In order to better understand the dry deposition of PM2.5 sulfate, which is one of the most significant transboundary air pollutants in this region, we measured the dry deposition flux of PM2.5 sulfate above a hilly forest of the Field Museum Tamakyuryo (FM Tama) site in suburban Tokyo. We used the relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method and took measurements during the summer, from 26 July to 2 August 2013, and the autumn, from 18 to 22 November 2013. We primarily focused on the evaluation of dry deposition above a forest on complex terrain. The total flux and 80% of the runs showed downward flux. The deposition velocities measured by the REA method during times when the wind direction was from a relatively uniform sloping surface over the forest were more reasonable than those measured when the wind direction was from a more complex surface. Using a resistance model that includes the effect of growth of hygroscopic aerosols, we inferred the deposition velocities during two experimental periods. When the fluxes were averaged for a long time (i.e., about 2 weeks) the inferred fluxes and deposition velocities were in reasonable agreement with the measurements. Although averages over long periods showed good agreement, the measured deposition velocities were distributed in a wider range than those inferred by the model. An increased range of deposition velocities was associated with flux footprints from complex terrain. It is possible that the agreements between measured and inferred fluxes or deposition velocities at the site are because the depositions of sulfate are largely controlled by surface factors rather than aerodynamic resistance.

  11. A cool-temperate young larch plantation as a net methane source - A 4-year continuous hyperbolic relaxed eddy accumulation and chamber measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ueyama, Masahito; Yoshikawa, Kota; Takagi, Kentaro

    2018-07-01

    Upland forests are thought to be methane (CH4) sinks due to oxidation by methanotrophs in aerobic soils. However, CH4 budget for upland forests are not well quantified at the ecosystem scale, when possible CH4 sources, such as small wet areas, exists in the ecosystem. Here, we quantified CH4 fluxes in a cool-temperate larch plantation based on four-year continuous measurements using the hyperbolic relaxed eddy accumulation (HREA) method and dynamic closed chambers with a laser-based analyzer. After filling data gaps for half-hourly data using machine-learning-based regressions, we found that the forest acted as a net CH4 source at the canopy scale: 30 ± 11 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 in 2014, 56 ± 8 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 in 2015, 154 ± 5 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 in 2016, and 132 ± 6 mg CH4 m-2 yr-1 in 2017. Hotspot emissions from the edge of the pond could strongly contribute to the canopy-scale emissions. The magnitude of the hotspot emissions was 10-100 times greater than the order of the canopy-scale and chamber-based CH4 fluxes at the dry soils. The high temperatures with wet conditions stimulated the hotspot emissions, and thus induced canopy-scale CH4 emissions in the summer. Understanding and modeling the dynamics of hotspot emissions are important for quantifying CH4 budgets of upland forests. Micrometeorological measurements at various forests are required for revisiting CH4 budget of upland forests.

  12. The Role of Optimality in Characterizing CO2 Seepage from Geological Carbon Sequestration Sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cortis, A.; Oldenburg, C. M.; Benson, S. M.

    2007-12-01

    Storage of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep geological formations for greenhouse-gas mitigation is gaining momentum and moving from its conceptual and testing stages towards widespread application. In this talk we explore various optimization strategies for characterizing surface leakage (seepage) using near-surface measurement approaches such as accumulation chambers and eddy covariance towers. Seepage characterization objectives and limitations need to be defined carefully from the outset especially in light of large natural background variations that can mask seepage. The cost and sensitivity of seepage detection are related to four critical length scales pertaining to the size of the: (1) region that needs to be monitored; (2) footprint of the measurement approach; (3) main seepage zone; and (4) region in which concentrations or fluxes are influenced by seepage. Seepage characterization objectives may include one or all of the tasks of detecting, locating, and quantifying seepage. Each of these tasks has its own optimal strategy. Detecting and locating seepage in a region in which there is no expected or preferred location for seepage nor existing evidence for seepage requires monitoring on a fixed grid, e.g., using eddy covariance towers. The fixed-grid approaches needed to detect seepage are expected to require large numbers of eddy covariance towers for large-scale geologic CO2 storage. Once seepage has been detected and roughly located, seepage zones and features can be optimally pinpointed through a dynamic search strategy, e.g., employing accumulation chambers and/or soil-gas sampling. Quantification of seepage rates can be done through measurements on a localized fixed grid once the seepage is pinpointed. Background measurements are essential for seepage detection in natural ecosystems. Artificial neural networks are considered as regression models useful for distinguishing natural system behavior from anomalous behavior suggestive of CO2 seepage without need for detailed understanding of natural system processes. Because of the local extrema in CO2 fluxes and concentrations in natural systems, simple steepest-descent algorithms are not effective and evolutionary computation algorithms are proposed as a paradigm for dynamic monitoring networks to pinpoint CO2 seepage areas. This work was carried out within the ZERT project, funded by the Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Office of Sequestration, Hydrogen, and Clean Coal Fuels, National Energy Technology Laboratory, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

  13. Nitric oxide-mediated modulation of the murine locomotor network

    PubMed Central

    Foster, Joshua D.; Dunford, Catherine; Sillar, Keith T.

    2013-01-01

    Spinal motor control networks are regulated by neuromodulatory systems to allow adaptability of movements. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of mammalian spinal locomotor networks. This was investigated with isolated spinal cord preparations from neonatal mice in which rhythmic locomotor-related activity was induced pharmacologically. Bath application of the NO donor diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO) decreased the frequency and modulated the amplitude of locomotor-related activity recorded from ventral roots. Removal of endogenous NO with coapplication of a NO scavenger (PTIO) and a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker [nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)] increased the frequency and decreased the amplitude of locomotor-related activity. This demonstrates that endogenously derived NO can modulate both the timing and intensity of locomotor-related activity. The effects of DEA/NO were mimicked by the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP. In addition, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ blocked the effects of DEA/NO on burst amplitude and frequency, although the frequency effect was only blocked at low concentrations of DEA/NO. This suggests that NO-mediated modulation involves cGMP-dependent pathways. Sources of NO were studied within the lumbar spinal cord during postnatal development (postnatal days 1–12) with NADPH-diaphorase staining. NOS-positive cells in the ventral horn exhibited a rostrocaudal gradient, with more cells in rostral segments. The number of NOS-positive cells was also found to increase during postnatal development. In summary, we have shown that NO, derived from sources within the mammalian spinal cord, modulates the output of spinal motor networks and is therefore likely to contribute to the fine-tuning of locomotor behavior. PMID:24259545

  14. Measuring effectiveness of a university by a parallel network DEA model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kashim, Rosmaini; Kasim, Maznah Mat; Rahman, Rosshairy Abd

    2017-11-01

    Universities contribute significantly to the development of human capital and socio-economic improvement of a country. Due to that, Malaysian universities carried out various initiatives to improve their performance. Most studies have used the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to measure efficiency rather than effectiveness, even though, the measurement of effectiveness is important to realize how effective a university in achieving its ultimate goals. A university system has two major functions, namely teaching and research and every function has different resources based on its emphasis. Therefore, a university is actually structured as a parallel production system with its overall effectiveness is the aggregated effectiveness of teaching and research. Hence, this paper is proposing a parallel network DEA model to measure the effectiveness of a university. This model includes internal operations of both teaching and research functions into account in computing the effectiveness of a university system. In literature, the graduate and the number of program offered are defined as the outputs, then, the employed graduates and the numbers of programs accredited from professional bodies are considered as the outcomes for measuring the teaching effectiveness. Amount of grants is regarded as the output of research, while the different quality of publications considered as the outcomes of research. A system is considered effective if only all functions are effective. This model has been tested using a hypothetical set of data consisting of 14 faculties at a public university in Malaysia. The results show that none of the faculties is relatively effective for the overall performance. Three faculties are effective in teaching and two faculties are effective in research. The potential applications of the parallel network DEA model allow the top management of a university to identify weaknesses in any functions in their universities and take rational steps for improvement.

  15. On foundations of discrete element analysis of contact in diarthrodial joints.

    PubMed

    Volokh, K Y; Chao, E Y S; Armand, M

    2007-06-01

    Information about the stress distribution on contact surfaces of adjacent bones is indispensable for analysis of arthritis, bone fracture and remodeling. Numerical solution of the contact problem based on the classical approaches of solid mechanics is sophisticated and time-consuming. However, the solution can be essentially simplified on the following physical grounds. The bone contact surfaces are covered with a layer of articular cartilage, which is a soft tissue as compared to the hard bone. The latter allows ignoring the bone compliance in analysis of the contact problem, i.e. rigid bones are considered to interact through a compliant cartilage. Moreover, cartilage shear stresses and strains can be ignored because of the negligible friction between contacting cartilage layers. Thus, the cartilage can be approximated by a set of unilateral compressive springs normal to the bone surface. The forces in the springs can be computed from the equilibrium equations iteratively accounting for the changing contact area. This is the essence of the discrete element analysis (DEA). Despite the success in applications of DEA to various bone contact problems, its classical formulation required experimental validation because the springs approximating the cartilage were assumed linear while the real articular cartilage exhibited non-linear mechanical response in reported tests. Recent experimental results of Ateshian and his co-workers allow for revisiting the classical DEA formulation and establishing the limits of its applicability. In the present work, it is shown that the linear spring model is remarkably valid within a wide range of large deformations of the cartilage. It is also shown how to extend the classical DEA to the case of strong nonlinearity if necessary.

  16. Crash Test of an MD-500 Helicopter with a Deployable Energy Absorber Concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Littell, Justin D.; Jackson, Karen E.; Kellas, Sotiris

    2010-01-01

    On December 2, 2009, a full scale crash test was successfully conducted of a MD-500 helicopter at the NASA Langley Research Center Landing and Impact Research Facility . The purpose of this test was to evaluate a novel composite honeycomb deployable energy absorbing (DEA) concept for attenuation of structural and crew loads during helicopter crashes under realistic crash conditions. The DEA concept is an alternative to external airbags, and absorbs impact energy through crushing. In the test, the helicopter impacted the concrete surface with 11.83 m/s (38.8 ft/s) horizontal, 7.80 m/s (25.6 ft/s) vertical and 0.15 m/s (0.5 ft/s) lateral velocities; corresponding to a resultant velocity of 14.2 m/s (46.5 ft/s). The airframe and skid gear were instrumented with accelerometers and strain gages to determine structural integrity and load attenuation, while the skin of the airframe was covered with targets for use by photogrammetry to record gross vehicle motion before, during, and after the impact. Along with the collection of airframe data, one Hybrid III 50th percentile anthropomorphic test device (ATD), two Hybrid II 50th percentile ATDs and a specialized human surrogate torso model (HSTM) occupant were seated in the airframe and instrumented for the collection of occupant loads. Resultant occupant data showed that by using the DEA, the loads on the Hybrid II and Hybrid III ATDs were in the Low Risk regime for the injury criteria, while structural data showed the airframe retained its structural integrity post crash. Preliminary results show that the DEA is a viable concept for the attenuation of impact loads.

  17. Selection Input Output by Restriction Using DEA Models Based on a Fuzzy Delphi Approach and Expert Information

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arsad, Roslah; Nasir Abdullah, Mohammad; Alias, Suriana; Isa, Zaidi

    2017-09-01

    Stock evaluation has always been an interesting problem for investors. In this paper, a comparison regarding the efficiency stocks of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia were made through the application of estimation method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). One of the interesting research subjects in DEA is the selection of appropriate input and output parameter. In this study, DEA was used to measure efficiency of stocks of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia in terms of the financial ratio to evaluate performance of stocks. Based on previous studies and Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), the most important financial ratio was selected. The results indicated that return on equity, return on assets, net profit margin, operating profit margin, earnings per share, price to earnings and debt to equity were the most important ratios. Using expert information, all the parameter were clarified as inputs and outputs. The main objectives were to identify most critical financial ratio, clarify them based on expert information and compute the relative efficiency scores of stocks as well as rank them in the construction industry and material completely. The methods of analysis using Alirezaee and Afsharian’s model were employed in this study, where the originality of Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) with the assumption of Constant Return to Scale (CSR) still holds. This method of ranking relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) was value-added by the Balance Index. The interested data was made for year 2015 and the population of the research includes accepted companies in stock markets in the construction industry and material (63 companies). According to the ranking, the proposed model can rank completely for 63 companies using selected financial ratio.

  18. Summer cover crops reduce atrazine leaching to shallow groundwater in southern Florida.

    PubMed

    Potter, Thomas L; Bosch, David D; Joo, Hyun; Schaffer, Bruce; Muñoz-Carpena, Rafael

    2007-01-01

    At Florida's southeastern tip, sweet corn (Zea Mays) is grown commercially during winter months. Most fields are treated with atrazine (6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-[1-methylethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine). Hydrogeologic conditions indicate a potential for shallow groundwater contamination. This was investigated by measuring the parent compound and three degradates--DEA (6-chloro-N-[1-methylethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), DIA (6-chloro-N-ethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, and HA (6-hydroxy-N-[1-methylethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine)--in water samples collected beneath sweet corn plots treated annually with the herbicide. During the study, a potential mitigation measure (i.e., the use of a cover crop, Sunn Hemp [Crotalaria juncea L.], during summer fallow periods followed by chopping and turning the crop into soil before planting the next crop) was evaluated. Over 3.5 yr and production of four corn crops, groundwater monitoring indicated leaching of atrazine, DIA, and DEA, with DEA accounting for more than half of all residues in most samples. Predominance of DEA, which increased after the second atrazine application, was interpreted as an indication of rapid and extensive atrazine degradation in soil and indicated that an adapted community of atrazine degrading organisms had developed. A companion laboratory study found a sixfold increase in atrazine degradation rate in soil after three applications. Groundwater data also revealed that atrazine and degradates concentrations were significantly lower in samples collected beneath cover crop plots when compared with concentrations below fallow plots. Together, these findings demonstrated a relatively small although potentially significant risk for leaching of atrazine and its dealkylated degradates to groundwater and that the use of a cover crop like Sunn Hemp during summer months may be an effective mitigation measure.

  19. Biogeochemical characteristics of mesoscale eddies in the generation zone off Valparaíso, Chile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Villegas, Valerie; Cornejo, Marcela; Molina, Verónica; Silva, Nelson; Hormazábal, Samuel

    2016-04-01

    The coastal area off Valparaiso is characterized by an intense mesoscale activity associated with eddies, which transport highly productive-coastal waters to the oligotrophic areas of the Subtropical Gyre. Among these, the Intrathermocline Anticyclonic Eddies (ITE's) which are forming in the eastern South Pacific, transport low oxygen- and high nutrients- subsurface water of Equatorial Subsurface Water (ESSW). These eddies have been well characterized in terms of generation rate, direction, speed and water transport. However, biogeochemical conditions in their origin and its temporal variability are not well assessed. The present study aims to determine the variability, spatially and temporally, of the biogeochemical properties in the water column at the eddies generation zone, off Punta Ángeles, Valparaíso (33° S). For this, a monthly time series was conducted between January and August 2016 where a cross-shore transect with six-stations was deployed (from coast to 16 nm). Each station was sampled with CTD-OF, while only in station 5 (1300 m depth) was sampled in 16 depth for biogeochemical variables: nutrients (NO3-, NO2-, PO4-3, Si(OH)4), greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O), chlorophyll a, stable isotopes in particulate organic material (13C, 15N), content of organic carbon and nitrogen in POM. The spatial and temporal distribution shows the presence of subsurface cores (100 - 300 m) with water with high salinity (> 34.7 psu) and low oxygen content (< 0.5 mLṡL-1), associated with mesoscale subsurface structures. The largest vertical and horizontal extension of these structures was observed in January 2015. These subsurface structures showed a significant deficit of reactive nitrogen (N* < -10 μM), nitrite accumulation (> 0.6 μM) and the highest supersaturations of CO2 (110 - 344%) and N2O (107 - 407%). Along with this, the eddies generation zone presented a temporal variability of air-sea gases fluxes with the highest in the austral summer and autumn (from 67.64 to 9.12 mmolṡm-2ṡd-1, from 3.00 to 0.94 μmolṡm-2ṡd-1, and from 19.62 to 5.77 μmolṡm-2ṡd-1, for CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively), while between June and August, the ocean-atmosphere flows were close to equilibrium (from 0.09 to -1.93 mmolṡm-2ṡd-1, from 0.40 to 0.03 μmolṡm-2ṡd-1, and from 0,29 to -0.02 μmolṡm-2ṡd-1, for CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively). Acknowledgment: This work is part of the PIA 037.474 Project (PUCV) and the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO-Chile).

  20. Surface-atmosphere decoupling limits accumulation at Summit, Greenland.

    PubMed

    Berkelhammer, Max; Noone, David C; Steen-Larsen, Hans Christian; Bailey, Adriana; Cox, Christopher J; O'Neill, Michael S; Schneider, David; Steffen, Konrad; White, James W C

    2016-04-01

    Despite rapid melting in the coastal regions of the Greenland Ice Sheet, a significant area (~40%) of the ice sheet rarely experiences surface melting. In these regions, the controls on annual accumulation are poorly constrained owing to surface conditions (for example, surface clouds, blowing snow, and surface inversions), which render moisture flux estimates from myriad approaches (that is, eddy covariance, remote sensing, and direct observations) highly uncertain. Accumulation is partially determined by the temperature dependence of saturation vapor pressure, which influences the maximum humidity of air parcels reaching the ice sheet interior. However, independent proxies for surface temperature and accumulation from ice cores show that the response of accumulation to temperature is variable and not generally consistent with a purely thermodynamic control. Using three years of stable water vapor isotope profiles from a high altitude site on the Greenland Ice Sheet, we show that as the boundary layer becomes increasingly stable, a decoupling between the ice sheet and atmosphere occurs. The limited interaction between the ice sheet surface and free tropospheric air reduces the capacity for surface condensation to achieve the rate set by the humidity of the air parcels reaching interior Greenland. The isolation of the surface also acts to recycle sublimated moisture by recondensing it onto fog particles, which returns the moisture back to the surface through gravitational settling. The observations highlight a unique mechanism by which ice sheet mass is conserved, which has implications for understanding both past and future changes in accumulation rate and the isotopic signal in ice cores from Greenland.

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