Cooperative Optimal Coordination for Distributed Energy Resources

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

Yang, Tao; Wu, Di; Ren, Wei

In this paper, we consider the optimal coordination problem for distributed energy resources (DERs) including distributed generators and energy storage devices. We propose an algorithm based on the push-sum and gradient method to optimally coordinate storage devices and distributed generators in a distributed manner. In the proposed algorithm, each DER only maintains a set of variables and updates them through information exchange with a few neighbors over a time-varying directed communication network. We show that the proposed distributed algorithm solves the optimal DER coordination problem if the time-varying directed communication network is uniformly jointly strongly connected, which is a mildmore » condition on the connectivity of communication topologies. The proposed distributed algorithm is illustrated and validated by numerical simulations.« less

A radially resolved kinetic model for nonlocal electron ripple diffusion losses in tokamaks

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

Robertson, Scott

A relatively simple radially resolved kinetic model is applied to the ripple diffusion problem for electrons in tokamaks. The distribution function f(r,v) is defined on a two-dimensional grid, where r is the radial coordinate and v is the velocity coordinate. Particle transport in the radial direction is from ripple and banana diffusion and transport in the velocity direction is described by the Fokker-Planck equation. Particles and energy are replaced by source functions that are adjusted to maintain a constant central density and temperature. The relaxed profiles of f(r,v) show that the electron distribution function at the wall contains suprathermal electronsmore » that have diffused from the interior that enhance ripple transport. The transport at the periphery is therefore nonlocal. The energy replacement times from the computational model are near to the experimental replacement times for tokamak discharges in the compilation by Pfeiffer and Waltz [Nucl. Fusion 19, 51 (1979)].« less

Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Unconstrained Enhanced Sampling and Free Energy Calculation.

PubMed

Miao, Yinglong; Feher, Victoria A; McCammon, J Andrew

2015-08-11

A Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) approach for simultaneous enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules is presented. By constructing a boost potential that follows Gaussian distribution, accurate reweighting of the GaMD simulations is achieved using cumulant expansion to the second order. Here, GaMD is demonstrated on three biomolecular model systems: alanine dipeptide, chignolin folding, and ligand binding to the T4-lysozyme. Without the need to set predefined reaction coordinates, GaMD enables unconstrained enhanced sampling of these biomolecules. Furthermore, the free energy profiles obtained from reweighting of the GaMD simulations allow us to identify distinct low-energy states of the biomolecules and characterize the protein-folding and ligand-binding pathways quantitatively.

Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Unconstrained Enhanced Sampling and Free Energy Calculation

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

A Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) approach for simultaneous enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules is presented. By constructing a boost potential that follows Gaussian distribution, accurate reweighting of the GaMD simulations is achieved using cumulant expansion to the second order. Here, GaMD is demonstrated on three biomolecular model systems: alanine dipeptide, chignolin folding, and ligand binding to the T4-lysozyme. Without the need to set predefined reaction coordinates, GaMD enables unconstrained enhanced sampling of these biomolecules. Furthermore, the free energy profiles obtained from reweighting of the GaMD simulations allow us to identify distinct low-energy states of the biomolecules and characterize the protein-folding and ligand-binding pathways quantitatively. PMID:26300708

Integrated health monitoring and controls for rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrill, W. C.; Musgrave, J. L.; Guo, T. H.

1992-01-01

Current research in intelligent control systems at the Lewis Research Center is described in the context of a functional framework. The framework is applicable to a variety of reusable space propulsion systems for existing and future launch vehicles. It provides a 'road map' technology development to enable enhanced engine performance with increased reliability, durability, and maintainability. The framework hierarchy consists of a mission coordination level, a propulsion system coordination level, and an engine control level. Each level is described in the context of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The concept of integrating diagnostics with control is discussed within the context of the functional framework. A distributed real time simulation testbed is used to realize and evaluate the functionalities in closed loop.

Distributional properties of relative phase in bimanual coordination.

PubMed

James, Eric; Layne, Charles S; Newell, Karl M

2010-10-01

Studies of bimanual coordination have typically estimated the stability of coordination patterns through the use of the circular standard deviation of relative phase. The interpretation of this statistic depends upon the assumption of a von Mises distribution. The present study tested this assumption by examining the distributional properties of relative phase in three bimanual coordination patterns. There were significant deviations from the von Mises distribution due to differences in the kurtosis of distributions. The kurtosis depended upon the relative phase pattern performed, with leptokurtic distributions occurring in the in-phase and antiphase patterns and platykurtic distributions occurring in the 30° pattern. Thus, the distributional assumptions needed to validly and reliably use the standard deviation are not necessarily present in relative phase data though they are qualitatively consistent with the landscape properties of the intrinsic dynamics.

Nuclear spin relaxation in ligands outside of the first coordination sphere in a gadolinium (III) complex: Effects of intermolecular forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruk, Danuta; Kowalewski, Jozef

2002-07-01

This article describes paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) in systems with high electron spin, S, where there is molecular interaction between a paramagnetic ion and a ligand outside of the first coordination sphere. The new feature of our treatment is an improved handling of the electron-spin relaxation, making use of the Redfield theory. Following a common approach, a well-defined second coordination sphere is assumed, and the PRE contribution from these more distant and shorter-lived ligands is treated in a way similar to that used for the first coordination sphere. This model is called "ordered second sphere," OSS. In addition, we develop here a formalism similar to that of Hwang and Freed [J. Chem. Phys. 63, 4017 (1975)], but accounting for the electron-spin relaxation effects. We denote this formalism "diffuse second sphere," DSS. The description of the dynamics of the intermolecular dipole-dipole interaction is based on the Smoluchowski equation, with a potential of mean force related to the radial distribution function. We have used a finite-difference method to calculate numerically a correlation function for translational motion, taking into account the intermolecular forces leading to an arbitrary radial distribution of the ligand protons. The OSS and DSS models, including the Redfield description of the electron-spin relaxation, were used to interpret the PRE in an aqueous solution of a slowly rotating gadolinium (III) complex (S=7/2) bound to a protein.

Distributed subterranean exploration and mapping with teams of UAVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, John G.; Sherrill, Ryan E.; Schang, Arthur; Meadows, Shava L.; Cox, Eric P.; Byrne, Brendan; Baran, David G.; Curtis, J. Willard; Brink, Kevin M.

2017-05-01

Teams of small autonomous UAVs can be used to map and explore unknown environments which are inaccessible to teams of human operators in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts (HA/DR). In addition to HA/DR applications, teams of small autonomous UAVs can enhance Warfighter capabilities and provide operational stand-off for military operations such as cordon and search, counter-WMD, and other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This paper will present a hardware platform and software architecture to enable distributed teams of heterogeneous UAVs to navigate, explore, and coordinate their activities to accomplish a search task in a previously unknown environment.

Equipartition terms in transition path ensemble: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations of alanine dipeptide.

PubMed

Li, Wenjin

2018-02-28

Transition path ensemble consists of reactive trajectories and possesses all the information necessary for the understanding of the mechanism and dynamics of important condensed phase processes. However, quantitative description of the properties of the transition path ensemble is far from being established. Here, with numerical calculations on a model system, the equipartition terms defined in thermal equilibrium were for the first time estimated in the transition path ensemble. It was not surprising to observe that the energy was not equally distributed among all the coordinates. However, the energies distributed on a pair of conjugated coordinates remained equal. Higher energies were observed to be distributed on several coordinates, which are highly coupled to the reaction coordinate, while the rest were almost equally distributed. In addition, the ensemble-averaged energy on each coordinate as a function of time was also quantified. These quantitative analyses on energy distributions provided new insights into the transition path ensemble.

Enhancing communication by using the Coordinated Care Classification System.

PubMed

O'Neal, P V; Kozeny, D K; Garland, P P; Gaunt, S M; Gordon, S C

1998-07-01

Because of the changes in our healthcare system, some clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are having to expand their traditional roles of clinician, educator, consultant, leader, and researcher to include case management activities. The CNSs at Promina Gwinnett Health System in Lawrenceville, Georgia, have combined CNS and case manager activities and have adopted the title "CNS/Outcomes Coordinator." The CNS/Outcomes Coordinator is responsible for coordinating patient care, promoting team collaboration, and facilitating communication. To inform the healthcare team of the CNS/Outcomes Coordinator's patient responsibilities, the CNS/Outcomes Coordinators developed a Coordinated Care Classification System. This article describes how coordinating patient care, promoting team collaboration, and facilitating communication can be enhanced by the use of a classification system.

Fragility issues of medical video streaming over 802.11e-WLAN m-health environments.

PubMed

Tan, Yow-Yiong Edwin; Philip, Nada; Istepanian, Robert H

2006-01-01

This paper presents some of the fragility issues of a medical video streaming over 802.11e-WLAN in m-health applications. In particular, we present a medical channel-adaptive fair allocation (MCAFA) scheme for enhanced QoS support for IEEE 802.11 (WLAN), as a modification for the standard 802.11e enhanced distributed coordination function (EDCF) is proposed for enhanced medical data performance. The medical channel-adaptive fair allocation (MCAFA) proposed extends the EDCF, by halving the contention window (CW) after zeta consecutive successful transmissions to reduce the collision probability when channel is busy. Simulation results show that MCAFA outperforms EDCF in-terms of overall performance relevant to the requirements of high throughput of medical data and video streaming traffic in 3G/WLAN wireless environments.

A Trade Study of Thermosphere Empirical Neutral Density Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

n,m = Degree and order, respectively ′ = Geocentric latitude Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 2 λ = Geocentric ...coordinate. The ECI coordinate system also known as the Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 3 geocentric equatorial system has...seconds for numerical integration. The EGM96 model specifies V in the Earth-Center, Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinate frame, a geocentric coordinate

Coordination in Distributed Intelligent Systems Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-13

working in the area of Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI) unanimously endorses the idea that coordination - a fundamental paradigm - represents a...using the distributed artificial intelligence paradigm. Section 4 discusses the healthcare applications. On the other hand, Section 5 describes...coordination mechanisms should be used is in the control of swarms of UA Vs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The UAVs are considered in this case as highly mobile

Coordination, Data Management and Enhancement of the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP), A US Interagency Arctic Buoy Programme (USIABP) Contribution to the IABP

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

International Arctic Buoy Programme ( IABP ) A US Interagency Arctic Buoy Programme (USIABP) contribution to the IABP Dr. Ignatius G. Rigor Polar...observations of surface meteorology and ice motion. These observations are assimilated into Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models that are used to...distribution of sea ice. Over the Arctic Ocean, this fundamental observing network is maintained by the IABP , and is a critical component of the

MD simulation study of the diffusion and local structure of n-alkanes in liquid and supercritical methanol at infinite dilution.

PubMed

Feng, Huajie; Gao, Wei; Su, Li; Sun, Zhenfan; Chen, Liuping

2017-06-01

The diffusion coefficients of 14 n-alkanes (ranging from methane to n-tetradecane) in liquid and supercritical methanol at infinite dilution (at a pressure of 10.5 MPa and at temperatures of 299 K and 515 K) were deduced via molecular dynamics simulations. Values for the radial distribution function, coordination number, and number of hydrogen bonds were then calculated to explore the local structure of each fluid. The flexibility of the n-alkane (as characterized by the computed dihedral distribution, end-to-end distance, and radius of gyration) was found to be a major influence and hydrogen bonding to be a minor influence on the local structure. Hydrogen bonding reduces the flexibility of the n-alkane, whereas increasing the temperature enhances its flexibility, with temperature having a greater effect than hydrogen bonding on flexibility. Graphical abstract The flexibility of the alkane is a major influence and the hydrogen bonding is a minor influence on the first solvation shell; the coordination numbers of long-chain n-alkanes in the first solvation shell are rather low.

Coordinating complex problem-solving among distributed intelligent agents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.

1992-01-01

A process-oriented control model is described for distributed problem solving. The model coordinates the transfer and manipulation of information across independent networked applications, both intelligent and conventional. The model was implemented using SOCIAL, a set of object-oriented tools for distributing computing. Complex sequences of distributed tasks are specified in terms of high level scripts. Scripts are executed by SOCIAL objects called Manager Agents, which realize an intelligent coordination model that routes individual tasks to suitable server applications across the network. These tools are illustrated in a prototype distributed system for decision support of ground operations for NASA's Space Shuttle fleet.

Virtual Sensor Web Architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bose, P.; Zimdars, A.; Hurlburt, N.; Doug, S.

2006-12-01

NASA envisions the development of smart sensor webs, intelligent and integrated observation network that harness distributed sensing assets, their associated continuous and complex data sets, and predictive observation processing mechanisms for timely, collaborative hazard mitigation and enhanced science productivity and reliability. This paper presents Virtual Sensor Web Infrastructure for Collaborative Science (VSICS) Architecture for sustained coordination of (numerical and distributed) model-based processing, closed-loop resource allocation, and observation planning. VSICS's key ideas include i) rich descriptions of sensors as services based on semantic markup languages like OWL and SensorML; ii) service-oriented workflow composition and repair for simple and ensemble models; event-driven workflow execution based on event-based and distributed workflow management mechanisms; and iii) development of autonomous model interaction management capabilities providing closed-loop control of collection resources driven by competing targeted observation needs. We present results from initial work on collaborative science processing involving distributed services (COSEC framework) that is being extended to create VSICS.

Coordinated Optimization of Distributed Energy Resources and Smart Loads in Distribution Systems: Preprint

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

Yang, Rui; Zhang, Yingchen

2016-08-01

Distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart loads have the potential to provide flexibility to the distribution system operation. A coordinated optimization approach is proposed in this paper to actively manage DERs and smart loads in distribution systems to achieve the optimal operation status. A three-phase unbalanced Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem is developed to determine the output from DERs and smart loads with respect to the system operator's control objective. This paper focuses on coordinating PV systems and smart loads to improve the overall voltage profile in distribution systems. Simulations have been carried out in a 12-bus distribution feeder andmore » results illustrate the superior control performance of the proposed approach.« less

Coordinated Optimization of Distributed Energy Resources and Smart Loads in Distribution Systems

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

Yang, Rui; Zhang, Yingchen

2016-11-14

Distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart loads have the potential to provide flexibility to the distribution system operation. A coordinated optimization approach is proposed in this paper to actively manage DERs and smart loads in distribution systems to achieve the optimal operation status. A three-phase unbalanced Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem is developed to determine the output from DERs and smart loads with respect to the system operator's control objective. This paper focuses on coordinating PV systems and smart loads to improve the overall voltage profile in distribution systems. Simulations have been carried out in a 12-bus distribution feeder andmore » results illustrate the superior control performance of the proposed approach.« less

Rehabilitating health services in Cambodia: the challenge of coordination in chronic political emergencies.

PubMed

Lanjouw, S; Macrae, J; Zwi, A B

1999-09-01

The end of the Cold War brought with it opportunities to resolve a number of conflicts around the world, including those in Angola, Cambodia, El Salvador and Mozambique. International political efforts to negotiate peace in these countries were accompanied by significant aid programmes ostensibly designed to redress the worst effects of conflict and to contribute to the consolidation of peace. Such periods of political transition, and associated aid inflows, constitute an opportunity to improve health services in countries whose health indicators have been among the worst in the world and where access to basic health services is significantly diminished by war. This paper analyzes the particular constraints to effective coordination of health sector aid in situations of 'post'-conflict transition. These include: the uncertain legitimacy and competence of state structures; donor choice of implementing channels; and actions by national and international political actors which served to undermine coordination mechanisms in order to further their respective agendas. These obstacles hindered efforts by health professionals to establish an effective coordination regime, for example, through NGO mapping and the establishment of aid coordinating committees at national and provincial levels. These technical measures were unable to address the basic constitutional question of who had the authority to determine the distribution of scarce resources during a period of transition in political authority. The peculiar difficulties of establishing effective coordination mechanisms are important to address if the long-term effectiveness of rehabilitation aid is to be enhanced.

High level continuity for coordinate generation with precise controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, P. R.

1982-01-01

Coordinate generation techniques with precise local controls have been derived and analyzed for continuity requirements up to both the first and second derivatives, and have been projected to higher level continuity requirements from the established pattern. The desired local control precision was obtained when a family of coordinate surfaces could be uniformly distributed without a consequent creation of flat spots on the coordinate curves transverse to the family. Relative to the uniform distribution, the family could be redistributed from an a priori distribution function or from a solution adaptive approach, both without distortion from the underlying transformation which may be independently chosen to fit a nontrivial geometry and topology.

Oxytocin enhances inter-brain synchrony during social coordination in male adults

PubMed Central

Mu, Yan; Guo, Chunyan

2016-01-01

Recent brain imaging research has revealed oxytocin (OT) effects on an individual's brain activity during social interaction but tells little about whether and how OT modulates the coherence of inter-brain activity related to two individuals' coordination behavior. We developed a new real-time coordination game that required two individuals of a dyad to synchronize with a partner (coordination task) or with a computer (control task) by counting in mind rhythmically. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded simultaneously from a dyad to examine OT effects on inter-brain synchrony of neural activity during interpersonal coordination. Experiment 1 found that dyads showed smaller interpersonal time lags of counting and greater inter-brain synchrony of alpha-band neural oscillations during the coordination (vs control) task and these effects were reliably observed in female but not male dyads. Moreover, the increased alpha-band inter-brain synchrony predicted better interpersonal behavioral synchrony across all participants. Experiment 2, using a double blind, placebo-controlled between-subjects design, revealed that intranasal OT vs placebo administration in male dyads improved interpersonal behavioral synchrony in both the coordination and control tasks but specifically enhanced alpha-band inter-brain neural oscillations during the coordination task. Our findings provide first evidence that OT enhances inter-brain synchrony in male adults to facilitate social coordination. PMID:27510498

Virtual-system-coupled adaptive umbrella sampling to compute free-energy landscape for flexible molecular docking.

PubMed

Higo, Junichi; Dasgupta, Bhaskar; Mashimo, Tadaaki; Kasahara, Kota; Fukunishi, Yoshifumi; Nakamura, Haruki

2015-07-30

A novel enhanced conformational sampling method, virtual-system-coupled adaptive umbrella sampling (V-AUS), was proposed to compute 300-K free-energy landscape for flexible molecular docking, where a virtual degrees of freedom was introduced to control the sampling. This degree of freedom interacts with the biomolecular system. V-AUS was applied to complex formation of two disordered amyloid-β (Aβ30-35 ) peptides in a periodic box filled by an explicit solvent. An interpeptide distance was defined as the reaction coordinate, along which sampling was enhanced. A uniform conformational distribution was obtained covering a wide interpeptide distance ranging from the bound to unbound states. The 300-K free-energy landscape was characterized by thermodynamically stable basins of antiparallel and parallel β-sheet complexes and some other complex forms. Helices were frequently observed, when the two peptides contacted loosely or fluctuated freely without interpeptide contacts. We observed that V-AUS converged to uniform distribution more effectively than conventional AUS sampling did. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bound-Preserving Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Conservative Phase Space Advection in Curvilinear Coordinates

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

Mezzacappa, Anthony; Endeve, Eirik; Hauck, Cory D.

We extend the positivity-preserving method of Zhang & Shu [49] to simulate the advection of neutral particles in phase space using curvilinear coordinates. The ability to utilize these coordinates is important for non-equilibrium transport problems in general relativity and also in science and engineering applications with specific geometries. The method achieves high-order accuracy using Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization of phase space and strong stabilitypreserving, Runge-Kutta (SSP-RK) time integration. Special care in taken to ensure that the method preserves strict bounds for the phase space distribution function f; i.e., f ϵ [0, 1]. The combination of suitable CFL conditions and themore » use of the high-order limiter proposed in [49] is su cient to ensure positivity of the distribution function. However, to ensure that the distribution function satisfies the upper bound, the discretization must, in addition, preserve the divergencefree property of the phase space ow. Proofs that highlight the necessary conditions are presented for general curvilinear coordinates, and the details of these conditions are worked out for some commonly used coordinate systems (i.e., spherical polar spatial coordinates in spherical symmetry and cylindrical spatial coordinates in axial symmetry, both with spherical momentum coordinates). Results from numerical experiments - including one example in spherical symmetry adopting the Schwarzschild metric - demonstrate that the method achieves high-order accuracy and that the distribution function satisfies the maximum principle.« less

Multi-channel distributed coordinated function over single radio in wireless sensor networks.

PubMed

Campbell, Carlene E-A; Loo, Kok-Keong Jonathan; Gemikonakli, Orhan; Khan, Shafiullah; Singh, Dhananjay

2011-01-01

Multi-channel assignments are becoming the solution of choice to improve performance in single radio for wireless networks. Multi-channel allows wireless networks to assign different channels to different nodes in real-time transmission. In this paper, we propose a new approach, Multi-channel Distributed Coordinated Function (MC-DCF) which takes advantage of multi-channel assignment. The backoff algorithm of the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF) was modified to invoke channel switching, based on threshold criteria in order to improve the overall throughput for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) over 802.11 networks. We presented simulation experiments in order to investigate the characteristics of multi-channel communication in wireless sensor networks using an NS2 platform. Nodes only use a single radio and perform channel switching only after specified threshold is reached. Single radio can only work on one channel at any given time. All nodes initiate constant bit rate streams towards the receiving nodes. In this work, we studied the impact of non-overlapping channels in the 2.4 frequency band on: constant bit rate (CBR) streams, node density, source nodes sending data directly to sink and signal strength by varying distances between the sensor nodes and operating frequencies of the radios with different data rates. We showed that multi-channel enhancement using our proposed algorithm provides significant improvement in terms of throughput, packet delivery ratio and delay. This technique can be considered for WSNs future use in 802.11 networks especially when the IEEE 802.11n becomes popular thereby may prevent the 802.15.4 network from operating effectively in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

Multi-Channel Distributed Coordinated Function over Single Radio in Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Campbell, Carlene E.-A.; Loo, Kok-Keong (Jonathan); Gemikonakli, Orhan; Khan, Shafiullah; Singh, Dhananjay

2011-01-01

Multi-channel assignments are becoming the solution of choice to improve performance in single radio for wireless networks. Multi-channel allows wireless networks to assign different channels to different nodes in real-time transmission. In this paper, we propose a new approach, Multi-channel Distributed Coordinated Function (MC-DCF) which takes advantage of multi-channel assignment. The backoff algorithm of the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF) was modified to invoke channel switching, based on threshold criteria in order to improve the overall throughput for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) over 802.11 networks. We presented simulation experiments in order to investigate the characteristics of multi-channel communication in wireless sensor networks using an NS2 platform. Nodes only use a single radio and perform channel switching only after specified threshold is reached. Single radio can only work on one channel at any given time. All nodes initiate constant bit rate streams towards the receiving nodes. In this work, we studied the impact of non-overlapping channels in the 2.4 frequency band on: constant bit rate (CBR) streams, node density, source nodes sending data directly to sink and signal strength by varying distances between the sensor nodes and operating frequencies of the radios with different data rates. We showed that multi-channel enhancement using our proposed algorithm provides significant improvement in terms of throughput, packet delivery ratio and delay. This technique can be considered for WSNs future use in 802.11 networks especially when the IEEE 802.11n becomes popular thereby may prevent the 802.15.4 network from operating effectively in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. PMID:22346614

Coronal magnetic structure and the latitude and longitude distribution of energetic particles, 1-5 AU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roelof, E. C.; Mitchell, D. G.

1979-01-01

The relation of the coronal magnetic field structure to the distribution of approximately 1 MeV protons in interplanetary space between 1 and 5 AU is discussed. After ordering the interplanetary data by its estimated coronal emission source location in heliographic coordinates, the multispacecraft measured proton fluxes are compared with coronal magnetic field structure infrared as observed in soft X-ray photographs and potential field calculations. Evidence for the propagation and possible acceleration of solar flare protons on high magnetic loop structure in the corona is presented. Further, it is shown that corotating proton flux enhancements are associated with regions of low coronal X-ray emission (including coronal holes), usually in association with solar wind stream structure.

Trace Detection of Metalloporphyrin-Based Coordination Polymer Particles via Modified Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Assisted by Surface Metallization.

PubMed

Sun, Yu; Caravella, Alessio

2016-01-01

This study proposed a facile method to detect metalloporphyrin-based coordination polymer particles (Z-CPPs) in aqueous solution by modified surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS-active particles are photodeposited on the surface of Z-CPPs, offering an enhanced Raman signal for the trace detection of Z-CPPs.

In situ spectroscopic study of the plastic deformation of amorphous silicon under non-hydrostatic conditions induced by indentation

PubMed Central

Gerbig, Y.B; Michaels, C.A.; Bradby, J.E.; Haberl, B.; Cook, R.F.

2016-01-01

Indentation-induced plastic deformation of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin films was studied by in situ Raman imaging of the deformed contact region of an indented sample, employing a Raman spectroscopy-enhanced instrumented indentation technique. Quantitative analyses of the generated in situ Raman maps provide unique, new insight into the phase behavior of as-implanted a-Si. In particular, the occurrence and evolving spatial distribution of changes in the a-Si structure caused by processes, such as polyamorphization and crystallization, induced by indentation loading were measured. The experimental results are linked with previously published work on the plastic deformation of a-Si under hydrostatic compression and shear deformation to establish a sequence for the development of deformation of a-Si under indentation loading. The sequence involves three distinct deformation mechanisms of a-Si: (1) reversible deformation, (2) increase in coordination defects (onset of plastic deformation), and (3) phase transformation. Estimated conditions for the occurrence of these mechanisms are given with respect to relevant intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, such as indentation stress, volumetric strain, and bond angle distribution (a measure for the structural order of the amorphous network). The induced volumetric strains are accommodated solely by reversible deformation of the tetrahedral network when exposed to small indentation stresses. At greater indentation stresses, the increased volumetric strains in the tetrahedral network lead to the formation of predominately five-fold coordination defects, which seems to mark the onset of irreversible or plastic deformation of the a-Si thin film. Further increase in the indentation stress appears to initiate the formation of six-fold coordinated atomic arrangements. These six-fold coordinated arrangements may maintain their amorphous tetrahedral structure with a high density of coordination defects or nucleate as a new crystalline β-tin phase within the a-Si network. PMID:26924926

Oxytocin enhances inter-brain synchrony during social coordination in male adults.

PubMed

Mu, Yan; Guo, Chunyan; Han, Shihui

2016-12-01

Recent brain imaging research has revealed oxytocin (OT) effects on an individual's brain activity during social interaction but tells little about whether and how OT modulates the coherence of inter-brain activity related to two individuals' coordination behavior. We developed a new real-time coordination game that required two individuals of a dyad to synchronize with a partner (coordination task) or with a computer (control task) by counting in mind rhythmically. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded simultaneously from a dyad to examine OT effects on inter-brain synchrony of neural activity during interpersonal coordination. Experiment 1 found that dyads showed smaller interpersonal time lags of counting and greater inter-brain synchrony of alpha-band neural oscillations during the coordination (vs control) task and these effects were reliably observed in female but not male dyads. Moreover, the increased alpha-band inter-brain synchrony predicted better interpersonal behavioral synchrony across all participants. Experiment 2, using a double blind, placebo-controlled between-subjects design, revealed that intranasal OT vs placebo administration in male dyads improved interpersonal behavioral synchrony in both the coordination and control tasks but specifically enhanced alpha-band inter-brain neural oscillations during the coordination task. Our findings provide first evidence that OT enhances inter-brain synchrony in male adults to facilitate social coordination. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Photocatalytic activity of PANI loaded coordination polymer composite materials: Photoresponse region extension and quantum yields enhancement via the loading of PANI nanofibers on surface of coordination polymer

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

Cui, Zhongping; Qi, Ji; Xu, Xinxin, E-mail: xuxx@mail.neu.edu.cn

2013-09-15

To enhance photocatalytic property of coordination polymer in visible light region, polyaniline (PANI) loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst was synthesized through in-situ chemical oxidation of aniline on the surface of coordination polymer. The photocatalytic activity of PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated. Compared with pure coordination polymer photocatalyst, which can decompose RhB merely under UV light irradiation, PANI loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst displays more excellent photocatalytic activity in visible light region. Furthermore, PANI loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst exhibits outstanding stability during the degradation of RhB. - Graphical abstract: PANI loaded coordination polymer compositemore » material, which displays excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light was firstly synthesized through in-situ chemical oxidation of aniline on surface of coordination polymer. Display Omitted - Highlights: • This PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material represents the first conductive polymer loaded coordination polymer composite material. • PANI/coordination polymer composite material displays more excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MO in visible light region. • The “combination” of coordination polymer and PANI will enable us to design high-activity, high-stability and visible light driven photocatalyst in the future.« less

Next-generation applications in healthcare digital libraries using semantic service composition and coordination.

PubMed

Möller, Thorsten; Schuldt, Heiko; Gerber, Andreas; Klusch, Matthias

2006-06-01

Healthcare digital libraries (DLs) increasingly make use of dedicated services to access functionality and/or data. Semantic (web) services enhance single services and facilitate compound services, thereby supporting advanced applications on top of a DL. The traditional process management approach tends to focus on process definition at build time rather than on actual service events in run time, and to anticipate failures in order to define appropriate strategies. This paper presents a novel approach where service coordination is distributed among a set of agents. A dedicated component plans compound semantic services on demand for a particular application. In failure, the planner is reinvoked to define contin- gency strategies. Finally, matchmaking is effected at runtime by choosing the appropriate service provider. These combined technologies will provide key support for highly flexible next-generation DL applications. Such technologies are under development within CASCOM.

Communication: State-to-state dynamics of the Cl + H2O → HCl + OH reaction: Energy flow into reaction coordinate and transition-state control of product energy disposal.

PubMed

Zhao, Bin; Sun, Zhigang; Guo, Hua

2015-06-28

Quantum state-to-state dynamics of a prototypical four-atom reaction, namely, Cl + H2O → HCl + OH, is investigated for the first time in full dimensionality using a transition-state wave packet method. The state-to-state reactivity and its dependence on the reactant internal excitations are analyzed and found to share many similarities both energetically and dynamically with the H + H2O → H2 + OH reaction. The strong enhancement of reactivity by the H2O stretching vibrational excitations in both reactions is attributed to the favorable energy flow into the reaction coordinate near the transition state. On the other hand, the insensitivity of the product state distributions with regard to reactant internal excitation stems apparently from the transition-state control of product energy disposal.

Distributed Coordination of Energy Storage with Distributed Generators

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

Yang, Tao; Wu, Di; Stoorvogel, Antonie A.

2016-07-18

With a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and system flexibility, a great effort has been made recently in developing distributed energy resources (DER), including distributed generators and energy storage systems. This paper first formulates an optimal coordination problem considering constraints at both system and device levels, including power balance constraint, generator output limits, storage energy and power capacity and charging/discharging efficiencies. An algorithm is then proposed to dynamically and automatically coordinate DERs in a distributed manner. With the proposed algorithm, the agent at each DER only maintains a local incremental cost and updates it through information exchange with a fewmore » neighbors, without relying on any central decision maker. Simulation results are used to illustrate and validate the proposed algorithm.« less

Impact of music type on motor coordination task performance among introverted and extroverted students.

PubMed

Jamshidzad, Maryam; Maghsoudipour, Maryam; Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl; Bakhshi, Enayatollah; Coh, Paul

2018-06-26

People are interested in music. In this study, we assessed the impact of music type on objective performance. We distributed 64 medical science students in Tehran into four groups: Iranian pop music, traditional music, Mozart's classical music and control groups. All participants performed the two-arm coordination test once without music and once with music (except for the control group), with an interval of 1 week. In the music groups, music was playing during the performance of the test. Participants were categorized as either introverted or extroverted and were distributed equally in the groups. There was a significant decrease of test time in the second trial, observed in all music groups, and no significant difference identified in the control group. The traditional music group had less difference of mean time compared to the pop music group. The differences in the traditional and classical groups were not significantly different. In the music groups, both extroverted and introverted students decreased their test time significantly after music intervention, but extroverted students decreased more. Listening to music would enhance the speed of performance. Music with a higher tempo, such as pop music, increased the speed more.

Predictive Analytics for Coordinated Optimization in Distribution Systems

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

Yang, Rui

This talk will present NREL's work on developing predictive analytics that enables the optimal coordination of all the available resources in distribution systems to achieve the control objectives of system operators. Two projects will be presented. One focuses on developing short-term state forecasting-based optimal voltage regulation in distribution systems; and the other one focuses on actively engaging electricity consumers to benefit distribution system operations.

Packaging and distributing ecological data from multisite studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, R. J.; Voorhees, L. D.; Field, J. M.; Gentry, M. J.

1996-01-01

Studies of global change and other regional issues depend on ecological data collected at multiple study areas or sites. An information system model is proposed for compiling diverse data from dispersed sources so that the data are consistent, complete, and readily available. The model includes investigators who collect and analyze field measurements, science teams that synthesize data, a project information system that collates data, a data archive center that distributes data to secondary users, and a master data directory that provides broader searching opportunities. Special attention to format consistency is required, such as units of measure, spatial coordinates, dates, and notation for missing values. Often data may need to be enhanced by estimating missing values, aggregating to common temporal units, or adding other related data such as climatic and soils data. Full documentation, an efficient data distribution mechanism, and an equitable way to acknowledge the original source of data are also required.

Using publically available forest inventory data in climate-based modes of tree species distribution: Examining effects of true versus altered location coordinates

Treesearch

Jacob Gibson; Gretchen Moisen; Tracey Frescino; Thomas C. Edwards

2013-01-01

Species distribution models (SDMs) were built with US Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) publicly available plot coordinates, which are altered for plot security purposes, and compared with SDMs built with true plot coordinates. Six species endemic to the western US, including four junipers (Juniperus deppeana var. deppeana, J. monosperma, J. occidentalis, J....

Enhanced Raman spectroscopic study of the coordination chemistry of malononitrile on copper surfaces - Removal of nu(C=N) degeneracy through pi-coordination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loo, B. H.; Lee, Y. G.; Frazier, D. O.

1985-01-01

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular interactions of malononitrile with copper electrode surfaces. The doubly degenerate CN stretching frequency at 2263/cm is removed when malononitrile adsorbs on copper. Two nu(CN) bands are observed at 2096 and 2204/cm at -0.6 V(SCE). The result shows that only one CN group is pi-coordinated with Cu, which contributes to the observed large shift (-167/cm) in nu(CN). The other CN group is not coordinated to the metal surface.

Distribution Free Approach for Coordination of a Supply Chain with Consumer Return

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jinsong; Xu, Yuanji

Consumer return is considered in a coordination of a supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer. A distribution free approach is employed to deal with a centralized decision model and a decentralized model which are constructed under the situation with only knowing the demand function's mean and variance, respectively. A markdown money contract is designed to coordinate the supply chain, and it is also proved that the contract can make the supply chain perfectly coordinated. Several numerical examples are given at the end of this paper.

WWWinda Orchestrator: a mechanism for coordinating distributed flocks of Java Applets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutfreund, Yechezkal-Shimon; Nicol, John R.

1997-01-01

The WWWinda Orchestrator is a simple but powerful tool for coordinating distributed Java applets. Loosely derived from the Linda programming language developed by David Gelernter and Nicholas Carriero of Yale, WWWinda implements a distributed shared object space called TupleSpace where applets can post, read, or permanently store arbitrary Java objects. In this manner, applets can easily share information without being aware of the underlying communication mechanisms. WWWinda is a very useful for orchestrating flocks of distributed Java applets. Coordination event scan be posted to WWWinda TupleSpace and used to orchestrate the actions of remote applets. Applets can easily share information via the TupleSpace. The technology combines several functions in one simple metaphor: distributed web objects, remote messaging between applets, distributed synchronization mechanisms, object- oriented database, and a distributed event signaling mechanisms. WWWinda can be used a s platform for implementing shared VRML environments, shared groupware environments, controlling remote devices such as cameras, distributed Karaoke, distributed gaming, and shared audio and video experiences.

Operator performance-enhancing technologies to improve safety. A US DOT safety initiative for meeting the human-centered systems challenge.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-01

The program implements DOT Human Factors Coordinating Committee (HFCC) recommendations for a coordinated Departmental Human Factors Research Program to advance the human-centered systems approach for enhancing transportation safety. Human error is a ...

EPA Participates in Energy Roundtable with States, Tribes, Businesses and Environmental Groups to Enhance Coordination and Promote Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Gas Resources

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA News Release: EPA Participates in Energy Roundtable with States, Tribes, Businesses and Environmental Groups to Enhance Coordination and Promote Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Gas Resources

Care Coordination for Children with Complex Special Health Care Needs: The Value of the Advanced Practice Nurse’s Enhanced Scope of Knowledge and Practice

PubMed Central

Looman, Wendy S.; Presler, Elizabeth; Erickson, Mary M.; Garwick, Ann E.; Cady, Rhonda G.; Kelly, Anne M.; Finkelstein, Stanley M.

2012-01-01

Efficiency and effectiveness of care coordination depends on a match between the needs of the population and the skills, scope of practice, and intensity of services provided by the care coordinator. There is limited existing literature that addresses the relevance of the APN role as a fit for coordination of care for children with SHCN. The objective of this paper is to describe the value of the advanced practice nurse’s (APN’s) enhanced scope of knowledge and practice for relationship-based care coordination in healthcare homes that serve children with complex special health care needs (SHCN). The TeleFamilies project is provided as an example of the integration of an APN care coordinator in a healthcare home for children with SHCN. PMID:22560803

Self-Defense Distributed Engagement Coordinator

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

its countermeasures. Whether a missile is defeated with an interceptor, undermined by a signal jammer, or diverted by a decoy, there is Self - Defense ...anti-ship threats and recommends actions to the personnel coordinating ship self - defense . This tool was recognized with a 2015 R&D 100 Award. a cost...reloading process, and may not be possible at all. The Self - Defense Distributed Engagement Coordinator (SDDEC) is designed to provide automated battle

Influence of a Heterocyclic Nitrogen-Donor Group on the Coordination of Trivalent Actinides and Lanthanides by Aminopolycarboxylate Complexants

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

Grimes, Travis S.; Heathman, Colt R.; Jansone-Popova, Santa

Here, the novel metal chelator N-2-(pyridylmethyl)diethylenetriamine- N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid (DTTA-PyM) was designed to replace a single oxygen-donor acetate group of the well-known aminopolycarboxylate complexant diethylenetriamine- N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) with a nitrogen-donor 2-pyridylmethyl. Potentiometric, spectroscopic, computational, and radioisotope distribution methods show distinct differences for the 4f and 5f coordination environments and enhanced actinide binding due to the nitrogen-bearing heterocyclic moiety. The Am 3+, Cm 3+, and Ln 3+ complexation studies for DTTA-PyM reveal an enhanced preference, relative to DTPA, for trivalent actinide binding. Fluorescence studies indicate no changes to the octadentate coordination of trivalent curium, while evidence of heptadentate complexation of trivalentmore » europium is found in mixtures containing EuHL (aq) complexes at the same aqueous acidity. The denticity change observed for Eu 3+ suggests that complex protonation occurs on the pyridyl nitrogen. Formation of the CmHL (aq) complex is likely due to the protonation of an available carboxylate group because the carbonyl oxygen can maintain octadentate coordination through a rotation. The observed suppressed protonation of the pyridyl nitrogen in the curium complexes may be attributed to stronger trivalent actinide binding by DTTA-PyM. Density functional theory calculations indicate that added stabilization of the actinide complexes with DTTA-PyM may originate from π-back-bonding interactions between singly occupied 5f orbitals of Am 3+ and the pyridyl nitrogen. The differences between the stabilities of trivalent actinide chelates (Am 3+, Cm 3+) and trivalent lanthanide chelates (La 3+–Lu 3+) are observed in liquid–liquid extraction systems, yielding unprecedented 4f/5f differentiation when using DTTA-PyM as an aqueous holdback reagent. In addition, the enhanced nitrogen-donor softness of the new DTTA-PyM chelator was perturbed by adding a fluorine onto the pyridine group. The comparative characterization of N-(3-fluoro-2-pyridylmethyl)diethylenetriamine- N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid (DTTA-3-F-PyM) showed subdued 4 f/5 f differentiation due to the presence of this electron-withdrawing group.« less

Bond-length distributions for ions bonded to oxygen: alkali and alkaline-earth metals.

PubMed

Gagné, Olivier Charles; Hawthorne, Frank Christopher

2016-08-01

Bond-length distributions have been examined for 55 configurations of alkali-metal ions and 29 configurations of alkaline-earth-metal ions bonded to oxygen, for 4859 coordination polyhedra and 38 594 bond distances (alkali metals), and for 3038 coordination polyhedra and 24 487 bond distances (alkaline-earth metals). Bond lengths generally show a positively skewed Gaussian distribution that originates from the variation in Born repulsion and Coulomb attraction as a function of interatomic distance. The skewness and kurtosis of these distributions generally decrease with increasing coordination number of the central cation, a result of decreasing Born repulsion with increasing coordination number. We confirm the following minimum coordination numbers: ([3])Li(+), ([3])Na(+), ([4])K(+), ([4])Rb(+), ([6])Cs(+), ([3])Be(2+), ([4])Mg(2+), ([6])Ca(2+), ([6])Sr(2+) and ([6])Ba(2+), but note that some reported examples are the result of extensive dynamic and/or positional short-range disorder and are not ordered arrangements. Some distributions of bond lengths are distinctly multi-modal. This is commonly due to the occurrence of large numbers of structure refinements of a particular structure type in which a particular cation is always present, leading to an over-representation of a specific range of bond lengths. Outliers in the distributions of mean bond lengths are often associated with anomalous values of atomic displacement of the constituent cations and/or anions. For a sample of ([6])Na(+), the ratio Ueq(Na)/Ueq(bonded anions) is partially correlated with 〈([6])Na(+)-O(2-)〉 (R(2) = 0.57), suggesting that the mean bond length is correlated with vibrational/displacement characteristics of the constituent ions for a fixed coordination number. Mean bond lengths also show a weak correlation with bond-length distortion from the mean value in general, although some coordination numbers show the widest variation in mean bond length for zero distortion, e.g. Li(+) in [4]- and [6]-coordination, Na(+) in [4]- and [6]-coordination. For alkali-metal and alkaline-earth-metal ions, there is a positive correlation between cation coordination number and the grand mean incident bond-valence sum at the central cation, the values varying from 0.84 v.u. for ([5])K(+) to 1.06 v.u. for ([8])Li(+), and from 1.76 v.u. for ([7])Ba(2+) to 2.10 v.u. for ([12])Sr(2+). Bond-valence arguments suggest coordination numbers higher than [12] for K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+) and Ba(2+).

Spherical-earth Gravity and Magnetic Anomaly Modeling by Gauss-legendre Quadrature Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonfrese, R. R. B.; Hinze, W. J.; Braile, L. W.; Luca, A. J. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The anomalous potential of gravity and magnetic fields and their spatial derivatives on a spherical Earth for an arbitrary body represented by an equivalent point source distribution of gravity poles or magnetic dipoles were calculated. The distribution of equivalent point sources was determined directly from the coordinate limits of the source volume. Variable integration limits for an arbitrarily shaped body are derived from interpolation of points which approximate the body's surface envelope. The versatility of the method is enhanced by the ability to treat physical property variations within the source volume and to consider variable magnetic fields over the source and observation surface. A number of examples verify and illustrate the capabilities of the technique, including preliminary modeling of potential field signatures for Mississippi embayment crustal structure at satellite elevations.

Illustration of distributed generation effects on protection system coordination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alawami, Hussain Adnan

Environmental concerns, market forces, and emergence of new technologies have recently resulted in restructuring electric utility from vertically integrated networks to competitive deregulated entities. Distributed generation (DG) is playing a major role in such deregulated markets. When they are installed in small amounts and small sizes, their impacts on the system may be negligible. When their penetration levels increase as well as their sizes, however, they may start affecting the system performance from more than one aspect. Power system protection needs to be re-assessed after the emergence of DG. This thesis attempts to illustrate the impact of DG on the power system protection coordination. It will study the operation of the impedance relays, fuses, reclosers and overcurrent relays when a DG is added to the distribution network. Different DG sizes, distances from the network and locations within the distribution system will be considered. Power system protection coordination is very sensitive to the DG size where it is not for the DG distance. DG location has direct impact on the operation of the protective devices especially when it is inserted in the middle point of the distribution system. Key Words, Distributed Generation, Impedance relay, fuses, reclosers, overcurrent relays, power system protection coordination.

UPDATE ON COORDINATED STUDIES OF AMPHIBIAN DISTRIBUTIONS AND UV RADIATION

EPA Science Inventory

In February of 2000 researchers from the EPA, the National Park Service, other governmental agencies, and academia formulated a plan for coordinated studies of amphibian distributions and aquatic ultraviolet radiation exposure risks in several national parks. At this point we hav...

Coordination of heterogeneous nonlinear multi-agent systems with prescribed behaviours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yutao

2017-10-01

In this paper, we consider a coordination problem for a class of heterogeneous nonlinear multi-agent systems with a prescribed input-output behaviour which was represented by another input-driven system. In contrast to most existing multi-agent coordination results with an autonomous (virtual) leader, this formulation takes possible control inputs of the leader into consideration. First, the coordination was achieved by utilising a group of distributed observers based on conventional assumptions of model matching problem. Then, a fully distributed adaptive extension was proposed without using the input of this input-output behaviour. An example was given to verify their effectiveness.

Fabrication of a PANI/CPs composite material: a feasible method to enhance the photocatalytic activity of coordination polymers.

PubMed

Xu, Xin-Xin; Cui, Zhong-Ping; Qi, Ji; Liu, Xiao-Xia

2013-03-21

To improve the photocatalytic activity of a coordination polymer in the visible light region, polyaniline (PANI) was loaded onto its surface through a facile in situ chemical oxidation polymerization process. The resulting PANI loaded coordination polymer composite materials with excellent stability exhibit significantly higher photocatalytic activities than the pure coordination polymer photocatalyst on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. This enhancement can be ascribed to the introduction of PANI on the surface of the coordination polymer, which leads to efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs as well as a significant expansion of the photoresponse region. Finally, we discussed the influence of acidity on the morphology and photocatalytic activity of the composite material. An optimal condition to obtain the PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material with excellent photocatalytic activity has been obtained.

A hierarchical distributed control model for coordinating intelligent systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.

1991-01-01

A hierarchical distributed control (HDC) model for coordinating cooperative problem-solving among intelligent systems is described. The model was implemented using SOCIAL, an innovative object-oriented tool for integrating heterogeneous, distributed software systems. SOCIAL embeds applications in 'wrapper' objects called Agents, which supply predefined capabilities for distributed communication, control, data specification, and translation. The HDC model is realized in SOCIAL as a 'Manager'Agent that coordinates interactions among application Agents. The HDC Manager: indexes the capabilities of application Agents; routes request messages to suitable server Agents; and stores results in a commonly accessible 'Bulletin-Board'. This centralized control model is illustrated in a fault diagnosis application for launch operations support of the Space Shuttle fleet at NASA, Kennedy Space Center.

The effect of shear flow on the rotational diffusivity of a single axisymmetric particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leahy, Brian; Koch, Donald; Cohen, Itai

2014-11-01

Colloidal suspensions of nonspherical particles abound in the world around us, from red blood cells in arteries to kaolinite discs in clay. Understanding the orientation dynamics of these particles is important for suspension rheology and particle self-assembly. However, even for the simplest case of dilute suspensions in simple shear flow, the orientation dynamics of Brownian nonspherical particles are poorly understood at large shear rates. Here, we analytically calculate the time-dependent orientation distributions of particles confined to the flow-gradient plane when the rotary diffusion is small but nonzero. For both startup and oscillatory shear flows, we find a coordinate change that maps the convection-diffusion equation to a simple diffusion equation with an enhanced diffusion constant, simplifying the orientation dynamics. For oscillatory shear, this enhanced diffusion drastically alters the quasi-steady orientation distributions. Our theory of the unsteady orientation dynamics provides an understanding of a nonspherical particle suspension's rheology for a large class of unsteady flows. For particles with aspect ratio 10 under oscillatory shear, the rotary diffusion and intrinsic viscosity vary with amplitude by a factor of ~ 40 and ~ 2 , respectively.

The effect of occupational cultures on coordination of emergency medical service aircrew.

PubMed

Fonne, V M; Myhre, G

1996-06-01

The purpose of the study was to see whether one can determine different occupational cultures in the Emergency Medical Air Ambulance Service and whether these differences in orientation among the crewmembers may have an impace on effective crew coordination. Due to different requirements of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), each crewmember joins the duty with different backgrounds, interests and expectations. The operational stresses of this kind of service, however, demand teamwork and may easily expose the crew's ability to coordinate their actions to work as a team. The initial study consisted of 60 operational crewmembers from the Norwegian Air Ambulance Service. Hofstede's questionnaire Values Survey Module was administered for an evaluation of occupational culture. The analysis reveals group differences at the occupational level in the perception of power distribution, team orientation and achievement preferences. We conclude that differences in certain work goals might be attributed partly by specific attitudes and values from the occupational categories' professional background, which influence the interpretation of established rules and procedures in the service. The results are further discussed in relation to the crewmembers' different task demands and areas of responsibility, and emphasis is put on organizational responsibility for enhancing safety and efficiency in the service.

Computer programs for smoothing and scaling airfoil coordinates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, H. L., Jr.

1983-01-01

Detailed descriptions are given of the theoretical methods and associated computer codes of a program to smooth and a program to scale arbitrary airfoil coordinates. The smoothing program utilizes both least-squares polynomial and least-squares cubic spline techniques to smooth interatively the second derivatives of the y-axis airfoil coordinates with respect to a transformed x-axis system which unwraps the airfoil and stretches the nose and trailing-edge regions. The corresponding smooth airfoil coordinates are then determined by solving a tridiagonal matrix of simultaneous cubic-spline equations relating the y-axis coordinates and their corresponding second derivatives. A technique for computing the camber and thickness distribution of the smoothed airfoil is also discussed. The scaling program can then be used to scale the thickness distribution generated by the smoothing program to a specific maximum thickness which is then combined with the camber distribution to obtain the final scaled airfoil contour. Computer listings of the smoothing and scaling programs are included.

Coordinating complex decision support activities across distributed applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.

1994-01-01

Knowledge-based technologies have been applied successfully to automate planning and scheduling in many problem domains. Automation of decision support can be increased further by integrating task-specific applications with supporting database systems, and by coordinating interactions between such tools to facilitate collaborative activities. Unfortunately, the technical obstacles that must be overcome to achieve this vision of transparent, cooperative problem-solving are daunting. Intelligent decision support tools are typically developed for standalone use, rely on incompatible, task-specific representational models and application programming interfaces (API's), and run on heterogeneous computing platforms. Getting such applications to interact freely calls for platform independent capabilities for distributed communication, as well as tools for mapping information across disparate representations. Symbiotics is developing a layered set of software tools (called NetWorks! for integrating and coordinating heterogeneous distributed applications. he top layer of tools consists of an extensible set of generic, programmable coordination services. Developers access these services via high-level API's to implement the desired interactions between distributed applications.

Structure and lifetimes in ionic liquids and their mixtures.

PubMed

Gehrke, Sascha; von Domaros, Michael; Clark, Ryan; Hollóczki, Oldamur; Brehm, Martin; Welton, Tom; Luzar, Alenka; Kirchner, Barbara

2018-01-01

With the aid of molecular dynamics simulations, we study the structure and dynamics of different ionic liquid systems, with focus on hydrogen bond, ion pair and ion cage formation. To do so, we report radial distribution functions, their number integrals, and various time-correlation functions, from which we extract well-defined lifetimes by means of the reactive flux formalism. We explore the influence of polarizable force fields vs. non-polarizable ones with downscaled charges (±0.8) for the example of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. Furthermore, we use 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate to investigate the impact of temperature and mixing with water as well as with the chloride ionic liquid. Smaller coordination numbers, larger distances, and tremendously accelerated dynamics are observed when the polarizable force field is applied. The same trends are found with increasing temperature. Adding water decreases the ion-ion coordination numbers whereas the water-ion and water-water coordination is enhanced. A domain analysis reveals that the nonpolar parts of the ions are dispersed and when more water is added the water clusters increase in size. The dynamics accelerate in general upon addition of water. In the ionic liquid mixture, the coordination number around the cation changes between the two anions, but the number integrals of the cation around the anions remain constant and the dynamics slow down with increasing content of the chloride ionic liquid.

Instructor-Coordinator's Handbook for Post-Secondary Distribution and Marketing Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holder, Doyle

This handbook is designed to help Texas junior/community college administrators and instructor-coordinators of marketing and distributive education to plan, implement, operate, and expand mid-management programs. The handbook contains five sections. Following the introductory first section that reviews the purpose, history, philosophy, and…

The New Face of FLUXNET: Redesigning the Web Site and Data Organization to Enhance the User Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanafield, Harold; Shamblin, Stephanie; Devarakonda, Ranjeet; McMurry, Ben; Walker Beaty, Tammy; Wilson, Bruce; Cook, Robert B.

2011-02-01

The FLUXNET global network of regional flux tower networks serves to coordinate the regional and global analysis of eddy covariance based CO2, water vapor and energy flux measurements taken at more than 500 sites in continuous long-term operation. The FLUXNET database presently contains information about the location, characteristics, and data availability of each of these sites. To facilitate the coordination and distribution of this information, we redesigned the underlying database and associated web site. We chose the PostgreSQL database as a platform based on its performance, stability and GIS extensions. PostreSQL allows us to enhance our search and presentation capabilities, which will in turn provide increased functionality for users seeking to understand the FLUXNET data. The redesigned database will also significantly decrease the burden of managing such highly varied data. The website is being developed using the Drupal content management system, which provides many community-developed modules and a robust framework for custom feature development. In parallel, we are working with the regional networks to ensure that the information in the FLUXNET database is identical to that in the regional networks. Going forward, we also plan to develop an automated way to synchronize information with the regional networks.

Documentation of program AFTBDY to generate coordinate system for 3D after body using body fitted curvilinear coordinates, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, D.

1980-01-01

The computer program AFTBDY generates a body fitted curvilinear coordinate system for a wedge curved after body. This wedge curved after body is being used in an experimental program. The coordinate system generated by AFTBDY is used to solve 3D compressible N.S. equations. The coordinate system in the physical plane is a cartesian x,y,z system, whereas, in the transformed plane a rectangular xi, eta, zeta system is used. The coordinate system generated is such that in the transformed plane coordinate spacing in the xi, eta, zeta direction is constant and equal to unity. The physical plane coordinate lines in the different regions are clustered heavily or sparsely depending on the regions where physical quantities to be solved for by the N.S. equations have high or low gradients. The coordinate distribution in the physical plane is such that x stays constant in eta and zeta direction, whereas, z stays constant in xi and eta direction. The desired distribution in x and z is input to the program. Consequently, only the y-coordinate is solved for by the program AFTBDY.

Analysis of an ultrasonically rotating droplet by moving particle semi-implicit and distributed point source method in a rotational coordinate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Yuji; Yuge, Kohei; Tanaka, Hiroki; Nakamura, Kentaro

2017-07-01

Numerical analysis on the rotation of an ultrasonically levitated droplet in centrifugal coordinate is discussed. A droplet levitated in an acoustic chamber is simulated using the distributed point source method and the moving particle semi-implicit method. Centrifugal coordinate is adopted to avoid the Laplacian differential error, which causes numerical divergence or inaccuracy in the global coordinate calculation. Consequently, the duration of calculation stability has increased 30 times longer than that in a the previous paper. Moreover, the droplet radius versus rotational acceleration characteristics show a similar trend to the theoretical and experimental values in the literature.

Neural network-based distributed attitude coordination control for spacecraft formation flying with input saturation.

PubMed

Zou, An-Min; Kumar, Krishna Dev

2012-07-01

This brief considers the attitude coordination control problem for spacecraft formation flying when only a subset of the group members has access to the common reference attitude. A quaternion-based distributed attitude coordination control scheme is proposed with consideration of the input saturation and with the aid of the sliding-mode observer, separation principle theorem, Chebyshev neural networks, smooth projection algorithm, and robust control technique. Using graph theory and a Lyapunov-based approach, it is shown that the distributed controller can guarantee the attitude of all spacecraft to converge to a common time-varying reference attitude when the reference attitude is available only to a portion of the group of spacecraft. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed distributed controller.

Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Theory, Implementation, and Applications

PubMed Central

Miao, Yinglong; McCammon, J. Andrew

2018-01-01

A novel Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics (GaMD) method has been developed for simultaneous unconstrained enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules. Without the need to set predefined reaction coordinates, GaMD enables unconstrained enhanced sampling of the biomolecules. Furthermore, by constructing a boost potential that follows a Gaussian distribution, accurate reweighting of GaMD simulations is achieved via cumulant expansion to the second order. The free energy profiles obtained from GaMD simulations allow us to identify distinct low energy states of the biomolecules and characterize biomolecular structural dynamics quantitatively. In this chapter, we present the theory of GaMD, its implementation in the widely used molecular dynamics software packages (AMBER and NAMD), and applications to the alanine dipeptide biomolecular model system, protein folding, biomolecular large-scale conformational transitions and biomolecular recognition. PMID:29720925

Jomtien to Jomtien: The Evolving Coordination Process of Education for All 1990-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ito, Hiroshi

2012-01-01

UNESCO's EFA coordination mechanisms have been serving political platforms for EFA stakeholders for over 20 years. During the Ninth Meeting of the High-Level Group on EFA (HLG) in 2010, however, UNESCO was called on to enhance the effectiveness of the coordination mechanisms. This paper examines the EFA coordination mechanisms between the World…

Industrial Marketing. Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, James R.; And Others

This guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinators with maximum flexibility in planning an industrial marketing curriculum. The guide was constructed by identifying the competencies…

Marketing Services: Insurance. Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luft, Roger L.; And Others

This guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinators with maximum flexibility in planning an insurance marketing curriculum. The guide was constructed by identifying the competencies…

International Earth Science Constellation Mission Operations Working Group: Constellation Coordination System (CCS) Status. [Constellation Coordination System (CCS) Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skeberdis, Daniel

2016-01-01

This is a presentation at the MOWG fall meeting that will discuss CCS purpose, future status, security enhancements, arbitrary ephemeris mission features, overview of CCS 7.3, approach for the use of NORAD TLEs, account and data security, CCS System virtualization, control box visualization modification and other enhancements.

Intelligent agent-based intrusion detection system using enhanced multiclass SVM.

PubMed

Ganapathy, S; Yogesh, P; Kannan, A

2012-01-01

Intrusion detection systems were used in the past along with various techniques to detect intrusions in networks effectively. However, most of these systems are able to detect the intruders only with high false alarm rate. In this paper, we propose a new intelligent agent-based intrusion detection model for mobile ad hoc networks using a combination of attribute selection, outlier detection, and enhanced multiclass SVM classification methods. For this purpose, an effective preprocessing technique is proposed that improves the detection accuracy and reduces the processing time. Moreover, two new algorithms, namely, an Intelligent Agent Weighted Distance Outlier Detection algorithm and an Intelligent Agent-based Enhanced Multiclass Support Vector Machine algorithm are proposed for detecting the intruders in a distributed database environment that uses intelligent agents for trust management and coordination in transaction processing. The experimental results of the proposed model show that this system detects anomalies with low false alarm rate and high-detection rate when tested with KDD Cup 99 data set.

Intelligent Agent-Based Intrusion Detection System Using Enhanced Multiclass SVM

PubMed Central

Ganapathy, S.; Yogesh, P.; Kannan, A.

2012-01-01

Intrusion detection systems were used in the past along with various techniques to detect intrusions in networks effectively. However, most of these systems are able to detect the intruders only with high false alarm rate. In this paper, we propose a new intelligent agent-based intrusion detection model for mobile ad hoc networks using a combination of attribute selection, outlier detection, and enhanced multiclass SVM classification methods. For this purpose, an effective preprocessing technique is proposed that improves the detection accuracy and reduces the processing time. Moreover, two new algorithms, namely, an Intelligent Agent Weighted Distance Outlier Detection algorithm and an Intelligent Agent-based Enhanced Multiclass Support Vector Machine algorithm are proposed for detecting the intruders in a distributed database environment that uses intelligent agents for trust management and coordination in transaction processing. The experimental results of the proposed model show that this system detects anomalies with low false alarm rate and high-detection rate when tested with KDD Cup 99 data set. PMID:23056036

Generalized Aggregation and Coordination of Residential Loads in a Smart Community

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

Hao, He; Somani, Abhishek; Lian, Jianming

2015-11-02

Flexibility from residential loads presents an enormous potential to provide various services to the smart grid. In this paper, we propose a unified hierarchical framework for aggregation and coordination of various residential loads in a smart community, such as Thermostatically Controlled Loads (TCLs), Distributed Energy Storages (DESs), residential Pool Pumps (PPs), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). A central idea of this framework is a virtual battery model, which provides a simple and intuitive tool to aggregate the flexibility of distributed loads. Moreover, a multi-stage Nash-bargainingbased coordination strategy is proposed to coordinate different aggregations of residential loads for demand response. Case studiesmore » are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed framework and coordination strategy in managing peak power demand in a smart residential community.« less

Multisites Coordination in Shared Multicast Trees

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

conferencing, distributed interactive simulations, and collaborative systems. We de- scribe a novel protocol to coordinate multipoint groupwork in the IP...multicast framework. The pro- tocol supports Internet-wide coordination for large and highly-interactive groupwork , relying on trans- mission of

Switching coordination of distributed dc-dc converters for highly efficient photovoltaic power plants

DOEpatents

Agamy, Mohammed; Elasser, Ahmed; Sabate, Juan Antonio; Galbraith, Anthony William; Harfman Todorovic, Maja

2014-09-09

A distributed photovoltaic (PV) power plant includes a plurality of distributed dc-dc converters. The dc-dc converters are configured to switch in coordination with one another such that at least one dc-dc converter transfers power to a common dc-bus based upon the total system power available from one or more corresponding strings of PV modules. Due to the coordinated switching of the dc-dc converters, each dc-dc converter transferring power to the common dc-bus continues to operate within its optimal efficiency range as well as to optimize the maximum power point tracking in order to increase the energy yield of the PV power plant.

Spatial transformation-enabled electromagnetic devices: from radio frequencies to optical wavelengths

PubMed Central

Jiang, Zhi Hao; Turpin, Jeremy P.; Morgan, Kennith; Lu, Bingqian; Werner, Douglas H.

2015-01-01

Transformation optics provides scientists and engineers with a new powerful design paradigm to manipulate the flow of electromagnetic waves in a user-defined manner and with unprecedented flexibility, by controlling the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic properties of a medium. Using this approach, over the past decade, various previously undiscovered physical wave phenomena have been revealed and novel electromagnetic devices have been demonstrated throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. In this paper, we present versatile theoretical and experimental investigations on designing transformation optics-enabled devices for shaping electromagnetic wave radiation and guidance, at both radio frequencies and optical wavelengths. Different from conventional coordinate transformations, more advanced and versatile coordinate transformations are exploited here to benefit diverse applications, thereby providing expanded design flexibility, enhanced device performance, as well as reduced implementation complexity. These design examples demonstrate the comprehensive capability of transformation optics in controlling electromagnetic waves, while the associated novel devices will open up new paths towards future integrated electromagnetic component synthesis and design, from microwave to optical spectral regimes. PMID:26217054

Enhancing Multimedia Imbalanced Concept Detection Using VIMP in Random Forests.

PubMed

Sadiq, Saad; Yan, Yilin; Shyu, Mei-Ling; Chen, Shu-Ching; Ishwaran, Hemant

2016-07-01

Recent developments in social media and cloud storage lead to an exponential growth in the amount of multimedia data, which increases the complexity of managing, storing, indexing, and retrieving information from such big data. Many current content-based concept detection approaches lag from successfully bridging the semantic gap. To solve this problem, a multi-stage random forest framework is proposed to generate predictor variables based on multivariate regressions using variable importance (VIMP). By fine tuning the forests and significantly reducing the predictor variables, the concept detection scores are evaluated when the concept of interest is rare and imbalanced, i.e., having little collaboration with other high level concepts. Using classical multivariate statistics, estimating the value of one coordinate using other coordinates standardizes the covariates and it depends upon the variance of the correlations instead of the mean. Thus, conditional dependence on the data being normally distributed is eliminated. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework outperforms those approaches in the comparison in terms of the Mean Average Precision (MAP) values.

An Accurate Method for Measuring Airplane-Borne Conformal Antenna's Radar Cross Section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shuxia; Zhang, Lei; Wang, Yafeng; Hu, Chufeng

2016-09-01

The airplane-borne conformal antenna attaches itself tightly with the airplane skin, so the conventional measurement method cannot determine the contribution of the airplane-borne conformal antenna to its radar cross section (RCS). This paper uses the 2D microwave imaging to isolate and extract the distribution of the reflectivity of the airplane-borne conformal antenna. It obtains the 2D spatial spectra of the conformal antenna through the wave spectral transform between the 2D spatial image and the 2D spatial spectrum. After the interpolation from the rectangular coordinate domain to the polar coordinate domain, the spectral domain data for the variation of the scatter of the conformal antenna with frequency and angle is obtained. The experimental results show that the measurement method proposed in this paper greatly enhances the airplane-borne conformal antenna's RCS measurement accuracy, essentially eliminates the influences caused by the airplane skin and more accurately reveals the airplane-borne conformal antenna's RCS scatter properties.

A Very Large Area Network (VLAN) knowledge-base applied to space communication problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zander, Carol S.

1988-01-01

This paper first describes a hierarchical model for very large area networks (VLAN). Space communication problems whose solution could profit by the model are discussed and then an enhanced version of this model incorporating the knowledge needed for the missile detection-destruction problem is presented. A satellite network or VLAN is a network which includes at least one satellite. Due to the complexity, a compromise between fully centralized and fully distributed network management has been adopted. Network nodes are assigned to a physically localized group, called a partition. Partitions consist of groups of cell nodes with one cell node acting as the organizer or master, called the Group Master (GM). Coordinating the group masters is a Partition Master (PM). Knowledge is also distributed hierarchically existing in at least two nodes. Each satellite node has a back-up earth node. Knowledge must be distributed in such a way so as to minimize information loss when a node fails. Thus the model is hierarchical both physically and informationally.

A distributed predictive control approach for periodic flow-based networks: application to drinking water systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grosso, Juan M.; Ocampo-Martinez, Carlos; Puig, Vicenç

2017-10-01

This paper proposes a distributed model predictive control approach designed to work in a cooperative manner for controlling flow-based networks showing periodic behaviours. Under this distributed approach, local controllers cooperate in order to enhance the performance of the whole flow network avoiding the use of a coordination layer. Alternatively, controllers use both the monolithic model of the network and the given global cost function to optimise the control inputs of the local controllers but taking into account the effect of their decisions over the remainder subsystems conforming the entire network. In this sense, a global (all-to-all) communication strategy is considered. Although the Pareto optimality cannot be reached due to the existence of non-sparse coupling constraints, the asymptotic convergence to a Nash equilibrium is guaranteed. The resultant strategy is tested and its effectiveness is shown when applied to a large-scale complex flow-based network: the Barcelona drinking water supply system.

Finance and Credit. Curriculum Guide. Marketing and Distributive Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

Designed to be used with the General Marketing Curriculum Guide (ED 156 860), this guide is intended to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing and to allow marketing and distributive education teacher-coordinators maximum flexibility. It contains job competency sheets in ten…

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide. Marketing Services: Real Estate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cluck, Janice Bona; Melliges, Pam

This curriculum guide has been designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of real estate marketing, as well as to provide the marketing and distributive education teacher/coordinator with maximum flexibility. The essential common and specialized competencies have been identified…

11 CFR 109.23 - Dissemination, distribution, or republication of candidate campaign materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... in part, of any broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign materials prepared by..., distribution, or republication of campaign materials is a coordinated communication under 11 CFR 109.21 or a party coordinated communication under 11 CFR 109.37. (b) Exceptions. The following uses of campaign...

Multiscale Pore Throat Network Reconstruction of Tight Porous Media Constrained by Mercury Intrusion Capillary Pressure and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, R.; Prodanovic, M.

2017-12-01

Due to the low porosity and permeability of tight porous media, hydrocarbon productivity strongly depends on the pore structure. Effective characterization of pore/throat sizes and reconstruction of their connectivity in tight porous media remains challenging. Having a representative pore throat network, however, is valuable for calculation of other petrophysical properties such as permeability, which is time-consuming and costly to obtain by experimental measurements. Due to a wide range of length scales encountered, a combination of experimental methods is usually required to obtain a comprehensive picture of the pore-body and pore-throat size distributions. In this work, we combine mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements by percolation theory to derive pore-body size distribution, following the work by Daigle et al. (2015). However, in their work, the actual pore-throat sizes and the distribution of coordination numbers are not well-defined. To compensate for that, we build a 3D unstructured two-scale pore throat network model initialized by the measured porosity and the calculated pore-body size distributions, with a tunable pore-throat size and coordination number distribution, which we further determine by matching the capillary pressure vs. saturation curve from MICP measurement, based on the fact that the mercury intrusion process is controlled by both the pore/throat size distributions and the connectivity of the pore system. We validate our model by characterizing several core samples from tight Middle East carbonate, and use the network model to predict the apparent permeability of the samples under single phase fluid flow condition. Results show that the permeability we get is in reasonable agreement with the Coreval experimental measurements. The pore throat network we get can be used to further calculate relative permeability curves and simulate multiphase flow behavior, which will provide valuable insights into the production optimization and enhanced oil recovery design.

The CEOS Atmospheric Composition Constellation: Enhancing the Value of Space-Based Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckman, Richard; Zehner, Claus; Al-Saadi, Jay

2015-01-01

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) coordinates civil space-borne observations of the Earth. Participating agencies strive to enhance international coordination and data exchange and to optimize societal benefit. In recent years, CEOS has collaborated closely with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in implementing the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) space-based objectives. The goal of the CEOS Atmospheric Composition Constellation (ACC) is to collect and deliver data to improve monitoring, assessment and predictive capabilities for changes in the ozone layer, air quality and climate forcing associated with changes in the environment through coordination of existing and future international space assets. A project to coordinate and enhance the science value of a future constellation of geostationary sensors measuring parameters relevant to air quality supports the forthcoming European Sentinel-4, Korean GEMS, and US TEMPO missions. Recommendations have been developed for harmonization to mutually improve data quality and facilitate widespread use of the data products.

Improving EHR Capabilities to Facilitate Stage 3 Meaningful Use Care Coordination Criteria.

PubMed

Cross, Dori A; Cohen, Genna R; Nong, Paige; Day, Anya-Victoria; Vibbert, Danielle; Naraharisetti, Ramya; Adler-Milstein, Julia

Primary care practices have been limited in their ability to leverage electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange (HIE) to improve care coordination, but will soon be incentivized to do so under proposed Stage 3 meaningful use criteria. We use mixed methods to understand how primary care practices manage, share and reconcile electronic patient information across care settings, and identify innovations in EHR design to support enhanced care coordination. Opportunities identified by practices focused on availability and usability of features that facilitate (1) generation of customized summary of care records, (2) team-based care approaches, and (3) management of the increased volume of electronic information generated and exchanged during care transitions. More broadly, vendors and policymakers need to continue to work together to improve interoperability as the key to effective care coordination. If these EHR innovations were widespread, the value of meeting the proposed Stage 3 care coordination criteria would be substantially enhanced.

Group-oriented coordination models for distributed client-server computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.; Hughes, Craig S.

1994-01-01

This paper describes group-oriented control models for distributed client-server interactions. These models transparently coordinate requests for services that involve multiple servers, such as queries across distributed databases. Specific capabilities include: decomposing and replicating client requests; dispatching request subtasks or copies to independent, networked servers; and combining server results into a single response for the client. The control models were implemented by combining request broker and process group technologies with an object-oriented communication middleware tool. The models are illustrated in the context of a distributed operations support application for space-based systems.

Flexible binding simulation by a novel and improved version of virtual-system coupled adaptive umbrella sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Bhaskar; Nakamura, Haruki; Higo, Junichi

2016-10-01

Virtual-system coupled adaptive umbrella sampling (VAUS) enhances sampling along a reaction coordinate by using a virtual degree of freedom. However, VAUS and regular adaptive umbrella sampling (AUS) methods are yet computationally expensive. To decrease the computational burden further, improvements of VAUS for all-atom explicit solvent simulation are presented here. The improvements include probability distribution calculation by a Markov approximation; parameterization of biasing forces by iterative polynomial fitting; and force scaling. These when applied to study Ala-pentapeptide dimerization in explicit solvent showed advantage over regular AUS. By using improved VAUS larger biological systems are amenable.

Combined distribution functions: A powerful tool to identify cation coordination geometries in liquid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sessa, Francesco; D'Angelo, Paola; Migliorati, Valentina

2018-01-01

In this work we have developed an analytical procedure to identify metal ion coordination geometries in liquid media based on the calculation of Combined Distribution Functions (CDFs) starting from Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. CDFs provide a fingerprint which can be easily and unambiguously assigned to a reference polyhedron. The CDF analysis has been tested on five systems and has proven to reliably identify the correct geometries of several ion coordination complexes. This tool is simple and general and can be efficiently applied to different MD simulations of liquid systems.

EuCARD2: enhanced accelerator research and development in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2013-10-01

Accelerator science and technology is one of a key enablers of the developments in the particle physic, photon physics and also applications in medicine and industry. EuCARD2 is an European research project which will be realized during 2013-2017 inside the EC FP7 framework. The project concerns the development and coordination of European Accelerator Research and Development. The project is particularly important, to a number of domestic laboratories, due to some plans to build large accelerator infrastructure in Poland. Large accelerator infrastructure of fundamental and applied research character stimulates around it the development and industrial applications as well as biomedical of advanced accelerators, material research and engineering, cryo-technology, mechatronics, robotics, and in particular electronics - like networked measurement and control systems, sensors, computer systems, automation and control systems. The paper presents a digest of the European project EuCARD2 which is Enhanced European Coordination for Accelerator Research and Development. The paper presents a digest of the research results and assumptions in the domain of accelerator science and technology in Europe, shown during the final fourth annual meeting of the EuCARD - European Coordination of Accelerator R&D, and the kick-off meeting of the EuCARD2. There are debated a few basic groups of accelerator systems components like: measurement - control networks of large geometrical extent, multichannel systems for large amounts of metrological data acquisition, precision photonic networks of reference time, frequency and phase distribution, high field magnets, superconducting cavities, novel beam collimators, etc. The paper bases on the following materials: Internet and Intranet documents combined with EuCARD2, Description of Work FP7 EuCARD-2 DoW-312453, 2013-02-13, and discussions and preparatory materials worked on by Eucard-2 initiators.

Directional reflectance factor distributions of a cotton row crop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimes, D. S.; Newcomb, W. W.; Schutt, J. B.; Pinter, P. J., Jr.; Jackson, R. D.

1984-01-01

The directional reflectance factor distribution spanning the entire exitance hemisphere was measured for a cotton row crop (Gossypium barbadense L.) with 39 percent ground cover. Spectral directional radiances were taken in NOAA satellite 7 AVHRR bands 1 and 2 using a three-band radiometer with restricted 12 deg full angle field of view at half peak power points. Polar co-ordinate system plots of directional reflectance factor distributions and three-dimensional computer graphic plots of scattered flux were used to study the dynamics of the directional reflectance factor distribution as a function of spectral band, geometric structure of the scene, solar zenith and azimuth angles, and optical properties of the leaves and soil. The factor distribution of the incomplete row crops was highly polymodal relative to that for complete vegetation canopies. Besides the enhanced reflectance for the antisolar point, a reflectance minimum was observed towards the forwardscatter direction in the principle plane of the sun. Knowledge of the mechanics of the observed dynamics of the data may be used to provide rigorous validation for two- or three-dimensional radiative transfer models, and is important in interpreting aircraft and satellite data where the solar angle varies widely.

A Coordinated Initialization Process for the Distributed Space Exploration Simulation (DSES)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Robert; Dexter, Dan; Hasan, David; Crues, Edwin Z.

2007-01-01

This document describes the federate initialization process that was developed at the NASA Johnson Space Center with the HIIA Transfer Vehicle Flight Controller Trainer (HTV FCT) simulations and refined in the Distributed Space Exploration Simulation (DSES). These simulations use the High Level Architecture (HLA) IEEE 1516 to provide the communication and coordination between the distributed parts of the simulation. The purpose of the paper is to describe a generic initialization sequence that can be used to create a federate that can: 1. Properly initialize all HLA objects, object instances, interactions, and time management 2. Check for the presence of all federates 3. Coordinate startup with other federates 4. Robustly initialize and share initial object instance data with other federates.

Dramatic influence of an anionic donor on the oxygen-atom transfer reactivity of a Mn(V) -oxo complex.

PubMed

Neu, Heather M; Quesne, Matthew G; Yang, Tzuhsiung; Prokop-Prigge, Katharine A; Lancaster, Kyle M; Donohoe, James; DeBeer, Serena; de Visser, Sam P; Goldberg, David P

2014-11-03

Addition of an anionic donor to an Mn(V) (O) porphyrinoid complex causes a dramatic increase in 2-electron oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) chemistry. The 6-coordinate [Mn(V) (O)(TBP8 Cz)(CN)](-) was generated from addition of Bu4 N(+) CN(-) to the 5-coordinate Mn(V) (O) precursor. The cyanide-ligated complex was characterized for the first time by Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and gives MnO=1.53 Å, MnCN=2.21 Å. In combination with computational studies these distances were shown to correlate with a singlet ground state. Reaction of the CN(-) complex with thioethers results in OAT to give the corresponding sulfoxide and a 2e(-) -reduced Mn(III) (CN)(-) complex. Kinetic measurements reveal a dramatic rate enhancement for OAT of approximately 24 000-fold versus the same reaction for the parent 5-coordinate complex. An Eyring analysis gives ΔH(≠) =14 kcal mol(-1) , ΔS(≠) =-10 cal mol(-1)  K(-1) . Computational studies fully support the structures, spin states, and relative reactivity of the 5- and 6-coordinate Mn(V) (O) complexes. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCHVerlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. This is an open access article under the terms ofthe Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution andreproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

A global model of the neutral thermosphere in magnetic coordinates based on AE-C data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stehle, C. G.

1980-01-01

An empirical model of the global atomic oxygen and helium distributions in the thermosphere is developed in a magnetic coordinate system and compared to similar models which are expanded in geographic coordinates. The advantage of using magnetic coordinates is that fewer terms are needed to make predictions which are nearly identical to those which would be obtained from a geographic model with longitudinal and universal time corrections. Magnetic coordinates are more directly related to the major energy inputs in the polar regions than geographic coordinates and are more convenient to use in studies of high latitude energy deposition processes. This is important for comparison with theoretical models where the number of coordinates is limited. The effect of magnetic activity on the atomic oxygen distribution in the morning sector of the high latitude thermosphere in the auroral zone is also considered. A magnetic activity indicator (ML) based on an auroral electrojet index (AL) and the 3 hour ap index are used to relate the atomic oxygen density variations to magnetic activity in this region.

Coordinated prefrontal-hippocampal activity and navigation strategy-related prefrontal firing during spatial memory formation.

PubMed

Negrón-Oyarzo, Ignacio; Espinosa, Nelson; Aguilar, Marcelo; Fuenzalida, Marco; Aboitiz, Francisco; Fuentealba, Pablo

2018-06-18

Learning the location of relevant places in the environment is crucial for survival. Such capacity is supported by a distributed network comprising the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, yet it is not fully understood how these structures cooperate during spatial reference memory formation. Hence, we examined neural activity in the prefrontal-hippocampal circuit in mice during acquisition of spatial reference memory. We found that interregional oscillatory coupling increased with learning, specifically in the slow-gamma frequency (20 to 40 Hz) band during spatial navigation. In addition, mice used both spatial and nonspatial strategies to navigate and solve the task, yet prefrontal neuronal spiking and oscillatory phase coupling were selectively enhanced in the spatial navigation strategy. Lastly, a representation of the behavioral goal emerged in prefrontal spiking patterns exclusively in the spatial navigation strategy. These results suggest that reference memory formation is supported by enhanced cortical connectivity and evolving prefrontal spiking representations of behavioral goals.

Climate mitigation is not the only benefit of a national energy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clack, C.

2016-12-01

Many speculate that the main driving force for a continental scale energy system is for climate mitigation. While this is a strong driver, there are multiple co-benefits that emerge from such a transition when purely driven by costs. These components could be managed within a planned system to provide a close-to-optimal solution that enhances the probability of realization. It is shown that these co-benefits of a continental scale electric system occur at costs lower than existing ones. That means there are multiple additional savings without extra costs or effort. The disadvantage is coordination between large geographic regions that could cause more complexity in planning. The main finding from different versions of the NEWS simulator is that carbon mitigation is enhanced by larger systems. In addition, there are increased jobs, reduced water consumption, Sulphur dioxide emissions, Nitrogen oxide emissions, a more distributed electric system and a lower cost of electricity.

Effect of concentration and pH on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering of captopril on nano-colloidal silver surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Junxiang; Gu, Huaimin; Liu, Fangfang; Dong, Xiao; Xie, Min; Hu, Yongjun

2011-07-01

In this report, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of captopril are studied in detail. Herein, the Raman bands are assigned by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and potential energy distributions (PED) based on internal coordinates of the molecule, which are found to be in good agree with the experimental values. Furthermore, the concentration and pH dependence of the SERS intensity of the molecule is discussed. By analyzing the intensities variation of SERS bands of the different concentrations of captopril solution, it can be concluded that the molecules orientation adsorbed on the silver nanoparticles surface change with the change of the concentrations. The variation of SERS spectra of captopril with the change of pH suggests that the interaction among the adsorbates with Ag cluster depend on the protonated state of the adsorbate and the aggregation of silver nanoparticles.

Mixing Enhancement by Tabs in Round Supersonic Jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seiner, John M.; Grosch, C. E.

1998-01-01

The objective of this study was to analyze jet plume mass flow entrainment rates associated with the introduction of counter-rotating streamwise vorticity by prism shaped devices (tabs) located at the lip of the nozzle. We have examined the resulting mixing process through coordinated experimental tests and numerical simulations of the supersonic flow from a model axisymmetric nozzle. In the numerical simulations, the total induced vorticity was held constant while varying the distribution of counter-rotating vorticity around the nozzle lip training edge. In the experiment, the number of tabs applied was varied while holding the total projected area constant. Evaluations were also conducted on initial vortex strength. The results of this work show that the initial growth rate of the jet shear layer is increasingly enhanced as more tabs are added, but that the lowest tab count results in the largest entrained mass flow. The numerical simulations confirm these results.

Generalized spherical and simplicial coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Wolf-Dieter

2007-12-01

Elementary trigonometric quantities are defined in l2,p analogously to that in l2,2, the sine and cosine functions are generalized for each p>0 as functions sinp and cosp such that they satisfy the basic equation cosp([phi])p+sinp([phi])p=1. The p-generalized radius coordinate of a point [xi][set membership, variant]Rn is defined for each p>0 as . On combining these quantities, ln,p-spherical coordinates are defined. It is shown that these coordinates are nearly related to ln,p-simplicial coordinates. The Jacobians of these generalized coordinate transformations are derived. Applications and interpretations from analysis deal especially with the definition of a generalized surface content on ln,p-spheres which is nearly related to a modified co-area formula and an extension of Cavalieri's and Torricelli's indivisibeln method, and with differential equations. Applications from probability theory deal especially with a geometric interpretation of the uniform probability distribution on the ln,p-sphere and with the derivation of certain generalized statistical distributions.

Synthesis and in vitro phototoxicity of multifunctional Zn(II)meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin-coated gold nanoparticles assembled via axial coordination with imidazole ligands.

PubMed

Alea-Reyes, María E; Penon, Oriol; García Calavia, Paula; Marín, María J; Russell, David A; Pérez-García, Lluïsa

2018-07-01

Metalloporphyrins are extensively investigated for their ability to form reactive oxygen species and as potent photosensitisers for use in photodynamic therapy. However, their hydrophobicity generally causes solubility issues concerning in vivo delivery due to lack of distribution and low clearance from the body. Immobilising porphyrins on carriers, such as gold nanoparticles (GNP), can overcome some of these drawbacks. The mode of assembling the porphyrins to the carrier influences the properties of the resulting drug delivery systems. We describe the synthesis and characterisation of new porphyrin decorated water soluble GNP and we explore Zn-imidazole axial coordination as the mode of linking the porphyrin to the metallic core of the nanoparticles. Quantification of singlet oxygen production, toxicity in dark, cellular uptake by SK-BR-3 cells and phototoxicity have been assessed. Axial coordination limits the number of porphyrins on the gold surface, reduces the formation of aggregates, and diminishes metal exchange in the porphyrin, all of which contribute to enhance the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation from the immobilised porphyrin. In vitro experiments on SK-BR-3 cells reveal a fast uptake followed by more than 80% cell death after irradiation with low doses of light. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Coordinated control of active and reactive power of distribution network with distributed PV cluster via model predictive control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yu; Sheng, Wanxing; Jin, Wei; Wu, Ming; Liu, Haitao; Chen, Feng

2018-02-01

A coordinated optimal control method of active and reactive power of distribution network with distributed PV cluster based on model predictive control is proposed in this paper. The method divides the control process into long-time scale optimal control and short-time scale optimal control with multi-step optimization. The models are transformed into a second-order cone programming problem due to the non-convex and nonlinear of the optimal models which are hard to be solved. An improved IEEE 33-bus distribution network system is used to analyse the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed control method

Anapoles in Free-Standing III-V Nanodisks Enhancing Second-Harmonic Generation.

PubMed

Timofeeva, Maria; Lang, Lukas; Timpu, Flavia; Renaut, Claude; Bouravleuv, Alexei; Shtrom, Igor; Cirlin, George; Grange, Rachel

2018-06-13

Nonradiating electromagnetic configurations in nanostructures open new horizons for applications due to two essential features: a lack of energy losses and invisibility to the propagating electromagnetic field. Such radiationless configurations form a basis for new types of nanophotonic devices, in which a strong electromagnetic field confinement can be achieved together with lossless interactions between nearby components. In our work, we present a new design of free-standing disk nanoantennas with nonradiating current distributions for the optical near-infrared range. We show a novel approach to creating nanoantennas by slicing III-V nanowires into standing disks using focused ion-beam milling. We experimentally demonstrate the suppression of the far-field radiation and the associated strong enhancement of the second-harmonic generation from the disk nanoantennas. With a theoretical analysis of the electromagnetic field distribution using multipole expansions in both spherical and Cartesian coordinates, we confirm that the demonstrated nonradiating configurations are anapoles. We expect that the presented procedure of designing and producing disk nanoantennas from nanowires becomes one of the standard approaches to fabricating controlled chains of standing nanodisks with different designs and configurations. These chains can be essential building blocks for new types of lasers and sensors with low power consumption.

Channel characteristics and coordination in three-echelon dual-channel supply chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Subrata

2016-02-01

We explore the impact of channel structure on the manufacturer, the distributer, the retailer and the entire supply chain by considering three different channel structures in radiance of with and without coordination. These structures include a traditional retail channel and two manufacturer direct channels with and without consistent pricing. By comparing the performance of the manufacturer, the distributer and the retailer, and the entire supply chain in three different supply chain structures, it is established analytically that, under some conditions, a dual channel can outperform a single retail channel; as a consequence, a coordination mechanism is developed that not only coordinates the dual channel but also outperforms the non-cooperative single retail channel. All the analytical results are further analysed through numerical examples.

An Architecture for Controlling Multiple Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aghazarian, Hrand; Pirjanian, Paolo; Schenker, Paul; Huntsberger, Terrance

2004-01-01

The Control Architecture for Multirobot Outpost (CAMPOUT) is a distributed-control architecture for coordinating the activities of multiple robots. In the CAMPOUT, multiple-agent activities and sensor-based controls are derived as group compositions and involve coordination of more basic controllers denoted, for present purposes, as behaviors. The CAMPOUT provides basic mechanistic concepts for representation and execution of distributed group activities. One considers a network of nodes that comprise behaviors (self-contained controllers) augmented with hyper-links, which are used to exchange information between the nodes to achieve coordinated activities. Group behavior is guided by a scripted plan, which encodes a conditional sequence of single-agent activities. Thus, higher-level functionality is composed by coordination of more basic behaviors under the downward task decomposition of a multi-agent planner

A Case Study of Coordination in Distributed Agile Software Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hole, Steinar; Moe, Nils Brede

Global Software Development (GSD) has gained significant popularity as an emerging paradigm. Companies also show interest in applying agile approaches in distributed development to combine the advantages of both approaches. However, in their most radical forms, agile and GSD can be placed in each end of a plan-based/agile spectrum because of how work is coordinated. We describe how three GSD projects applying agile methods coordinate their work. We found that trust is needed to reduce the need of standardization and direct supervision when coordinating work in a GSD project, and that electronic chatting supports mutual adjustment. Further, co-location and modularization mitigates communication problems, enables agility in at least part of a GSD project, and renders the implementation of Scrum of Scrums possible.

Research on Performance of Wire-controlled Hydraulic Steering System Based on Four-wheel Steering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, P.; Jin, X. H.

2018-05-01

In this paper, the steering stability and control strategy of forklift are put forward. Drive based on yawing moment distribution of rotary torque coordination control method, through analyzing the linear two degree of freedom model of forklift truck, forklift yawing angular velocity and mass center side-slip Angle of expectations, as the control target parameters system, using fuzzy controller output driving forklift steering the yawing moment, to drive rotary torque distribution, make the forklift truck to drive horizontal pendulum angular velocity and side-slip Angle tracking reference model very well. In this paper, the lateral stability control system were designed, the joint simulation in MATLAB/Simulink, the simulation results show that under the different partial load, the control system can effectively to control side forklift lateral stability, enhanced the forklift driving safety, for the side forklift steering stability study provides a theoretical basis.

Phase space manipulation in high-brightness electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rihaoui, Marwan M.

Electron beams have a wide range of applications, including discovery science, medicine, and industry. Electron beams can also be used to power next-generation, high-gradient electron accelerators. The performances of some of these applications could be greatly enhanced by precisely tailoring the phase space distribution of the electron beam. The goal of this dissertation is to explore some of these phase space manipulations. We especially focus on transformations capable of tailoring the beam current distribution. Specifically, we investigate a beamline exchanging phase space coordinates between the horizontal and longitudinal degrees of freedom. The key components necessary for this beamline were constructed and tested. The preliminary beamline was used as a singleshot phase space diagnostics and to produce a train of picoseconds electron bunches. We also investigate the use of multiple electron beams to control the transverse focusing. Our numerical and analytical studies are supplemented with experiments performed at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator.

Learning from the implementation of inter-organisational web-based care planning and coordination.

PubMed

Walker, Rae; Blacker, Vivian; Pandita, Linda; Close, Jacky; Mason, Wendy; Watson, Julie

2013-01-01

In Victoria, despite strong policy support, e-care planning and coordination is poorly developed. The action research project discussed here was developed to overcome organisational and worker-level barriers to change. The project outcomes highlighted the need for work on the building blocks of e-care coordination that enhance workers' knowledge and skills, and provide permission and support for appropriate collaborative system and services coordination practices.

Coordinated Collaboration between Heterogeneous Distributed Energy Resources

DOE PAGES

Abdollahy, Shahin; Lavrova, Olga; Mammoli, Andrea

2014-01-01

A power distribution feeder, where a heterogeneous set of distributed energy resources is deployed, is examined by simulation. The energy resources include PV, battery storage, natural gas GenSet, fuel cells, and active thermal storage for commercial buildings. The resource scenario considered is one that may exist in a not too distant future. Two cases of interaction between different resources are examined. One interaction involves a GenSet used to partially offset the duty cycle of a smoothing battery connected to a large PV system. The other example involves the coordination of twenty thermal storage devices, each associated with a commercial building.more » Storage devices are intended to provide maximum benefit to the building, but it is shown that this can have a deleterious effect on the overall system, unless the action of the individual storage devices is coordinated. A network based approach is also introduced to calculate some type of effectiveness metric to all available resources which take part in coordinated operation. The main finding is that it is possible to achieve synergy between DERs on a system; however this required a unified strategy to coordinate the action of all devices in a decentralized way.« less

DNP-enhanced ultrawideline solid-state NMR spectroscopy: Studies of platinum in metal–organic frameworks

DOE PAGES

Kobayashi, Takeshi; Perras, Frederic A.; Goh, Tian Wei; ...

2016-06-06

Ultrawideline dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced 195Pt solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations are used to determine the coordination of atomic Pt species supported within the pores of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The 195Pt SSNMR spectra, with breadths reaching 10,000 ppm, were obtained by combining DNP with broadbanded cross-polarization and CPMG acquisition. Although the DNP enhancements in static samples are lower than those typically observed under magic-angle spinning conditions, the presented measurements would be very challenging using the conventional SSNMR methods. The DNP-enhanced ultrawideline NMR spectra served to separate signals from cis- and trans-coordinated atomic Pt 2+ species supported on themore » UiO-66-NH 2 MOF. Here, the data revealed a dominance of kinetic effects in the formation of Pt 2+ complexes and the thermodynamic effects in their reduction to nanoparticles. A single cis-coordinated Pt 2+ complex was confirmed in MOF-253.« less

Computerized Tests of Team Performance and Crew Coordination Suitable for Military/Aviation Settings.

PubMed

Lawson, Ben D; Britt, Thomas W; Kelley, Amanda M; Athy, Jeremy R; Legan, Shauna M

2017-08-01

The coordination of team effort on shared tasks is an area of inquiry. A number of tests of team performance in challenging environments have been developed without comparison or standardization. This article provides a systematic review of the most accessible and usable low-to-medium fidelity computerized tests of team performance and determines which are most applicable to military- and aviation-relevant research, such as studies of group command, control, communication, and crew coordination. A search was conducted to identify computerized measures of team performance. In addition to extensive literature searches (DTIC, Psychinfo, PubMed), the authors reached out to team performance researchers at conferences and through electronic communication. Identified were 57 potential tests according to 6 specific selection criteria (e.g., the requirement for automated collection of team performance and coordination processes, the use of military-relevant scenarios). The following seven tests (listed alphabetically) were considered most suitable for military needs: Agent Enabled Decision Group Environment (AEDGE), C3Conflict, the C3 (Command, Control, & Communications) Interactive Task for Identifying Emerging Situations (NeoCITIES), Distributed Dynamic Decision Making (DDD), Duo Wondrous Original Method Basic Awareness/Airmanship Test (DuoWOMBAT), the Leader Development Simulator (LDS), and the Planning Task for Teams (PLATT). Strengths and weaknesses of these tests are described and recommendations offered to help researchers identify the test most suitable for their particular needs. Adoption of a few standard computerized test batteries to study team performance would facilitate the evaluation of interventions intended to enhance group performance in multiple challenging military and aerospace operational environments.Lawson BD, Britt TW, Kelley AM, Athy JR, Legan SM. Computerized tests of team performance and crew coordination suitable for military/aviation settings. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(8):722-729.

Enhancing the Diversity of the NIH-Funded Workforce

Science.gov Websites

Skip to main content U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health HealthOffice of Strategic Coordination - The Common Fund National Institutes of Health Office of Strategic Coordination - The Common Fund National Institutes of Health Office of Strategic Coordination - The Common Fund

Product Distribution Theory and Semi-Coordinate Transformations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Airiau, Stephane; Wolpert, David H.

2004-01-01

Product Distribution (PD) theory is a new framework for doing distributed adaptive control of a multiagent system (MAS). We introduce the technique of "coordinate transformations" in PD theory gradient descent. These transformations selectively couple a few agents with each other into "meta-agents". Intuitively, this can be viewed as a generalization of forming binding contracts between those agents. Doing this sacrifices a bit of the distributed nature of the MAS, in that there must now be communication from multiple agents in determining what joint-move is finally implemented However, as we demonstrate in computer experiments, these transformations improve the performance of the MAS.

Ocean Observatories and the Integrated Ocean Observing System, IOOS: Developing the Synergy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altalo, M. G.

2006-05-01

The National Office for Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observations is responsible for the planning, coordination and development of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, IOOS, which is both the U.S. contribution to GOOS as well as the ocean component of GEOSS. The IOOS is comprised of global observations as well as regional coastal observations coordinated so as to provide environmental information to optimize societal management decisions including disaster resilience, public health, marine transport, national security, climate and weather impact, and natural resource and ecosystem management. Data comes from distributed sensor systems comprising Federal and state monitoring efforts as well as regional enhancements, which are managed through data management and communications (DMAC) protocols. At present, 11 regional associations oversee the development of the observing System components in their region and are the primary interface with the user community. The ocean observatories are key elements of this National architecture and provide the infrastructure necessary to test new technologies, platforms, methods, models, and practices which, when validated, can transition into the operational components of the IOOS. This allows the IOOS to remain "state of the art" through incorporation of research at all phases. Both the observatories as well as the IOOS will contribute to the enhanced understanding of the ocean and coastal system so as to transform science results into societal solutions.

76 FR 72203 - Voltage Coordination on High Voltage Grids; Notice of Reliability Workshop Agenda

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-22

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. AD12-5-000] Voltage... currently coordinate the dispatch of reactive resources to support forecasted loads, generation and... reactive power needs of the distribution system or loads are coordinated or optimized. Panelists: Khaled...

Enhancing resource coordination for multi-modal evacuation planning.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

This research project seeks to increase knowledge about coordinating effective multi-modal evacuation for disasters. It does so by identifying, evaluating, and assessing : current transportation management approaches for multi-modal evacuation planni...

Co-ordination of Mobile Information Agents in TuCSoN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omicini, Andrea; Zambonelli, Franco

1998-01-01

Examines mobile agent coordination and presents TuCSoN, a coordination model for Internet applications based on mobile information agents that uses a tuple centre, a tuple space enhanced with the capability of programming its behavior in response to communication events. Discusses the effectiveness of the TuCSoN model in the contexts of Internet…

Cooperative Marketing and Distributive Education I and II (Junior and Senior High School Students). Vocational Education Teacher-Coordinators Curriculum Guide. Bulletin 1702.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louisiana State Dept. of Education, Baton Rouge. Div. of Vocational Education.

Developed by experienced vocational teacher-coordinators and teacher-educators, this guide is intended to be used as a resource by cooperative distributive education and marketing teachers in Louisiana junior and senior high schools. The guide contains suggested curriculum for both beginning and advanced courses. Course I consists of 19 units in…

The breakdown of coordinated decision making in distributed systems.

PubMed

Bearman, Christopher; Paletz, Susannah B F; Orasanu, Judith; Thomas, Matthew J W

2010-04-01

This article aims to explore the nature and resolution of breakdowns in coordinated decision making in distributed safety-critical systems. In safety-critical domains, people with different roles and responsibilities often must work together to make coordinated decisions while geographically distributed. Although there is likely to be a large degree of overlap in the shared mental models of these people on the basis of procedures and experience, subtle differences may exist. Study 1 involves using Aviation Safety Reporting System reports to explore the ways in which coordinated decision making breaks down between pilots and air traffic controllers and the way in which the breakdowns are resolved. Study 2 replicates and extends those findings with the use of transcripts from the Apollo 13 National Aeronautics and Space Administration space mission. Across both studies, breakdowns were caused in part by different types of lower-level breakdowns (or disconnects), which are labeled as operational, informational, or evaluative. Evaluative disconnects were found to be significantly harder to resolve than other types of disconnects. Considering breakdowns according to the type of disconnect involved appears to capture useful information that should assist accident and incident investigators. The current trend in aviation of shifting responsibilities and providing increasingly more information to pilots may have a hidden cost of increasing evaluative disconnects. The proposed taxonomy facilitates the investigation of breakdowns in coordinated decision making and draws attention to the importance of considering subtle differences between participants' mental models when considering complex distributed systems.

Coordination processes and outcomes in the public service: the challenge of inter-organizational food safety coordination in Norway.

PubMed

Lie, Amund

2011-01-01

In 2004 Norway implemented a food safety reform programme aimed at enhancing inter-organizational coordination processes and outcomes. Has this programme affected inter-organizational coordination processes and outcomes, both vertically and horizontally – and if so how? This article employs the concept of inter-organizational coordination as an analytical tool, examining it in the light of two theoretical perspectives and coupling it with the empirical findings. The argument presented is that the chances of strong coordination outcomes may increase if inter-organizational processes feature a clear division of labour, arenas for coordination, active leadership, a lack of major conflicting goals, and shared obligations.

Water molecule-enhanced CO{sub 2} insertion in lanthanide coordination polymers

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

Luo Liushan; Huang Xiaoyuan; Wang Ning

2009-08-15

Two new lanthanide coordination polymers H{sub 2}N(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}.[Eu{sup III}{sub 2}(L{sub 1}){sub 3}(L{sub 2})] (1, L{sub 1}=isophthalic acid dianion, L{sub 2}=formic acid anion) and [La{sup III}(2,5-PDC)(L{sub 2})](2, 2,5-PDC=2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate dianion) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. It is of interest that the formic ligand (L{sub 2}) is not contained in the stating materials, but arises from the water molecule-enhanced CO{sub 2} insertion during the solvothermal process. Both of the two compounds exhibit complicated three dimensional sandwich-like frameworks. - Graphical abstract: Two new lanthanide coordination polymers involving water molecule-enhanced CO{sub 2} insertion resulting in the formation of formic anion and dimethylammonium cation weremore » synthesized under solvothermal conditions.« less

Enhancing the magnetic anisotropy of maghemite nanoparticles via the surface coordination of molecular complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prado, Yoann; Daffé, Niéli; Michel, Aude; Georgelin, Thomas; Yaacoub, Nader; Grenèche, Jean-Marc; Choueikani, Fadi; Otero, Edwige; Ohresser, Philippe; Arrio, Marie-Anne; Cartier-Dit-Moulin, Christophe; Sainctavit, Philippe; Fleury, Benoit; Dupuis, Vincent; Lisnard, Laurent; Fresnais, Jérôme

2015-12-01

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are promising objects for data storage or medical applications. In the smallest--and more attractive--systems, the properties are governed by the magnetic anisotropy. Here we report a molecule-based synthetic strategy to enhance this anisotropy in sub-10-nm nanoparticles. It consists of the fabrication of composite materials where anisotropic molecular complexes are coordinated to the surface of the nanoparticles. Reacting 5 nm γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the [CoII(TPMA)Cl2] complex (TPMA: tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) leads to the desired composite materials and the characterization of the functionalized nanoparticles evidences the successful coordination--without nanoparticle aggregation and without complex dissociation--of the molecular complexes to the nanoparticles surface. Magnetic measurements indicate the significant enhancement of the anisotropy in the final objects. Indeed, the functionalized nanoparticles show a threefold increase of the blocking temperature and a coercive field increased by one order of magnitude.

Distributed Coordination of Heterogeneous Agents Using a Semantic Overlay Network and a Goal-Directed Graphplan Planner

PubMed Central

Lopes, António Luís; Botelho, Luís Miguel

2013-01-01

In this paper, we describe a distributed coordination system that allows agents to seamlessly cooperate in problem solving by partially contributing to a problem solution and delegating the subproblems for which they do not have the required skills or knowledge to appropriate agents. The coordination mechanism relies on a dynamically built semantic overlay network that allows the agents to efficiently locate, even in very large unstructured networks, the necessary skills for a specific problem. Each agent performs partial contributions to the problem solution using a new distributed goal-directed version of the Graphplan algorithm. This new goal-directed version of the original Graphplan algorithm provides an efficient solution to the problem of "distraction", which most forward-chaining algorithms suffer from. We also discuss a set of heuristics to be used in the backward-search process of the planning algorithm in order to distribute this process amongst idle agents in an attempt to find a solution in less time. The evaluation results show that our approach is effective in building a scalable and efficient agent society capable of solving complex distributable problems. PMID:23704885

Coordination of Distributed Fuzzy Behaviors in Mobile Robot Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tunstel, E.

1995-01-01

This presentation describes an approach to behavior coordination and conflict resolution within the context of a hierarchical architecture of fuzzy behaviors. Coordination is achieved using weighted decision-making based on behavioral degrees of applicability. This strategy is appropriate for fuzzy control of systems that can be represented by hierarchical or decentralized structures.

Distributions in Spherical Coordinates with Applications to Classical Electrodynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gsponer, Andre

2007-01-01

A general and rigorous method to deal with singularities at the origin of a polar coordinate system is presented. Its power derives from a clear distinction between the radial distance and the radial coordinate variable, which makes that all delta functions and their derivatives are automatically generated, and ensures that the Gauss theorem is…

Optimal coordinated voltage control in active distribution networks using backtracking search algorithm

PubMed Central

Tengku Hashim, Tengku Juhana; Mohamed, Azah

2017-01-01

The growing interest in distributed generation (DG) in recent years has led to a number of generators connected to a distribution system. The integration of DGs in a distribution system has resulted in a network known as active distribution network due to the existence of bidirectional power flow in the system. Voltage rise issue is one of the predominantly important technical issues to be addressed when DGs exist in an active distribution network. This paper presents the application of the backtracking search algorithm (BSA), which is relatively new optimisation technique to determine the optimal settings of coordinated voltage control in a distribution system. The coordinated voltage control considers power factor, on-load tap-changer and generation curtailment control to manage voltage rise issue. A multi-objective function is formulated to minimise total losses and voltage deviation in a distribution system. The proposed BSA is compared with that of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) so as to evaluate its effectiveness in determining the optimal settings of power factor, tap-changer and percentage active power generation to be curtailed. The load flow algorithm from MATPOWER is integrated in the MATLAB environment to solve the multi-objective optimisation problem. Both the BSA and PSO optimisation techniques have been tested on a radial 13-bus distribution system and the results show that the BSA performs better than PSO by providing better fitness value and convergence rate. PMID:28991919

Optimal coordinated voltage control in active distribution networks using backtracking search algorithm.

PubMed

Tengku Hashim, Tengku Juhana; Mohamed, Azah

2017-01-01

The growing interest in distributed generation (DG) in recent years has led to a number of generators connected to a distribution system. The integration of DGs in a distribution system has resulted in a network known as active distribution network due to the existence of bidirectional power flow in the system. Voltage rise issue is one of the predominantly important technical issues to be addressed when DGs exist in an active distribution network. This paper presents the application of the backtracking search algorithm (BSA), which is relatively new optimisation technique to determine the optimal settings of coordinated voltage control in a distribution system. The coordinated voltage control considers power factor, on-load tap-changer and generation curtailment control to manage voltage rise issue. A multi-objective function is formulated to minimise total losses and voltage deviation in a distribution system. The proposed BSA is compared with that of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) so as to evaluate its effectiveness in determining the optimal settings of power factor, tap-changer and percentage active power generation to be curtailed. The load flow algorithm from MATPOWER is integrated in the MATLAB environment to solve the multi-objective optimisation problem. Both the BSA and PSO optimisation techniques have been tested on a radial 13-bus distribution system and the results show that the BSA performs better than PSO by providing better fitness value and convergence rate.

Mildly reduced graphene oxide-Ag nanoparticle hybrid films for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Large-area mildly reduced graphene oxide (MR-GO) monolayer films were self-assembled on SiO2/Si surfaces via an amidation reaction strategy. With the MR-GO as templates, MR-GO-Ag nanoparticle (MR-GO-Ag NP) hybrid films were synthesized by immersing the MR-GO monolayer into a silver salt solution with sodium citrate as a reducing agent under UV illumination. SEM image indicated that Ag NPs with small interparticle gap are uniformly distributed on the MR-GO monolayer. Raman spectra demonstrated that the MR-GO monolayer beneath the Ag NPs can effectively quench the fluorescence signal emitted from the Ag films and dye molecules under laser excitation, resulting in a chemical enhancement (CM). The Ag NPs with narrow gap provided numerous hot spots, which are closely related with electromagnetic mechanism (EM), and were believed to remarkably enhance the Raman signal of the molecules. Due to the co-contribution of the CM and EM effects as well as the coordination mechanism between the MR-GO and Ag NPs, the MR-GO-Ag NP hybrid films showed more excellent Raman signal enhancement performance than that of either Ag films or MR-GO monolayer alone. This will further enrich the application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering in molecule detection. PMID:22471923

Orientation-Enhanced Parallel Coordinate Plots.

PubMed

Raidou, Renata Georgia; Eisemann, Martin; Breeuwer, Marcel; Eisemann, Elmar; Vilanova, Anna

2016-01-01

Parallel Coordinate Plots (PCPs) is one of the most powerful techniques for the visualization of multivariate data. However, for large datasets, the representation suffers from clutter due to overplotting. In this case, discerning the underlying data information and selecting specific interesting patterns can become difficult. We propose a new and simple technique to improve the display of PCPs by emphasizing the underlying data structure. Our Orientation-enhanced Parallel Coordinate Plots (OPCPs) improve pattern and outlier discernibility by visually enhancing parts of each PCP polyline with respect to its slope. This enhancement also allows us to introduce a novel and efficient selection method, the Orientation-enhanced Brushing (O-Brushing). Our solution is particularly useful when multiple patterns are present or when the view on certain patterns is obstructed by noise. We present the results of our approach with several synthetic and real-world datasets. Finally, we conducted a user evaluation, which verifies the advantages of the OPCPs in terms of discernibility of information in complex data. It also confirms that O-Brushing eases the selection of data patterns in PCPs and reduces the amount of necessary user interactions compared to state-of-the-art brushing techniques.

Smart-DS: Synthetic Models for Advanced, Realistic Testing: Distribution Systems and Scenarios

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

Krishnan, Venkat K; Palmintier, Bryan S; Hodge, Brian S

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Comillas-IIT, Spain) and GE Grid Solutions, is working on an ARPA-E GRID DATA project, titled Smart-DS, to create: 1) High-quality, realistic, synthetic distribution network models, and 2) Advanced tools for automated scenario generation based on high-resolution weather data and generation growth projections. Through these advancements, the Smart-DS project is envisioned to accelerate the development, testing, and adoption of advanced algorithms, approaches, and technologies for sustainable and resilient electric power systems, especially in the realm of U.S. distribution systems. This talk will present themore » goals and overall approach of the Smart-DS project, including the process of creating the synthetic distribution datasets using reference network model (RNM) and the comprehensive validation process to ensure network realism, feasibility, and applicability to advanced use cases. The talk will provide demonstrations of early versions of synthetic models, along with the lessons learnt from expert engagements to enhance future iterations. Finally, the scenario generation framework, its development plans, and co-ordination with GRID DATA repository teams to house these datasets for public access will also be discussed.« less

Equilibrium Molecular Thermodynamics from Kirkwood Sampling

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We present two methods for barrierless equilibrium sampling of molecular systems based on the recently proposed Kirkwood method (J. Chem. Phys.2009, 130, 134102). Kirkwood sampling employs low-order correlations among internal coordinates of a molecule for random (or non-Markovian) sampling of the high dimensional conformational space. This is a geometrical sampling method independent of the potential energy surface. The first method is a variant of biased Monte Carlo, where Kirkwood sampling is used for generating trial Monte Carlo moves. Using this method, equilibrium distributions corresponding to different temperatures and potential energy functions can be generated from a given set of low-order correlations. Since Kirkwood samples are generated independently, this method is ideally suited for massively parallel distributed computing. The second approach is a variant of reservoir replica exchange, where Kirkwood sampling is used to construct a reservoir of conformations, which exchanges conformations with the replicas performing equilibrium sampling corresponding to different thermodynamic states. Coupling with the Kirkwood reservoir enhances sampling by facilitating global jumps in the conformational space. The efficiency of both methods depends on the overlap of the Kirkwood distribution with the target equilibrium distribution. We present proof-of-concept results for a model nine-atom linear molecule and alanine dipeptide. PMID:25915525

A common stochastic accumulator with effector-dependent noise can explain eye-hand coordination

PubMed Central

Gopal, Atul; Viswanathan, Pooja

2015-01-01

The computational architecture that enables the flexible coupling between otherwise independent eye and hand effector systems is not understood. By using a drift diffusion framework, in which variability of the reaction time (RT) distribution scales with mean RT, we tested the ability of a common stochastic accumulator to explain eye-hand coordination. Using a combination of behavior, computational modeling and electromyography, we show how a single stochastic accumulator to threshold, followed by noisy effector-dependent delays, explains eye-hand RT distributions and their correlation, while an alternate independent, interactive eye and hand accumulator model does not. Interestingly, the common accumulator model did not explain the RT distributions of the same subjects when they made eye and hand movements in isolation. Taken together, these data suggest that a dedicated circuit underlies coordinated eye-hand planning. PMID:25568161

Immunology-directed methods for distributed robotics: a novel immunity-based architecture for robust control and coordination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Surya P. N.; Thayer, Scott M.

2002-02-01

This paper presents a novel algorithmic architecture for the coordination and control of large scale distributed robot teams derived from the constructs found within the human immune system. Using this as a guide, the Immunology-derived Distributed Autonomous Robotics Architecture (IDARA) distributes tasks so that broad, all-purpose actions are refined and followed by specific and mediated responses based on each unit's utility and capability to timely address the system's perceived need(s). This method improves on initial developments in this area by including often overlooked interactions of the innate immune system resulting in a stronger first-order, general response mechanism. This allows for rapid reactions in dynamic environments, especially those lacking significant a priori information. As characterized via computer simulation of a of a self-healing mobile minefield having up to 7,500 mines and 2,750 robots, IDARA provides an efficient, communications light, and scalable architecture that yields significant operation and performance improvements for large-scale multi-robot coordination and control.

Polarization-correlation optical microscopy of anisotropic biological layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, A. G.; Dubolazov, A. V.; Ushenko, V. A.; Ushenko, Yu. A.; Sakhnovskiy, M. Y.; Balazyuk, V. N.; Khukhlina, O.; Viligorska, K.; Bykov, A.; Doronin, A.; Meglinski, I.

2016-09-01

The theoretical background of azimuthally stable method of Jones-matrix mapping of histological sections of biopsy of myocardium tissue on the basis of spatial frequency selection of the mechanisms of linear and circular birefringence is presented. The diagnostic application of a new correlation parameter - complex degree of mutual anisotropy - is analytically substantiated. The method of measuring coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy with further spatial filtration of their high- and low-frequency components is developed. The interconnections of such distributions with parameters of linear and circular birefringence of myocardium tissue histological sections are found. The comparative results of measuring the coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy formed by fibrillar networks of myosin fibrils of myocardium tissue of different necrotic states - dead due to coronary heart disease and acute coronary insufficiency are shown. The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of complex degree of mutual anisotropy coordinate distributions are studied. The objective criteria of differentiation of cause of death are determined.

Enhanced communication and coordination in the public health surveillance component of the Cincinnati Drinking Water Contamination Warning System.

PubMed

Dangel, Chrissy; Allgeier, Steven C; Gibbons, Darcy; Haas, Adam; Simon, Katie

2012-03-01

Effective communication and coordination are critical when investigating a possible drinking water contamination incident. A contamination warning system is designed to detect water contamination by initiating a coordinated, effective response to mitigate significant public health and economic consequences. This article describes historical communication barriers during water contamination incidents and discusses how these barriers were overcome through the public health surveillance component of the Cincinnati Drinking Water Contamination Warning System, referred to as the "Cincinnati Pilot." By enhancing partnerships in the public health surveillance component of the Cincinnati Pilot, information silos that existed in each organization were replaced with interagency information depots that facilitated effective decision making.

Spatial transformation-enabled electromagnetic devices: from radio frequencies to optical wavelengths.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhi Hao; Turpin, Jeremy P; Morgan, Kennith; Lu, Bingqian; Werner, Douglas H

2015-08-28

Transformation optics provides scientists and engineers with a new powerful design paradigm to manipulate the flow of electromagnetic waves in a user-defined manner and with unprecedented flexibility, by controlling the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic properties of a medium. Using this approach, over the past decade, various previously undiscovered physical wave phenomena have been revealed and novel electromagnetic devices have been demonstrated throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. In this paper, we present versatile theoretical and experimental investigations on designing transformation optics-enabled devices for shaping electromagnetic wave radiation and guidance, at both radio frequencies and optical wavelengths. Different from conventional coordinate transformations, more advanced and versatile coordinate transformations are exploited here to benefit diverse applications, thereby providing expanded design flexibility, enhanced device performance, as well as reduced implementation complexity. These design examples demonstrate the comprehensive capability of transformation optics in controlling electromagnetic waves, while the associated novel devices will open up new paths towards future integrated electromagnetic component synthesis and design, from microwave to optical spectral regimes. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Volatile decision dynamics: experiments, stochastic description, intermittency control and traffic optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helbing, Dirk; Schönhof, Martin; Kern, Daniel

2002-06-01

The coordinated and efficient distribution of limited resources by individual decisions is a fundamental, unsolved problem. When individuals compete for road capacities, time, space, money, goods, etc, they normally make decisions based on aggregate rather than complete information, such as TV news or stock market indices. In related experiments, we have observed a volatile decision dynamics and far-from-optimal payoff distributions. We have also identified methods of information presentation that can considerably improve the overall performance of the system. In order to determine optimal strategies of decision guidance by means of user-specific recommendations, a stochastic behavioural description is developed. These strategies manage to increase the adaptibility to changing conditions and to reduce the deviation from the time-dependent user equilibrium, thereby enhancing the average and individual payoffs. Hence, our guidance strategies can increase the performance of all users by reducing overreaction and stabilizing the decision dynamics. These results are highly significant for predicting decision behaviour, for reaching optimal behavioural distributions by decision support systems and for information service providers. One of the promising fields of application is traffic optimization.

Combined distributed and concentrated transducer network for failure indication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostachowicz, Wieslaw; Wandowski, Tomasz; Malinowski, Pawel

2010-03-01

In this paper algorithm for discontinuities localisation in thin panels made of aluminium alloy is presented. Mentioned algorithm uses Lamb wave propagation methods for discontinuities localisation. Elastic waves were generated and received using piezoelectric transducers. They were arranged in concentrated arrays distributed on the specimen surface. In this way almost whole specimen could be monitored using this combined distributed-concentrated transducer network. Excited elastic waves propagate and reflect from panel boundaries and discontinuities existing in the panel. Wave reflection were registered through the piezoelectric transducers and used in signal processing algorithm. Proposed processing algorithm consists of two parts: signal filtering and extraction of obstacles location. The first part was used in order to enhance signals by removing noise from them. Second part allowed to extract features connected with wave reflections from discontinuities. Extracted features damage influence maps were a basis to create damage influence maps. Damage maps indicated intensity of elastic wave reflections which corresponds to obstacles coordinates. Described signal processing algorithms were implemented in the MATLAB environment. It should be underlined that in this work results based only on experimental signals were presented.

Coordination games, anti-coordination games, and imitative learning.

PubMed

McCain, Roger A; Hamilton, Richard

2014-02-01

Bentley et al.'s scheme generates distributions characteristic of situations of high and low social influence on decisions and of high and low salience ("transparency") of rewards. Another element of decisions that may influence the placement of a decision process in their map is the way in which individual decisions interact to determine the payoffs. This commentary discusses the role of Nash equilibria in game theory, focusing especially on coordination and anti-coordination games.

A decision framework for coordinating bioterrorism planning: lessons from the BioNet program.

PubMed

Manley, Dawn K; Bravata, Dena M

2009-01-01

Effective disaster preparedness requires coordination across multiple organizations. This article describes a detailed framework developed through the BioNet program to facilitate coordination of bioterrorism preparedness planning among military and civilian decision makers. The authors and colleagues conducted a series of semistructured interviews with civilian and military decision makers from public health, emergency management, hazardous material response, law enforcement, and military health in the San Diego area. Decision makers used a software tool that simulated a hypothetical anthrax attack, which allowed them to assess the effects of a variety of response actions (eg, issuing warnings to the public, establishing prophylaxis distribution centers) on performance metrics. From these interviews, the authors characterized the information sources, technologies, plans, and communication channels that would be used for bioterrorism planning and responses. The authors used influence diagram notation to describe the key bioterrorism response decisions, the probabilistic factors affecting these decisions, and the response outcomes. The authors present an overview of the response framework and provide a detailed assessment of two key phases of the decision-making process: (1) pre-event planning and investment and (2) incident characterization and initial responsive measures. The framework enables planners to articulate current conditions; identify gaps in existing policies, technologies, information resources, and relationships with other response organizations; and explore the implications of potential system enhancements. Use of this framework could help decision makers execute a locally coordinated response by identifying the critical cues of a potential bioterrorism event, the information needed to make effective response decisions, and the potential effects of various decision alternatives.

How Sensor, Signal, and Imaging Informatics May Impact Patient Centered Care and Care Coordination

PubMed Central

Moreau-Gaudry, A.

2015-01-01

Summary Objective This synopsis presents a selection for the IMIA (International Medical Informatics Association) Yearbook 2015 of excellent research in the broad field of Sensor, Signal, and Imaging Informatics published in the year 2014, with a focus on patient centered care coordination. Methods The two section editors performed a systematic initial selection and a double blind peer review process to select a list of candidate best papers in the domain published in 2014, from the PubMed and Web of Science databases. A set of MeSH keywords provided by experts was used. This selection was peer-reviewed by external reviewers. Results The review process highlighted articles illustrating two current trends related to care coordination and patient centered care: the enhanced capacity to predict the evolution of a disease based on patient-specific information can impact care coordination; similarly, better perception of the patient and his treatment could lead to enhanced personalized care with a potential impact on care coordination. Conclusions This review shows the multiplicity of angles from which the question of patient-centered care can be addressed, with consequences on care coordination that will need to be confirmed and demonstrated in the future. PMID:26293856

Evidence of common and separate eye and hand accumulators underlying flexible eye-hand coordination

PubMed Central

Jana, Sumitash; Gopal, Atul

2016-01-01

Eye and hand movements are initiated by anatomically separate regions in the brain, and yet these movements can be flexibly coupled and decoupled, depending on the need. The computational architecture that enables this flexible coupling of independent effectors is not understood. Here, we studied the computational architecture that enables flexible eye-hand coordination using a drift diffusion framework, which predicts that the variability of the reaction time (RT) distribution scales with its mean. We show that a common stochastic accumulator to threshold, followed by a noisy effector-dependent delay, explains eye-hand RT distributions and their correlation in a visual search task that required decision-making, while an interactive eye and hand accumulator model did not. In contrast, in an eye-hand dual task, an interactive model better predicted the observed correlations and RT distributions than a common accumulator model. Notably, these two models could only be distinguished on the basis of the variability and not the means of the predicted RT distributions. Additionally, signatures of separate initiation signals were also observed in a small fraction of trials in the visual search task, implying that these distinct computational architectures were not a manifestation of the task design per se. Taken together, our results suggest two unique computational architectures for eye-hand coordination, with task context biasing the brain toward instantiating one of the two architectures. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previous studies on eye-hand coordination have considered mainly the means of eye and hand reaction time (RT) distributions. Here, we leverage the approximately linear relationship between the mean and standard deviation of RT distributions, as predicted by the drift-diffusion model, to propose the existence of two distinct computational architectures underlying coordinated eye-hand movements. These architectures, for the first time, provide a computational basis for the flexible coupling between eye and hand movements. PMID:27784809

Forebody and afterbody solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations for supersonic flow over blunt bodies in a generalized orthogonal coordinate system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gnoffo, P. A.

1978-01-01

A coordinate transformation, which can approximate many different two-dimensional and axisymmetric body shapes with an analytic function, is used as a basis for solving the Navier-Stokes equations for the purpose of predicting 0 deg angle of attack supersonic flow fields. The transformation defines a curvilinear, orthogonal coordinate system in which coordinate lines are perpendicular to the body and the body is defined by one coordinate line. This system is mapped in to a rectangular computational domain in which the governing flow field equations are solved numerically. Advantages of this technique are that the specification of boundary conditions are simplified and, most importantly, the entire flow field can be obtained, including flow in the wake. Good agreement has been obtained with experimental data for pressure distributions, density distributions, and heat transfer over spheres and cylinders in supersonic flow. Approximations to the Viking aeroshell and to a candidate Jupiter probe are presented and flow fields over these shapes are calculated.

A practical approach for active camera coordination based on a fusion-driven multi-agent system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bustamante, Alvaro Luis; Molina, José M.; Patricio, Miguel A.

2014-04-01

In this paper, we propose a multi-agent system architecture to manage spatially distributed active (or pan-tilt-zoom) cameras. Traditional video surveillance algorithms are of no use for active cameras, and we have to look at different approaches. Such multi-sensor surveillance systems have to be designed to solve two related problems: data fusion and coordinated sensor-task management. Generally, architectures proposed for the coordinated operation of multiple cameras are based on the centralisation of management decisions at the fusion centre. However, the existence of intelligent sensors capable of decision making brings with it the possibility of conceiving alternative decentralised architectures. This problem is approached by means of a MAS, integrating data fusion as an integral part of the architecture for distributed coordination purposes. This paper presents the MAS architecture and system agents.

Protection coordination of the Kennedy Space Center electric distribution network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

A computer technique is described for visualizing the coordination and protection of any existing system of devices and settings by plotting the tripping characteristics of the involved devices on a common basis. The program determines the optimum settings of a given set of protective devices and configuration in the sense of the best expected coordinated operation of these devices. Subroutines are given for simulating time versus current characteristics of the different relays, circuit breakers, and fuses in the system; coordination index computation; protection checks; plotting; and coordination optimation.

High spatial resolution pressure distribution of the vaginal canal in Pompoir practitioners: A biomechanical approach for assessing the pelvic floor.

PubMed

Cacciari, Licia P; Pássaro, Anice C; Amorim, Amanda C; Sacco, Isabel C N

2017-08-01

Pompoir is a technique poorly studied in the literature that claims to improve pelvic floor strength and coordination. This study aims to investigate the pelvic floor muscles' coordination throughout the vaginal canal among Pompoir practitioners and non-practitioners by describing a high resolution map of pressure distribution. This cross-sectional, study included 40 healthy women in two groups: control and Pompoir. While these women performed both sustained and "waveform" pelvic floor muscle contractions, the spatiotemporal pressure distribution in their vaginal canals was evaluated by a non-deformable probe fully instrumented with a 10×10 matrix of capacitive transducers. Pompoir group was able to sustain the pressure levels achieved for a longer period (40% longer, moderate effect, P=0.04). During the "waveform" contraction task, Pompoir group achieved lower, earlier peak pressures (moderate effect, P=0.05) and decreased rates of contraction (small effect, P=0.04) and relaxation (large effect, P=0.01). During both tasks, Pompoir group had smaller relative contributions by the mid-region and the anteroposterior planes and greater contributions by the caudal and cranial regions and the latero-lateral planes. Results suggest that specific coordination training of the pelvic floor muscles alters the pressure distribution profile, promoting a more-symmetric distribution of pressure throughout the vaginal canal. Therefore, this study suggests that pelvic floor muscles can be trained to a degree beyond strengthening by focusing on coordination, which results in changes in symmetry of the spatiotemporal pressure distribution in the vaginal canal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bacteria–zinc co-localization implicates enhanced synthesis of cysteine-rich peptides in zinc detoxification when Brassica juncea is inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum

PubMed Central

Adediran, Gbotemi A; Ngwenya, Bryne T; Mosselmans, J Frederick W; Heal, Kate V

2016-01-01

Some plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are enigmatic in enhancing plant growth in the face of increased metal accumulation in plants. Since most PGPB colonize the plant root epidermis, we hypothesized that PGPB confer tolerance to metals through changes in speciation at the root epidermis. We employed a novel combination of fluorophore-based confocal laser scanning microscopic imaging and synchrotron based microscopic X-ray fluorescence mapping with X-ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize bacterial localization, zinc (Zn) distribution and speciation in the roots of Brassica juncea grown in Zn contaminated media (400 mg kg−1 Zn) with the endophytic Pseudomonas brassicacearum and rhizospheric Rhizobium leguminosarum. PGPB enhanced epidermal Zn sequestration relative to PGBP-free controls while the extent of endophytic accumulation depended on the colonization mode of each PGBP. Increased root accumulation of Zn and increased tolerance to Zn was associated predominantly with R. leguminosarum and was likely due to the coordination of Zn with cysteine-rich peptides in the root endodermis, suggesting enhanced synthesis of phytochelatins or glutathione. Our mechanistic model of enhanced Zn accumulation and detoxification in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum has particular relevance to PGPB enhanced phytoremediation of soils contaminated through mining and oxidation of sulphur-bearing Zn minerals or engineered nanomaterials such as ZnS. PMID:26263508

Maximum Entropy Production As a Framework for Understanding How Living Systems Evolve, Organize and Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallino, J. J.; Algar, C. K.; Huber, J. A.; Fernandez-Gonzalez, N.

2014-12-01

The maximum entropy production (MEP) principle holds that non equilibrium systems with sufficient degrees of freedom will likely be found in a state that maximizes entropy production or, analogously, maximizes potential energy destruction rate. The theory does not distinguish between abiotic or biotic systems; however, we will show that systems that can coordinate function over time and/or space can potentially dissipate more free energy than purely Markovian processes (such as fire or a rock rolling down a hill) that only maximize instantaneous entropy production. Biological systems have the ability to store useful information acquired via evolution and curated by natural selection in genomic sequences that allow them to execute temporal strategies and coordinate function over space. For example, circadian rhythms allow phototrophs to "predict" that sun light will return and can orchestrate metabolic machinery appropriately before sunrise, which not only gives them a competitive advantage, but also increases the total entropy production rate compared to systems that lack such anticipatory control. Similarly, coordination over space, such a quorum sensing in microbial biofilms, can increase acquisition of spatially distributed resources and free energy and thereby enhance entropy production. In this talk we will develop a modeling framework to describe microbial biogeochemistry based on the MEP conjecture constrained by information and resource availability. Results from model simulations will be compared to laboratory experiments to demonstrate the usefulness of the MEP approach.

A Role of Phase-Resetting in Coordinating Large Scale Neural Networks During Attention and Goal-Directed Behavior

PubMed Central

Voloh, Benjamin; Womelsdorf, Thilo

2016-01-01

Short periods of oscillatory activation are ubiquitous signatures of neural circuits. A broad range of studies documents not only their circuit origins, but also a fundamental role for oscillatory activity in coordinating information transfer during goal directed behavior. Recent studies suggest that resetting the phase of ongoing oscillatory activity to endogenous or exogenous cues facilitates coordinated information transfer within circuits and between distributed brain areas. Here, we review evidence that pinpoints phase resetting as a critical marker of dynamic state changes of functional networks. Phase resets: (1) set a “neural context” in terms of narrow band frequencies that uniquely characterizes the activated circuits; (2) impose coherent low frequency phases to which high frequency activations can synchronize, identifiable as cross-frequency correlations across large anatomical distances; (3) are critical for neural coding models that depend on phase, increasing the informational content of neural representations; and (4) likely originate from the dynamics of canonical E-I circuits that are anatomically ubiquitous. These multiple signatures of phase resets are directly linked to enhanced information transfer and behavioral success. We survey how phase resets re-organize oscillations in diverse task contexts, including sensory perception, attentional stimulus selection, cross-modal integration, Pavlovian conditioning, and spatial navigation. The evidence we consider suggests that phase-resets can drive changes in neural excitability, ensemble organization, functional networks, and ultimately, overt behavior. PMID:27013986

The Role of Magnesium for Geometry and Charge in GTP Hydrolysis, Revealed by Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Simulations

PubMed Central

Rudack, Till; Xia, Fei; Schlitter, Jürgen; Kötting, Carsten; Gerwert, Klaus

2012-01-01

The coordination of the magnesium ion in proteins by triphosphates plays an important role in catalytic hydrolysis of GTP or ATP, either in signal transduction or energy conversion. For example, in Ras the magnesium ion contributes to the catalysis of GTP hydrolysis. The cleavage of GTP to GDP and Pi in Ras switches off cellular signaling. We analyzed GTP hydrolysis in water, Ras, and Ras·Ras-GTPase-activating protein using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations. By comparison of the theoretical IR-difference spectra for magnesium ion coordinated triphosphate to experimental ones, the simulations are validated. We elucidated thereby how the magnesium ion contributes to catalysis. It provides a temporary storage for the electrons taken from the triphosphate and it returns them after bond cleavage and Pi release back to the diphosphate. Furthermore, the Ras·Mg2+ complex forces the triphosphate into a stretched conformation in which the β- and γ-phosphates are coordinated in a bidentate manner. In this conformation, the triphosphate elongates the bond, which has to be cleaved during hydrolysis. Furthermore, the γ-phosphate adopts a more planar structure, driving the conformation of the molecule closer to the hydrolysis transition state. GTPase-activating protein enhances these changes in GTP conformation and charge distribution via the intruding arginine finger. PMID:22853907

Retina-like sensor image coordinates transformation and display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Fengmei; Cao, Nan; Bai, Tingzhu; Song, Shengyu

2015-03-01

For a new kind of retina-like senor camera, the image acquisition, coordinates transformation and interpolation need to be realized. Both of the coordinates transformation and interpolation are computed in polar coordinate due to the sensor's particular pixels distribution. The image interpolation is based on sub-pixel interpolation and its relative weights are got in polar coordinates. The hardware platform is composed of retina-like senor camera, image grabber and PC. Combined the MIL and OpenCV library, the software program is composed in VC++ on VS 2010. Experience results show that the system can realizes the real-time image acquisition, coordinate transformation and interpolation.

Coordination analysis of players' distribution in football using cross-correlation and vector coding techniques.

PubMed

Moura, Felipe Arruda; van Emmerik, Richard E A; Santana, Juliana Exel; Martins, Luiz Eduardo Barreto; Barros, Ricardo Machado Leite de; Cunha, Sergio Augusto

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the coordination between teams spread during football matches using cross-correlation and vector coding techniques. Using a video-based tracking system, we obtained the trajectories of 257 players during 10 matches. Team spread was calculated as functions of time. For a general coordination description, we calculated the cross-correlation between the signals. Vector coding was used to identify the coordination patterns between teams during offensive sequences that ended in shots on goal or defensive tackles. Cross-correlation showed that opponent teams have a tendency to present in-phase coordination, with a short time lag. During offensive sequences, vector coding results showed that, although in-phase coordination dominated, other patterns were observed. We verified that during the early stages, offensive sequences ending in shots on goal present greater anti-phase and attacking team phase periods, compared to sequences ending in tackles. Results suggest that the attacking team may seek to present a contrary behaviour of its opponent (or may lead the adversary behaviour) in the beginning of the attacking play, regarding to the distribution strategy, to increase the chances of a shot on goal. The techniques allowed detecting the coordination patterns between teams, providing additional information about football dynamics and players' interaction.

Enhancing response coordination through the assessment of response network structural dynamics

PubMed Central

Jalili, Mahdi; Choi, Soo-Mi

2018-01-01

Preparing for intensifying threats of emergencies in unexpected, dangerous, and serious natural or man-made events, and consequent management of the situation, is highly demanding in terms of coordinating the personnel and resources to support human lives and the environment. This necessitates prompt action to manage the uncertainties and risks imposed by such extreme events, which requires collaborative operation among different stakeholders (i.e., the personnel from both the state and local communities). This research aims to find a way to enhance the coordination of multi-organizational response operations. To do so, this manuscript investigates the role of participants in the formed coordination response network and also the emergence and temporal dynamics of the network. By analyzing an inter-personal response coordination operation to an extreme bushfire event, the networks’ and participants’ structural change is evaluated during the evolution of the operation network over four time durations. The results reveal that the coordination response network becomes more decentralized over time due to the high volume of communication required to exchange information. New emerging communication structures often do not fit the developed plans, which stress the need for coordination by feedback in addition to by plan. In addition, we find that the participant’s brokering role in the response operation network identifies a formal and informal coordination role. This is useful for comparison of network structures to examine whether what really happens during response operations complies with the initial policy. PMID:29447192

Enhancing response coordination through the assessment of response network structural dynamics.

PubMed

Abbasi, Alireza; Sadeghi-Niaraki, Abolghasem; Jalili, Mahdi; Choi, Soo-Mi

2018-01-01

Preparing for intensifying threats of emergencies in unexpected, dangerous, and serious natural or man-made events, and consequent management of the situation, is highly demanding in terms of coordinating the personnel and resources to support human lives and the environment. This necessitates prompt action to manage the uncertainties and risks imposed by such extreme events, which requires collaborative operation among different stakeholders (i.e., the personnel from both the state and local communities). This research aims to find a way to enhance the coordination of multi-organizational response operations. To do so, this manuscript investigates the role of participants in the formed coordination response network and also the emergence and temporal dynamics of the network. By analyzing an inter-personal response coordination operation to an extreme bushfire event, the networks' and participants' structural change is evaluated during the evolution of the operation network over four time durations. The results reveal that the coordination response network becomes more decentralized over time due to the high volume of communication required to exchange information. New emerging communication structures often do not fit the developed plans, which stress the need for coordination by feedback in addition to by plan. In addition, we find that the participant's brokering role in the response operation network identifies a formal and informal coordination role. This is useful for comparison of network structures to examine whether what really happens during response operations complies with the initial policy.

Coordinated neuronal activity enhances corticocortical communication

PubMed Central

Zandvakili, Amin; Kohn, Adam

2015-01-01

Summary Relaying neural signals between cortical areas is central to cognition and sensory processing. The temporal coordination of activity in a source population has been suggested to determine corticocortical signaling efficacy, but others have argued that coordination is functionally irrelevant. We reasoned that if coordination significantly influenced signaling, spiking in downstream networks should be preceded by transiently elevated coordination in a source population. We developed a metric to quantify network coordination in brief epochs, and applied it to simultaneous recordings of neuronal populations in cortical areas V1 and V2 of the macaque monkey. Spiking in the input layers of V2 was preceded by brief epochs of elevated V1 coordination, but this was not the case in other layers of V2. Our results indicate that V1 coordination influences its signaling to direct downstream targets, but that coordinated V1 epochs do not propagate through multiple downstream networks as in some corticocortical signaling schemes. PMID:26291164

Glass polymorphism in amorphous germanium probed by first-principles computer simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancini, G.; Celino, M.; Iesari, F.; Di Cicco, A.

2016-01-01

The low-density (LDA) to high-density (HDA) transformation in amorphous Ge at high pressure is studied by first-principles molecular dynamics simulations in the framework of density functional theory. Previous experiments are accurately reproduced, including the presence of a well-defined LDA-HDA transition above 8 GPa. The LDA-HDA density increase is found to be about 14%. Pair and bond-angle distributions are obtained in the 0-16 GPa pressure range and allowed us a detailed analysis of the transition. The local fourfold coordination is transformed in an average HDA sixfold coordination associated with different local geometries as confirmed by coordination number analysis and shape of the bond-angle distributions.

Rationale, design and methods for a randomised and controlled trial of the impact of virtual reality games on motor competence, physical activity, and mental health in children with developmental coordination disorder.

PubMed

Straker, Leon M; Campbell, Amity C; Jensen, Lyn M; Metcalf, Deborah R; Smith, Anne J; Abbott, Rebecca A; Pollock, Clare M; Piek, Jan P

2011-08-18

A healthy start to life requires adequate motor development and physical activity participation. Currently 5-15% of children have impaired motor development without any obvious disorder. These children are at greater risk of obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, low social confidence and poor mental health. Traditional electronic game use may impact on motor development and physical activity creating a vicious cycle. However new virtual reality (VR) game interfaces may provide motor experiences that enhance motor development and lead to an increase in motor coordination and better physical activity and mental health outcomes. VR games are beginning to be used for rehabilitation, however there is no reported trial of the impact of these games on motor coordination in children with developmental coordination disorder. This cross-over randomised and controlled trial will examine whether motor coordination is enhanced by access to active electronic games and whether daily activity, attitudes to physical activity and mental health are also enhanced. Thirty children aged 10-12 years with poor motor coordination (≤ 15th percentile) will be recruited and randomised to a balanced ordering of 'no active electronic games' and 'active electronic games'. Each child will participate in both conditions for 16 weeks, and be assessed prior to participation and at the end of each condition. The primary outcome is motor coordination, assessed by kinematic and kinetic motion analysis laboratory measures. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour will be assessed by accelerometry, coordination in daily life by parent report questionnaire and attitudes to physical activity, self-confidence, anxiety and depressed mood will be assessed by self report questionnaire. A sample of 30 will provide a power of > 0.9 for detecting a 5 point difference in motor coordination on the MABC-2 TIS scale (mean 17, sd = 5). This is the first trial to examine the impact of new virtual reality games on motor coordination in children with developmental coordination disorder. The findings will provide critical information to understand whether these electronic games can be used to have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of these children. Given the importance of adequate motor coordination, physical activity and mental health in childhood, this project can inform interventions which could have a profound impact on the long term health of this group of children. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000400965.

Rationale, design and methods for a randomised and controlled trial of the impact of virtual reality games on motor competence, physical activity, and mental health in children with developmental coordination disorder

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background A healthy start to life requires adequate motor development and physical activity participation. Currently 5-15% of children have impaired motor development without any obvious disorder. These children are at greater risk of obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, low social confidence and poor mental health. Traditional electronic game use may impact on motor development and physical activity creating a vicious cycle. However new virtual reality (VR) game interfaces may provide motor experiences that enhance motor development and lead to an increase in motor coordination and better physical activity and mental health outcomes. VR games are beginning to be used for rehabilitation, however there is no reported trial of the impact of these games on motor coordination in children with developmental coordination disorder. Methods This cross-over randomised and controlled trial will examine whether motor coordination is enhanced by access to active electronic games and whether daily activity, attitudes to physical activity and mental health are also enhanced. Thirty children aged 10-12 years with poor motor coordination (≤ 15th percentile) will be recruited and randomised to a balanced ordering of 'no active electronic games' and 'active electronic games'. Each child will participate in both conditions for 16 weeks, and be assessed prior to participation and at the end of each condition. The primary outcome is motor coordination, assessed by kinematic and kinetic motion analysis laboratory measures. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour will be assessed by accelerometry, coordination in daily life by parent report questionnaire and attitudes to physical activity, self-confidence, anxiety and depressed mood will be assessed by self report questionnaire. A sample of 30 will provide a power of > 0.9 for detecting a 5 point difference in motor coordination on the MABC-2 TIS scale (mean 17, sd = 5). Discussion This is the first trial to examine the impact of new virtual reality games on motor coordination in children with developmental coordination disorder. The findings will provide critical information to understand whether these electronic games can be used to have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of these children. Given the importance of adequate motor coordination, physical activity and mental health in childhood, this project can inform interventions which could have a profound impact on the long term health of this group of children. Trial registration Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000400965 PMID:21851587

Self-organization in a distributed coordination game through heuristic rules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Shubham; Ghosh, Diptesh; Chakrabarti, Anindya S.

2016-12-01

In this paper, we consider a distributed coordination game played by a large number of agents with finite information sets, which characterizes emergence of a single dominant attribute out of a large number of competitors. Formally, N agents play a coordination game repeatedly, which has exactly N pure strategy Nash equilibria, and all of the equilibria are equally preferred by the agents. The problem is to select one equilibrium out of N possible equilibria in the least number of attempts. We propose a number of heuristic rules based on reinforcement learning to solve the coordination problem. We see that the agents self-organize into clusters with varying intensities depending on the heuristic rule applied, although all clusters but one are transitory in most cases. Finally, we characterize a trade-off in terms of the time requirement to achieve a degree of stability in strategies versus the efficiency of such a solution.

An alternative design for a sparse distributed memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaeckel, Louis A.

1989-01-01

A new design for a Sparse Distributed Memory, called the selected-coordinate design, is described. As in the original design, there are a large number of memory locations, each of which may be activated by many different addresses (binary vectors) in a very large address space. Each memory location is defined by specifying ten selected coordinates (bit positions in the address vectors) and a set of corresponding assigned values, consisting of one bit for each selected coordinate. A memory location is activated by an address if, for all ten of the locations's selected coordinates, the corresponding bits in the address vector match the respective assigned value bits, regardless of the other bits in the address vector. Some comparative memory capacity and signal-to-noise ratio estimates for the both the new and original designs are given. A few possible hardware embodiments of the new design are described.

Vibrational energy distribution analysis (VEDA): scopes and limitations.

PubMed

Jamróz, Michał H

2013-10-01

The principle of operations of the VEDA program written by the author for Potential Energy Distribution (PED) analysis of theoretical vibrational spectra is described. Nowadays, the PED analysis is indispensible tool in serious analysis of the vibrational spectra. To perform the PED analysis it is necessary to define 3N-6 linearly independent local mode coordinates. Already for 20-atomic molecules it is a difficult task. The VEDA program reads the input data automatically from the Gaussian program output files. Then, VEDA automatically proposes an introductory set of local mode coordinates. Next, the more adequate coordinates are proposed by the program and optimized to obtain maximal elements of each column (internal coordinate) of the PED matrix (the EPM parameter). The possibility for an automatic optimization of PED contributions is a unique feature of the VEDA program absent in any other programs performing PED analysis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vibrational Energy Distribution Analysis (VEDA): Scopes and limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamróz, Michał H.

2013-10-01

The principle of operations of the VEDA program written by the author for Potential Energy Distribution (PED) analysis of theoretical vibrational spectra is described. Nowadays, the PED analysis is indispensible tool in serious analysis of the vibrational spectra. To perform the PED analysis it is necessary to define 3N-6 linearly independent local mode coordinates. Already for 20-atomic molecules it is a difficult task. The VEDA program reads the input data automatically from the Gaussian program output files. Then, VEDA automatically proposes an introductory set of local mode coordinates. Next, the more adequate coordinates are proposed by the program and optimized to obtain maximal elements of each column (internal coordinate) of the PED matrix (the EPM parameter). The possibility for an automatic optimization of PED contributions is a unique feature of the VEDA program absent in any other programs performing PED analysis.

Enhanced Precision Time Synchronization for Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Cho, Hyuntae; Kim, Jongdeok; Baek, Yunju

2011-01-01

Time synchronization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a fundamental issue for the coordination of distributed entities and events. Nondeterministic latency, which may decrease the accuracy and precision of time synchronization can occur at any point in the network layers. Specially, random back-off by channel contention leads to a large uncertainty. In order to reduce the large nondeterministic uncertainty from channel contention, we propose an enhanced precision time synchronization protocol in this paper. The proposed method reduces the traffic needed for the synchronization procedure by selectively forwarding the packet. Furthermore, the time difference between sensor nodes increases as time advances because of the use of a clock source with a cheap crystal oscillator. In addition, we provide a means to maintain accurate time by adopting hardware-assisted time stamp and drift correction. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, for which sensor nodes are designed and implemented. According to the evaluation results, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of a traditional time synchronization protocol. PMID:22164035

Enhanced precision time synchronization for wireless sensor networks.

PubMed

Cho, Hyuntae; Kim, Jongdeok; Baek, Yunju

2011-01-01

Time synchronization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a fundamental issue for the coordination of distributed entities and events. Nondeterministic latency, which may decrease the accuracy and precision of time synchronization can occur at any point in the network layers. Specially, random back-off by channel contention leads to a large uncertainty. In order to reduce the large nondeterministic uncertainty from channel contention, we propose an enhanced precision time synchronization protocol in this paper. The proposed method reduces the traffic needed for the synchronization procedure by selectively forwarding the packet. Furthermore, the time difference between sensor nodes increases as time advances because of the use of a clock source with a cheap crystal oscillator. In addition, we provide a means to maintain accurate time by adopting hardware-assisted time stamp and drift correction. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, for which sensor nodes are designed and implemented. According to the evaluation results, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of a traditional time synchronization protocol.

Doppler-Zeeman mapping of the magnetic CP star HD 215441

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khokhlova, V. L.; Vasilchenko, D. V.; Stepanov, V. V.; Tsymbal, V. V.

1997-07-01

The method of Vasilchenko et al. (1996) is used to obtain a Doppler-Zeeman map of the magnetic CP star HD 215441. The magnetic field is approximated by a magnetic dipole that is arbitrarily shifted from the star center. The solution of the inverse problem yields the dipole parameters and the maps of Si, Ti, Cr, and Fe abundance anomalies; the coordinates of local magnetic vectors on the star surface are computed. A comparison of the distribution of abundance anomalies and the magnetic-field configuration reveals that in the region where the magnetic-field lines are vertical (near the magnetic pole), Si, Ti and Cr are highly deficient, while the Fe enhancement is strongest. In the regions where the magnetic-field lines are horizontal (near the magnetic equator), Si, Ti and Cr show the greatest overabundance. In these regions, the Fe abundance is also slightly enhanced and exhibits, as it were, a secondary maximum. The factors that limit the accuracy of Doppler-Zeeman mapping are reviewed.

Advanced consequence management program: challenges and recent real-world implementations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graser, Tom; Barber, K. S.; Williams, Bob; Saghir, Feras; Henry, Kurt A.

2002-08-01

The Enhanced Consequence Management, Planning and Support System (ENCOMPASS) was developed under DARPA's Advanced Consequence Management program to assist decision-makers operating in crisis situations such as terrorist attacks using conventional and unconventional weapons and natural disasters. ENCOMPASS provides the tools for first responders, incident commanders, and officials at all levels to share vital information and consequently, plan and execute a coordinated response to incidents of varying complexity and size. ENCOMPASS offers custom configuration of components with capabilities ranging from map-based situation assessment, situation-based response checklists, casualty tracking, and epidemiological surveillance. Developing and deploying such a comprehensive system posed significant challenges for DARPA program management, due to an inherently complex domain, a broad spectrum of customer sites and skill sets, an often inhospitable runtime environment, demanding development-to-deployment transition requirements, and a technically diverse and geographically distributed development team. This paper introduces ENCOMPASS and explores these challenges, followed by an outline of selected ENCOMPASS deployments, demonstrating how ENCOMPASS can enhance consequence management in a variety real world contexts.

Coordination of fractional-order nonlinear multi-agent systems via distributed impulsive control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Tiedong; Li, Teng; Cui, Bing

2018-01-01

The coordination of fractional-order nonlinear multi-agent systems via distributed impulsive control method is studied in this paper. Based on the theory of impulsive differential equations, algebraic graph theory, Lyapunov stability theory and Mittag-Leffler function, two novel sufficient conditions for achieving the cooperative control of a class of fractional-order nonlinear multi-agent systems are derived. Finally, two numerical simulations are verified to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Highly improved Uv resistance and composite interfacial properties of aramid fiber via iron (III) coordination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Zheng; Hong, Dawei; Dai, Yu; Jiang, Chan; Meng, Chenbo; Luo, Longbo; Liu, Xiangyang

2018-03-01

The poor Uv stability and weak interfacial adhesion are considered as the bottleneck problems for further application of aramid fiber. Herein, a new strategy, Fe3+ coordination, was reported for aramid fiber to simultaneous improve its Uv resistance and composite interfacial shear strength. Fe3+ was introduced onto aramid fiber by coordinating with benzimidazole unit of fiber structure. It can reach a doping capacity of as high as 1516ug/g fiber, and the fiber surface is saturatedly covered with Fe3+. The chemical structure of Fe3+-benzimidazole brings about strong metal-enhanced fluorescence emission effect, which, in turn, greatly raises its Uv stability. Owing to the Fe3+ coordination, the tensile strength of Fe-coordinated fiber could preserve as high as 96% after Uv irradiation, compared with 73% of untreated fiber. Meanwhile, the introduction of Fe3+ improves the surface polarity of aramid fiber and consequently leads to the increase of the composite interfacial shear strength by 39%. It is believed that the Fe-coordinated fiber integrates the advantages of easy production, cost-effective and increased Uv stability, as well as high composite interfacial adhesion, and can be used as promising enhancement for the advanced composite material in harsh environment.

Methods and means of Fourier-Stokes polarimetry and the spatial frequency filtering of phase anisotropy manifestations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novakovskaya, O. Yu.; Ushenko, A. G.; Dubolazov, A. V.; Ushenko, V. A.; Ushenko, Yu. A.; Sakhnovskiy, M. Yu.; Soltys, I. V.; Zhytaryuk, V. H.; Olar, O. V.; Sidor, M.; Gorsky, M. P.

2016-12-01

The theoretical background of azimuthally stable method of Jones-matrix mapping of histological sections of biopsy of myocardium tissue on the basis of spatial frequency selection of the mechanisms of linear and circular birefringence is presented. The diagnostic application of a new correlation parameter - complex degree of mutual anisotropy - is analytically substantiated. The method of measuring coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy with further spatial filtration of their high- and low-frequency components is developed. The interconnections of such distributions with parameters of linear and circular birefringence of myocardium tissue histological sections are found. The comparative results of measuring the coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy formed by fibrillar networks of myosin fibrils of myocardium tissue of different necrotic states - dead due to coronary heart disease and acute coronary insufficiency are shown. The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of complex degree of mutual anisotropy coordinate distributions are studied. The objective criteria of differentiation of cause of death are determined.

Enhancing healthcare sector coordination through infrastructure and logistics support.

PubMed

Zoraster, Richard M

2010-01-01

The International Response to the 2004 Southeast Asia Tsunami was noted to have multiple areas of poor coordination, and in 2005, the "Health Cluster"approach to coordination was formulated. However, the 2010 Haiti response suggests that many of the same problems continue and that there are significant limitations to the cluster meetings. These limitations include the inconsistent attendance, poor dissemination of information, and perceived lack of benefit to providers. This article proposes that healthcare coordination would be greatly improved with logistical support, leading to improved efficiency and outcomes for those affected by disasters.

Collecting lymphatic vessel permeability facilitates adipose tissue inflammation and distribution of antigen to lymph node-homing adipose tissue dendritic cells.

PubMed

Kuan, Emma L; Ivanov, Stoyan; Bridenbaugh, Eric A; Victora, Gabriel; Wang, Wei; Childs, Ed W; Platt, Andrew M; Jakubzick, Claudia V; Mason, Robert J; Gashev, Anatoliy A; Nussenzweig, Michel; Swartz, Melody A; Dustin, Michael L; Zawieja, David C; Randolph, Gwendalyn J

2015-06-01

Collecting lymphatic vessels (CLVs), surrounded by fat and endowed with contractile muscle and valves, transport lymph from tissues after it is absorbed into lymphatic capillaries. CLVs are not known to participate in immune responses. In this study, we observed that the inherent permeability of CLVs allowed broad distribution of lymph components within surrounding fat for uptake by adjacent macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) that actively interacted with CLVs. Endocytosis of lymph-derived Ags by these cells supported recall T cell responses in the fat and also generated Ag-bearing DCs for emigration into adjacent lymph nodes (LNs). Enhanced recruitment of DCs to inflammation-reactive LNs significantly relied on adipose tissue DCs to maintain sufficient numbers of Ag-bearing DCs as the LN expanded. Thus, CLVs coordinate inflammation and immunity within adipose depots and foster the generation of an unexpected pool of APCs for Ag transport into the adjacent LN. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Learning and coordinating in a multilayer network

PubMed Central

Lugo, Haydée; Miguel, Maxi San

2015-01-01

We introduce a two layer network model for social coordination incorporating two relevant ingredients: a) different networks of interaction to learn and to obtain a pay-off, and b) decision making processes based both on social and strategic motivations. Two populations of agents are distributed in two layers with intralayer learning processes and playing interlayer a coordination game. We find that the skepticism about the wisdom of crowd and the local connectivity are the driving forces to accomplish full coordination of the two populations, while polarized coordinated layers are only possible for all-to-all interactions. Local interactions also allow for full coordination in the socially efficient Pareto-dominant strategy in spite of being the riskier one. PMID:25585934

Facilitation of the PED analysis of large molecules by using global coordinates.

PubMed

Jamróz, Michał H; Ostrowski, Sławomir; Dobrowolski, Jan Cz

2015-10-05

Global coordinates have been found to be useful in the potential energy distribution (PED) analyses of the following large molecules: [13]-acene and [33]-helicene. The global coordinate is defined based on much distanced fragments of the analysed molecule, whereas so far, the coordinates used in the analysis were based on stretchings, bendings, or torsions of the adjacent atoms. It has been shown that the PED analyses performed using the global coordinate and the classical ones can lead to exactly the same PED contributions. The global coordinates may significantly improve the facility of the analysis of the vibrational spectra of large molecules. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP)

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

estimate the mean surface wind, which can drive sea ice models , and for input into climate change studies. Recent research using the IABP databases includes...Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme ( IABP ) Ignatius G. Rigor Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory...the National Center for Environmental Projection underlayed. APPROACH Coordination of the IABP involves distribution of information, resource

Optimizing plasmonic nanoantennas via coordinated multiple coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Linhan; Zheng, Yuebing

2015-10-01

Plasmonic nanoantennas, which can efficiently convert light from free space into sub-wavelength scale with the local field enhancement, are fundamental building blocks for nanophotonic systems. Predominant design methods, which exploit a single type of near- or far-field coupling in pairs or arrays of plasmonic nanostructures, have limited the tunability of spectral response and the local field enhancement. To overcome this limit, we are developing a general strategy towards exploiting the coordinated effects of multiple coupling. Using Au bowtie nanoantenna arrays with metal-insulator-metal configuration as examples, we numerically demonstrate that coordinated design and implementation of various optical coupling effects leads to both the increased tunability in the spectral response and the significantly enhanced electromagnetic field. Furthermore, we design and analyze a refractive index sensor with an ultra-high figure-of-merit (254), a high signal-to-noise ratio and a wide working range of refractive indices, and a narrow-band near-infrared plasmonic absorber with 100% absorption efficiency, high quality factor of up to 114 and a wide range of tunable wavelength from 800 nm to 1,500 nm. The plasmonic nanoantennas that exploit coordinated multiple coupling will benefit a broad range of applications, including label-free bio-chemical detection, reflective filter, optical trapping, hot-electron generation, and heat-assisted magnetic recording.

Operationalizing Heedful Interrelating: How Attending, Responding, and Feeling Comprise Coordinating and Predict Performance in Self-Managing Teams.

PubMed

Stephens, John Paul; Lyddy, Christopher J

2016-01-01

Team coordination implies a system of individual behavioral contributions occurring within a network of interpersonal relationships to achieve a collective goal. Current research on coordination has emphasized its relational aspects, but has not adequately accounted for how team members also simultaneously manage individual behavioral contributions and represent the whole system of the team's work. In the current study, we develop theory and test how individuals manage all three aspects of coordinating through the three facets described in the theory of heedful interrelating. We operationalize the facet of contributing as distributing attention between self and others, subordinating as responsively communicating, and representing as feeling the system of the team's work as a cohesive whole. We then test the relationships among these facets and their influence on team performance in an experiment with 50 ad hoc triads of undergraduate student self-managing teams tasked with collectively composing a song in the lab. In analyzing thin-slices of video data of these teams' coordination, we found that teams with members displaying greater dispersion of attentional distribution and more responsive communicating experienced a stronger feeling of the team as a whole. Responsive communication also predicted team performance. Accounting for how the three aspects of coordinating are managed by individual team members provides a more critical understanding of heedful interrelating, and insight into emergent coordination processes.

Operationalizing Heedful Interrelating: How Attending, Responding, and Feeling Comprise Coordinating and Predict Performance in Self-Managing Teams

PubMed Central

Stephens, John Paul; Lyddy, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

Team coordination implies a system of individual behavioral contributions occurring within a network of interpersonal relationships to achieve a collective goal. Current research on coordination has emphasized its relational aspects, but has not adequately accounted for how team members also simultaneously manage individual behavioral contributions and represent the whole system of the team's work. In the current study, we develop theory and test how individuals manage all three aspects of coordinating through the three facets described in the theory of heedful interrelating. We operationalize the facet of contributing as distributing attention between self and others, subordinating as responsively communicating, and representing as feeling the system of the team's work as a cohesive whole. We then test the relationships among these facets and their influence on team performance in an experiment with 50 ad hoc triads of undergraduate student self-managing teams tasked with collectively composing a song in the lab. In analyzing thin-slices of video data of these teams' coordination, we found that teams with members displaying greater dispersion of attentional distribution and more responsive communicating experienced a stronger feeling of the team as a whole. Responsive communication also predicted team performance. Accounting for how the three aspects of coordinating are managed by individual team members provides a more critical understanding of heedful interrelating, and insight into emergent coordination processes. PMID:27047407

Magnetic and gravity anomalies in the Americas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braile, L. W.; Hinze, W. J.; Vonfrese, R. R. B. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The cleaning and magnetic tape storage of spherical Earth processing programs are reported. These programs include: NVERTSM which inverts total or vector magnetic anomaly data on a distribution of point dipoles in spherical coordinates; SMFLD which utilizes output from NVERTSM to compute total or vector magnetic anomaly fields for a distribution of point dipoles in spherical coordinates; NVERTG; and GFLD. Abstracts are presented for papers dealing with the mapping and modeling of magnetic and gravity anomalies, and with the verification of crustal components in satellite data.

Distributive Education II. Course of Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Frank W.

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

International Outreach and Coordination Strategy for the National Strategy for Maritime Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

economic stability of the international community, all nations have a vital interest in ensuring that the maritime domain remains secure and open for the free and legitimate use of all. Public and private entities must work in concert to succeed. Accordingly, in order to enhance global maritime security, the Department of State will leverage its diplomatic resources and influence, while coordinating closely with other components of the US Government, to promote and enhance close cooperation among sovereign nations, international and regional organizations and the maritime

1000-fold enhancement in proton conductivity of a MOF using post-synthetically anchored proton transporters

PubMed Central

Shalini, Sorout; Dhavale, Vishal M.; Eldho, Kavalakal M.; Kurungot, Sreekumar; Ajithkumar, Thallaseril G.; Vaidhyanathan, Ramanathan

2016-01-01

Pyridinol, a coordinating zwitter-ionic species serves as stoichiometrically loadable and non-leachable proton carrier. The partial replacement of the pyridinol by stronger hydrogen bonding, coordinating guest, ethylene glycol (EG), offers 1000-fold enhancement in conductivity (10−6 to 10−3 Scm−1) with record low activation energy (0.11 eV). Atomic modeling coupled with 13C-SSNMR provides insights into the potential proton conduction pathway functionalized with post-synthetically anchored dynamic proton transporting EG moieties. PMID:27577681

43 CFR 46.155 - Consultation, coordination, and cooperation with other agencies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... governments and other bureaus and Federal agencies concerning the environmental effects of any Federal action... Interior IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OF 1969 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality § 46.155 Consultation, coordination, and cooperation with other agencies. The Responsible...

75 FR 69573 - Export Enforcement Coordination Center

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-15

... Export Enforcement Coordination Center By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and... enforcement of United States export control laws and enhanced intelligence exchange in support of such enforcement efforts, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. Export controls are critical to...

Enhancing Family Roles in EI Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Popper, Barbara K.

1997-01-01

Input from a variety of viewpoints is essential in complex policy discussions. Families serving on local interagency coordinating councils (LICCs) and state interagency coordinating councils (SICCs) should reflect the diversity of families served within the early intervention or preschool service system with respect to income level, ethnicity,…

Replica Exchange Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Improved Enhanced Sampling and Free Energy Calculation.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ming M; McCammon, J Andrew; Miao, Yinglong

2018-04-10

Through adding a harmonic boost potential to smooth the system potential energy surface, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) provides enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules without the need of predefined reaction coordinates. This work continues to improve the acceleration power and energy reweighting of the GaMD by combining the GaMD with replica exchange algorithms. Two versions of replica exchange GaMD (rex-GaMD) are presented: force constant rex-GaMD and threshold energy rex-GaMD. During simulations of force constant rex-GaMD, the boost potential can be exchanged between replicas of different harmonic force constants with fixed threshold energy. However, the algorithm of threshold energy rex-GaMD tends to switch the threshold energy between lower and upper bounds for generating different levels of boost potential. Testing simulations on three model systems, including the alanine dipeptide, chignolin, and HIV protease, demonstrate that through continuous exchanges of the boost potential, the rex-GaMD simulations not only enhance the conformational transitions of the systems but also narrow down the distribution width of the applied boost potential for accurate energetic reweighting to recover biomolecular free energy profiles.

Mn distribution in natural sphalerites: a micronalytical and EPR study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Benedetto, F.; Bernardini, G. P.; Cipriani, C.; Plant, D.; Romanelli, M.; Vaughan, D. J.

2003-04-01

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) has been successfully applied to determine the local coordination and distribution of transition metal cations in sulphides and sulphosalts (Di Benedetto et al., 2002). Due to its enhanced sensitivity and element-specificity it is one of the best tools to monitor Mn(II) behaviour down to very low concentrations. In order to reach a fuller understanding of the spectroscopic results, a microanalytical study has also been undertaken by means of Electron Microprobe Analysis. Operating conditions were chosen to achieve the lowest possible detection limits, taking into account that Mn can replace Zn in the sphalerite lattice both as a minor and trace element, and that EPR can detect Mn(II) below the ppm range. Six natural samples from the Museo di Storia Naturale, Università di Firenze, were selected to have pure single crystals and avoid magnetically active phases associated with the sphalerite. The Mn concentration determined ranges between 30 and 14300 ppm and Mn content varies considerably within the same sample, leading to differences up to the 50% as compared to the mean value. X-ray images confirm Mn to be distributed with an unusual pattern, unrelated to the other common Zn-replacing cations, Fe and Cd, present in the samples. Powder EPR spectra reveal at least three different Mn(II) signals: two sextets, overlapping in all samples containing Mn as trace element, and a single line, present only in the more concentrated samples. While the latter have been attributed to an inhomogeneous Mn distribution, due to an enhanced Mn-Mn superexchange interaction, the difference between the two sextets, observed by means of EEPR investigations in a synthetic sphalerite (Di Benedetto et al., 2002), appears unrelated to the Mn concentration and may be attributed to small differences in the local coordination of Mn(II) ions. This, in turn, may be explained by the segregation of small amounts of Mn into polytypic domains, features which usually characterise large sphalerite crystals. This study shows the distinctive behaviour of Mn in sphalerite, both at the micron and submicron scales. These features point to sphalerites "preserving" the out-of-equilibrium conditions of their genesis. Mn(II) magnetic interactions may play an important role in the stabilisation of polytypic hexagonal domains during the growth of sphalerite crystals. Di Benedetto, F., Bernardini, G.P., Caneschi, A., Cipriani, C., Danti, C., Pardi, L. and Romanelli, M. (2002): EPR and magnetic investigations on sulfides and sulfosalts. Eur. J. Mineral., 4(6), 1053.

Preserving and enhancing the functionality of highways in Texas : workshop.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

Workshop Objectives: : To promote the importance of Highway Functionality : To review functionality in highway lifecycle : To provide how to materials to preserve, maintain, and enhance functionality : To promote coordination be...

Preserving and enhancing the functionality of highways in Texas : workshop.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

Workshop Objectives: To promote the importance of Highway Functionality To review functionality in highway lifecycle To provide how to materials to preserve, maintain, and enhance functionality To promote coordination between Tx...

Optimal Coordinated EV Charging with Reactive Power Support in Constrained Distribution Grids

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

Paudyal, Sumit; Ceylan, Oğuzhan; Bhattarai, Bishnu P.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging/discharging can take place in any P-Q quadrants, which means EVs could support reactive power to the grid while charging the battery. In controlled charging schemes, distribution system operator (DSO) coordinates with the charging of EV fleets to ensure grid’s operating constraints are not violated. In fact, this refers to DSO setting upper bounds on power limits for EV charging. In this work, we demonstrate that if EVs inject reactive power into the grid while charging, DSO could issue higher upper bounds on the active power limits for the EVs for the same set of grid constraints.more » We demonstrate the concept in an 33-node test feeder with 1,500 EVs. Case studies show that in constrained distribution grids in coordinated charging, average costs of EV charging could be reduced if the charging takes place in the fourth P-Q quadrant compared to charging with unity power factor.« less

Distributed situation awareness in complex collaborative systems: A field study of bridge operations on platform supply vessels.

PubMed

Sandhåland, Hilde; Oltedal, Helle A; Hystad, Sigurd W; Eid, Jarle

2015-06-01

This study provides empirical data about shipboard practices in bridge operations on board a selection of platform supply vessels (PSVs). Using the theoretical concept of distributed situation awareness, the study examines how situation awareness (SA)-related information is distributed and coordinated at the bridge. This study thus favours a systems approach to studying SA, viewing it not as a phenomenon that solely happens in each individual's mind but rather as something that happens between individuals and the tools that they use in a collaborative system. Thus, this study adds to our understanding of SA as a distributed phenomenon. Data were collected in four field studies that lasted between 8 and 14 days on PSVs that operate on the Norwegian continental shelf and UK continental shelf. The study revealed pronounced variations in shipboard practices regarding how the bridge team attended to operational planning, communication procedures, and distracting/interrupting factors during operations. These findings shed new light on how SA might decrease in bridge teams during platform supply operations. The findings from this study emphasize the need to assess and establish shipboard practices that support the bridge teams' SA needs in day-to-day operations. Provides insights into how shipboard practices that are relevant to planning, communication and the occurrence of distracting/interrupting factors are realized in bridge operations.Notes possible areas for improvement to enhance distributed SA in bridge operations.

Organization and Management Guide for Arizona Distributive Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arizona Univ., Tucson. Dept. of Business and Career Education.

This guide is designed to assist the distributive education teacher-coordinator and school administrator in planning and developing a program of career exploration and skill development in the field of marketing and distribution. Five major sections include the following information: statements of Arizona's philosophy of distributive education in…

A Distinct Role of the Queen in Coordinated Workload and Soil Distribution in Eusocial Naked Mole-Rats

PubMed Central

Kutsukake, Nobuyuki; Inada, Masayuki; Sakamoto, Shinsuke H.; Okanoya, Kazuo

2012-01-01

We investigated how group members achieve collective decision-making, by considering individual intrinsic behavioural rules and behavioural mechanisms for maintaining social integration. Using a simulated burrow environment, we investigated the behavioural rules of coordinated workload for soil distribution in a eusocial mammal, the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). We tested two predictions regarding a distinct role of the queen, a socially dominant individual in the caste system: the presence of a queen would increase the workload of other caste individuals, and the cues by a queen would affect the soil distribution. In experiment 1, we placed four individuals of various castes from the same colony into an experimental burrow. Workers exhibited the highest frequency of workload compared to other castes. The presence of a queen activated the workload by other individuals. Individuals showed a consistent workload in a particular direction so as to bias the soil distribution. These results suggest that individuals have a consensus on soil distribution and that the queen plays a distinct role. In experiment 2, we placed the odour of a queen in one of four cells and observed its effect on other individuals’ workload and soil distribution. Relative to other cells, individuals frequently dug in the queen cell so the amount of soil in the queen cell decreased. These results suggest that queen odour is an important cue in coordinated workload and soil distribution in this species. PMID:22957085

Analyzing Impact Area of Osym Offices in Istanbul by Idw Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalkan, Y.; Ozturk, O.; Gülnerman, A. G.; Bilgi, S.

2016-12-01

OSYM is the main institute for organizing the national level large scale exams in Turkey. According to the Ministry of National Education of Turkey data, there are 17.588.958 students in the country. Therefore, OSYM has a significant role for everyone from every level of education. More than 15% of the total students are studying in Istanbul. These students have various exams throughout a year, which brings some procedures for each exam to be applied. OSYM Coordination Offices were founded to meet the demands and procedures of these exams and applicants. There are 9 Coordination Offices in Istanbul. Moreover, OSYM Application Centers were founded as support units to OSYM Coordination Offices. These units are under the high schools. There are 67 OSYM Application Centers in Istanbul. In the study, spatial distribution of OSYM Coordination Offices and OSYM Application Centers in Istanbul have been studied related to the transportation network of each district of Istanbul city. Origin Destination Cost Matrix (ODCM) and Invers Distance Weighting (IDW) Method were used to visualize the distribution of OSYM Coordination Offices and Application Centers accessibilities. ODCM measures the nearest paths along the transportation network from origins to destinations. IDW is one of the several interpolation methods allocating values to unknown points. ODCM Method was used to calculate the distances over the transportation network. The results obtained from ODCM Method were used in IDW Method to interpolate the weightings of the OSYM offices and centers. Accessibility of the OSYM Coordination Offices and Application Centers has been detected according to surrounding transportation network. Spatial distribution of existing offices and application centers were evaluated by districts of Istanbul city in conclusion of the study by the ODCM and IDW Methods.

Rocking to the beat: effects of music and partner's movements on spontaneous interpersonal coordination.

PubMed

Demos, Alexander P; Chaffin, Roger; Begosh, Kristen T; Daniels, Jennifer R; Marsh, Kerry L

2012-02-01

People move to music and coordinate their movements with others spontaneously. Does music enhance spontaneous coordination? We compared the influence of visual information (seeing or not seeing another person) and auditory information (hearing movement or music or hearing no sound) on spontaneous coordination. Pairs of participants were seated side by side in rocking chairs, told a cover story, and asked to rock at a comfortable rate. Both seeing and hearing the other person rock elicited spontaneous coordination, and effects of hearing amplified those of seeing. Coupling with the music was weaker than with the partner, and the music competed with the partner's influence, reducing coordination. Music did, however, function as a kind of social glue: participants who synchronized more with the music felt more connected.

Identifying Internet Sites to Coordinate with National Science Education Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fehrenbach, Carolyn R.; Morris, Maxine G.

2004-01-01

Identifying Internet sites to coordinate with National Science Education Standards can be challenging for teachers and students. By identifying quality free Internet sites in science, teachers and students can use the extensive resources of the Internet to enhance learning and instruction while meeting National Science Education Content Standards…

Enhanced human service transportation models : joint demonstration. Phase 1, System planning and design process evaluation : baseline analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-11-13

This document presents the findings from the baseline phase of the evaluation of the process being used by eight sites to develop a design for a Travel Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for improved coordination of human service transportation wi...

Demonstration of enhanced human service transportation models: phase 1 - system development and design : the purchase area regional travel management coordination center (TMCC).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-03-23

This report provides a comprehensive review of the policy, operational, and : technical design and development of the Purchase Area Transportation Management Coordination Center (TMCC) for : western Kentucky. The Purchase Area TMCC will facilitate si...

Resources for Linkage of Primary Health Care and Substance Abuse Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edmunds, Margo

1993-01-01

Contends that substance abusing clients benefit from comprehensive and coordinated approach to their medical and psychosocial problems. Suggests range of strategies that have been used to enhance communication among practitioners and agencies and organizations with whom they interact. Describes strategies related to coordination of services;…

Enhancing Motivation and Acquisition of Coordinate Concepts by Using Concept Trees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirumi, Atsusi; Bowers, Dennis R.

1991-01-01

Examines the effects of providing undergraduate learners with graphic illustrations of coordinate concept relationships to supplement text-based instruction. Half of those reading a specific passage received a graphic concept tree. That group outperformed those who did not, reporting significantly higher amounts of attenuation, confidence, and…

Coordinating Technological Resources in a Non-Technical Profession: The Administrative Computer User Group.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rollo, J. Michael; Marmarchev, Helen L.

1999-01-01

The explosion of computer applications in the modern workplace has required student affairs professionals to keep pace with technological advances for office productivity. This article recommends establishing an administrative computer user groups, utilizing coordinated web site development, and enhancing working relationships as ways of dealing…

Enhanced Cognitive Rehabilitation to Treat Comorbid TBI and PTSD

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

study brochures more widely to other relevant clinics within the VA (e.g., Member Services, Polytrauma , Social Work). The study coordinator 5  has also...In addition, the study coordinator worked closely with the Polytrauma Clinic at the VA to build a more efficient system to reach Veterans who are

Dissolution Front Instabilities in Reacting Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raoof, Amir; Spiers, Chris; Hassanizadeh, Majid

2013-04-01

The main objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the relation between regime of reaction and dissolution front instability, leading to formation of channels or wormholes. Potential applications are geological sequestration of CO2 and acid-gas injection during enhanced oil recovery. The microscopic pore space is modeled using a multi-directional pore network, allowing for a distribution of pore coordination number, together with distribution of pore sizes. In order to simulate transport of multi-component chemical species, mass balance equations are solved within each element of the network (i.e., pore body and pore throat). We have considered advective and diffusive transport processes within the pore spaces together with multi-component chemical reactions, including both equilibrium and kinetic reactions. Using dimensionless scaling groups (such as Damköhler number and Péclet-Damköhler number) we characterized the dissolution front behavior, and by averaging over the network domain we calculated the evolution of porosity and permeability as well as flux-averaged concentration breakthrough curves. We obtain constitutive relations linking porosity and permeability, under conditions relevant to geological storage of CO2. Effect of distribution of reactive minerals is also evaluated and regime of reaction is shown to play a key role.

Incremental isometric embedding of high-dimensional data using connected neighborhood graphs.

PubMed

Zhao, Dongfang; Yang, Li

2009-01-01

Most nonlinear data embedding methods use bottom-up approaches for capturing the underlying structure of data distributed on a manifold in high dimensional space. These methods often share the first step which defines neighbor points of every data point by building a connected neighborhood graph so that all data points can be embedded to a single coordinate system. These methods are required to work incrementally for dimensionality reduction in many applications. Because input data stream may be under-sampled or skewed from time to time, building connected neighborhood graph is crucial to the success of incremental data embedding using these methods. This paper presents algorithms for updating $k$-edge-connected and $k$-connected neighborhood graphs after a new data point is added or an old data point is deleted. It further utilizes a simple algorithm for updating all-pair shortest distances on the neighborhood graph. Together with incremental classical multidimensional scaling using iterative subspace approximation, this paper devises an incremental version of Isomap with enhancements to deal with under-sampled or unevenly distributed data. Experiments on both synthetic and real-world data sets show that the algorithm is efficient and maintains low dimensional configurations of high dimensional data under various data distributions.

The effect of cerium (III) on the chlorophyll formation in spinach.

PubMed

Fashui, Hong; Ling, Wang; Xiangxuan, Meng; Zheng, Wei; Guiwen, Zhao

2002-12-01

The effect of Ce(3+) on the chlorophyll (chl) of spinach was studied in pot culture experiments. The results showed that Ce(3+) could obviously stimulate the growth of spinach and increase its chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic rate. It could also improve the PSII formation and enhance its electron transport rate of PSII as well. By inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy and atom absorption spectroscopy methods, it was revealed that the rare-earth-element (REE) distribution pattern in the Ce(3+)-treated spinach was leaf > root > shoot in Ce(3+) contents. The spinach leaves easily absorbed REEs. The Ce(3+) contents of chloroplast and chlorophyll of the Ce(3+)-treated spinach were higher than that of any other rare earth and were much higher than that of the control; it was also suggested that Ce(3+) could enter the chloroplast and bind easily to chlorophyll and might replace magnesium to form Ce-chlorophyll. By ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) methods, Ce(3+)-coordinated nitrogen of porphyrin rings with eight coordination numbers and average length of the Ce-N bond of 0.251 nm.

Regulation of notochord-specific expression of Ci-Bra downstream genes in Ciona intestinalis embryos.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiroki; Hotta, Kohji; Takagi, Chiyo; Ueno, Naoto; Satoh, Nori; Shoguchi, Eiichi

2010-02-01

Brachyury, a T-box transcription factor, is expressed in ascidian embryos exclusively in primordial notochord cells and plays a pivotal role in differentiation of notochord cells. Previously, we identified approximately 450 genes downstream of Ciona intestinalis Brachyury (Ci-Bra), and characterized the expression profiles of 45 of these in differentiating notochord cells. In this study, we looked for cisregulatory sequences in minimal enhancers of 20 Ci-Bra downstream genes by electroporating region within approximately 3 kb upstream of each gene fused with lacZ. Eight of the 20 reporters were expressed in notochord cells. The minimal enchancer for each of these eight genes was narrowed to a region approximately 0.5-1.0-kb long. We also explored the genome-wide and coordinate regulation of 43 Ci-Bra-downstream genes. When we determined their chromosomal localization, it became evident that they are not clustered in a given region of the genome, but rather distributed evenly over 13 of the 14 pairs of chromosomes, suggesting that gene clustering does not contribute to coordinate control of the Ci-Bra downstream gene expression. Our results might provide Insights Into the molecular mechanisms underlying notochord formation in chordates.

Supercapacitor to Provide Ancillary Services: Preprint

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

Muljadi, Eduard; Gevorgian, Vahan; Luo, Yusheng

Supercapacitor technology has reached a level of maturity as a viable energy storage option available to support a modern electric power system grid; however, its application is still limited because of its energy capacity and the cost of the commercial product. In this paper, we demonstrate transient models of supercapacitor energy storage plants operating in coordination with run-of-the-river (ROR), doubly-fed induction generator hydropower plants (HPP) using a system control concept and architecture developed. A detailed transient model of a supercapacitor energy storage device is coupled with the grid via a three-phase inverter/rectifier and bidirectional DC-DC converter. In addition, we usemore » a version of a 14-bus IEEE test case that includes the models of the supercapacitor energy storage device, ROR HPPs, and synchronous condensers that use the rotating synchronous generators of retired coal-powered plants. The purpose of the synchronous condensers is to enhance the system stability by providing voltage and reactive power control, provide power system oscillations damping, and maintain system inertia at secure levels. The control layer provides coordinated, decentralized operation of distributed ROR HPPs and energy storage as aggregate support to power system operations.« less

Rapid building damage assessment system using mobile phone technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cimellaro, Gian Paolo; Scura, G.; Renschler, C. S.; Reinhorn, A. M.; Kim, H. U.

2014-09-01

One common scenario during disasters such as earthquakes is that the activity of damage field reconnaissance on site is not well-coordinated. For example in Italy the damage assessment of structures after an earthquake is managed from the Italian Emergency Authority, using printed forms (AeDES) which are filled by experts on site generating a lot of confusion in filling and transferring the forms to the Disaster Management Operative Center. Because of this, the paper explores the viability of using mobile communication technologies (smart phones) and the Web to develop response systems that would aid communities after a major disaster, providing channels for allowing residents and responders of uploading and distributing information, related to structural damages coordinating the damage field reconnaissance. A mobile application that can be run by residents on smart phones has been developed, to give an initial damage evaluation of the area, which is going to be very useful when resources (e.g. the number of experts is limited). The mobile application has been tested for the first time during 2012 Emilia earthquake to enhance the emergency response, showing the efficiency of the proposed method in statistical terms comparing the proposed procedure with the standard procedure.

Methods and means of 3D diffuse Mueller-matrix tomography of depolarizing optically anisotropic biological layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubolazov, O. V.; Ushenko, V. O.; Trifoniuk, L.; Ushenko, Yu. O.; Zhytaryuk, V. G.; Prydiy, O. G.; Grytsyuk, M.; Kushnerik, L.; Meglinskiy, I.

2017-09-01

A new technique of Mueller-matrix mapping of polycrystalline structure of histological sections of biological tissues is suggested. The algorithms of reconstruction of distribution of parameters of linear and circular birefringence of prostate histological sections are found. The interconnections between such distributions and parameters of linear and circular birefringence of prostate tissue histological sections are defined. The comparative investigations of coordinate distributions of phase anisotropy parameters formed by fibrillar networks of prostate tissues of different pathological states (adenoma and carcinoma) are performed. The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of coordinate distributions of the value of linear and circular birefringence are defined. The objective criteria of cause of Benign and malignant conditions differentiation are determined.

Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC). Annual technical report, Fiscal Year 2001

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

None, None

2002-08-01

The DOE Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC) serves primarily to enhance coordination among the Department's materials programs and to further effective use of materials expertise within the Department. These functions are accomplished through the exchange of budgetary and planning information among program managers and through technical meetings/workshops on selected topics involving both DOE and major contractors. In addition, EMaCC assists in obtaining materials-related inputs for both intra- and interagency compilations.

Complexation Enhancement Drives Water-to-Oil Ion Transport: A Simulation Study

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

Qiao, Baofu; Ferru, Geoffroy; Ellis, Ross J.

We address the structures and energetics of ion solvation in aqueous and organic solutions to understand liquid-liquid ion transport. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with polarizable force field are performed to study the coordination transformations driving lanthanide (Ln(III)) and nitrate ion transport between aqueous and an alkylamide-oil solution. An enhancement of the coordination behavior in the organic phase is achieved in contrast with the aqueous solution. In particular, the coordination number of Ce3+ increases from 8.9 in the aqueous to 9.9 in the organic solutions (from 8 in the aqueous to 8.8 in the organic systems for Yb3+). Moreover, themore » local coordination environ ment changes dramatically. Potential of mean force calculations show that the Ln(III)-ligand coordination interaction strengths follow the order of Ln(III-)nitrate> Ln(III)-water>Ln(III)-DMDBTDMA. They increase 2-fold in the lipophilic environment in comparison to the aqueous phase, and we attribute this to the shedding of the outer solvation shell. Our findings highlight the importance of outer sphere interactions on the competitive solvation energetics that cause ions to migrate between immiscible phases; an essential ingredient for advancing important applications such as rare earth metal separations. Some open questions in simulating the coordination behavior of heavy metals are also addressed.« less

Chasing a Fault across Ship and Shore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Michael A.; Schwen, Thomas M.

2006-01-01

Knowledge management (KM) in the U.S. Navy is championed as a strategic initiative to improve shipboard maintenance and troubleshooting at a distance. The approach requires capturing, coordinating, and distributing domain expertise in electronics and computer engineering via advanced information and communication technologies. Coordination must be…

NO3- Coordination in Aqueous Solutions by 15N/ 14N and 18O/natO Isotopic Substitution: What Can We Learn from Molecular Simulation?

DOE PAGES

Chialvo, Ariel A.; Vlcek, Lukas

2014-12-16

We explore the deconvolution of the water-nitrate correlations by the first-order difference approach involving neutron diffraction of heavy- and null-aqueous solutions of KNO 3 under 14N 15N and natON 18ON substitutions to achieve a full characterization of the first water coordination around the nitrate ion. For that purpose we performed isobaric-isothermal simulations of 3.5m KNO 3 aqueous solutions at ambient conditions to generate the relevant radial distribution functions (RDF) required in the analysis (a) to identify the individual partial contributions to the total neutron weighted distribution function, (b) to isolate and assess the contribution of NO 3 -!K + pairmore » formation, (c) to test the accuracy of the NDIS-based coordination calculations and XRDbased assumptions, and (d) to describe the water coordination around both the nitrogen and oxygen sites of the nitrate ion.« less

State-Based Implicit Coordination and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narkawicz, Anthony J.; Munoz, Cesar A.

2011-01-01

In air traffic management, pairwise coordination is the ability to achieve separation requirements when conflicting aircraft simultaneously maneuver to solve a conflict. Resolution algorithms are implicitly coordinated if they provide coordinated resolution maneuvers to conflicting aircraft when only surveillance data, e.g., position and velocity vectors, is periodically broadcast by the aircraft. This paper proposes an abstract framework for reasoning about state-based implicit coordination. The framework consists of a formalized mathematical development that enables and simplifies the design and verification of implicitly coordinated state-based resolution algorithms. The use of the framework is illustrated with several examples of algorithms and formal proofs of their coordination properties. The work presented here supports the safety case for a distributed self-separation air traffic management concept where different aircraft may use different conflict resolution algorithms and be assured that separation will be maintained.

Administrative Coordination in Non-Profit Human Service Delivery Networks: The Role of Competition and Trust

PubMed Central

Bunger, Alicia C.

2014-01-01

Non-profit human service organizations operating within the same regional network are often faced with dual pressure to compete as well as coordinate administrative operations (by sharing funding, staff or space) to enhance efficiency. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that competing organizations coordinate, despite the risks. Trust, or perceived trustworthiness between two organizations may mitigate the negative influence of competition on coordination, however there have been few explicit tests of this hypothesis among non-profit organizations. Drawing on quantitative data collected from a network of 36 non-profit children’s behavioral health organizations, this paper empirically tests how competition and perceived trustworthiness interact to influence administrative coordination. Results support the hypothesis that trustworthiness moderates the influence of competition on administrative coordination. Findings suggest that as competing non-profit leaders build trust, the more their agencies coordinate their administrative functions. This study highlights the importance of leaders’ perceptions for organizational strategy. PMID:25349468

Effects of visual and verbal interaction on unintentional interpersonal coordination.

PubMed

Richardson, Michael J; Marsh, Kerry L; Schmidt, R C

2005-02-01

Previous research has demonstrated that people's movements can become unintentionally coordinated during interpersonal interaction. The current study sought to uncover the degree to which visual and verbal (conversation) interaction constrains and organizes the rhythmic limb movements of coactors. Two experiments were conducted in which pairs of participants completed an interpersonal puzzle task while swinging handheld pendulums with instructions that minimized intentional coordination but facilitated either visual or verbal interaction. Cross-spectral analysis revealed a higher degree of coordination for conditions in which the pairs were visually coupled. In contrast, verbal interaction alone was not found to provide a sufficient medium for unintentional coordination to occur, nor did it enhance the unintentional coordination that emerged during visual interaction. The results raise questions concerning differences between visual and verbal informational linkages during interaction and how these differences may affect interpersonal movement production and its coordination.

A Study of the Development of Steady and Periodic Unsteady Turbulent Wakes Through Curved Channels at Positive, Zero, and Negative Streamwise Pressure Gradients, Part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schobeiri, M. T.; John, J.

1996-01-01

The turbomachinery wake flow development is largely influenced by streamline curvature and streamwise pressure gradient. The objective of this investigation is to study the development of the wake under the influence of streamline curvature and streamwise pressure gradient. The experimental investigation is carried out in two phases. The first phase involves the study of the wake behind a stationary circular cylinder (steady wake) in curved channels at positive, zero, and negative streamwise pressure gradients. The mean velocity and Reynolds stress components are measured using a X-hot-film probe. The measured quantities obtained in probe coordinates are transformed to a curvilinear coordinate system along the wake centerline and are presented in similarity coordinates. The results of the steady wakes suggest strong asymmetry in velocity and Reynolds stress components. However, the velocity defect profiles in similarity coordinates are almost symmetrical and follow the same distribution as the zero pressure gradient straight wake. The results of Reynolds stress distributions show higher values on the inner side of the wake than the outer side. Other quantities, including the decay of maximum velocity defect, growth of wake width, and wake integral parameters, are also presented for the three different pressure gradient cases of steady wake. The decay rate of velocity defect is fastest for the negative streamwise pressure gradient case and slowest for the positive pressure gradient case. Conversely, the growth of the wake width is fastest for the positive streamwise pressure gradient case and slowest for the negative streamwise pressure gradient. The second phase studies the development of periodic unsteady wakes generated by the circular cylinders of the rotating wake generator in a curved channel at zero streamwise pressure gradient. Instantaneous velocity components of the periodic unsteady wakes, measured with a stationary X-hot-film probe, are analyzed by the phase averaging techniques. The temporal distribution of velocity and Reynolds stress components obtained in a stationary frame of reference are transformed to a spatial distribution in a relative frame of reference. Profiles of phase-averaged velocity and Reynolds stress distributions in the relative frame of reference and similarity coordinates are presented. The velocity defect and Reynolds stress distributions agree with the results of the wake development behind a stationary cylinder in the curved channel at zero streamwise pressure gradient. The phase-averaged third-order correlations, presented in the relative frame of reference and similarity coordinates, show pronounced asymmetric features.

Photogrammetry: An available surface characterization tool for solar concentrators. Part 2: Assessment of surfaces

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

Shortis, M.; Johnston, G.

1997-11-01

In a previous paper, the results of photogrammetric measurements of a number of paraboloidal reflecting surfaces were presented. These results showed that photogrammetry can provide three-dimensional surface characterizations of such solar concentrators. The present paper describes the assessment of the quality of these surfaces as a derivation of the photogrammetrically produced surface coordinates. Statistical analysis of the z-coordinate distribution of errors indicates that these generally conform to a univariate Gaussian distribution, while the numerical assessment of the surface normal vectors on these surfaces indicates that the surface normal deviations appear to follow an approximately bivariate Gaussian distribution. Ray tracing ofmore » the measured surfaces to predict the expected flux distribution at the focal point of the 400 m{sup 2} dish show a close correlation with the videographically measured flux distribution at the focal point of the dish.« less

SELECTED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LEVENDOWSKI, J.C.

CITATIONS SUPPLEMENTING BULLETIN NO. 5, "DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION LIBRARY LIST," (ED 012 778) WERE SELECTED FOR DISTRIBUTIVE TEACHER EDUCATORS, ADULT INSTRUCTORS AND TEACHER COORDINATORS. THE PUBLICATIONS ARE FREE OR INEXPENSIVE BROCHURES, BULLETINS, PAMPHLETS AND PAPERBACK BOOKS, LISTED BY TOPICS--(1) "ADVERTISING AND DISPLAY," (2) "DISTRIBUTIVE…

Pigeon interaction mode switch-based UAV distributed flocking control under obstacle environments.

PubMed

Qiu, Huaxin; Duan, Haibin

2017-11-01

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flocking control is a serious and challenging problem due to local interactions and changing environments. In this paper, a pigeon flocking model and a pigeon coordinated obstacle-avoiding model are proposed based on a behavior that pigeon flocks will switch between hierarchical and egalitarian interaction mode at different flight phases. Owning to the similarity between bird flocks and UAV swarms in essence, a distributed flocking control algorithm based on the proposed pigeon flocking and coordinated obstacle-avoiding models is designed to coordinate a heterogeneous UAV swarm to fly though obstacle environments with few informed individuals. The comparative simulation results are elaborated to show the feasibility, validity and superiority of our proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Market Orientation on Patient Safety Climate Among Hospital Nurses.

PubMed

Weng, Rhay-Hung; Chen, Jung-Chien; Pong, Li-Jung; Chen, Li-Mei; Lin, Tzu-Chi

2016-03-01

Improving market orientation and patient safety have become the key concerns of nursing management. For nurses, establishing a patient safety climate is the key to enhancing nursing quality. This study explores how market orientation affects the climate of patient safety among hospital nurses. We proposed adopting a cross-sectional research design and using questionnaires to collect responses from nurses working in two Taiwanese hospitals. Three-hundred and forty-three valid samples were obtained. Multiple regression and path analyses were conducted to test the study. Market orientation was defined as the combination of customer orientation, competitor orientation, and interfunctional coordination. Customer orientation directly affects the climate of patient safety. Although the findings only supported Hypothesis 1, competitor orientation and interfunctional coordination positively affected the patient safety climate through the mediating effects of hospital support for staff. Health care managers could encourage nurses to adopt customer-oriented perspectives to enhance their nursing care. In addition, to enhance competitor orientation, interfunctional coordination, and the patient safety climate, hospital managers could strengthen their support for staff members. © The Author(s) 2014.

A novel flurophore-cyano-carboxylic-Ag microhybrid: Enhanced two photon absorption for two-photon photothermal therapy of HeLa cancer cells by targeting mitochondria.

PubMed

Kong, Lin; Yang, Li; Xin, Chen-Qi; Zhu, Shu-Juan; Zhang, Hui-Hui; Zhang, Ming-Zhu; Yang, Jia-Xiang; Li, Lin; Zhou, Hong-Ping; Tian, Yu-Peng

2018-06-15

In this study, a novel two-photon photothermal therapy (TP-PTT) agent based on an organic-metal microhybrid with surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) enhanced two-photon absorption (TPA) characteristic was designed and synthesized using a fluorescent cyano-carboxylic derivative 2-cyano-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl) -acrylic acid (abbreviated as CECZA) and silver nanoparticles through self-assembly process induced by the interfacial coordination interactions between the O/N atom of CECZA and Ag + ion at the surface of Ag nanoparticles. The coordination interactions caused electron transfer from the Ag nanoparticles to CECZA molecules at the excited state, resulting in a decreased fluorescence quantum yield. The interfacial coordination interactions also enhanced the nonlinear optical properties, including 13 times increase in the TPA cross-section (δ). The decreased fluorescence quantum yield and increased two photon absorption caused by the SPR effect led excellent two-photon photothermal conversion, which was beneficial for the TP-PTT effect on HeLa cancer cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP)

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-09-30

Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme ( IABP ) Ignatius G. Rigor 1013 NE 40th Street Polar Science Center...Coordination of the IABP falls into the categories of information, resource management, and meeting planning. Information is primarily distributed via a...These data and other research products of the IABP are available on the World Wide Web at http://iabp.apl.washington.edu/. WORK COMPLETED Our recent

Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP)

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-09-30

Coordination and Data Management of the International Arctic Buoy Programme ( IABP ) Ignatius G. Rigor 1013 NE 40th Street Polar Science Center...Coordination of the IABP falls into the categories of information, resource management, and meeting planning. Information is primarily distributed via a monthly...data and other research products of the IABP are available on the World Wide Web at http://iabp.apl.washington.edu/. Report Documentation Page Form

Tumor targeting of gene expression through metal-coordinated conjugation with dextran.

PubMed

Hosseinkhani, Hossein; Aoyama, Teruyoshi; Ogawa, Osamu; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2003-03-07

Tumor targeting of plasmid DNA was achieved through the conjugation of dextran derivatives with chelate residues based on metal coordination. Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), spermidine (Sd), and spermine (Sm) were chemically introduced to the hydroxyl groups of dextran to obtain dextran-DTPA, dextran-Sd and dextran-Sm derivatives. Conjugation of the dextran derivative by Zn(2+) coordination decreased the apparent size of the plasmid DNA, depending on the derivative type. The negative zeta potential of plasmid DNA became almost 0 mV after Zn(2+)-coordinated conjugation with dextran-Sm. When the dextran derivative-plasmid DNA conjugates with Zn(2+) coordination were intravenously injected subcutaneously into mice bearing Meth-AR-1 fibrosarcoma, the dextran-Sm-plasmid DNA conjugate significantly enhanced the level of gene expression in the tumor, in contrast to the conjugate of other dextran derivatives and free plasmid DNA. The enhanced gene expression produced by the Zn(2+)-coordinated dextran-Sm-plasmid DNA conjugate was specific to the tumor, whereas a simple mixture of dextran-Sm and plasmid DNA was not effective. The level of gene expression depended on the percentage of chelate residues introduced, the mixing weight ratio of the plasmid DNA/Sm residue used for conjugate preparation, and the plasmid DNA dose. A fluorescent microscopic study revealed that localization of plasmid DNA in the tumor tissue was observed only after injection of the dextran-Sm-plasmid DNA conjugate with Zn(2+) coordination. In addition, the gene expression induced by the conjugate lasted for more than 10 days after the injection. We conclude that Zn(2+)-coordinated dextran-Sm conjugation is a promising way to enable plasmid DNA to target the tumor in gene expression as well as to prolong the duration of gene expression.

Internal Coordinate Molecular Dynamics: A Foundation for Multiscale Dynamics

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Internal coordinates such as bond lengths, bond angles, and torsion angles (BAT) are natural coordinates for describing a bonded molecular system. However, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods that are widely used for proteins, DNA, and polymers are based on Cartesian coordinates owing to the mathematical simplicity of the equations of motion. However, constraints are often needed with Cartesian MD simulations to enhance the conformational sampling. This makes the equations of motion in the Cartesian coordinates differential-algebraic, which adversely impacts the complexity and the robustness of the simulations. On the other hand, constraints can be easily placed in BAT coordinates by removing the degrees of freedom that need to be constrained. Thus, the internal coordinate MD (ICMD) offers an attractive alternative to Cartesian coordinate MD for developing multiscale MD method. The torsional MD method is a special adaptation of the ICMD method, where all the bond lengths and bond angles are kept rigid. The advantages of ICMD simulation methods are the longer time step size afforded by freezing high frequency degrees of freedom and performing a conformational search in the more important low frequency torsional degrees of freedom. However, the advancements in the ICMD simulations have been slow and stifled by long-standing mathematical bottlenecks. In this review, we summarize the recent mathematical advancements we have made based on spatial operator algebra, in developing a robust long time scale ICMD simulation toolkit useful for various applications. We also present the applications of ICMD simulations to study conformational changes in proteins and protein structure refinement. We review the advantages of the ICMD simulations over the Cartesian simulations when used with enhanced sampling methods and project the future use of ICMD simulations in protein dynamics. PMID:25517406

A molecular dynamics study of the atomic structure of (CaO)x(Al2O3)1-x glass with x = 0.625 close to the eutectic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, B. W. M.; Mead, R. N.; Mountjoy, G.

2006-05-01

Aluminate glasses are difficult to prepare as they do not contain traditional network formers, but they are promising materials for optical applications. The atomic structure of calcium aluminate glasses has been studied using several experimental techniques. The current study uses molecular dynamics to obtain a model of a (CaO)0.625(Al2O3)0.375 glass close to the eutectic. The glass consists of a tetrahedral alumina network with average network polymerization \\langle Q^{n}\\rangle of n = 3.3. Ca acts as a network modifier with average coordination of 6.2. Ca is typically coordinated to three bridging oxygens (Ob) and three non-bridging oxygens (Onb), with Ca-Onb bonds noticeably shorter than the Ca-Ob bonds. A new method of analysing modifier cation coordination is presented, which specifically shows the distribution of Ca coordination NCaO in terms of combinations of NCaOb and NCaOnb. Ob is most often coordinated to two Al plus two Ca, and Onb is most often coordinated to one Al plus three Ca. The typical coordinations of Ca, Ob, and Onb all have a noticeable similarity to those for the 5CaO·3Al2O3 crystal. The Ca-Ca distribution shows a clear similarity to that for (CaO)0.5(SiO2)0.5 glass, and this is attributed to the equal atomic number densities of Ca in these glasses.

Latin-square three-dimensional gage master

DOEpatents

Jones, L.

1981-05-12

A gage master for coordinate measuring machines has an nxn array of objects distributed in the Z coordinate utilizing the concept of a Latin square experimental design. Using analysis of variance techniques, the invention may be used to identify sources of error in machine geometry and quantify machine accuracy.

Latin square three dimensional gage master

DOEpatents

Jones, Lynn L.

1982-01-01

A gage master for coordinate measuring machines has an nxn array of objects distributed in the Z coordinate utilizing the concept of a Latin square experimental design. Using analysis of variance techniques, the invention may be used to identify sources of error in machine geometry and quantify machine accuracy.

Strategies, linkers and coordination polymers for high-performance sorbents

DOEpatents

Matzger, Adam J.; Wong-Foy, Antek G.; Lebel, Oliver

2015-09-15

A linking ligand compound includes three bidentate chemical moieties distributed about a central chemical moiety. Another linking ligand compound includes a bidentate linking ligand and a monodentate chemical moiety. Coordination polymers include a plurality of metal clusters linked together by residues of the linking ligand compounds.

Enhanced modified faraday cup for determination of power density distribution of electron beams

DOEpatents

Elmer, John W.; Teruya, Alan T.

2001-01-01

An improved tomographic technique for determining the power distribution of an electron or ion beam using electron beam profile data acquired by an enhanced modified Faraday cup to create an image of the current density in high and low power ion or electron beams. A refractory metal disk with a number of radially extending slits, one slit being about twice the width of the other slits, is placed above a Faraday cup. The electron or ion beam is swept in a circular pattern so that its path crosses each slit in a perpendicular manner, thus acquiring all the data needed for a reconstruction in one circular sweep. The enlarged slit enables orientation of the beam profile with respect to the coordinates of the welding chamber. A second disk having slits therein is positioned below the first slit disk and inside of the Faraday cup and provides a shield to eliminate the majority of secondary electrons and ions from leaving the Faraday cup. Also, a ring is located below the second slit disk to help minimize the amount of secondary electrons and ions from being produced. In addition, a beam trap is located in the Faraday cup to provide even more containment of the electron or ion beam when full beam current is being examined through the center hole of the modified Faraday cup.

Fabricating Bis(phthalocyaninato) Terbium SIM into Tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) Terbium SMM with Enhanced Performance through Sodium Coordination.

PubMed

Chen, Yuxiang; Liu, Chao; Ma, Fang; Qi, Dongdong; Liu, Qingyun; Sun, Hao-Ling; Jiang, Jianzhuang

2018-04-23

The non-peripherally substituted 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octa(butoxy)-phthalocyanine-involved unsymmetrical heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium double-decker, Tb(Pc){H[Pc(α-OC 4 H 9 ) 8 ]} (Pc=unsubstituted phthalocyanine) (1), was revealed to exhibit typical single ion magnet (SIM) behavior with effective energy barrier, 180 K (125 cm -1 ), and blocking temperature, 2 K, due to the severe deviation of the terbium coordination polyhedron from square-antiprismatic geometry. Fabrication of this double-decker compound into the novel tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) terbium pseudo-quadruple-decker Na 2 {Tb(Pc)[Pc(α-OC 4 H 9 ) 8 ]} 2 (2) single molecule magnet (SMM) not only optimizes the coordination polyhedron of terbium ion towards the square-antiprismatic geometry and intensifies the coordination field strength, but more importantly significantly enhances the molecular magnetic anisotropy in the unsymmetrical bis(phthalocyaninato) double-decker unit, along with the change of the counter cation from H + of 1 to Na + of 2, leading to an significantly enhanced magnetic behavior with spin-reversal energy barrier, 528 K (367 cm -1 ), and blocking temperature, 25 K. The present result is surely helpful towards developing novel tetrapyrrole lanthanide SMMs through rational design and self-assembly from bis(tetrapyrrole) lanthanide single ion magnet (SIM) building block. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A space-time tensor formulation for continuum mechanics in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avis, L. M.

1976-01-01

Tensor methods are used to express the continuum equations of motion in general curvilinear, moving, and deforming coordinate systems. The space-time tensor formulation is applicable to situations in which, for example, the boundaries move and deform. Placing a coordinate surface on such a boundary simplifies the boundary condition treatment. The space-time tensor formulation is also applicable to coordinate systems with coordinate surfaces defined as surfaces of constant pressure, density, temperature, or any other scalar continuum field function. The vanishing of the function gradient components along the coordinate surfaces may simplify the set of governing equations. In numerical integration of the equations of motion, the freedom of motion of the coordinate surfaces provides a potential for enhanced resolution of the continuum field function. An example problem of an incompressible, inviscid fluid with a top free surface is considered, where the surfaces of constant pressure (including the top free surface) are coordinate surfaces.

High-Reynolds Number Viscous Flow Simulations on Embedded-Boundary Cartesian Grids

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-05

d ) 2 χ ≥ 0 −cw1 ( ν̃d ) 2 otherwise (6) 2 DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution approved for public release. with νt = ν̃fv1 and the usual definitions of fw...1 The wall function is coupled to the underlying Cartesian grid through its endpoints. This is illustrated schematically in Fig. 2 . At the wall it is...by interpolation from the Cartesian grid . This eliminates the problem of uτ → 0 , since this works in physical coordinates and not plus coordinates. We

Holonic Approach for Control and Coordination of Distributed Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

Kuokka, D. R., Weber, J. C., Tenenbaum, J. M., Gruber, T . R., and Olsen, G . R. (1993), SHADE: Technology for Knowledge-Based Collaborative 70 DRDC...H o l o n i c a p p ro a ch fo r c o n t ro l a n d coordination of distributed sensors A. Benaskeur H. Irandoust DRDC Valcartier Defence R&D...contrôle de la gestion des capteurs, et en par- ticulier les processus de planification des tâches et l’allocation des capteurs, sont discutés en

Temporally Coordinated Deep Brain Stimulation in the Dorsal and Ventral Striatum Synergistically Enhances Associative Learning.

PubMed

Katnani, Husam A; Patel, Shaun R; Kwon, Churl-Su; Abdel-Aziz, Samer; Gale, John T; Eskandar, Emad N

2016-01-04

The primate brain has the remarkable ability of mapping sensory stimuli into motor behaviors that can lead to positive outcomes. We have previously shown that during the reinforcement of visual-motor behavior, activity in the caudate nucleus is correlated with the rate of learning. Moreover, phasic microstimulation in the caudate during the reinforcement period was shown to enhance associative learning, demonstrating the importance of temporal specificity to manipulate learning related changes. Here we present evidence that extends upon our previous finding by demonstrating that temporally coordinated phasic deep brain stimulation across both the nucleus accumbens and caudate can further enhance associative learning. Monkeys performed a visual-motor associative learning task and received stimulation at time points critical to learning related changes. Resulting performance revealed an enhancement in the rate, ceiling, and reaction times of learning. Stimulation of each brain region alone or at different time points did not generate the same effect.

Dynamically assisted Schwinger effect beyond the spatially-uniform-field approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrov, I. A.; Plunien, G.; Shabaev, V. M.

2018-06-01

We investigate the phenomenon of electron-positron pair production from vacuum in the presence of a strong electric field superimposed by a weak but fast varying pulse which substantially increases the total particle yield. We employ a nonperturbative numerical technique and perform the calculations beyond the spatially-uniform-field approximation, i.e., dipole approximation, taking into account the coordinate dependence of the fast component. The analysis of the main characteristics of the pair-production process (momentum spectra of particles and total amount of pairs) reveals a number of important features which are absent within the previously used approximation. In particular, the structure of the momentum distribution is modified both qualitatively and quantitatively, and the total number of pairs created as well as the enhancement factor due to dynamical assistance become significantly smaller.

Pickett angles and Cremer-Pople coordinates as collective variables for the enhanced sampling of six-membered ring conformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sega, M.; Autieri, E.; Pederiva, F.

2011-01-01

Although completely equivalent for the description of puckered ring conformers, the two popular coordinates sets of Strauss-Pickett dihedral angles and Cremer-Pople spherical coordinates are shown to have contrasting features when employed as collective variables in free-energy calculations with accelerated sampling techniques. Results from a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation at conformational equilibrium and from combined metadynamics/umbrella sampling calculations of glucose are exploited to elucidate these differences.

A Hierarchical Modeling for Reactive Power Optimization With Joint Transmission and Distribution Networks by Curve Fitting

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

Ding, Tao; Li, Cheng; Huang, Can

Here, in order to solve the reactive power optimization with joint transmission and distribution networks, a hierarchical modeling method is proposed in this paper. It allows the reactive power optimization of transmission and distribution networks to be performed separately, leading to a master–slave structure and improves traditional centralized modeling methods by alleviating the big data problem in a control center. Specifically, the transmission-distribution-network coordination issue of the hierarchical modeling method is investigated. First, a curve-fitting approach is developed to provide a cost function of the slave model for the master model, which reflects the impacts of each slave model. Second,more » the transmission and distribution networks are decoupled at feeder buses, and all the distribution networks are coordinated by the master reactive power optimization model to achieve the global optimality. Finally, numerical results on two test systems verify the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical modeling and curve-fitting methods.« less

A Hierarchical Modeling for Reactive Power Optimization With Joint Transmission and Distribution Networks by Curve Fitting

DOE PAGES

Ding, Tao; Li, Cheng; Huang, Can; ...

2017-01-09

Here, in order to solve the reactive power optimization with joint transmission and distribution networks, a hierarchical modeling method is proposed in this paper. It allows the reactive power optimization of transmission and distribution networks to be performed separately, leading to a master–slave structure and improves traditional centralized modeling methods by alleviating the big data problem in a control center. Specifically, the transmission-distribution-network coordination issue of the hierarchical modeling method is investigated. First, a curve-fitting approach is developed to provide a cost function of the slave model for the master model, which reflects the impacts of each slave model. Second,more » the transmission and distribution networks are decoupled at feeder buses, and all the distribution networks are coordinated by the master reactive power optimization model to achieve the global optimality. Finally, numerical results on two test systems verify the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical modeling and curve-fitting methods.« less

Environmental Coupling Modulates the Attractors of Rhythmic Coordination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kudo, Kazutoshi; Park, Hyeonsaeng; Kay, Bruce A.; Turvey, M. T.

2006-01-01

A simple instance of coupling behavior to the environment is oscillating the hands in pace with metronome beats. This environmental coupling can be weaker (1 beat per cycle) or stronger (2 beats per cycle). The authors examined whether strength of environmental coupling enhanced the stability of in-phase bimanual coordination. Detuning by…

Identification of Communication and Coordination Issues in the US Air Traffic Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davison, Hayley J.; Hansman, R. John

2001-01-01

Today's air traffic control system is approaching the point of saturation, as evidenced by increasing delays across the National Airspace System (NAS). There exists an opportunity to enhance NAS efficiency and reduce delays by improving strategic communication throughout the ATC system. Although several measures have been taken to improve communication (e.g., Collaborative Decision Making tools), communication issues between ATC facilities remain. It is hypothesized that by identifying the key issues plaguing inter-facility strategic communication, steps can be taken to enhance these communications, and therefore ATC system efficiency. In this report, a series of site visits were performed at Boston and New York ATC facilities as well as at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. The results from these site visits were used to determine the current communication and coordination structure of Traffic Management Coordinators, who hold a pivotal role in inter-facility communications. Several themes emerged from the study, including: ambiguity of organizational structure in the current ATC system, awkward coordination between ATC facilities, information flow issues, organizational culture issues, and negotiation behaviors used to cope with organizational culture issues.

A Systems Biology Approach to the Coordination of Defensive and Offensive Molecular Mechanisms in the Innate and Adaptive Host–Pathogen Interaction Networks

PubMed Central

Wu, Chia-Chou; Chen, Bor-Sen

2016-01-01

Infected zebrafish coordinates defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms in response to Candida albicans infections, and invasive C. albicans coordinates corresponding molecular mechanisms to interact with the host. However, knowledge of the ensuing infection-activated signaling networks in both host and pathogen and their interspecific crosstalk during the innate and adaptive phases of the infection processes remains incomplete. In the present study, dynamic network modeling, protein interaction databases, and dual transcriptome data from zebrafish and C. albicans during infection were used to infer infection-activated host–pathogen dynamic interaction networks. The consideration of host–pathogen dynamic interaction systems as innate and adaptive loops and subsequent comparisons of inferred innate and adaptive networks indicated previously unrecognized crosstalk between known pathways and suggested roles of immunological memory in the coordination of host defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms to achieve specific and powerful defense against pathogens. Moreover, pathogens enhance intraspecific crosstalk and abrogate host apoptosis to accommodate enhanced host defense mechanisms during the adaptive phase. Accordingly, links between physiological phenomena and changes in the coordination of defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms highlight the importance of host–pathogen molecular interaction networks, and consequent inferences of the host–pathogen relationship could be translated into biomedical applications. PMID:26881892

A Systems Biology Approach to the Coordination of Defensive and Offensive Molecular Mechanisms in the Innate and Adaptive Host-Pathogen Interaction Networks.

PubMed

Wu, Chia-Chou; Chen, Bor-Sen

2016-01-01

Infected zebrafish coordinates defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms in response to Candida albicans infections, and invasive C. albicans coordinates corresponding molecular mechanisms to interact with the host. However, knowledge of the ensuing infection-activated signaling networks in both host and pathogen and their interspecific crosstalk during the innate and adaptive phases of the infection processes remains incomplete. In the present study, dynamic network modeling, protein interaction databases, and dual transcriptome data from zebrafish and C. albicans during infection were used to infer infection-activated host-pathogen dynamic interaction networks. The consideration of host-pathogen dynamic interaction systems as innate and adaptive loops and subsequent comparisons of inferred innate and adaptive networks indicated previously unrecognized crosstalk between known pathways and suggested roles of immunological memory in the coordination of host defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms to achieve specific and powerful defense against pathogens. Moreover, pathogens enhance intraspecific crosstalk and abrogate host apoptosis to accommodate enhanced host defense mechanisms during the adaptive phase. Accordingly, links between physiological phenomena and changes in the coordination of defensive and offensive molecular mechanisms highlight the importance of host-pathogen molecular interaction networks, and consequent inferences of the host-pathogen relationship could be translated into biomedical applications.

Market-Based Coordination and Auditing Mechanisms for Self-Interested Multi-Robot Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ham, MyungJoo

2009-01-01

We propose market-based coordinated task allocation mechanisms, which allocate complex tasks that require synchronized and collaborated services of multiple robot agents to robot agents, and an auditing mechanism, which ensures proper behaviors of robot agents by verifying inter-agent activities, for self-interested, fully-distributed, and…

Teaching Population Balances for Chemical Engineering Students: Application to Granulation Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bucala, Veronica; Pina, Juliana

2007-01-01

The population balance equation (PBE) is a useful tool to predict particle size distributions in granulation processes. When PBE is taught to advanced chemical engineering students, the internal coordinates (particle properties) are particularly hard to understand. In this paper, the flow of particles along different coordinates is carefully…

Analysis of a new phase and height algorithm in phase measurement profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Xintian; Zuo, Fen; Cheng, Ju

2018-04-01

Traditional phase measurement profilometry adopts divergent illumination to obtain the height distribution of a measured object accurately. However, the mapping relation between reference plane coordinates and phase distribution must be calculated before measurement. Data are then stored in a computer in the form of a data sheet for standby applications. This study improved the distribution of projected fringes and deducted the phase-height mapping algorithm when the two pupils of the projection and imaging systems are of unequal heights and when the projection and imaging axes are on different planes. With the algorithm, calculating the mapping relation between reference plane coordinates and phase distribution prior to measurement is unnecessary. Thus, the measurement process is simplified, and the construction of an experimental system is made easy. Computer simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the method.

Metal-Ion Effects on the Polarization of Metal-Bound Water and Infrared Vibrational Modes of the Coordinated Metal Center of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pyrazinamidase via Quantum Mechanical Calculations

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis pyrazinamidase (PZAse) is a key enzyme to activate the pro-drug pyrazinamide (PZA). PZAse is a metalloenzyme that coordinates in vitro different divalent metal cofactors in the metal coordination site (MCS). Several metals including Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ are able to reactivate the metal-depleted PZAse in vitro. We use quantum mechanical calculations to investigate the Zn2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ metal cofactor effects on the local MCS structure, metal–ligand or metal–residue binding energy, and charge distribution. Results suggest that the major metal-dependent changes occur in the metal–ligand binding energy and charge distribution. Zn2+ shows the highest binding energy to the ligands (residues). In addition, Zn2+ and Mn2+ within the PZAse MCS highly polarize the O–H bond of coordinated water molecules in comparison with Fe2+. This suggests that the coordination of Zn2+ or Mn2+ to the PZAse protein facilitates the deprotonation of coordinated water to generate a nucleophile for catalysis as in carboxypeptidase A. Because metal ion binding is relevant to enzymatic reaction, identification of the metal binding event is important. The infrared vibrational mode shift of the C=Nε (His) bond from the M. tuberculosis MCS is the best IR probe to metal complexation. PMID:25055049

Multi-time Scale Coordination of Distributed Energy Resources in Isolated Power Systems

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

Mayhorn, Ebony; Xie, Le; Butler-Purry, Karen

2016-03-31

In isolated power systems, including microgrids, distributed assets, such as renewable energy resources (e.g. wind, solar) and energy storage, can be actively coordinated to reduce dependency on fossil fuel generation. The key challenge of such coordination arises from significant uncertainty and variability occurring at small time scales associated with increased penetration of renewables. Specifically, the problem is with ensuring economic and efficient utilization of DERs, while also meeting operational objectives such as adequate frequency performance. One possible solution is to reduce the time step at which tertiary controls are implemented and to ensure feedback and look-ahead capability are incorporated tomore » handle variability and uncertainty. However, reducing the time step of tertiary controls necessitates investigating time-scale coupling with primary controls so as not to exacerbate system stability issues. In this paper, an optimal coordination (OC) strategy, which considers multiple time-scales, is proposed for isolated microgrid systems with a mix of DERs. This coordination strategy is based on an online moving horizon optimization approach. The effectiveness of the strategy was evaluated in terms of economics, technical performance, and computation time by varying key parameters that significantly impact performance. The illustrative example with realistic scenarios on a simulated isolated microgrid test system suggests that the proposed approach is generalizable towards designing multi-time scale optimal coordination strategies for isolated power systems.« less

Enhancer and Transcription Factor Dynamics during Myeloid Differentiation Reveal an Early Differentiation Block in Cebpa null Progenitors.

PubMed

Pundhir, Sachin; Bratt Lauridsen, Felicia Kathrine; Schuster, Mikkel Bruhn; Jakobsen, Janus Schou; Ge, Ying; Schoof, Erwin Marten; Rapin, Nicolas; Waage, Johannes; Hasemann, Marie Sigurd; Porse, Bo Torben

2018-05-29

Transcription factors PU.1 and CEBPA are required for the proper coordination of enhancer activity during granulocytic-monocytic (GM) lineage differentiation to form myeloid cells. However, precisely how these factors control the chronology of enhancer establishment during differentiation is not known. Through integrated analyses of enhancer dynamics, transcription factor binding, and proximal gene expression during successive stages of murine GM-lineage differentiation, we unravel the distinct kinetics by which PU.1 and CEBPA coordinate GM enhancer activity. We find no evidence of a pioneering function of PU.1 during late GM-lineage differentiation. Instead, we delineate a set of enhancers that gain accessibility in a CEBPA-dependent manner, suggesting a pioneering function of CEBPA. Analyses of Cebpa null bone marrow demonstrate that CEBPA controls PU.1 levels and, unexpectedly, that the loss of CEBPA results in an early differentiation block. Taken together, our data provide insights into how PU.1 and CEBPA functionally interact to drive GM-lineage differentiation. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ion Selectivity in the KcsA Potassium Channel from the Perspective of the Ion Binding Site

PubMed Central

Dixit, Purushottam D.; Merchant, Safir; Asthagiri, D.

2009-01-01

To understand the thermodynamic exclusion of Na+ relative to K+ from the S2 site of the selectivity filter, the distribution PX(ɛ) (X = K+ or Na+) of the binding energy (ɛ) of the ion with the channel is analyzed using the potential distribution theorem. By expressing the excess chemical potential of the ion as a sum of mean-field 〈ɛ〉 and fluctuation μexflux,X contributions, we find that selectivity arises from a higher value of μflux,Na+ex relative to μflux,K+ex. To understand the role of site-site interactions on μexflux,X, we decompose PX(ɛ) into n-dependent distributions, where n is the number of ion-coordinating ligands within a distance λ from the ion. For λ comparable to typical ion-oxygen bond distances, investigations building on this multistate model reveal an inverse correlation between favorable ion-site and site-site interactions: the ion-coordination states that most influence the thermodynamics of the ion are also those for which the binding site is energetically less strained and vice versa. This correlation motivates understanding entropic effects in ion binding to the site and leads to the finding that μexflux,X is directly proportional to the average site-site interaction energy, a quantity that is sensitive to the chemical type of the ligand coordinating the ion. Increasing the coordination number around Na+ only partially accounts for the observed magnitude of selectivity; acknowledging the chemical type of the ion-coordinating ligand is essential. PMID:19289040

Competency Based Competitive Events. Integrating DECA into the DE Instructional Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cosgrove, Glenna; Moore, Harold W.

Designed to be integrated into a competency-based distributive education program, these competitive DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) events were developed, utilized, and evaluated by distributive education and cooperative education coordinators in Arkansas. These events are organized under the following occupational categories: food…

Dynamic Power Distribution System Management With a Locally Connected Communication Network

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

Dall-Anese, Emiliano; Zhang, Kaiqing; Basar, Tamer

Coordinated optimization and control of distribution-level assets can enable a reliable and optimal integration of massive amount of distributed energy resources (DERs) and facilitate distribution system management (DSM). Accordingly, the objective is to coordinate the power injection at the DERs to maintain certain quantities across the network, e.g., voltage magnitude, line flows, or line losses, to be close to a desired profile. By and large, the performance of the DSM algorithms has been challenged by two factors: i) the possibly non-strongly connected communication network over DERs that hinders the coordination; ii) the dynamics of the real system caused by themore » DERs with heterogeneous capabilities, time-varying operating conditions, and real-time measurement mismatches. In this paper, we investigate the modeling and algorithm design and analysis with the consideration of these two factors. In particular, a game theoretic characterization is first proposed to account for a locally connected communication network over DERs, along with the analysis of the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium (NE) therein. To achieve the equilibrium in a distributed fashion, a projected-gradient-based asynchronous DSM algorithm is then advocated. The algorithm performance, including the convergence speed and the tracking error, is analytically guaranteed under the dynamic setting. Extensive numerical tests on both synthetic and realistic cases corroborate the analytical results derived.« less

Effect of temperature and thermal history on borosilicate glass structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angeli, Frédéric; Villain, Olivier; Schuller, Sophie; Charpentier, Thibault; de Ligny, Dominique; Bressel, Lena; Wondraczek, Lothar

2012-02-01

The influence of the temperature and quenching rate on the structure of a borosilicate glass was studied by high-resolution solid-state 11B, 23Na, 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-temperature Raman spectroscopy. Data were obtained for glass in the solid state after annealing and quenching at cooling rates covering four orders of magnitude as well as in the liquid state from Raman experiments and from calorimetry and rheological data. Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were used to calibrate the Raman spectra in order to quantify the change in boron coordination with temperature. This result can then be used to determine the fictive temperature of the glass directly from the boron coordination. The fictive temperature, heat capacity, and configurational entropy are extracted from calorimetry and viscosity measurements. Changes in the boron coordination account for only 25% of the configurational heat capacity of the liquid. The structural parameters capable of accounting for the remaining quantity are discussed on the basis of structural data, both local (inhomogeneity of the sodium distribution) and medium-range (from NMR parameter distribution). It has thus been shown that, although the B-O-B angular distributions of the boroxol rings (and probably the Si-O-Si distributions) are not affected by temperature, a structural disorder is identified through the angular distributions of the bonds linking borate and silicate groups.

The effect of the complexation of p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile with LaCl3 on spectral-luminescent parameters of fluorophores.

PubMed

Volchkov, Valery V; Ivanov, Vladimir L; Uzhinov, Boris M

2011-03-01

The LE band fluorescence enhancement of p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acid (DMABA) and p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) was found in aprotic acetonitrile and butyronitrile at the addition of LaCl(3). The corresponding ICT fluorescence band remains unchanged. This enhancement is explained by the decrease of the internal conversion rate constant in a coordination complex with LaCl(3). The formation of the coordination complex between DMABA and LaCl(3) in ethanol is accompanied by the efficient fluorescence quenching in LE and ICT bands, in parallel with the enhancement of ICT/LE emission ratio. The experimental data are well described by the proposed kinetic schemes. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

New vibration-rotation code for tetraatomic molecules exhibiting wide-amplitude motion: WAVR4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozin, Igor N.; Law, Mark M.; Tennyson, Jonathan; Hutson, Jeremy M.

2004-11-01

A general computational method for the accurate calculation of rotationally and vibrationally excited states of tetraatomic molecules is developed. The resulting program is particularly appropriate for molecules executing wide-amplitude motions and isomerizations. The program offers a choice of coordinate systems based on Radau, Jacobi, diatom-diatom and orthogonal satellite vectors. The method includes all six vibrational dimensions plus three rotational dimensions. Vibration-rotation calculations with reduced dimensionality in the radial degrees of freedom are easily tackled via constraints imposed on the radial coordinates via the input file. Program summaryTitle of program: WAVR4 Catalogue number: ADUN Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADUN Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Persons requesting the program must sign the standard CPC nonprofit use license Computer: Developed under Tru64 UNIX, ported to Microsoft Windows and Sun Unix Operating systems under which the program has been tested: Tru64 Unix, Microsoft Windows, Sun Unix Programming language used: Fortran 90 Memory required to execute with typical data: case dependent No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 11 937 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 84 770 Distribution format: tar.gz Nature of physical problem: WAVR4 calculates the bound ro-vibrational levels and wavefunctions of a tetraatomic system using body-fixed coordinates based on generalised orthogonal vectors. Method of solution: The angular coordinates are treated using a finite basis representation (FBR) based on products of spherical harmonics. A discrete variable representation (DVR) [1] based on either Morse-oscillator-like or spherical-oscillator functions [2] is used for the radial coordinates. Matrix elements are computed using an efficient Gaussian quadrature in the angular coordinates and the DVR approximation in the radial coordinates. The solution of the secular problem is carried through a series of intermediate diagonalisations and truncations. Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: (1) The size of the final Hamiltonian matrix that can be practically diagonalised; (2) The DVR approximation for a radial coordinate fails for values of the coordinate near zero—this is remedied only for one radial coordinate by using analytical integration. Typical running time: problem-dependent Unusual features of the program: A user-supplied subroutine to evaluate the potential energy is a program requirement. External routines: BLAS and LAPACK are required. References: [1] J.C. Light, I.P. Hamilton, J.V. Lill, J. Chem. Phys. 92 (1985) 1400. [2] J.R. Henderson, C.R. Le Sueur, J. Tennyson, Comp. Phys. Comm. 75 (1993) 379.

Fourth-Order Conservative Vlasov-Maxwell Solver for Cartesian and Cylindrical Phase Space Coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogman, Genia

Plasmas are made up of charged particles whose short-range and long-range interactions give rise to complex behavior that can be difficult to fully characterize experimentally. One of the most complete theoretical descriptions of a plasma is that of kinetic theory, which treats each particle species as a probability distribution function in a six-dimensional position-velocity phase space. Drawing on statistical mechanics, these distribution functions mathematically represent a system of interacting particles without tracking individual ions and electrons. The evolution of the distribution function(s) is governed by the Boltzmann equation coupled to Maxwell's equations, which together describe the dynamics of the plasma and the associated electromagnetic fields. When collisions can be neglected, the Boltzmann equation is reduced to the Vlasov equation. High-fidelity simulation of the rich physics in even a subset of the full six-dimensional phase space calls for low-noise high-accuracy numerical methods. To that end, this dissertation investigates a fourth-order finite-volume discretization of the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system, and addresses some of the fundamental challenges associated with applying these types of computationally intensive enhanced-accuracy numerical methods to phase space simulations. The governing equations of kinetic theory are described in detail, and their conservation-law weak form is derived for Cartesian and cylindrical phase space coordinates. This formulation is well known when it comes to Cartesian geometries, as it is used in finite-volume and finite-element discretizations to guarantee local conservation for numerical solutions. By contrast, the conservation-law weak form of the Vlasov equation in cylindrical phase space coordinates is largely unexplored, and to the author's knowledge has never previously been solved numerically. Thereby the methods described in this dissertation for simulating plasmas in cylindrical phase space coordinates present a new development in the field of computational plasma physics. A fourth-order finite-volume method for solving the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system is presented first for Cartesian and then for cylindrical phase space coordinates. Special attention is given to the treatment of the discrete primary variables and to the quadrature rule for evaluating the surface and line integrals that appear in the governing equations. The finite-volume treatment of conducting wall and axis boundaries is particularly nuanced when it comes to phase space coordinates, and is described in detail. In addition to the mechanics of each part of the finite-volume discretization in the two different coordinate systems, the complete algorithm is also presented. The Cartesian coordinate discretization is applied to several well-known test problems. Since even linear analysis of kinetic theory governing equations is complicated on account of velocity being an independent coordinate, few analytic or semi-analytic predictions exist. Benchmarks are particularly scarce for configurations that have magnetic fields and involve more than two phase space dimensions. Ensuring that simulations are true to the physics thus presents a difficulty in the development of robust numerical methods. The research described in this dissertation addresses this challenge through the development of more complete physics-based benchmarks based on the Dory-Guest-Harris instability. The instability is a special case of perpendicularly-propagating kinetic electrostatic waves in a warm uniformly magnetized plasma. A complete derivation of the closed-form linear theory dispersion relation for the instability is presented. The electric field growth rates and oscillation frequencies specified by the dispersion relation provide concrete measures against which simulation results can be quantitatively compared. Furthermore, a specialized form of perturbation is shown to strongly excite the fastest growing mode. The fourth-order finite-volume algorithm is benchmarked against the instability, and is demonstrated to have good convergence properties and close agreement with theoretical growth rate and oscillation frequency predictions. The Dory-Guest-Harris instability benchmark extends the scope of standard test problems by providing a substantive means of validating continuum kinetic simulations of warm magnetized plasmas in higher-dimensional 3D ( x,vx,vy) phase space. The linear theory analysis, initial conditions, algorithm description, and comparisons between theoretical predictions and simulation results are presented. The cylindrical coordinate finite-volume discretization is applied to model axisymmetric systems. Since mitigating the prohibitive computational cost of simulating six dimensions is another challenge in phase space simulations, the development of a robust means of exploiting symmetry is a major advance when it comes to numerically solving the Vlasov-Maxwell equation system. The discretization is applied to a uniform distribution function to assess the nature of the singularity at the axis, and is demonstrated to converge at fourth-order accuracy. The numerical method is then applied to simulate electrostatic ion confinement in an axisymmetric Z-pinch configuration. To the author's knowledge this presents the first instance of a conservative finite-volume discretization of the cylindrical coordinate Vlasov equation. The computational framework for the Vlasov-Maxwell solver is described, and an outlook for future research is presented.

Dynamics and Control of Flexible Space Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Likins, P. W.

1970-01-01

The purpose of this report is twofold: (1) to survey the established analytic procedures for the simulation of controlled flexible space vehicles, and (2) to develop in detail methods that employ a combination of discrete and distributed ("modal") coordinates, i.e., the hybrid-coordinate methods. Analytic procedures are described in three categories: (1) discrete-coordinate methods, (2) hybrid-coordinate methods, and (3) vehicle normal-coordinate methods. Each of these approaches is described and analyzed for its advantages and disadvantages, and each is found to have an area of applicability. The hybrid-coordinate method combines the efficiency of the vehicle normal-coordinate method with the versatility of the discrete-coordinate method, and appears to have the widest range of practical application. The results in this report have practical utility in two areas: (1) complex digital computer simulation of flexible space vehicles of arbitrary configuration subject to realistic control laws, and (2) preliminary control system design based on transfer functions for linearized models of dynamics and control laws.

Distinct epigenetic signatures elucidate enhancer-gene relationships that delineate CIMP and non-CIMP colorectal cancers.

PubMed

Chong, Allen; Teo, Jing Xian; Ban, Kenneth H K

2016-05-10

Epigenetic changes, like DNA methylation, affect gene expression and in colorectal cancer (CRC), a distinct phenotype called the CpG island methylator phenotype ("CIMP") has significantly higher levels of DNA methylation at so-called "Type C loci" within the genome. We postulate that enhancer-gene pairs are coordinately controlled through DNA methylation in order to regulate the expression of key genes/biomarkers for a particular phenotype.Firstly, we found 24 experimentally-validated enhancers (VISTA enhancer browser) that contained statistically significant (FDR-adjusted q-value of <0.01) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (1000bp) in a study of CIMP versus non-CIMP CRCs. Of these, the methylation of 2 enhancers, 1702 and 1944, were found to be very well correlated with the methylation of the genes Wnt3A and IGDCC3, respectively, in two separate and independent datasets.We show for the first time that there are indeed distinct and dynamic changes in the methylation pattern of specific enhancer-gene pairs in CRCs. Such a coordinated epigenetic event could be indicative of an interaction between (1) enhancer 1702 and Wnt3A and (2) enhancer 1944 and IGDCC3. Moreover, our study shows that the methylation patterns of these 2 enhancer-gene pairs can potentially be used as biomarkers to delineate CIMP from non-CIMP CRCs.

Merchandise Display, a Distributive Education Manual and Answer Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatchett, Melvin S.

This revised manual in basic merchandise display for trainees in distributive education, together with a separate answer key, contains 23 self-study assignments, each with training objectives, questions to answer, and student projects. Developed by a distributive education coordinator, these assignments cover a wide range of topics, from the…

A network approach to decentralized coordination of energy production-consumption grids.

PubMed

Omodei, Elisa; Arenas, Alex

2018-01-01

Energy grids are facing a relatively new paradigm consisting in the formation of local distributed energy sources and loads that can operate in parallel independently from the main power grid (usually called microgrids). One of the main challenges in microgrid-like networks management is that of self-adapting to the production and demands in a decentralized coordinated way. Here, we propose a stylized model that allows to analytically predict the coordination of the elements in the network, depending on the network topology. Surprisingly, almost global coordination is attained when users interact locally, with a small neighborhood, instead of the obvious but more costly all-to-all coordination. We compute analytically the optimal value of coordinated users in random homogeneous networks. The methodology proposed opens a new way of confronting the analysis of energy demand-side management in networked systems.

Enhancing Services to the Rural Elderly through Primary Care Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leighton, Jeannette; Sprague, Patricia

This paper describes a systematic, coordinated approach to the delivery of health and social services to the rural elderly of Maine provided by the Kennebec Valley Regional Health Agency. Four points of the model are described which distinguish it from other models of coordination: (1) a strong medical orientation in the assessment process; (2)…

Rapid and enhanced activation of microporous coordination polymers by flowing supercritical CO.sub.2

DOEpatents

Matzger, Adam J.; Liu, Baojian; Wong-Foy, Antek G.

2016-07-19

Flowing supercritical CO.sub.2 is used to activate metal organic framework materials (MOF). MOFs are activated directly from N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) thus avoiding exchange with a volatile solvent. Most MCPs display increased surface areas directly after treatment although those with coordinatively unsaturated metal centers benefit from additional heating.

Review and enhancement of CHART operations to maximize the benefit of incident response and management.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-07-01

This project was focused on identifying potential areas for Marylands Coordinated Highway : Action Response Team (CHART) to enhance its incident management efficiency and to maximize the : resulting benefits under existing resource constraints. Us...

Fabric and connectivity as field descriptors for deformations in granular media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Richard; Pouragha, Mehdi

2015-01-01

Granular materials involve microphysics across the various scales giving rise to distinct behaviours of geomaterials, such as steady states, plastic limit states, non-associativity of plastic and yield flow, as well as instability of homogeneous deformations through strain localization. Incorporating such micro-scale characteristics is one of the biggest challenges in the constitutive modelling of granular materials, especially when micro-variables may be interdependent. With this motivation, we use two micro-variables such as coordination number and fabric anisotropy computed from tessellation of the granular material to describe its state at the macroscopic level. In order to capture functional dependencies between micro-variables, the correlation between coordination number and fabric anisotropy limits is herein formulated at the particle level rather than on an average sense. This is the essence of the proposed work which investigates the evolutions of coordination number distribution (connectivity) and anisotropy (contact normal) distribution curves with deformation history and their inter-dependencies through discrete element modelling in two dimensions. These results enter as probability distribution functions into homogenization expressions during upscaling to a continuum constitutive model using tessellation as an abstract representation of the granular system. The end product is a micro-mechanically inspired continuum model with both coordination number and fabric anisotropy as underlying micro-variables incorporated into a plasticity flow rule. The derived plastic potential bears striking resemblance to cam-clay or stress-dilatancy-type yield surfaces used in soil mechanics.

Finite element method formulation in polar coordinates for transient heat conduction problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, Piotr

2016-04-01

The aim of this paper is the formulation of the finite element method in polar coordinates to solve transient heat conduction problems. It is hard to find in the literature a formulation of the finite element method (FEM) in polar or cylindrical coordinates for the solution of heat transfer problems. This document shows how to apply the most often used boundary conditions. The global equation system is solved by the Crank-Nicolson method. The proposed algorithm is verified in three numerical tests. In the first example, the obtained transient temperature distribution is compared with the temperature obtained from the presented analytical solution. In the second numerical example, the variable boundary condition is assumed. In the last numerical example the component with the shape different than cylindrical is used. All examples show that the introduction of the polar coordinate system gives better results than in the Cartesian coordinate system. The finite element method formulation in polar coordinates is valuable since it provides a higher accuracy of the calculations without compacting the mesh in cylindrical or similar to tubular components. The proposed method can be applied for circular elements such as boiler drums, outlet headers, flux tubes. This algorithm can be useful during the solution of inverse problems, which do not allow for high density grid. This method can calculate the temperature distribution in the bodies of different properties in the circumferential and the radial direction. The presented algorithm can be developed for other coordinate systems. The examples demonstrate a good accuracy and stability of the proposed method.

Building Student and Family-Centered Care Coordination Through Ongoing Delivery System Design.

PubMed

Baker, Dian; Anderson, Lori; Johnson, Jody

2017-01-01

In 2016 the National Association of School Nurses released an updated framework for school nurse practice. One highlight of the new framework is 21st century care coordination. That is, moving beyond basic case management to a systems-level approach for delivery of school health services. The framework broadly applies the term care coordination to include direct care and communication across systems. School nurses are often engaged in efforts to create school health care homes that serve as an axis of coordination for students and families between primary care offices and the schools. Effective care coordination requires that the school nurses not only know the principles of traditional case management but also understand complex systems that drive effective care coordination. The outcome of a system-level approach is enhanced access to services in an integrated health care delivery system that includes the school nurse as an integral member of the school's health care team. This article presents a comprehensive, system-level model of care coordination for school nurse leadership and practice.

The Neuropeptide Tac2 Controls a Distributed Brain State Induced by Chronic Social Isolation Stress.

PubMed

Zelikowsky, Moriel; Hui, May; Karigo, Tomomi; Choe, Andrea; Yang, Bin; Blanco, Mario R; Beadle, Keith; Gradinaru, Viviana; Deverman, Benjamin E; Anderson, David J

2018-05-17

Chronic social isolation causes severe psychological effects in humans, but their neural bases remain poorly understood. 2 weeks (but not 24 hr) of social isolation stress (SIS) caused multiple behavioral changes in mice and induced brain-wide upregulation of the neuropeptide tachykinin 2 (Tac2)/neurokinin B (NkB). Systemic administration of an Nk3R antagonist prevented virtually all of the behavioral effects of chronic SIS. Conversely, enhancing NkB expression and release phenocopied SIS in group-housed mice, promoting aggression and converting stimulus-locked defensive behaviors to persistent responses. Multiplexed analysis of Tac2/NkB function in multiple brain areas revealed dissociable, region-specific requirements for both the peptide and its receptor in different SIS-induced behavioral changes. Thus, Tac2 coordinates a pleiotropic brain state caused by SIS via a distributed mode of action. These data reveal the profound effects of prolonged social isolation on brain chemistry and function and suggest potential new therapeutic applications for Nk3R antagonists. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The temperature dependence of intermediate range oxygen-oxygen correlations in liquid water

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

Schlesinger, Daniel; Pettersson, Lars G. M., E-mail: Lars.Pettersson@fysik.su.se; Wikfeldt, K. Thor

We analyze the recent temperature dependent oxygen-oxygen pair-distribution functions from experimental high-precision x-ray diffraction data of bulk water by Skinner et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214507 (2014)] with particular focus on the intermediate range where small, but significant, correlations are found out to 17 Å. The second peak in the pair-distribution function at 4.5 Å is connected to tetrahedral coordination and was shown by Skinner et al. to change behavior with temperature below the temperature of minimum isothermal compressibility. Here we show that this is associated also with a peak growing at 11 Å which strongly indicates a collectivemore » character of fluctuations leading to the enhanced compressibility at lower temperatures. We note that the peak at ∼13.2 Å exhibits a temperature dependence similar to that of the density with a maximum close to 277 K or 4 °C. We analyze simulations of the TIP4P/2005 water model in the same manner and find excellent agreement between simulations and experiment albeit with a temperature shift of ∼20 K.« less

The temperature dependence of intermediate range oxygen-oxygen correlations in liquid water

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

Schlesinger, Daniel; Wikfeldt, K. Thor; Skinner, Lawrie B.

Here, we analyze the recent temperature dependent oxygen-oxygen pair-distribution functions from experimental high-precision x-ray diffraction data of bulk water by Skinner et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214507 (2014)] with particular focus on the intermediate range where small, but significant, correlations are found out to 17 Å. The second peak in the pair-distribution function at 4.5 Å is connected to tetrahedral coordination and was shown by Skinner et al. to change behavior with temperature below the temperature of minimum isothermal compressibility. Here we show that this is associated also with a peak growing at 11 Å which strongly indicates amore » collective character of fluctuations leading to the enhanced compressibility at lower temperatures. We note that the peak at ~13.2 Å exhibits a temperature dependence similar to that of the density with a maximum close to 277 K or 4 °C. We analyze simulations of the TIP4P/2005 water model in the same manner and find excellent agreement between simulations and experiment albeit with a temperature shift of ~20 K.« less

The temperature dependence of intermediate range oxygen-oxygen correlations in liquid water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlesinger, Daniel; Wikfeldt, K. Thor; Skinner, Lawrie B.; Benmore, Chris J.; Nilsson, Anders; Pettersson, Lars G. M.

2016-08-01

We analyze the recent temperature dependent oxygen-oxygen pair-distribution functions from experimental high-precision x-ray diffraction data of bulk water by Skinner et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214507 (2014)] with particular focus on the intermediate range where small, but significant, correlations are found out to 17 Å. The second peak in the pair-distribution function at 4.5 Å is connected to tetrahedral coordination and was shown by Skinner et al. to change behavior with temperature below the temperature of minimum isothermal compressibility. Here we show that this is associated also with a peak growing at 11 Å which strongly indicates a collective character of fluctuations leading to the enhanced compressibility at lower temperatures. We note that the peak at ˜13.2 Å exhibits a temperature dependence similar to that of the density with a maximum close to 277 K or 4 °C. We analyze simulations of the TIP4P/2005 water model in the same manner and find excellent agreement between simulations and experiment albeit with a temperature shift of ˜20 K.

A distributed cloud-based cyberinfrastructure framework for integrated bridge monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seongwoon; Hou, Rui; Lynch, Jerome P.; Sohn, Hoon; Law, Kincho H.

2017-04-01

This paper describes a cloud-based cyberinfrastructure framework for the management of the diverse data involved in bridge monitoring. Bridge monitoring involves various hardware systems, software tools and laborious activities that include, for examples, a structural health monitoring (SHM), sensor network, engineering analysis programs and visual inspection. Very often, these monitoring systems, tools and activities are not coordinated, and the collected information are not shared. A well-designed integrated data management framework can support the effective use of the data and, thereby, enhance bridge management and maintenance operations. The cloud-based cyberinfrastructure framework presented herein is designed to manage not only sensor measurement data acquired from the SHM system, but also other relevant information, such as bridge engineering model and traffic videos, in an integrated manner. For the scalability and flexibility, cloud computing services and distributed database systems are employed. The information stored can be accessed through standard web interfaces. For demonstration, the cyberinfrastructure system is implemented for the monitoring of the bridges located along the I-275 Corridor in the state of Michigan.

The temperature dependence of intermediate range oxygen-oxygen correlations in liquid water

DOE PAGES

Schlesinger, Daniel; Wikfeldt, K. Thor; Skinner, Lawrie B.; ...

2016-08-25

Here, we analyze the recent temperature dependent oxygen-oxygen pair-distribution functions from experimental high-precision x-ray diffraction data of bulk water by Skinner et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 141, 214507 (2014)] with particular focus on the intermediate range where small, but significant, correlations are found out to 17 Å. The second peak in the pair-distribution function at 4.5 Å is connected to tetrahedral coordination and was shown by Skinner et al. to change behavior with temperature below the temperature of minimum isothermal compressibility. Here we show that this is associated also with a peak growing at 11 Å which strongly indicates amore » collective character of fluctuations leading to the enhanced compressibility at lower temperatures. We note that the peak at ~13.2 Å exhibits a temperature dependence similar to that of the density with a maximum close to 277 K or 4 °C. We analyze simulations of the TIP4P/2005 water model in the same manner and find excellent agreement between simulations and experiment albeit with a temperature shift of ~20 K.« less

Coordination between Apoplastic and Symplastic Detoxification Confers Plant Aluminum Resistance1[C][W][OPEN

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xiao Fang; Lei, Gui Jie; Wang, Zhi Wei; Shi, Yuan Zhi; Braam, Janet; Li, Gui Xin; Zheng, Shao Jian

2013-01-01

Whether aluminum toxicity is an apoplastic or symplastic phenomenon is still a matter of debate. Here, we found that three auxin overproducing mutants, yucca, the recessive mutant superroot2, and superroot1 had increased aluminum sensitivity, while a transfer DNA insertion mutant, xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases15 (xth15), showed enhanced aluminum resistance, accompanied by low endogenous indole-3-acetic acid levels, implying that auxin may be involved in plant responses to aluminum stress. We used yucca and xth15 mutants for further study. The two mutants accumulated similar total aluminum in roots and had significantly reduced cell wall aluminum and increased symplastic aluminum content relative to the wild-type ecotype Columbia, indicating that altered aluminum levels in the symplast or cell wall cannot fully explain the differential aluminum resistance of these two mutants. The expression of Al sensitive1 (ALS1), a gene that functions in aluminum redistribution between the cytoplasm and vacuole and contributes to symplastic aluminum detoxification, was less abundant in yucca and more abundant in xth15 than the wild type, consistent with possible ALS1 function conferring altered aluminum sensitivity in the two mutants. Consistent with the idea that xth15 can tolerate more symplastic aluminum because of possible ALS1 targeting to the vacuole, morin staining of yucca root tip sections showed more aluminum accumulation in the cytosol than in the wild type, and xth15 showed reduced morin staining of cytosolic aluminum, even though yucca and xth15 had similar overall symplastic aluminum content. Exogenous application of an active auxin analog, naphthylacetic acid, to the wild type mimicked the aluminum sensitivity and distribution phenotypes of yucca, verifying that auxin may regulate aluminum distribution in cells. Together, these data demonstrate that auxin negatively regulates aluminum tolerance through altering ALS1 expression and aluminum distribution within plant cells, and plants must coordinate exclusion and internal detoxification to reduce aluminum toxicity effectively. PMID:23776189

Altered center of mass control during sit-to-walk in elderly adults with and without history of falling.

PubMed

Chen, Tzurei; Chou, Li-Shan

2013-09-01

Sit-to-walk (STW) is a commonly performed activity of daily living that requires a precise coordination between momentum generation and balance control. However, there is a lack of biomechanical data demonstrating how the center of mass (COM) momentum and balance control interact. This study examines COM kinetic energy distribution in three movement directions and COM-Ankle inclination angles during STW among 15 healthy young adults, 15 elderly non-fallers, and 15 elderly fallers. We found that elderly adults, especially elderly fallers, chose a COM control strategy that provided more stability than mobility to perform STW. A smaller forward COM velocity, a more upward COM momentum distribution, and a smaller anterior-posterior COM-Ankle angle characterize this strategy. Healthy elderly adults modified their STW movement around seat-off so that they achieved a more upright position before walking. Elderly fallers not only altered COM control around seat-off but also showed limitation in COM control during gait initiation. Furthermore, their COM control in the medial-lateral direction might be perturbed at swing-off due to an increased distribution of kinetic energy. Examining COM momentum distribution in different movement directions and the relationship between positions of the COM and supporting foot during STW could enhance our ability to identify elderly adults who are at risk of falling. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An international organization for remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helm, Neil R.; Edelson, Burton I.

1991-01-01

A recommendation is presented for the formation of a new commercially oriented international organization to acquire or develop, coordinate or manage, the space and ground segments for a global operational satellite system to furnish the basic data for remote sensing and meteorological, land, and sea resource applications. The growing numbers of remote sensing programs are examined and possible ways of reducing redundant efforts and improving the coordination and distribution of these global efforts are discussed. This proposed remote sensing organization could play an important role in international cooperation and the distribution of scientific, commercial, and public good data.

Distributed situation awareness in complex collaborative systems: A field study of bridge operations on platform supply vessels

PubMed Central

Sandhåland, Hilde; Oltedal, Helle A; Hystad, Sigurd W; Eid, Jarle

2015-01-01

This study provides empirical data about shipboard practices in bridge operations on board a selection of platform supply vessels (PSVs). Using the theoretical concept of distributed situation awareness, the study examines how situation awareness (SA)-related information is distributed and coordinated at the bridge. This study thus favours a systems approach to studying SA, viewing it not as a phenomenon that solely happens in each individual's mind but rather as something that happens between individuals and the tools that they use in a collaborative system. Thus, this study adds to our understanding of SA as a distributed phenomenon. Data were collected in four field studies that lasted between 8 and 14 days on PSVs that operate on the Norwegian continental shelf and UK continental shelf. The study revealed pronounced variations in shipboard practices regarding how the bridge team attended to operational planning, communication procedures, and distracting/interrupting factors during operations. These findings shed new light on how SA might decrease in bridge teams during platform supply operations. The findings from this study emphasize the need to assess and establish shipboard practices that support the bridge teams' SA needs in day-to-day operations. Practitioner points Provides insights into how shipboard practices that are relevant to planning, communication and the occurrence of distracting/interrupting factors are realized in bridge operations. Notes possible areas for improvement to enhance distributed SA in bridge operations. PMID:26028823

Azimuthally invariant Mueller-matrix mapping of biological optically anisotropic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, Yu. O.; Vanchuliak, O.; Bodnar, G. B.; Ushenko, V. O.; Grytsyuk, M.; Pavlyukovich, N.; Pavlyukovich, O. V.; Antonyuk, O.

2017-09-01

A new technique of Mueller-matrix mapping of polycrystalline structure of histological sections of biological tissues is suggested. The algorithms of reconstruction of distribution of parameters of linear and circular dichroism of histological sections liver tissue of mice with different degrees of severity of diabetes are found. The interconnections between such distributions and parameters of linear and circular dichroism of liver of mice tissue histological sections are defined. The comparative investigations of coordinate distributions of parameters of amplitude anisotropy formed by Liver tissue with varying severity of diabetes (10 days and 24 days) are performed. The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of coordinate distributions of the value of linear and circular dichroism are defined. The objective criteria of cause of the degree of severity of the diabetes differentiation are determined.

A development framework for artificial intelligence based distributed operations support systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.; Cottman, Bruce H.

1990-01-01

Advanced automation is required to reduce costly human operations support requirements for complex space-based and ground control systems. Existing knowledge based technologies have been used successfully to automate individual operations tasks. Considerably less progress has been made in integrating and coordinating multiple operations applications for unified intelligent support systems. To fill this gap, SOCIAL, a tool set for developing Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI) systems is being constructed. SOCIAL consists of three primary language based components defining: models of interprocess communication across heterogeneous platforms; models for interprocess coordination, concurrency control, and fault management; and for accessing heterogeneous information resources. DAI applications subsystems, either new or existing, will access these distributed services non-intrusively, via high-level message-based protocols. SOCIAL will reduce the complexity of distributed communications, control, and integration, enabling developers to concentrate on the design and functionality of the target DAI system itself.

Enhanced bimolecular exchange reaction through programmed coordination of a five-coordinate oxovanadium complex for efficient redox mediation in dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Oyaizu, Kenichi; Hayo, Noriko; Sasada, Yoshito; Kato, Fumiaki; Nishide, Hiroyuki

2013-12-07

Electrochemical reversibility and fast bimolecular exchange reaction found for VO(salen) gave rise to a highly efficient redox mediation to enhance the photocurrent of a dye-sensitized solar cell, leading to an excellent photovoltaic performance with a conversion efficiency of 5.4%. A heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant at an electrode (k0) and a second-order rate constant for an electron self-exchange reaction (k(ex)) were proposed as key parameters that dominate the charge transport property, which afforded a novel design concept for the mediators based on their kinetic aspects.

Enhancing Coordination Among the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and National Institutes of Health.

PubMed

Murray, David M; Kaplan, Robert M; Ngo-Metzger, Quyen; Portnoy, Barry; Olkkola, Susanne; Stredrick, Denise; Kuczmarski, Robert J; Goldstein, Amy B; Perl, Harold I; O'Connell, Mary E

2015-09-01

This paper focuses on the relationships among the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF); Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and NIH. After a brief description of the Task Force, AHRQ, NIH, and an example of how they interact, we describe the steps that have been taken recently by NIH to enhance their coordination. We also discuss several challenges that remain and consider potential remedies that NIH, AHRQ, and investigators can take to provide the USPSTF with the data it needs to make recommendations, particularly those pertaining to behavioral interventions. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Nonequilibrium Rate Formula for Collective Motions of Complex Molecular Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanao, Tomohiro; Koon, Wang Sang; Marsden, Jerrold E.

2010-09-01

We propose a compact reaction rate formula that accounts for a non-equilibrium distribution of residence times of complex molecules, based on a detailed study of the coarse-grained phase space of a reaction coordinate. We take the structural transition dynamics of a six-atom Morse cluster between two isomers as a prototype of multi-dimensional molecular reactions. Residence time distribution of one of the isomers shows an exponential decay, while that of the other isomer deviates largely from the exponential form and has multiple peaks. Our rate formula explains such equilibrium and non-equilibrium distributions of residence times in terms of the rates of diffusions of energy and the phase of the oscillations of the reaction coordinate. Rapid diffusions of energy and the phase generally give rise to the exponential decay of residence time distribution, while slow diffusions give rise to a non-exponential decay with multiple peaks. We finally make a conjecture about a general relationship between the rates of the diffusions and the symmetry of molecular mass distributions.

Theoretical Framework for Integrating Distributed Energy Resources into Distribution Systems

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

Lian, Jianming; Wu, Di; Kalsi, Karanjit

This paper focuses on developing a novel theoretical framework for effective coordination and control of a large number of distributed energy resources in distribution systems in order to more reliably manage the future U.S. electric power grid under the high penetration of renewable generation. The proposed framework provides a systematic view of the overall structure of the future distribution systems along with the underlying information flow, functional organization, and operational procedures. It is characterized by the features of being open, flexible and interoperable with the potential to support dynamic system configuration. Under the proposed framework, the energy consumption of variousmore » DERs is coordinated and controlled in a hierarchical way by using market-based approaches. The real-time voltage control is simultaneously considered to complement the real power control in order to keep nodal voltages stable within acceptable ranges during real time. In addition, computational challenges associated with the proposed framework are also discussed with recommended practices.« less

General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

2016-11-01

A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities.

General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

PubMed Central

Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

2016-01-01

A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities. PMID:27853187

Energy materials coordinating committee (EMaCC). Annual technical report, fiscal year 2005

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

None, None

2006-09-29

The DOE Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC) serves primarily to enhance coordination among the Department's materials programs and to further effective use of materials expertise within the Department. These functions are accomplished through the exchange of budgetary and planning information among program managers and through technical meetings/workshops on selected topics involving both DOE and major contractors. In addition, EMaCC assists in obtaining materials-related inputs for both intra- and interagency compilations. Topical subcommittees of the EMaCC are responsible for conducting seminars and otherwise facilitating information flow between DOE organizational units in materials areas of particular importance to the Department. The EMaCCmore » Terms of Reference were recently modified and developed into a Charter that was approved on June 5, 2003. As a result of this reorganization, the existing subcommittees were disbanded and new subcommittees are being formed. The FY 2004 budget summary for DOE Materials Activities is presented on page 8. The distribution of these funds between DOE laboratories, private industry, academia and other organizations is presented in tabular form on page 10. Following the budget summary is a set of detailed program descriptions for the FY 2004 DOE Materials activities. These descriptions are presented according to the organizational structure of the Department. A mission statement, a budget summary listing the project titles and FY 2004 funding, and detailed project summaries are presented for each Assistant Secretary office, the Office of Science, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. The project summaries also provide DOE, laboratory, academic and industrial contacts for each project, as appropriate.« less

Energy materials coordinating committee (EMaCC). Annual technical report, fiscal year 2004

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

none,

2005-08-31

The DOE Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC) serves primarily to enhance coordination among the Department's materials programs and to further effective use of materials expertise within the Department. These functions are accomplished through the exchange of budgetary and planning information among program managers and through technical meetings/workshops on selected topics involving both DOE and major contractors. In addition, EMaCC assists in obtaining materials-related inputs for both intra- and interagency compilations. Topical subcommittees of the EMaCC are responsible for conducting seminars and otherwise facilitating information flow between DOE organizational units in materials areas of particular importance to the Department. The EMaCCmore » Terms of Reference were recently modified and developed into a Charter that was approved on June 5, 2003. As a result of this reorganization, the existing subcommittees were disbanded and new subcommittees are being formed. The FY 2004 budget summary for DOE Materials Activities is presented on page 8. The distribution of these funds between DOE laboratories, private industry, academia and other organizations is presented in tabular form on page 10. Following the budget summary is a set of detailed program descriptions for the FY 2004 DOE Materials activities. These descriptions are presented according to the organizational structure of the Department. A mission statement, a budget summary listing the project titles and FY 2004 funding, and detailed project summaries are presented for each Assistant Secretary office, the Office of Science, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. The project summaries also provide DOE, laboratory, academic and industrial contacts for each project, as appropriate.« less

A method of indirect registration of the coordinates of condylar points with a six-degree-of-freedom jaw tracker.

PubMed

Huang, B Y; Durrant, C J; Johnson, C W L; Murray, G M

2002-06-30

Previous studies have indicated that the location of a condylar point can significantly influence its trajectory. The aim of this investigation was to develop a method of registering the location of radiographically defined condylar points in the coordinate system of a six-degree-of-freedom jaw-tracking device and to determine the accuracy of this method by using a perspex model in one experiment and a dry skull in another. A direct measurement ('the gold standard') of condylar point coordinates in the coordinate system of JAWS3D was done using a three-dimensional (3D) digitizer (MicroScribe-3DX). The indirect measurement used a distributed fiducial marker as the interface between the coordinate system of MicroScribe-3DX (which was used to register the fiducial marker and the JAWS3D coordinate system) and the coordinate system of the CT scans (used to define condyle anatomy and the relation with the fiducial marker). The coordinates of condylar points could then be calculated in the coordinate system of JAWS3D. The results showed that the indirect method could register condylar point coordinates on either side to an accuracy of approximately 0.5 mm.

Effects of Distributed Generation on Overcurrent Relay Coordination and an Adaptive Protection Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilik, Semih C.; Arsoy, Aysen B.

2017-07-01

Integration of distributed generation (DG) such as renewable energy sources to electrical network becomes more prevalent in recent years. Grid connection of DG has effects on load flow directions, voltage profile, short circuit power and especially protection selectivity. Applying traditional overcurrent protection scheme is inconvenient when system reliability and sustainability are considered. If a fault happens in DG connected network, short circuit contribution of DG, creates additional branch element feeding the fault current; compels to consider directional overcurrent (OC) protection scheme. Protection coordination might get lost for changing working conditions when DG sources are connected. Directional overcurrent relay parameters are determined for downstream and upstream relays when different combinations of DG connected singular or plural, on radial test system. With the help of proposed flow chart, relay parameters are updated and coordination between relays kept sustained for different working conditions in DigSILENT PowerFactory program.

Beyond the Niche: Tissue-Level Coordination of Stem Cell Dynamics

PubMed Central

O’Brien, Lucy Erin; Bilder, David

2014-01-01

Adult animals rely on populations of stem cells to ensure organ function throughout their lifetime. Stem cells are governed by signals from stem cell niches, and much is known about how single niches promote stemness and direct stem cell behavior. However, most organs contain a multitude of stem cell–niche units, which are often distributed across the entire expanse of the tissue. Beyond the biology of individual stem cell–niche interactions, the next challenge is to uncover the tissue-level processes that orchestrate spatial control of stem-based renewal, repair, and remodeling throughout a whole organ. Here we examine what is known about higher order mechanisms for interniche coordination in epithelial organs, whose simple geometry offers a promising entry point for understanding the regulation of niche number, distribution, and activity. We also consider the potential existence of stem cell territories and how tissue architecture may influence niche coordination. PMID:23937350

Advanced visualization platform for surgical operating room coordination: distributed video board system.

PubMed

Hu, Peter F; Xiao, Yan; Ho, Danny; Mackenzie, Colin F; Hu, Hao; Voigt, Roger; Martz, Douglas

2006-06-01

One of the major challenges for day-of-surgery operating room coordination is accurate and timely situation awareness. Distributed and secure real-time status information is key to addressing these challenges. This article reports on the design and implementation of a passive status monitoring system in a 19-room surgical suite of a major academic medical center. Key design requirements considered included integrated real-time operating room status display, access control, security, and network impact. The system used live operating room video images and patient vital signs obtained through monitors to automatically update events and operating room status. Images were presented on a "need-to-know" basis, and access was controlled by identification badge authorization. The system delivered reliable real-time operating room images and status with acceptable network impact. Operating room status was visualized at 4 separate locations and was used continuously by clinicians and operating room service providers to coordinate operating room activities.

Probable LAGEOS contributions to a worldwide geodynamics control network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bender, P. L.; Goad, C. C.

1979-01-01

The paper describes simulations performed on the contributions which LAGEOS laser ranging data can make to the establishment of a worldwide geodynamics control network. A distribution of 10 fixed ranging stations was assumed for most of the calculations, and a single 7-day arc was used, measurements assumed to be made every 10 minutes in order to avoid artificial reductions in the uncertainties due to oversampling. Computer simulations were carried out in which the coordinates of the stations and improvements in the gravity field coefficients were solved for simultaneously. It is suggested that good accuracy for station coordinates can be expected, even with the present gravity field model uncertainties, if sufficient measurement accuracy is achieved at a reasonable distribution of stations. Further, it is found that even 2-cm range measurement errors would be likely to be the main source of station coordinate errors in retrospective analyses of LAGEOS ranging results five or six years from now.

Chimpanzees, bonobos and children successfully coordinate in conflict situations.

PubMed

Sánchez-Amaro, Alejandro; Duguid, Shona; Call, Josep; Tomasello, Michael

2017-06-14

Social animals need to coordinate with others to reap the benefits of group-living even when individuals' interests are misaligned. We compare how chimpanzees, bonobos and children coordinate their actions with a conspecific in a Snowdrift game, which provides a model for understanding how organisms coordinate and make decisions under conflict. In study 1, we presented pairs of chimpanzees, bonobos and children with an unequal reward distribution. In the critical condition, the preferred reward could only be obtained by waiting for the partner to act, with the risk that if no one acted, both would lose the rewards. Apes and children successfully coordinated to obtain the rewards. Children used a 'both-partner-pull' strategy and communicated during the task, while some apes relied on an 'only-one-partner-pulls' strategy to solve the task, although there were also signs of strategic behaviour as they waited for their partner to pull when that strategy led to the preferred reward. In study 2, we presented pairs of chimpanzees and bonobos with the same set-up as in study 1 with the addition of a non-social option that provided them with a secure reward. In this situation, apes had to actively decide between the unequal distribution and the alternative. In this set-up, apes maximized their rewards by taking their partners' potential actions into account. In conclusion, children and apes showed clear instances of strategic decision-making to maximize their own rewards while maintaining successful coordination. © 2017 The Author(s).

Development of quantitative analysis method for stereotactic brain image: assessment of reduced accumulation in extent and severity using anatomical segmentation.

PubMed

Mizumura, Sunao; Kumita, Shin-ichiro; Cho, Keiichi; Ishihara, Makiko; Nakajo, Hidenobu; Toba, Masahiro; Kumazaki, Tatsuo

2003-06-01

Through visual assessment by three-dimensional (3D) brain image analysis methods using stereotactic brain coordinates system, such as three-dimensional stereotactic surface projections and statistical parametric mapping, it is difficult to quantitatively assess anatomical information and the range of extent of an abnormal region. In this study, we devised a method to quantitatively assess local abnormal findings by segmenting a brain map according to anatomical structure. Through quantitative local abnormality assessment using this method, we studied the characteristics of distribution of reduced blood flow in cases with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Using twenty-five cases with DAT (mean age, 68.9 years old), all of whom were diagnosed as probable Alzheimer's disease based on NINCDS-ADRDA, we collected I-123 iodoamphetamine SPECT data. A 3D brain map using the 3D-SSP program was compared with the data of 20 cases in the control group, who age-matched the subject cases. To study local abnormalities on the 3D images, we divided the whole brain into 24 segments based on anatomical classification. We assessed the extent of an abnormal region in each segment (rate of the coordinates with a Z-value that exceeds the threshold value, in all coordinates within a segment), and severity (average Z-value of the coordinates with a Z-value that exceeds the threshold value). This method clarified orientation and expansion of reduced accumulation, through classifying stereotactic brain coordinates according to the anatomical structure. This method was considered useful for quantitatively grasping distribution abnormalities in the brain and changes in abnormality distribution.

Shared investment projects and forecasting errors: setting framework conditions for coordination and sequencing data quality activities.

PubMed

Leitner, Stephan; Brauneis, Alexander; Rausch, Alexandra

2015-01-01

In this paper, we investigate the impact of inaccurate forecasting on the coordination of distributed investment decisions. In particular, by setting up a computational multi-agent model of a stylized firm, we investigate the case of investment opportunities that are mutually carried out by organizational departments. The forecasts of concern pertain to the initial amount of money necessary to launch and operate an investment opportunity, to the expected intertemporal distribution of cash flows, and the departments' efficiency in operating the investment opportunity at hand. We propose a budget allocation mechanism for coordinating such distributed decisions The paper provides guidance on how to set framework conditions, in terms of the number of investment opportunities considered in one round of funding and the number of departments operating one investment opportunity, so that the coordination mechanism is highly robust to forecasting errors. Furthermore, we show that-in some setups-a certain extent of misforecasting is desirable from the firm's point of view as it supports the achievement of the corporate objective of value maximization. We then address the question of how to improve forecasting quality in the best possible way, and provide policy advice on how to sequence activities for improving forecasting quality so that the robustness of the coordination mechanism to errors increases in the best possible way. At the same time, we show that wrong decisions regarding the sequencing can lead to a decrease in robustness. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis and prove that-in particular for relatively good forecasters-most of our results are robust to changes in setting the parameters of our multi-agent simulation model.

Shared Investment Projects and Forecasting Errors: Setting Framework Conditions for Coordination and Sequencing Data Quality Activities

PubMed Central

Leitner, Stephan; Brauneis, Alexander; Rausch, Alexandra

2015-01-01

In this paper, we investigate the impact of inaccurate forecasting on the coordination of distributed investment decisions. In particular, by setting up a computational multi-agent model of a stylized firm, we investigate the case of investment opportunities that are mutually carried out by organizational departments. The forecasts of concern pertain to the initial amount of money necessary to launch and operate an investment opportunity, to the expected intertemporal distribution of cash flows, and the departments’ efficiency in operating the investment opportunity at hand. We propose a budget allocation mechanism for coordinating such distributed decisions The paper provides guidance on how to set framework conditions, in terms of the number of investment opportunities considered in one round of funding and the number of departments operating one investment opportunity, so that the coordination mechanism is highly robust to forecasting errors. Furthermore, we show that—in some setups—a certain extent of misforecasting is desirable from the firm’s point of view as it supports the achievement of the corporate objective of value maximization. We then address the question of how to improve forecasting quality in the best possible way, and provide policy advice on how to sequence activities for improving forecasting quality so that the robustness of the coordination mechanism to errors increases in the best possible way. At the same time, we show that wrong decisions regarding the sequencing can lead to a decrease in robustness. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis and prove that—in particular for relatively good forecasters—most of our results are robust to changes in setting the parameters of our multi-agent simulation model. PMID:25803736

The Cooperative Distributive Education Program for Employers of Cooperative Distributive Education Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwartz, Melvin

The booklet serves to acquaint employers with the cooperative distributive education program in New Jersey. Contents briefly cover facts concerning: the benefits of the program to the employer, conditions of employment of students, the students themselves, what students gain from the program, the role of the teacher coordinator, the students'…

Enhanced CO2 electroreduction efficiency through secondary coordination effects on a pincer iridium catalyst.

PubMed

Ahn, Steven T; Bielinski, Elizabeth A; Lane, Elizabeth M; Chen, Yanqiao; Bernskoetter, Wesley H; Hazari, Nilay; Palmore, G Tayhas R

2015-04-07

An iridium(III) trihydride complex supported by a pincer ligand with a hydrogen bond donor in the secondary coordination sphere promotes the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate in water/acetonitrile with excellent Faradaic efficiency and low overpotential. Preliminary mechanistic experiments indicate formate formation is facile while product release is a kinetically difficult step.

Using microgrids to enhance energy security and resilience

DOE PAGES

Lu, Xiaonan; Wang, Jianhui; Guo, Liping

2016-12-05

Although microgrids are now widely studied, challenges still exist. A reliable control architecture needs to be developed to coordinate different devices. Advanced forecasting and demand response management approaches should be implemented to cope with the intermittence of renewable generation. Furthermore, interconnection issues should be further studied to eliminate the influence of microgrid integration and achieve coordinated operation throughout the system.

State Initiatives To Promote Early Learning: Next Steps in Coordinating Subsidized Child Care, Head Start, and State Prekindergarten. Full Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schumacher, Rachel; Greenberg, Mark; Lombardi, Joan

While current early education and care funding still reaches only a fraction of preschool children, some states now have considerable experience in coordinating subsidized child care, Head Start, and state prekindergarten initiatives to enhance early education and learning opportunities for young children. Drawing on the experiences of Georgia,…

A network approach to decentralized coordination of energy production-consumption grids

PubMed Central

Arenas, Alex

2018-01-01

Energy grids are facing a relatively new paradigm consisting in the formation of local distributed energy sources and loads that can operate in parallel independently from the main power grid (usually called microgrids). One of the main challenges in microgrid-like networks management is that of self-adapting to the production and demands in a decentralized coordinated way. Here, we propose a stylized model that allows to analytically predict the coordination of the elements in the network, depending on the network topology. Surprisingly, almost global coordination is attained when users interact locally, with a small neighborhood, instead of the obvious but more costly all-to-all coordination. We compute analytically the optimal value of coordinated users in random homogeneous networks. The methodology proposed opens a new way of confronting the analysis of energy demand-side management in networked systems. PMID:29364962

Wigner Distribution for Angle Coordinates in Quantum Mechanics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mukunda, N.

1979-01-01

Shows how to extend Wigner distribution functions, and Weyl correspondence between quantum and classical variables, from the usual kind of canonically conjugate position and momentum operators to the case of an angle and angular momentum operator pair. (Author/GA)

Three-dimensional mechanisms of macro-to-micro-scale transport and absorption enhancement by gut villi motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yanxing; Brasseur, James G.

2017-06-01

We evaluate the potential for physiological control of intestinal absorption by the generation of "micromixing layers" (MMLs) induced by coordinated motions of mucosal villi coupled with lumen-scale "macro" eddying motions generated by gut motility. To this end, we apply a three-dimensional (3D) multigrid lattice-Boltzmann model of a lid-driven macroscale cavity flow with microscale fingerlike protuberances at the lower surface. Integrated with a previous 2D study of leaflike villi, we generalize to 3D the 2D mechanisms found there to enhance nutrient absorption by controlled villi motility. In three dimensions, increased lateral spacing within villi within groups that move axially with the macroeddy reduces MML strength and absorptive enhancement relative to two dimensions. However, lateral villi motions create helical 3D particle trajectories that enhance absorption rate to the level of axially moving 2D leaflike villi. The 3D enhancements are associated with interesting fundamental adjustments to 2D micro-macro-motility coordination mechanisms and imply a refined potential for physiological or pharmaceutical control of intestinal absorption.

Using technology to develop and distribute patient education storyboards across a health system.

PubMed

Kisak, Anne Z; Conrad, Kathryn J

2004-01-01

To describe the successful implementation of a centrally designed and managed patient education storyboard project using Microsoft PowerPoint in a large multihospital system and physician-based practice settings. Journal articles, project evaluation, and clinical and educational experience. The use of posters, bulletin boards, and storyboards as educational strategies has been reported widely. Two multidisciplinary committees applied new technology to develop storyboards for patient, family, and general public education. Technology can be used to coordinate centralized development of patient education posters, improving accuracy and content of patient education across a healthcare system while streamlining the development and review process and avoiding duplication of work effort. Storyboards are excellent sources of unit-based current, consistent patient education; reduce duplication of efforts; enhance nursing computer competencies; market nursing expertise; and promote nurse educators.

Simple modification of basic dyes with bulky &symmetric WCAs for improving their solubilities in organic solvents without color change.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong Yun; Hwang, Tae Gyu; Woo, Sung Wun; Lee, Jae Moon; Namgoong, Jin Woong; Yuk, Sim Bum; Chung, Sei-Won; Kim, Jae Pil

2017-04-06

A simple and easy solubility enhancement of basic dyes was performed with bulky and symmetric weakly coordinating anions (WCAs). The WCAs decreased the ionic character of the dyes by broadening the partial charge distribution and causing a screening effect on the ionic bonding. This new modification with WCAs has advantages in that it has no influence on the optical properties of the dyes. The solubilities of unmodified and modified dyes were tested in several organic solvents. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the dyes were measured. Color films were prepared with the dyes and their color loci were analyzed to evaluate the optical properties. By the modification with WCAs, commercial basic dyes showed sufficient solubilities for be applied to various applications while preserving their superior optical properties.

IEEE 802.11e EDCF performance evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Benxiong; Zhang, Fan; Wang, Yan; Wang, Xiaoling

2004-04-01

This paper evaluates the performances of the contention-based channel access mechanism of IEEE 802.11e, called enhanced distributed coordination function (EDCF), compared with the 802.11 legacy MAC in supporting voice, video and data applications through network simulation of a scenario of 802.11e. Then we discuss the effects of Contention Window (CW) and Arbitration Inter-Frame Space (AIFS) on service differentiation and total throughput. We also consider an optional feature of the EDCF, called contention-free burst (CFB). Through our simulation study, we can draw a conclusion that the EDCF with TXOP can provide better-differentiated channel access for different traffic types than EDCF without TXOP especially at high traffic load conditions. But the movements caused by the parameters in CFB seem a lot bouncing and instability when in different application and configuration.

Analysis of media agenda setting during and after Hurricane Katrina: implications for emergency preparedness, disaster response, and disaster policy.

PubMed

Barnes, Michael D; Hanson, Carl L; Novilla, Len M B; Meacham, Aaron T; McIntyre, Emily; Erickson, Brittany C

2008-04-01

Media agenda setting refers to the deliberate coverage of topics or events with the goal of influencing public opinion and public policy. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of 4 prominent newspapers to examine how the media gathered and distributed news to shape public policy priorities during Hurricane Katrina. The media framed most Hurricane Katrina stories by emphasizing government response and less often addressing individuals' and communities' level of preparedness or responsibility. Hence, more articles covered response and recovery than mitigation and preparation. The newspapers studied focused significantly more on government response than on key public health roles in disaster management. We discuss specific implications for public health professionals, policymakers, and mass media so that, in the future, coordination can be enhanced among these entities before, during, and after disasters occur.

INcreasing Security and Protection through Infrastructure REsilience: The INSPIRE Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Antonio, Salvatore; Romano, Luigi; Khelil, Abdelmajid; Suri, Neeraj

The INSPIRE project aims at enhancing the European potential in the field of security by ensuring the protection of critical information infrastructures through (a) the identification of their vulnerabilities and (b) the development of innovative techniques for securing networked process control systems. To increase the resilience of such systems INSPIRE will develop traffic engineering algorithms, diagnostic processes and self-reconfigurable architectures along with recovery techniques. Hence, the core idea of the INSPIRE project is to protect critical information infrastructures by appropriately configuring, managing, and securing the communication network which interconnects the distributed control systems. A working prototype will be implemented as a final demonstrator of selected scenarios. Controls/Communication Experts will support project partners in the validation and demonstration activities. INSPIRE will also contribute to standardization process in order to foster multi-operator interoperability and coordinated strategies for securing lifeline systems.

Polarization-phase diagnostics of latent course of cholelithiasis in patients with chronic cholecystitis combined with diabetes mellitus type 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fediv, O. I.; Ivashchuk, O. I.; Marchuk, Yu. F.; Andriychuk, D. R.

2011-09-01

The principles of optical model of human bile polycrystalline structure are described. The three optical levels - isotropic, liquid-crystal and solid-crystal have been proposed. It has been introduced and proposed the scenarios of phase distribution formation in the boundary field of laser radiation, transformed by bile layers. The experimental scheme of direct measurement of coordinate phase distributions has been presented. The results of investigating the interrelation between the values of correlation and fractal parameters are presented. They characterize the coordinate distributions of phase shifts between the orthogonal components of the amplitude in the points of laser images of bile smears of cholelithiasis patients in combination with other pathologies. The diagnostic criteria of the cholelithiasis nascency and its severity degree differentiation are determined.

The influence of pore structure parameters on the digital core recovery degree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Huifen; Zhao, Ling; Sun, Yanyu; Yuan, Shi

2017-05-01

Constructing digital core in the research of water flooding or polymer flooding oil displacement efficiency has its unique advantage. Using mercury injection experiment measured pore throat size distribution frequency, coordination number measured by CT scanning method and imbibition displacement method is used to measure the wettability of the data, on the basis of considering pore throat ratio, wettability, using the principle of adaptive porosity, on the basis of fitting the permeability to complete the construction of digital core. The results show that the model of throat distribution is concentrated water flooding recovery degree is higher, and distribution is more decentralized model polymer flooding recovery degree is higher. Around the same number of PV in poly, coordination number model of water flooding and polymer flooding recovery degree is higher.

Quantifying care coordination using natural language processing and domain-specific ontology

PubMed Central

Popejoy, Lori L; Khalilia, Mohammed A; Popescu, Mihail; Galambos, Colleen; Lyons, Vanessa; Rantz, Marilyn; Hicks, Lanis; Stetzer, Frank

2015-01-01

Objective This research identifies specific care coordination activities used by Aging in Place (AIP) nurse care coordinators and home healthcare (HHC) nurses when coordinating care for older community-dwelling adults and suggests a method to quantify care coordination. Methods A care coordination ontology was built based on activities extracted from 11 038 notes labeled with the Omaha Case management category. From the parsed narrative notes of every patient, we mapped the extracted activities to the ontology, from which we computed problem profiles and quantified care coordination for all patients. Results We compared two groups of patients: AIP who received enhanced care coordination (n=217) and HHC who received traditional care (n=691) using 128 135 narratives notes. Patients were tracked from the time they were admitted to AIP or HHC until they were discharged. We found that patients in AIP received a higher dose of care coordination than HHC in most Omaha problems, with larger doses being given in AIP than in HHC in all four Omaha categories. Conclusions ‘Communicate’ and ‘manage’ activities are widely used in care coordination. This confirmed the expert hypothesis that nurse care coordinators spent most of their time communicating about their patients and managing problems. Overall, nurses performed care coordination in both AIP and HHC, but the aggregated dose across Omaha problems and categories is larger in AIP. PMID:25324557

Solution Concepts for Distributed Decision-Making without Coordination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beling, Peter A.; Patek, Stephen D.

2005-01-01

Consider a single-stage problem in which we have a group N agents who are attempting to minimize the expected cost of their joint actions, without the benefit of communication or a pre-established protocol but with complete knowledge of the expected cost of any joint set of actions for the group. We call this situation a static coordination problem. The central issue in defining an appropriate solution concept for static coordination problems is considering how to deal with the fact that if the agents axe faced with a set of multiple (mixed) strategies that are equally attractive in terms of cost, a failure of coordination may lead to an expected cost value that is worse than that of any of the strategies in the set. In this proposal, we describe the notion of a general coordination problem, describe initial efforts at developing a solution concept for static coordination problems, and then outline a research agenda that centers on activities that will be basis for obtaining a complete understanding of solutions to static coordination problems.

Clinical implementation of stereotaxic brain implant optimization

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

Rosenow, U.F.; Wojcicka, J.B.

1991-03-01

This optimization method for stereotaxic brain implants is based on seed/strand configurations of the basic type developed for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) atlas of regular brain implants. Irregular target volume shapes are determined from delineation in a stack of contrast enhanced computed tomography scans. The neurosurgeon may then select up to ten directions, or entry points, of surgical approach of which the program finds the optimal one under the criterion of smallest target volume diameter. Target volume cross sections are then reconstructed in 5-mm-spaced planes perpendicular to the implantation direction defined by the entry point and the target volumemore » center. This information is used to define a closed line in an implant cross section along which peripheral seed strands are positioned and which has now an irregular shape. Optimization points are defined opposite peripheral seeds on the target volume surface to which the treatment dose rate is prescribed. Three different optimization algorithms are available: linear least-squares programming, quadratic programming with constraints, and a simplex method. The optimization routine is implemented into a commercial treatment planning system. It generates coordinate and source strength information of the optimized seed configurations for further dose rate distribution calculation with the treatment planning system, and also the coordinate settings for the stereotaxic Brown-Roberts-Wells (BRW) implantation device.« less

The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure MIRRI: Strength through Coordination

PubMed Central

Stackebrandt, Erko; Schüngel, Manuela; Martin, Dunja; Smith, David

2015-01-01

Microbial resources have been recognized as essential raw materials for the advancement of health and later for biotechnology, agriculture, food technology and for research in the life sciences, as their enormous abundance and diversity offer an unparalleled source of unexplored solutions. Microbial domain biological resource centres (mBRC) provide live cultures and associated data to foster and support the development of basic and applied science in countries worldwide and especially in Europe, where the density of highly advanced mBRCs is high. The not-for-profit and distributed project MIRRI (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure) aims to coordinate access to hitherto individually managed resources by developing a pan-European platform which takes the interoperability and accessibility of resources and data to a higher level. Providing a wealth of additional information and linking to datasets such as literature, environmental data, sequences and chemistry will enable researchers to select organisms suitable for their research and enable innovative solutions to be developed. The current independent policies and managed processes will be adapted by partner mBRCs to harmonize holdings, services, training, and accession policy and to share expertise. The infrastructure will improve access to enhanced quality microorganisms in an appropriate legal framework and to resource-associated data in a more interoperable way. PMID:27682123

The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure MIRRI: Strength through Coordination.

PubMed

Stackebrandt, Erko; Schüngel, Manuela; Martin, Dunja; Smith, David

2015-11-18

Microbial resources have been recognized as essential raw materials for the advancement of health and later for biotechnology, agriculture, food technology and for research in the life sciences, as their enormous abundance and diversity offer an unparalleled source of unexplored solutions. Microbial domain biological resource centres (mBRC) provide live cultures and associated data to foster and support the development of basic and applied science in countries worldwide and especially in Europe, where the density of highly advanced mBRCs is high. The not-for-profit and distributed project MIRRI (Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure) aims to coordinate access to hitherto individually managed resources by developing a pan-European platform which takes the interoperability and accessibility of resources and data to a higher level. Providing a wealth of additional information and linking to datasets such as literature, environmental data, sequences and chemistry will enable researchers to select organisms suitable for their research and enable innovative solutions to be developed. The current independent policies and managed processes will be adapted by partner mBRCs to harmonize holdings, services, training, and accession policy and to share expertise. The infrastructure will improve access to enhanced quality microorganisms in an appropriate legal framework and to resource-associated data in a more interoperable way.

MROrchestrator: A Fine-Grained Resource Orchestration Framework for MapReduce Clusters

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

Sharma, Bikash; Prabhakar, Ramya; Kandemir, Mahmut

2012-01-01

Efficient resource management in data centers and clouds running large distributed data processing frameworks like MapReduce is crucial for enhancing the performance of hosted applications and boosting resource utilization. However, existing resource scheduling schemes in Hadoop MapReduce allocate resources at the granularity of fixed-size, static portions of nodes, called slots. In this work, we show that MapReduce jobs have widely varying demands for multiple resources, making the static and fixed-size slot-level resource allocation a poor choice both from the performance and resource utilization standpoints. Furthermore, lack of co-ordination in the management of mul- tiple resources across nodes prevents dynamic slotmore » reconfigura- tion, and leads to resource contention. Motivated by this, we propose MROrchestrator, a MapReduce resource Orchestrator framework, which can dynamically identify resource bottlenecks, and resolve them through fine-grained, co-ordinated, and on- demand resource allocations. We have implemented MROrches- trator on two 24-node native and virtualized Hadoop clusters. Experimental results with a suite of representative MapReduce benchmarks demonstrate up to 38% reduction in job completion times, and up to 25% increase in resource utilization. We further show how popular resource managers like NGM and Mesos when augmented with MROrchestrator can hike up their performance.« less

Digital Piracy: An Assessment of Consumer Piracy Risk and Optimal Supply Chain Coordination Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeong, Bong-Keun

2010-01-01

Digital piracy and the emergence of new distribution channels have changed the dynamics of supply chain coordination and created many interesting problems. There has been increased attention to understanding the phenomenon of consumer piracy behavior and its impact on supply chain profitability. The purpose of this dissertation is to better…

The microcomputer scientific software series 8: the SYCOOR users manual.

Treesearch

Edgar E. Gutierrez-Espeleta; Gary J. Brand

1993-01-01

Describes how to use SYCOOR, an interactive Macintosh program written in BASIC for computing and adjusting synecological coordinates. Site synecological coordinates are indices of moisture, nutrients, heat, and light computed from lists of plant species present at the site. Graphs of a species` distribution in moisture-nutrient and heat-light space are also displayed...

Strengthening Indonesia’s Field Epidemiology Training Programme to address International Health Regulations requirements

PubMed Central

Samaan, Gina; Santoso, Hari; Kushadiwijaya, Haripurnomo; Juwita, Ratna; Mohadir, Andi; Aditama, Tjandra

2010-01-01

Abstract Problem According to the International Health Regulations (IHR), countries need to strengthen core capacity for disease surveillance and response systems. Many countries are establishing or enhancing their field epidemiology training programmes (FETPs) to meet human resource needs but face challenges in sustainability and training quality. Indonesia is facing these challenges, which include limited resources for field training and limited coordination in a newly decentralized health system. Approach A national FETP workplan was developed based on an evaluation of the existing programme and projected human resource needs. A Ministry of Health Secretariat linking universities, national and international partners was established to oversee revision and implementation of the FETP. Local setting The FETP is integrated into the curriculum of Indonesian universities and field training is conducted in district and provincial health offices under the coordination of the universities and the FETP Secretariat. Relevant changes The FETP was included in the Ministry of Health workforce development strategy through governmental decree. Curricula have been enhanced and field placements strengthened to provide trainees with better learning experiences. To improve sustainability of the FETP, links were established with the Indonesian Epidemiologists’ Association, local governments and donors to cultivate future FETP champions and maintain funding. Courses, competitions and discussion forums were established for field supervisors and alumni. These changes have increased the geographic distribution of students, intersectoral and international participation and the quality of student performance. Lessons learnt The main lesson learnt is that linkages with universities, ministries and international agencies such as the World Health Organization are critical for building a sustainable high-quality programme. The most critical factors were development of trusting relationships and clear definitions of the responsibilities of each stakeholder. PMID:20428389

Build-up enhancement of photoluminescence from phenylazomethine bismuth dendrimer using Bi(OTf)3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kambe, Tetsuya; Imaoka, Shotaro; Imaoka, Takane; Yamamoto, Kimihisa

2018-05-01

Metal assembly to a dendrimer can provide various functionalities based on the branched structure. Here, we researched assembly phenomena of bismuth salts in the phenylazomethine dendrimer and achieved enhancement of emission intensity per metal unit by using Bi(OTf)3. This enhancement suggested increasing of Bi-N coordination bonds derived from the bismuth units in the dendrimer.

GEOSS Water Cycle Integrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koike, T.; Lawford, R. G.; Cripe, D.

2012-12-01

It is critically important to recognize and co-manage the fundamental linkages across the water-dependent domains; land use, including deforestation; ecosystem services; and food-, energy- and health-securities. Sharing coordinated, comprehensive and sustained observations and information for sound decision-making is a first step; however, to take full advantage of these opportunities, we need to develop an effective collaboration mechanism for working together across different disciplines, sectors and agencies, and thereby gain a holistic view of the continuity between environmentally sustainable development, climate change adaptation and enhanced resilience. To promote effective multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary collaboration based on coordinated and integrated efforts, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) is now developing a "GEOSS Water Cycle Integrator (WCI)", which integrates "Earth observations", "modeling", "data and information", "management systems" and "education systems". GEOSS/WCI sets up "work benches" by which partners can share data, information and applications in an interoperable way, exchange knowledge and experiences, deepen mutual understanding and work together effectively to ultimately respond to issues of both mitigation and adaptation. (A work bench is a virtual geographical or phenomenological space where experts and managers collaborate to use information to address a problem within that space). GEOSS/WCI enhances the coordination of efforts to strengthen individual, institutional and infrastructure capacities, especially for effective interdisciplinary coordination and integration. GEO has established the GEOSS Asian Water Cycle Initiative (AWCI) and GEOSS African Water Cycle Coordination Initiative (AfWCCI). Through regional, inter-disciplinary, multi-sectoral integration and inter-agency coordination in Asia and Africa, GEOSS/WCI is now leading to effective actions and public awareness in support of water security and sustainable development.

Free energy from molecular dynamics with multiple constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

den Otter, W. K.; Briels, W. J.

In molecular dynamics simulations of reacting systems, the key step to determining the equilibrium constant and the reaction rate is the calculation of the free energy as a function of the reaction coordinate. Intuitively the derivative of the free energy is equal to the average force needed to constrain the reaction coordinate to a constant value, but the metric tensor effect of the constraint on the sampled phase space distribution complicates this relation. The appropriately corrected expression for the potential of mean constraint force method (PMCF) for systems in which only the reaction coordinate is constrained was published recently. Here we will consider the general case of a system with multiple constraints. This situation arises when both the reaction coordinate and the 'hard' coordinates are constrained, and also in systems with several reaction coordinates. The obvious advantage of this method over the established thermodynamic integration and free energy perturbation methods is that it avoids the cumbersome introduction of a full set of generalized coordinates complementing the constrained coordinates. Simulations of n -butane and n -pentane in vacuum illustrate the method.

[Spatial and temporal evolution of the ecological environment and economy coordinated development in Hebei Province, China.

PubMed

Kong, Wei; Ren, Liang; Wang, Shu Jia; Liu, Yu Feng

2016-09-01

Based on the constructed evaluation index system of ecological environment and economy coordinated development in Hebei Province, accompanied by introducing the Coupling Degree Mo-del, the paper estimated the ecological environment comprehensive index, the economic comprehensive index and the coupling degree of ecological environment and economy coordinated development of Hebei Province from 2000 to 2014 and 11 cities in 4 years (2000, 2006, 2010, 2014). The results showed that during the study period, the level of the coordinated development of the eco-logical environment and economy in Hebei Province had been increasing, from the brink of a recession to the well coordinated development, which had gone through 3 evident stages. The coordinating degree of ecological environment and economy of the 11 cities increased year by year, and pre-sented significant difference in spatial distribution. Through analyzing the spatial and temporal evolution mechanism of the ecological environment and economy coordinated development in Hebei Province, the policy, economy, industry and location were the key contributing factors, accordingly, suggestions on the further coordinated development of ecological environment and economy in Hebei Province were proposed.

Medication errors in residential aged care facilities: a distributed cognition analysis of the information exchange process.

PubMed

Tariq, Amina; Georgiou, Andrew; Westbrook, Johanna

2013-05-01

Medication safety is a pressing concern for residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Retrospective studies in RACF settings identify inadequate communication between RACFs, doctors, hospitals and community pharmacies as the major cause of medication errors. Existing literature offers limited insight about the gaps in the existing information exchange process that may lead to medication errors. The aim of this research was to explicate the cognitive distribution that underlies RACF medication ordering and delivery to identify gaps in medication-related information exchange which lead to medication errors in RACFs. The study was undertaken in three RACFs in Sydney, Australia. Data were generated through ethnographic field work over a period of five months (May-September 2011). Triangulated analysis of data primarily focused on examining the transformation and exchange of information between different media across the process. The findings of this study highlight the extensive scope and intense nature of information exchange in RACF medication ordering and delivery. Rather than attributing error to individual care providers, the explication of distributed cognition processes enabled the identification of gaps in three information exchange dimensions which potentially contribute to the occurrence of medication errors namely: (1) design of medication charts which complicates order processing and record keeping (2) lack of coordination mechanisms between participants which results in misalignment of local practices (3) reliance on restricted communication bandwidth channels mainly telephone and fax which complicates the information processing requirements. The study demonstrates how the identification of these gaps enhances understanding of medication errors in RACFs. Application of the theoretical lens of distributed cognition can assist in enhancing our understanding of medication errors in RACFs through identification of gaps in information exchange. Understanding the dynamics of the cognitive process can inform the design of interventions to manage errors and improve residents' safety. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Insecticide-treated nets mass distribution campaign: benefits and lessons in Zambia.

PubMed

Masaninga, Freddie; Mukumbuta, Nawa; Ndhlovu, Ketty; Hamainza, Busiku; Wamulume, Pauline; Chanda, Emmanuel; Banda, John; Mwanza-Ingwe, Mercy; Miller, John M; Ameneshewa, Birkinesh; Mnzava, Abraham; Kawesha-Chizema, Elizabeth

2018-04-24

Zambia was an early adopter of insecticide-treated nets strategy in 2001, and policy for mass distribution with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in 2005. Since then, the country has implemented mass distribution supplemented with routine delivery through antenatal care and under five clinics in health facilities. The national targets of universal (100%) coverage and 80% utilization of LLINs have not been attained. Free mass LLIN distribution campaign in Zambia offers important lessons to inform future campaigns in the African region. This study reviewed LLIN free mass distribution campaign information derived from Zambia's national and World Health Organization Global Malaria Programme annual reports and strategic plans published between 2001 and 2016. In 2014, a nationwide mass distribution campaign in Zambia delivered all the 6.0 million LLINs in 6 out of 10 provinces in 4 months between June and September before the onset of the rainy season. Compared with 235,800 LLINs and 2.9 million LLINs distributed on a rolling basis in 2008 and 2013, respectively, the 2014 mass campaign, which distributed 6 million LLINs represented the largest one-time-nationwide LLIN distribution in Zambia. The province (Luapula) with highest malaria transmission, mostly with rural settings recorded 98-100% sleeping spaces in homes covered with LLINs. The percentage of households owning at least 1 LLIN increased from 50.9% in 2006 to 77.7% in 2015. The 2014 mass campaign involved a coordinated response with substantial investments into macro (central) and micro (district) level planning, capacity building, tracking and logistics management supported by a new non-health sector partnership landscape. Coordination of LLIN distribution and logistics benefited from the mobile phone technology to transmit "real time" data on commodity tracking that facilitated timely delivery to districts. Free mass distribution of LLINs policy was adopted in 2005 in Zambia. Consistently implemented, has not only contributed to increased coverage of LLINs, but has also produced the added value and lessons of strengthening joint planning, strategic coordination, partnerships with non-health sector institutions and community engagement with traditional leaders at community. Furthermore, the mass distribution, through improving coverage has indirect added (spin-off) value or impact on other arthropod-borne diseases, in addition to malaria.

Multispectral histogram normalization contrast enhancement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soha, J. M.; Schwartz, A. A.

1979-01-01

A multispectral histogram normalization or decorrelation enhancement which achieves effective color composites by removing interband correlation is described. The enhancement procedure employs either linear or nonlinear transformations to equalize principal component variances. An additional rotation to any set of orthogonal coordinates is thus possible, while full histogram utilization is maintained by avoiding the reintroduction of correlation. For the three-dimensional case, the enhancement procedure may be implemented with a lookup table. An application of the enhancement to Landsat multispectral scanning imagery is presented.

Experimental comparison of PV-smoothing controllers using distributed generators

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

Johnson, Jay Dean; Ellis, Abraham; Denda, Atsushi

The power output variability of photovoltaic systems can affect local electrical grids in locations with high renewable energy penetrations or weak distribution or transmission systems. In those rare cases, quick controllable generators (e.g., energy storage systems) or loads can counteract the destabilizing effects by compensating for the power fluctuations. Previously, control algorithms for coordinated and uncoordinated operation of a small natural gas engine-generator (genset) and a battery for smoothing PV plant output were optimized using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The simulations demonstrated that a traditional generation resource such as a natural gas genset in combination with a battery would smooth the photovoltaicmore » output while using a smaller battery state of charge (SOC) range and extending the life of the battery. This paper reports on the experimental implementation of the coordinated and uncoordinated controllers to verify the simulations and determine the differences in the controllers. The experiments were performed with the PNM PV and energy storage Prosperity site and a gas engine-generator located at the Aperture Center at Mesa Del Sol in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two field demonstrations were performed to compare the different PV smoothing control algorithms: (1) implementing the coordinated and uncoordinated controls while switching off a subsection of the PV array at precise times on successive clear days, and (2) comparing the results of the battery and genset outputs for the coordinated control on a high variability day with simulations of the coordinated and uncoordinated controls. It was found that for certain PV power profiles the SOC range of the battery may be larger with the coordinated control, but the total amp-hours through the battery-which approximates battery wear-will always be smaller with the coordinated control.« less

Learning organizations, internal marketing, and organizational commitment in hospitals.

PubMed

Tsai, Yafang

2014-04-04

Knowledge capital is becoming more important to healthcare establishments, especially for hospitals that are facing changing societal and industrial patterns. Hospital staff must engage in a process of continual learning to improve their healthcare skills and provide a superior service to their patients. Internal marketing helps hospital administrators to improve the quality of service provided by nursing staff to their patients and allows hospitals to build a learning culture and enhance the organizational commitment of its nursing staff. Our empirical study provides nursing managers with a tool to allow them to initiate a change in the attitudes of nurses towards work, by constructing a new 'learning organization' and using effective internal marketing. A cross-sectional design was employed. Two hundred questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in either a medical centre or a regional hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan, and 114 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate: 57%). The entire process of distribution and returns was completed between 1 October and 31 October 2009. Hypothesis testing was conducted using structural equation modelling. A significant positive correlation was found between the existence of a 'learning organization', internal marketing, and organizational commitment. Internal marketing was a mediator between creating a learning organization and organizational commitment. Nursing managers may be able to apply the creation of a learning organization to strategies that can strengthen employee organizational commitment. Further, when promoting the creation of a learning organization, managers can coordinate their internal marketing practices to enhance the organizational commitment of nurses.

Amorphous-amorphous transition in a porous coordination polymer.

PubMed

Ohtsu, Hiroyoshi; Bennett, Thomas D; Kojima, Tatsuhiro; Keen, David A; Niwa, Yasuhiro; Kawano, Masaki

2017-07-04

The amorphous state plays a key role in porous coordination polymer and metal-organic framework phase transitions. We investigate a crystalline-to-amorphous-to-amorphous-to-crystalline (CAAC) phase transition in a Zn based coordination polymer, by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. We show that the system shows two distinct amorphous phases upon heating. The first involves a reversible transition to a desolvated form of the original network, followed by an irreversible transition to an intermediate phase which has elongated Zn-I bonds.

Flight deck crew coordination indices of workload and situation awareness in terminal operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellis, Kyle Kent Edward

Crew coordination in the context of aviation is a specifically choreographed set of tasks performed by each pilot, defined for each phase of flight. Based on the constructs of effective Crew Resource Management and SOPs for each phase of flight, a shared understanding of crew workload and task responsibility is considered representative of well-coordinated crews. Nominal behavior is therefore defined by SOPs and CRM theory, detectable through pilot eye-scan. This research investigates the relationship between the eye-scan exhibited by each pilot and the level of coordination between crewmembers. Crew coordination was evaluated based on each pilot's understanding of the other crewmember's workload. By contrasting each pilot's workload-understanding, crew coordination was measured as the summed absolute difference of each pilot's understanding of the other crewmember's reported workload, resulting in a crew coordination index. The crew coordination index rates crew coordination on a scale ranging across Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor. Eye-scan behavior metrics were found to reliably identify a reduction in crew coordination. Additionally, crew coordination was successfully characterized by eye-scan behavior data using machine learning classification methods. Identifying eye-scan behaviors on the flight deck indicative of reduced crew coordination can be used to inform training programs and design enhanced avionics that improve the overall coordination between the crewmembers and the flight deck interface. Additionally, characterization of crew coordination can be used to develop methods to increase shared situation awareness and crew coordination to reduce operational and flight technical errors. Ultimately, the ability to reduce operational and flight technical errors made by pilot crews improves the safety of aviation.

Implementation cost analysis of a community-based exercise program for seniors in South Florida.

PubMed

Page, Timothy F; Batra, Anamica; Ghouse, Muddasir M; Palmer, Richard C

2014-07-01

The objective of the study was to measure the costs of implementing the EnhanceFitness program to elderly residents of South Florida. The Health Foundation of South Florida's Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative implemented EnhanceFitness as part of their initiative to make evidence-based healthy aging programs available to South Florida seniors. Cost data were collected from agencies participating in the delivery of EnhanceFitness classes in South Florida. Cost questionnaires were e-mailed to program coordinators from agencies participating in the delivery of EnhanceFitness classes. Program coordinators worked with accounting staff to complete the questionnaires. Questionnaires were returned via e-mail. Costs were presented from the perspective of participating agencies. Total costs were divided by the number of classes being offered by each agency to determine cost per class per month. Average monthly costs per class were $1,713 during the first year of implementation and $873 during the second year of implementation. The cost measurements, combined with information from the literature on cost savings attributable to EnhanceFitness participation, suggest that EnhanceFitness has the potential to generate a net societal cost savings among program participants. The results are useful for community agencies considering implementing EnhanceFitness for their populations. © 2014 Society for Public Health Education.

Design of driving control strategy of torque distribution for two - wheel independent drive electric vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chuanwei; Zhang, Dongsheng; Wen, Jianping

2018-02-01

In order to coordinately control the torque distribution of existing two-wheel independent drive electric vehicle, and improve the energy efficiency and control stability of the whole vehicle, the control strategies based on fuzzy control were designed which adopt the direct yaw moment control as the main line. For realizing the torque coordination simulation of the two-wheel independent drive vehicle, the vehicle model, motor model and tire model were built, including the vehicle 7 - DOF dynamics model, motion equation, torque equation. Finally, in the Carsim - Simulink joint simulation platform, the feasibility of the drive control strategy was verified.

Density-functional theory based on the electron distribution on the energy coordinate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hideaki

2018-03-01

We developed an electronic density functional theory utilizing a novel electron distribution n(ɛ) as a basic variable to compute ground state energy of a system. n(ɛ) is obtained by projecting the electron density n({\\boldsymbol{r}}) defined on the space coordinate {\\boldsymbol{r}} onto the energy coordinate ɛ specified with the external potential {\\upsilon }ext}({\\boldsymbol{r}}) of interest. It was demonstrated that the Kohn-Sham equation can also be formulated with the exchange-correlation functional E xc[n(ɛ)] that employs the density n(ɛ) as an argument. It turned out an exchange functional proposed in our preliminary development suffices to describe properly the potential energies of several types of chemical bonds with comparable accuracies to the corresponding functional based on local density approximation. As a remarkable feature of the distribution n(ɛ) it inherently involves the spatially non-local information of the exchange hole at the bond dissociation limit in contrast to conventional approximate functionals. By taking advantage of this property we also developed a prototype of the static correlation functional E sc including no empirical parameters, which showed marked improvements in describing the dissociations of covalent bonds in {{{H}}}2,{{{C}}}2{{{H}}}4 and {CH}}4 molecules.

VISTILES: Coordinating and Combining Co-located Mobile Devices for Visual Data Exploration.

PubMed

Langner, Ricardo; Horak, Tom; Dachselt, Raimund

2017-08-29

We present VISTILES, a conceptual framework that uses a set of mobile devices to distribute and coordinate visualization views for the exploration of multivariate data. In contrast to desktop-based interfaces for information visualization, mobile devices offer the potential to provide a dynamic and user-defined interface supporting co-located collaborative data exploration with different individual workflows. As part of our framework, we contribute concepts that enable users to interact with coordinated & multiple views (CMV) that are distributed across several mobile devices. The major components of the framework are: (i) dynamic and flexible layouts for CMV focusing on the distribution of views and (ii) an interaction concept for smart adaptations and combinations of visualizations utilizing explicit side-by-side arrangements of devices. As a result, users can benefit from the possibility to combine devices and organize them in meaningful spatial layouts. Furthermore, we present a web-based prototype implementation as a specific instance of our concepts. This implementation provides a practical application case enabling users to explore a multivariate data collection. We also illustrate the design process including feedback from a preliminary user study, which informed the design of both the concepts and the final prototype.

Enhancing bird banding information sharing across the western hemishpere

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rojo, A.; Berlanga, H.; Howes, L.; Tomosy, M.

2007-01-01

Bird banding and marking provide indispensable tools for ornithological research, management, and conservation of migratory birds and their habitats along migratory routes, breeding and non-breeding grounds. With the growing interest in international coordination of tracking bird movements, coordination amongst developing and existing programs is essential for effective data management. The North American Bird Banding Program (Canadian Bird Banding Office and U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory and the Mexican government) has been working to enhance collaboration with other Western Hemisphere countries to establish a voluntary bird banding communication network. This network addresses challenges, such as: demonstrating how sharing banding expertise and information management can support the stewardship of Western Hemisphere migratory birds, ensuring that valuable banding and encounter data are captured and shared. With increasing numbers of international scientific and conservation initiatives, bird banding and marking programs must provide essential international coordination functions as well as support local activities by facilitating access to bands, training, data management and encounter reporting.

A Project to Rewrite and Restructure the Competitive Events for the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Texas Association. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Speary, William A.

A project is reported which accomplished the following objectives: (1) Developed greater awareness among high school distributive education teacher-coordinators and State and area staff toward the competency based concept as applied to the Texas DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Association's competitive events program, (2) identified…

A distributed data base management facility for the CAD/CAM environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balza, R. M.; Beaudet, R. W.; Johnson, H. R.

1984-01-01

Current/PAD research in the area of distributed data base management considers facilities for supporting CAD/CAM data management in a heterogeneous network of computers encompassing multiple data base managers supporting a variety of data models. These facilities include coordinated execution of multiple DBMSs to provide for administration of and access to data distributed across them.

Design of high lift airfoils with a Stratford distribution by the Eppler method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomson, W. G.

1975-01-01

Airfoils having a Stratford pressure distribution, which has zero skin friction in the pressure recovery area, were investigated in an effort to develop high lift airfoils. The Eppler program, an inverse conformal mapping technique where the x and y coordinates of the airfoil are developed from a given velocity distribution, was used.

A crossover randomised and controlled trial of the impact of active video games on motor coordination and perceptions of physical ability in children at risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder.

PubMed

Straker, L; Howie, E; Smith, A; Jensen, L; Piek, J; Campbell, A

2015-08-01

Impaired motor development can significantly affect a child's life and may result in an increased risk of a range of physical and psychological disorders. Active video game (AVG) interventions have been demonstrated to enhance motor skills in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD); however a home-based intervention has not been assessed. The primary aim of this study was to compare the changes in motor coordination between a 16 week period of AVG use, with 16 weeks of normal activities (NAG). The secondary aim was to compare the child and parent perceptions of their physical performance between the AVG and NAG conditions. Twenty-one 9-12 year olds (10 males) were confirmed to be at risk of DCD (⩽ 16th percentile Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2) and ⩽ 15th percentile Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ)) and participated in this crossover randomised and controlled trial. Data was collected at study entry, after the first 16 week condition and following the final 16 week condition, including; (1) the MABC-2, (2) three-dimensional motion analysis of single leg balance and finger-nose tasks, and (3) parent perception of physical skills. Participant perception of physical skills was collected only after the first and second conditions. There was no significant difference between AVG and NAG for any of the primary variables including the MABC-2, balance centre-of-mass path distance and finger-nose path distance. There was no significant intervention effect for secondary measures of motor coordination; however the children perceived their motor skills to be significantly enhanced as a result of the AVG intervention in comparison to the period of no intervention. A 16 week home based AVG intervention did not enhance motor skills in children with DCD, although they perceived their physical skills to be significantly improved. Australia and New Zealand Clinical trials Registry (ACTRN 12611000400965). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A self-learning algorithm for biased molecular dynamics

PubMed Central

Tribello, Gareth A.; Ceriotti, Michele; Parrinello, Michele

2010-01-01

A new self-learning algorithm for accelerated dynamics, reconnaissance metadynamics, is proposed that is able to work with a very large number of collective coordinates. Acceleration of the dynamics is achieved by constructing a bias potential in terms of a patchwork of one-dimensional, locally valid collective coordinates. These collective coordinates are obtained from trajectory analyses so that they adapt to any new features encountered during the simulation. We show how this methodology can be used to enhance sampling in real chemical systems citing examples both from the physics of clusters and from the biological sciences. PMID:20876135

Generic tags for Mn(ii) and Gd(iii) spin labels for distance measurements in proteins.

PubMed

Yang, Yin; Gong, Yan-Jun; Litvinov, Aleksei; Liu, Hong-Kai; Yang, Feng; Su, Xun-Cheng; Goldfarb, Daniella

2017-10-11

High-affinity chelating tags for Gd(iii) and Mn(ii) ions that provide valuable high-resolution distance restraints for biomolecules were used as spin labels for double electron-electron resonance (DEER) measurements. The availability of a generic tag that can bind both metal ions and provide a narrow and predictable distance distribution for both ions is attractive owing to their different EPR-related characteristics. Herein we introduced two paramagnetic tags, 4PSPyMTA and 4PSPyNPDA, which are conjugated to cysteine residues through a stable thioether bond, forming a short and, depending on the metal ion coordination mode, a rigid tether with the protein. These tags exhibit high affinity for both Mn(ii) and Gd(iii) ions. The DEER performance of the 4PSPyMTA and 4PSPyNPDA tags, in complex with Gd(iii) or Mn(ii), was evaluated for three double cysteine mutants of ubiquitin, and the Gd(iii)-Gd(iii) and Mn(ii)-Mn(ii) distance distributions they generated were compared. All three Gd(iii) complexes of the ubiquitin-PyMTA and ubiquitin-PyNPDA conjugates produced similar and expected distance distributions. In contrast, significant variations in the maxima and widths of the distance distributions were observed for the Mn(ii) analogs. Furthermore, whereas PyNPDA-Gd(iii) and PyNPDA-Mn(ii) delivered similar distance distributions, appreciable differences were observed for two mutants with PyMTA, with the Mn(ii) analog exhibiting a broader distance distribution and shorter distances. ELDOR (electron-electron double resonance)-detected NMR measurements revealed some distribution in the Mn(ii) coordination environment for the protein conjugates of both tags but not for the free tags. The broader distance distributions generated by 4PSPyMTA-Mn(ii), as compared with Gd(iii), were attributed to the distributed location of the Mn(ii) ion within the PyMTA chelate owing to its smaller size and lower coordination number that leave the pyridine nitrogen uncoordinated. Accordingly, in terms of distance resolution, 4PSPyNPDA can serve as an effective generic tag for Gd(iii) and Mn(ii), whereas 4PSPyMTA is efficient for Gd(iii) only. This comparison between Gd(iii) and Mn(ii) suggests that PyMTA model compounds may not predict sufficiently well the performance of PyMTA-Mn(ii) as a tag for high-resolution distance measurements in proteins because the protein environment can influence its coordination mode.

Distributive Education: A Promise in Search of a Cause

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hruska, Jack

1975-01-01

An interdisciplinary approach to distributive education would generate an expanded and flexible curriculum where the coordinator could help students develop as intelligent, sensitive, independent, confident, caring, open, and responsible individuals, posessing the kinds of human skills and attitudes employers seek. (Author/BP)

Considerations and Architectures for Inter-Satellite Communications in Distributed Spacecraft Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Bernard; Horne, William; Israel, David; Kwadrat, Carl; Bauer, Frank H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This paper will identify the important characteristics and requirements necessary for inter-satellite communications in distributed spacecraft systems and present analysis results focusing on architectural and protocol comparisons. Emerging spacecraft systems plan to deploy multiple satellites in various "distributed" configurations ranging from close proximity formation flying to widely separated constellations. Distributed spacecraft configurations provide advantages for science exploration and operations since many activities useful for missions may be better served by distributing them between spacecraft. For example, many scientific observations can be enhanced through spatially separated platforms, such as for deep space interferometry. operating multiple distributed spacecraft as a mission requires coordination that may be best provided through inter-satellite communications. For example, several future distributed spacecraft systems envision autonomous operations requiring relative navigational calculations and coordinated attitude and position corrections. To conduct these operations, data must be exchanged between spacecraft. Direct cross-links between satellites provides an efficient and practical method for transferring data and commands. Unlike existing "bent-pipe" relay networks supporting space missions, no standard or widely-used method exists for cross-link communications. Consequently, to support these future missions, the characteristics necessary for inter-satellite communications need to be examined. At first glance, all of the missions look extremely different. Some missions call for tens to hundreds of nano-satellites in constant communications in close proximity to each other. Other missions call for a handful of satellites communicating very slowly over thousands to hundreds of thousands of kilometers. The paper will first classify distributed spacecraft missions to help guide the evaluation and definition of cross-link architectures and approaches. Based on this general classification, the paper will examine general physical layer parameters, such as frequency bands and data rates, necessary to support the missions. The paper will also identify classes of communication architectures that may be employed, ranging from fully distributed to centralized topologies. Numerous factors, such as number of spacecraft, must be evaluated when attempting to pick a communications architecture. Also important is the stability of the formation from a communications standpoint. For example, do all of the spacecraft require equal bandwidth and are spacecraft allowed to enter and leave a formation? The type of science mission being attempted may also heavily influence the communications architecture. In addition, the paper will assess various parameters and characteristics typically associated with the data link layer. The paper will analyze the performance of various multiple access techniques given the operational scenario, requirements, and communication topologies envisioned for missions. This assessment will also include a survey of existing standards and their applicability for distributed spacecraft systems. An important consideration includes the interoperability of the lower layers (physical and data link) examined in this paper with the higher layer protocols(network) envisioned for future space internetworking. Finally, the paper will define a suggested path, including preliminary recommendations, for defining and developing a standard for intersatellite communications based on the classes of distributed spacecraft missions and analysis results.

Efficiency and the Rise of State Coordinating Boards for Higher Education 1905-1945. ASHE Annual Meeting 1980 Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Donald T., Jr.

Developments in American higher education from 1905-1945 to increase efficiency and coordination are discussed. Data were collected on the costs of instruction, utilization of facilities, and the distribution of faculty time in order to find ways to reduce wastage and increase efficiency. A certain amount of this wastage resulted from competition…

Investigation of scale effects in the TRF determined by VLBI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahl, Daniel; Heinkelmann, Robert; Schuh, Harald

2017-04-01

The improvement of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) is of great significance for Earth sciences and one of the major tasks in geodesy. The translation, rotation and the scale-factor, as well as their linear rates, are solved in a 14-parameter transformation between individual frames of each space geodetic technique and the combined frame. In ITRF2008, as well as in the current release ITRF2014, the scale-factor is provided by Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) in equal shares. Since VLBI measures extremely precise group delays that are transformed to baseline lengths by the velocity of light, a natural constant, VLBI is the most suitable method for providing the scale. The aim of the current work is to identify possible shortcomings in the VLBI scale contribution to ITRF2008. For developing recommendations for an enhanced estimation, scale effects in the Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) determined with VLBI are considered in detail and compared to ITRF2008. In contrast to station coordinates, where the scale is defined by a geocentric position vector, pointing from the origin of the reference frame to the station, baselines are not related to the origin. They are describing the absolute scale independently from the datum. The more accurate a baseline length, and consequently the scale, is estimated by VLBI, the better the scale contribution to the ITRF. Considering time series of baseline length between different stations, a non-linear periodic signal can clearly be recognized, caused by seasonal effects at observation sites. Modeling these seasonal effects and subtracting them from the original data enhances the repeatability of single baselines significantly. Other effects influencing the scale strongly, are jumps in the time series of baseline length, mainly evoked by major earthquakes. Co- and post-seismic effects can be identified in the data, having a non-linear character likewise. Modeling the non-linear motion or completely excluding affected stations is another important step for an improved scale determination. In addition to the investigation of single baseline repeatabilities also the spatial transformation, which is performed for determining parameters of the ITRF2008, are considered. Since the reliability of the resulting transformation parameters is higher the more identical points are used in the transformation, an approach where all possible stations are used as control points is comprehensible. Experiments that examine the scale-factor and its spatial behavior between control points in ITRF2008 and coordinates determined by VLBI only showed that the network geometry has a large influence on the outcome as well. Introducing an unequally distributed network for the datum configuration, the correlations between translation parameters and the scale-factor can become remarkably high. Only a homogeneous spatial distribution of participating stations yields a maximally uncorrelated scale-factor that can be interpreted independent from other parameters. In the current release of the ITRF, the ITRF2014, for the first time, non-linear effects in the time series of station coordinates are taken into account. The present work shows the importance and the right direction of the modification of the ITRF calculation. But also further improvements were found which lead to an enhanced scale determination.

Neural basis for hand muscle synergies in the primate spinal cord.

PubMed

Takei, Tomohiko; Confais, Joachim; Tomatsu, Saeka; Oya, Tomomichi; Seki, Kazuhiko

2017-08-08

Grasping is a highly complex movement that requires the coordination of multiple hand joints and muscles. Muscle synergies have been proposed to be the functional building blocks that coordinate such complex motor behaviors, but little is known about how they are implemented in the central nervous system. Here we demonstrate that premotor interneurons (PreM-INs) in the primate cervical spinal cord underlie the spatiotemporal patterns of hand muscle synergies during a voluntary grasping task. Using spike-triggered averaging of hand muscle activity, we found that the muscle fields of PreM-INs were not uniformly distributed across hand muscles but rather distributed as clusters corresponding to muscle synergies. Moreover, although individual PreM-INs have divergent activation patterns, the population activity of PreM-INs reflects the temporal activation of muscle synergies. These findings demonstrate that spinal PreM-INs underlie the muscle coordination required for voluntary hand movements in primates. Given the evolution of neural control of primate hand functions, we suggest that spinal premotor circuits provide the fundamental coordination of multiple joints and muscles upon which more fractionated control is achieved by superimposed, phylogenetically newer, pathways.

AFRICOM: Reconstruction and Stability through the Provisional Reconstruction Team-Enhanced, Enabled by Unity of Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-12

disease to name but a few. With every challenge, however, there exist just as many opportunities to enhance strategic partnership, provide...and disease to name but a few. With every challenge, however, there exist just as many opportunities to enhance strategic partnership, provide...Policy Coordination Committee PCO Project Contracting Office PCRU Post-Conflict Reconstruction Unit PME Professional Military Education PMESII

Enhancing the Undergraduate Computing Experience in Chemical Engineering CACHE Corporation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edgar, Thomas F.

2006-01-01

This white paper focuses on the integration and enhancement of the computing experience for undergraduates throughout the chemical engineering curriculum. The computing experience for undergraduates in chemical engineering should have continuity and be coordinated from course to course, because a single software solution is difficult to achieve in…

Enhanced gamma-ray emission from the FSRQ PKS 0131-522

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piano, G.; Pittori, C.; Verrecchia, F.; Minervini, G.; Lucarelli, F.; Munar-Adrover, P.; Ursi, A.; Bulgarelli, A.; Fioretti, V.; Parmiggiani, N.; Tavani, M.; Donnarumma, I.; Vercellone, S.; Striani, E.; Cardillo, M.; Gianotti, F.; Trifoglio, M.; Giuliani, A.; Mereghetti, S.; Caraveo, P.; Perotti, F.; Chen, A.; Argan, A.; Costa, E.; Del Monte, E.; Evangelista, Y.; Feroci, M.; Lazzarotto, F.; Lapshov, I.; Pacciani, L.; Soffitta, P.; Sabatini, S.; Vittorini, V.; Pucella, G.; Rapisarda, M.; Di Cocco, G.; Fuschino, F.; Galli, M.; Labanti, C.; Marisaldi, M.; Pellizzoni, A.; Pilia, M.; Trois, A.; Barbiellini, G.; Vallazza, E.; Longo, F.; Morselli, A.; Picozza, P.; Prest, M.; Lipari, P.; Zanello, D.; Cattaneo, P. W.; Rappoldi, A.; Colafrancesco, S.; Ferrari, A.; Paoletti, F.; Antonelli, A.; Giommi, P.; Salotti, L.; Valentini, G.; D'Amico, F.

2017-11-01

AGILE is detecting enhanced gamma-ray emission above 100 MeV from the FSRQ PKS 0131-522 (z=0.02; also known as 3FGL J0133.2-5159), at Galactic coordinates (l, b) = (288.4, -63.8) +/- 0.6 deg (stat.) +/- 0.1 deg (sys.).

Functional Two-Dimensional Coordination Polymeric Layer as a Charge Barrier in Li-S Batteries.

PubMed

Huang, Jing-Kai; Li, Mengliu; Wan, Yi; Dey, Sukumar; Ostwal, Mayur; Zhang, Daliang; Yang, Chih-Wen; Su, Chun-Jen; Jeng, U-Ser; Ming, Jun; Amassian, Aram; Lai, Zhiping; Han, Yu; Li, Sean; Li, Lain-Jong

2018-01-23

Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) polymeric layers are capable of separating gases and molecules based on the reported size exclusion mechanism. What is equally important but missing today is an exploration of the 2D layers with charge functionality, which enables applications using the charge exclusion principle. This work demonstrates a simple and scalable method of synthesizing a free-standing 2D coordination polymer Zn 2 (benzimidazolate) 2 (OH) 2 at the air-water interface. The hydroxyl (-OH) groups are stoichiometrically coordinated and implement electrostatic charges in the 2D structures, providing powerful functionality as a charge barrier. Electrochemical performance of the Li-S battery shows that the Zn 2 (benzimidazolate) 2 (OH) 2 coordination polymer layers efficiently mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effects and largely enhance the battery capacity and cycle performance. The synthesis of the proposed coordination polymeric layers is simple, scalable, cost saving, and promising for practical use in batteries.

Where are the NGOs and why? The distribution of health and development NGOs in Bolivia.

PubMed

Galway, Lindsay P; Corbett, Kitty K; Zeng, Leilei

2012-11-23

The presence and influence of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the landscape of global health and development have dramatically increased over the past several decades. The distribution of NGO activity and the ways in which contextual factors influence the distribution of NGO activity across geographies merit study. This paper explores the distribution of NGO activity, using Bolivia as a case study, and identifies local factors that are related to the distribution of NGO activity across municipalities in Bolivia. The research question is addressed using a geographic information system (GIS) and multiple regression analyses of count data. We used count data of the total number of NGO projects across Bolivian municipalities to measure NGO activity both in general and in the health sector specifically and national census data for explanatory variables of interest. This study provides one of the first empirical analyses exploring factors related to the distribution of NGO activity at the national scale. Our analyses show that NGO activity in Bolivia, both in general and health-sector specific, is distributed unevenly across the country. Results indicate that NGO activity is related to population size, extent of urbanization, size of the indigenous population, and health system coverage. Results for NGO activity in general and health-sector specific NGO activity were similar. The uneven distribution of NGO activity may suggest a lack of co-ordination among NGOs working in Bolivia as well as a lack of co-ordination among NGO funders. Co-ordination of NGO activity is most needed in regions characterized by high NGO activity in order to avoid duplication of services and programmes and inefficient use of limited resources. Our findings also indicate that neither general nor health specific NGO activity is related to population need, when defined as population health status or education level or poverty levels. Considering these results we discuss broader implications for global health and development and make several recommendations relevant for development and health practice and research.

Where are the NGOs and why? The distribution of health and development NGOs in Bolivia

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The presence and influence of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the landscape of global health and development have dramatically increased over the past several decades. The distribution of NGO activity and the ways in which contextual factors influence the distribution of NGO activity across geographies merit study. This paper explores the distribution of NGO activity, using Bolivia as a case study, and identifies local factors that are related to the distribution of NGO activity across municipalities in Bolivia. Methods The research question is addressed using a geographic information system (GIS) and multiple regression analyses of count data. We used count data of the total number of NGO projects across Bolivian municipalities to measure NGO activity both in general and in the health sector specifically and national census data for explanatory variables of interest. Results This study provides one of the first empirical analyses exploring factors related to the distribution of NGO activity at the national scale. Our analyses show that NGO activity in Bolivia, both in general and health-sector specific, is distributed unevenly across the country. Results indicate that NGO activity is related to population size, extent of urbanization, size of the indigenous population, and health system coverage. Results for NGO activity in general and health-sector specific NGO activity were similar. Conclusions The uneven distribution of NGO activity may suggest a lack of co-ordination among NGOs working in Bolivia as well as a lack of co-ordination among NGO funders. Co-ordination of NGO activity is most needed in regions characterized by high NGO activity in order to avoid duplication of services and programmes and inefficient use of limited resources. Our findings also indicate that neither general nor health specific NGO activity is related to population need, when defined as population health status or education level or poverty levels. Considering these results we discuss broader implications for global health and development and make several recommendations relevant for development and health practice and research. PMID:23173815

Distributed Coordinated Control of Large-Scale Nonlinear Networks

DOE PAGES

Kundu, Soumya; Anghel, Marian

2015-11-08

We provide a distributed coordinated approach to the stability analysis and control design of largescale nonlinear dynamical systems by using a vector Lyapunov functions approach. In this formulation the large-scale system is decomposed into a network of interacting subsystems and the stability of the system is analyzed through a comparison system. However finding such comparison system is not trivial. In this work, we propose a sum-of-squares based completely decentralized approach for computing the comparison systems for networks of nonlinear systems. Moreover, based on the comparison systems, we introduce a distributed optimal control strategy in which the individual subsystems (agents) coordinatemore » with their immediate neighbors to design local control policies that can exponentially stabilize the full system under initial disturbances.We illustrate the control algorithm on a network of interacting Van der Pol systems.« less

Inactivation of Pde8b enhances memory, motor performance, and protects against age-induced motor coordination decay

PubMed Central

Tsai, Li-Chun Lisa; Chan, Guy Chiu-Kai; Nangle, Shannon N.; Shimizu-Albergine, Masami; Jones, Graham; Storm, Daniel R.; Beavo, Joseph A.; Zweifel, Larry S.

2012-01-01

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are critical regulatory enzymes in cyclic nucleotide signaling. PDEs have diverse expression patterns within the central nervous system (CNS), show differing affinities for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and regulate a vast array of behaviors. Here, we investigated the expression profile of the PDE8 gene family members Pde8a and Pde8b in the mouse brain. We find that Pde8a expression is largely absent in the CNS; by contrast, Pde8b is expressed in select regions of the hippocampus, ventral striatum, and cerebellum. Behavioral analysis of mice with Pde8b gene inactivation (PDE8B KO) demonstrate an enhancement in contextual fear, spatial memory, performance in an appetitive instrumental conditioning task, motor-coordination, and have an attenuation of age-induced motor coordination decline. In addition to improvements observed in select behaviors, we find basal anxiety levels to be increased in PDE8B KO mice. These findings indicate that selective antagonism of PDE8B may be an attractive target for enhancement of cognitive and motor functions; however, possible alterations in affective state will need to be weighed against potential therapeutic value. PMID:22925203

Why fast magnetic reconnection is so prevalent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boozer, Allen H.

2018-02-01

Evolving magnetic fields are shown to generically reach a state of fast magnetic reconnection in which magnetic field line connections change and magnetic energy is released at an Alfvénic rate. This occurs even in plasmas with zero resistivity; only the finiteness of the mass of the lightest charged particle, an electron, is required. The speed and prevalence of Alfvénic or fast magnetic reconnection imply that its cause must be contained within the ideal evolution equation for magnetic fields, , where is the velocity of the magnetic field lines. For a generic , neighbouring magnetic field lines develop a separation that increases exponentially, as \\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E(\\ell ,t)}$ with the distance along a line. This exponentially enhances the sensitivity of the evolution to non-ideal effects. An analogous effect, the importance of stirring to produce a large-scale flow and enhance mixing, has been recognized by cooks through many millennia, but the importance of the large-scale flow to reconnection is customarily ignored. In part this is due to the sixty-year focus of recognition theory on two-coordinate models, which eliminate the exponential enhancement that is generic with three coordinates. A simple three-coordinate model is developed, which could be used to address many unanswered questions.

Quantifying care coordination using natural language processing and domain-specific ontology.

PubMed

Popejoy, Lori L; Khalilia, Mohammed A; Popescu, Mihail; Galambos, Colleen; Lyons, Vanessa; Rantz, Marilyn; Hicks, Lanis; Stetzer, Frank

2015-04-01

This research identifies specific care coordination activities used by Aging in Place (AIP) nurse care coordinators and home healthcare (HHC) nurses when coordinating care for older community-dwelling adults and suggests a method to quantify care coordination. A care coordination ontology was built based on activities extracted from 11,038 notes labeled with the Omaha Case management category. From the parsed narrative notes of every patient, we mapped the extracted activities to the ontology, from which we computed problem profiles and quantified care coordination for all patients. We compared two groups of patients: AIP who received enhanced care coordination (n=217) and HHC who received traditional care (n=691) using 128,135 narratives notes. Patients were tracked from the time they were admitted to AIP or HHC until they were discharged. We found that patients in AIP received a higher dose of care coordination than HHC in most Omaha problems, with larger doses being given in AIP than in HHC in all four Omaha categories. 'Communicate' and 'manage' activities are widely used in care coordination. This confirmed the expert hypothesis that nurse care coordinators spent most of their time communicating about their patients and managing problems. Overall, nurses performed care coordination in both AIP and HHC, but the aggregated dose across Omaha problems and categories is larger in AIP. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Supporting Research at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Through Focused Education and Outreach Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ireton, F.; Closs, J.

2003-12-01

NASA research scientists work closely with Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) personnel at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) on a large variety of education and public outreach (E/PO) initiatives. This work includes assistance in conceptualizing E/PO plans, then carrying through in the development of materials, publication, cataloging, warehousing, and product distribution. For instance, outreach efforts on the Terra, Aqua, and Aura-still in development-EOS missions, as well as planetary and visualization programs, have been coordinated by SSAI employees. E/PO support includes convening and taking part in sessions at professional meetings and workshops. Also included is the coordination of exhibits at professional meetings such as the AGU, AAAS, AMS and educational meetings such as the National Science Teachers Association. Other E/PO efforts include the development and staffing of booths; arranges for booth space and furnishings; shipping of exhibition materials and products; assembling, stocking, and disassembling of booths. E/PO personnel work with organizations external to NASA such as the Smithsonian museum, Library of Congress, U.S. Geological Survey, and associations or societies such as the AGU, American Chemical Society, and National Science Teachers Association to develop products and programs that enhance NASA mission E/PO efforts or to provide NASA information for use in their programs. At GSFC, E/PO personnel coordinate the efforts of the education and public outreach sub-committees in support of the Space and Earth Sciences Data Analysis (SESDA) contract within the GSFC Earth Sciences Directorate. The committee acts as a forum for improving communication and coordination among related Earth science education projects, and strives to unify the representation of these programs among the science and education communities. To facilitate these goals a Goddard Earth Sciences Directorate Education and Outreach Portal has been developed to provide a repository and clearinghouse for upcoming education events, and a speaker's bureau. The committees are planning a series of workshops in the near future to expand participation, and further leverage respective Earth science education and outreach efforts through cooperative work with other NASA centers. Founded in 1977 as a minority, women-owned business, SSAI's staff includes a large and varied pool of scientists, E/PO employees covering a broad range of training and talents. SSAI provides support on a number of NASA related projects at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland ranging from science research to data acquisition, storage, and distribution.

Performance analysis for IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function in radio-over-fiber-based distributed antenna systems.

PubMed

Fan, Yuting; Li, Jianqiang; Xu, Kun; Chen, Hao; Lu, Xun; Dai, Yitang; Yin, Feifei; Ji, Yuefeng; Lin, Jintong

2013-09-09

In this paper, we analyze the performance of IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function in simulcast radio-over-fiber-based distributed antenna systems (RoF-DASs) where multiple remote antenna units (RAUs) are connected to one wireless local-area network (WLAN) access point (AP) with different-length fiber links. We also present an analytical model to evaluate the throughput of the systems in the presence of both the inter-RAU hidden-node problem and fiber-length difference effect. In the model, the unequal delay induced by different fiber length is involved both in the backoff stage and in the calculation of Ts and Tc, which are the period of time when the channel is sensed busy due to a successful transmission or a collision. The throughput performances of WLAN-RoF-DAS in both basic access and request to send/clear to send (RTS/CTS) exchange modes are evaluated with the help of the derived model.

USGS remote sensing coordination for the 2010 Haiti earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duda, Kenneth A.; Jones, Brenda

2011-01-01

In response to the devastating 12 January 2010, earthquake in Haiti, the US Geological Survey (USGS) provided essential coordinating services for remote sensing activities. Communication was rapidly established between the widely distributed response teams and data providers to define imaging requirements and sensor tasking opportunities. Data acquired from a variety of sources were received and archived by the USGS, and these products were subsequently distributed using the Hazards Data Distribution System (HDDS) and other mechanisms. Within six weeks after the earthquake, over 600,000 files representing 54 terabytes of data were provided to the response community. The USGS directly supported a wide variety of groups in their use of these data to characterize post-earthquake conditions and to make comparisons with pre-event imagery. The rapid and continuing response achieved was enabled by existing imaging and ground systems, and skilled personnel adept in all aspects of satellite data acquisition, processing, distribution and analysis. The information derived from image interpretation assisted senior planners and on-site teams to direct assistance where it was most needed.

GEOSS Water Cycle Integrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koike, Toshio; Lawford, Richard; Cripe, Douglas

2013-04-01

It is critically important to recognize and co-manage the fundamental linkages across the water-dependent domains; land use, including deforestation; ecosystem services; and food-, energy- and health-securities. Sharing coordinated, comprehensive and sustained observations and information for sound decision-making is a first step; however, to take full advantage of these opportunities, we need to develop an effective collaboration mechanism for working together across different disciplines, sectors and agencies, and thereby gain a holistic view of the continuity between environmentally sustainable development, climate change adaptation and enhanced resilience. To promote effective multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary collaboration based on coordinated and integrated efforts, the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is implementing the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). A component of GEOSS now under development is the "GEOSS Water Cycle Integrator (WCI)", which integrates Earth observations, modeling, data and information, management systems and education systems. GEOSS/WCI sets up "work benches" by which partners can share data, information and applications in an interoperable way, exchange knowledge and experiences, deepen mutual understanding and work together effectively to ultimately respond to issues of both mitigation and adaptation. (A work bench is a virtual geographical or phenomenological space where experts and managers collaborate to use information to address a problem within that space). GEOSS/WCI enhances the coordination of efforts to strengthen individual, institutional and infrastructure capacities, especially for effective interdisciplinary coordination and integration. GEO has established the GEOSS Asian Water Cycle Initiative (AWCI) and GEOSS African Water Cycle Coordination Initiative (AfWCCI). Through regional, inter-disciplinary, multi-sectoral integration and inter-agency coordination in Asia and Africa, GEOSS/WCI is now leading to effective actions and public awareness in support of water security and sustainable development.

Enhanced arm swing alters interlimb coordination during overground walking in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Ustinova, Ksenia I; Langenderfer, Joseph E; Balendra, Nilanthy

2017-04-01

The current study investigated interlimb coordination in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during overground walking. The study involved 10 participants with coordination, balance, and gait abnormalities post-TBI, as well as 10 sex- and age-matched healthy control individuals. Participants walked 12m under two experimental conditions: 1) at self-selected comfortable walking speeds; and 2) with instructions to increase the amplitude and out-of-phase coordination of arm swinging. The gait was assessed with a set of spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters including the gait velocity, step length and width, double support time, lateral displacement of the center of mass, the amplitude of horizontal trunk rotation, and angular motions at shoulder and hip joints in sagittal plane. Interlimb coordination (coupling) was analyzed as the relative phase angles between the left and right shoulders, hips, and contralateral shoulders and hips, with an ideal out-of-phase coupling of 180° and ideal in-phase coupling of 0°. The TBI group showed much less interlimb coupling of the above pairs of joint motions than the control group. When participants were required to increase and synchronize arm swinging, coupling between shoulder and hip motions was significantly improved in both groups. Enhanced arm swinging was associated with greater hip and shoulder motion amplitudes, and greater step length. No other significant changes in spatiotemporal or kinematic gait characteristics were found in either group. The results suggest that arm swinging may be a gait parameter that, if controlled properly, can improve interlimb coordination during overground walking in patients with TBI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prospects for stakeholder coordination by protected-area managers in Europe.

PubMed

Mattsson, Brady J; Vacik, Harald

2018-02-01

Growing resource demands by humans, invasive species, natural hazards, and a changing climate have created broad-scale impacts and the need for broader-extent conservation activities that span ownerships and even political borders. Implementing regional-scale conservation brings great challenges, and learning how to overcome these challenges is essential for maintaining biodiversity (i.e., richness and evenness of biological communities) and ecosystem functions and services across scales and borders in the face of system change. We administered an online survey to examine factors potentially driving perspectives of protected-area (PA) managers regarding coordination with neighboring PAs and other stakeholders (i.e., stakeholder coordination) for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services during the next decade within diverse regions across Europe. Although >70% (n = 58) of responding PA managers indicated that climate change and invasive species are relevant for their PAs, they gave <50% probability that these threats could be mitigated through stakeholder coordination. They thought there was a >60% probability (n = 85) that stakeholder coordination would take place with the aim to improve conservation outcomes. Consistent with the foundation on which many European PAs were established, managers viewed maintaining or enhancing biodiversity as the most important (>70%; n = 61) expected benefit. Other benefits included maintaining or enhancing human resources and environmental education (range of Bayesian credibility intervals [CIs] 57-93%). They thought the main barriers to stakeholder coordination were the lack of human and economic resources (CI 59-67% chance of hindering; n = 64) followed by communication and interstakeholder differences in political structures and laws (CI 51-64% probability of hindering). European policies and strategies that address these hindering factors could be particularly effective means of enabling implementation of green infrastructure networks in which PAs are the nodes. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

MAVEN Observations of Escaping Planetary Ions from the Martian Atmosphere: Mass, Velocity, and Spatial Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yaxue; Fang, Xiaohua; Brain, D. A.; McFadden, James P.; Halekas, Jasper; Connerney, Jack

2015-04-01

The Mars-solar wind interaction accelerates and transports planetary ions away from the Martian atmosphere through a number of processes, including ‘pick-up’ by electromagnetic fields. The MAVEN spacecraft has made routine observations of escaping planetary ions since its arrival at Mars in September 2014. The SupraThermal And Thermal Ion Composition (STATIC) instrument measures the ion energy, mass, and angular spectra. It has detected energetic planetary ions during most of the spacecraft orbits, which are attributed to the pick-up process. We found significant variations in the escaping ion mass and velocity distributions from the STATIC data, which can be explained by factors such as varying solar wind conditions, contributions of particles from different source locations and different phases during the pick-up process. We also study the spatial distributions of different planetary ion species, which can provide insight into the physics of ion escaping process and enhance our understanding of atmospheric erosion by the solar wind. Our results will be further interpreted within the context of the upstream solar wind conditions measured by the MAVEN Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA) instrument and the magnetic field environment measured by the Magnetometer (MAG) instrument. Our study shows that the ion spatial distribution in the Mars-Sun-Electric-Field (MSE) coordinate system and the velocity space distribution with respect to the local magnetic field line can be used to distinguish the ions escaping through the polar plume and those through the tail region. The contribution of the polar plume ion escape to the total escape rate will also be discussed.

Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program (WARRP) Knowledge Enhancement Working Group: Multi-Agency Coordination After Action Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-23

Kaski Charles Denver Office of Emergency Management Kellar Scott Arapahoe County/NCR Coordinator Krebs Kathleen Clear Creek County Krugman Jim USDA...Mower John Cubic Applications, Inc. Mueller Matt Denver Office of Emergency Management Ridley Teri WARRP Rubenstein Mike Jefferson County...Office of Emergency Management: Scott Field Denver Office of Emergency Management: Pat Williams Douglas County: Fran Santagata Douglas County: Steve

Tuning of Nafion® by HKUST-1 as coordination network to enhance proton conductivity for fuel cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hee Jin; Talukdar, Krishan; Choi, Sang-June

2016-02-01

Metal-organic frameworks can be intentionally coordinated to achieve improved proton conductivity because they have highly ordered structures and modular nature that serve as a scaffold to anchor acidic groups and develop efficient proton transfer pathways for fuel cell application. Using the concept of a coordination network, the conductivity of Nafion® was tuned by the incorporation of HKUST-1. It has CuII-paddle wheel type nodes and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate struts, feature accessible sites that provides an improved protonic channel depending on the water content. In spite of the fact that HKUST-1 is neutral, coordinated water molecules are contributed adequately acidic by CuII to supply protons to enhance proton conductivity. Water molecules play a vital part in transfer of proton as conducting media and serve as triggers to change proton conductivity through reforming hydrogen bonding networks by water adsorption/desorption process. Increased ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity with lower water uptake of the H3PO4-doped material, and improved thermal stability (as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis) were achieved. The structure of HKUST-1 was confirmed via field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, while the porosity and adsorption desorption capacity were characterized by porosity analysis.

Intra- and interbrain synchronization and network properties when playing guitar in duets

PubMed Central

Sänger, Johanna; Müller, Viktor; Lindenberger, Ulman

2012-01-01

To further test and explore the hypothesis that synchronous oscillatory brain activity supports interpersonally coordinated behavior during dyadic music performance, we simultaneously recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) from the brains of each of 12 guitar duets repeatedly playing a modified Rondo in two voices by C.G. Scheidler. Indicators of phase locking and of within-brain and between-brain phase coherence were obtained from complex time-frequency signals based on the Gabor transform. Analyses were restricted to the delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) frequency bands. We found that phase locking as well as within-brain and between-brain phase-coherence connection strengths were enhanced at frontal and central electrodes during periods that put particularly high demands on musical coordination. Phase locking was modulated in relation to the experimentally assigned musical roles of leader and follower, corroborating the functional significance of synchronous oscillations in dyadic music performance. Graph theory analyses revealed within-brain and hyperbrain networks with small-worldness properties that were enhanced during musical coordination periods, and community structures encompassing electrodes from both brains (hyperbrain modules). We conclude that brain mechanisms indexed by phase locking, phase coherence, and structural properties of within-brain and hyperbrain networks support interpersonal action coordination (IAC). PMID:23226120

On the glacial and inter-glacial thermohaline circulation and the associated transports of heat and freshwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballarotta, M.; Falahat, S.; Brodeau, L.; Döös, K.

2014-03-01

The change of the thermohaline circulation (THC) between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ≈ 21 kyr ago) and the present day climate are explored using an Ocean General Circulation Model and stream functions projected in various coordinates. Compared to the present day period, the LGM circulation is reorganised in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Southern Ocean and particularly in the abyssal ocean, mainly due to the different haline stratification. Due to stronger wind stress, the LGM tropical circulation is more vigorous than under modern conditions. Consequently, the maximum tropical transport of heat is slightly larger during the LGM. In the North Atlantic basin, the large sea-ice extent during the LGM constrains the Gulf Stream to propagate in a more zonal direction, reducing the transport of heat towards high latitudes and reorganising the freshwater transport. The LGM circulation is represented as a large intrusion of saline Antarctic Bottom Water into the Northern Hemisphere basins. As a result, the North Atlantic Deep Water is shallower in the LGM simulation. The stream functions in latitude-salinity coordinates and thermohaline coordinates point out the different haline regimes between the glacial and interglacial period, as well as a LGM Conveyor Belt circulation largely driven by enhanced salinity contrast between the Atlantic and the Pacific basin. The thermohaline structure in the LGM simulation is the result of an abyssal circulation that lifts and deviates the Conveyor Belt cell from the area of maximum volumetric distribution, resulting in a ventilated upper layer above a deep stagnant layer, and an Atlantic circulation more isolated from the Pacific. An estimation of the turnover times reveal a deep circulation almost sluggish during the LGM, and a Conveyor Belt cell more vigorous due to the combination of stronger wind stress and shortened circulation route.

Clearwater Focus Watershed; Nez Perce Tribe, 2002-2003 Annual Report.

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

Jones, Ira

2004-01-01

The Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Watershed Division, approaches watershed restoration with a goal to protect, restore, and enhance a connected network of functioning habitat types capable of supporting all fish life stages. Its goal is also to re-establish normal patters of production, dispersal, and exchange of genetic information within the 1855 Treaty Area. The Nez Perce Tribe began watershed restoration projects within the Clearwater River Subbasin in 1996. Progress has been made in restoring the sub-basin by excluding cattle from critical riparian areas through fencing, stabilizing streambanks, decommissioning roads, and upgrading culverts. Coordination of these projectsmore » is critical to the success of the restoration of the sub-basin. Coordination includes: within department coordination, sub-basin assessment and planning, and treaty area coordination.« less

Combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics simulation of Ca2+/ammonia solution based on the ONIOM-XS method: Octahedral coordination and implication to biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerdcharoen, Teerakiat; Morokuma, Keiji

2003-05-01

An extension of the ONIOM (Own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and molecular Mechanics) method [M. Svensson, S. Humbel, R. D. J. Froese, T. Mutsubara, S. Sieber, and K. Morokuma, J. Phys. Chem. 100, 19357 (1996)] for simulation in the condensed phase, called ONIOM-XS (XS=eXtension to Solvation) [T. Kerdcharoen and K. Morokuma, Chem. Phys. Lett. 355, 257 (2002)], was applied to investigate the coordination of Ca2+ in liquid ammonia. A coordination number of 6 is found. Previous simulations based on pair potential or pair potential plus three-body correction gave values of 9 and 8.2, respectively. The new value is the same as the coordination number most frequently listed in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and Protein Data Bank (PDB). N-Ca-N angular distribution reveals a near-octahedral coordination structure. Inclusion of many-body interactions (which amounts to 25% of the pair interactions) into the potential energy surface is essential for obtaining reasonable coordination number. Analyses of the metal coordination in water, water-ammonia mixture, and in proteins reveals that cation/ammonia solution can be used to approximate the coordination environment in proteins.

Office of Naval Research Graduate Fellowship Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-29

fellowships coordinated their 1993 magazine advertisements . Each contractor advertised in four or five journals; and each contractor mentioned the other two...coordinated their 1993 magazine advertisements . Each contractor advertised in four or five journals; and each contractor mentioned the other two programs...for fiscal year 1993. ASEE printed and distributed an announcement of the program to 13,000 individuals and ran full-page advertisements in four

Development of Novel Therapeutics for Neglected Tropical Disease Leishmaniasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited We undertook planning of kick off coordination meeting. A low dose infection model of CL was validated...A large scale synthesis of PEN optimized and in vitro studies were performed revealed that PEN alters parasite lipidome. Further studies were...Pentalinonsterol, Leishmania, cutaneous leishmaniasis, treatment Accomplishments • Undertook planning of kick off coordination meeting • Large scale synthesis of

Coordinated Science Campaign Scheduling for Sensor Webs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edgington, Will; Morris, Robert; Dungan, Jennifer; Williams, Jenny; Carlson, Jean; Fleming, Damian; Wood, Terri; Yorke-Smith, Neil

2005-01-01

Future Earth observing missions will study different aspects and interacting pieces of the Earth's eco-system. Scientists are designing increasingly complex, interdisciplinary campaigns to exploit the diverse capabilities of multiple Earth sensing assets. In addition, spacecraft platforms are being configured into clusters, trains, or other distributed organizations in order to improve either the quality or the coverage of observations. These simultaneous advances in the design of science campaigns and in the missions that will provide the sensing resources to support them offer new challenges in the coordination of data and operations that are not addressed by current practice. For example, the scheduling of scientific observations for satellites in low Earth orbit is currently conducted independently by each mission operations center. An absence of an information infrastructure to enable the scheduling of coordinated observations involving multiple sensors makes it difficult to execute campaigns involving multiple assets. This paper proposes a software architecture and describes a prototype system called DESOPS (Distributed Earth Science Observation Planning and Scheduling) that will address this deficiency.

Coordination of genomic structure and transcription by the main bacterial nucleoid-associated protein HU

PubMed Central

Berger, Michael; Farcas, Anca; Geertz, Marcel; Zhelyazkova, Petya; Brix, Klaudia; Travers, Andrew; Muskhelishvili, Georgi

2010-01-01

The histone-like protein HU is a highly abundant DNA architectural protein that is involved in compacting the DNA of the bacterial nucleoid and in regulating the main DNA transactions, including gene transcription. However, the coordination of the genomic structure and function by HU is poorly understood. Here, we address this question by comparing transcript patterns and spatial distributions of RNA polymerase in Escherichia coli wild-type and hupA/B mutant cells. We demonstrate that, in mutant cells, upregulated genes are preferentially clustered in a large chromosomal domain comprising the ribosomal RNA operons organized on both sides of OriC. Furthermore, we show that, in parallel to this transcription asymmetry, mutant cells are also impaired in forming the transcription foci—spatially confined aggregations of RNA polymerase molecules transcribing strong ribosomal RNA operons. Our data thus implicate HU in coordinating the global genomic structure and function by regulating the spatial distribution of RNA polymerase in the nucleoid. PMID:20010798

Coordinated single-phase control scheme for voltage unbalance reduction in low voltage network.

PubMed

Pullaguram, Deepak; Mishra, Sukumar; Senroy, Nilanjan

2017-08-13

Low voltage (LV) distribution systems are typically unbalanced in nature due to unbalanced loading and unsymmetrical line configuration. This situation is further aggravated by single-phase power injections. A coordinated control scheme is proposed for single-phase sources, to reduce voltage unbalance. A consensus-based coordination is achieved using a multi-agent system, where each agent estimates the averaged global voltage and current magnitudes of individual phases in the LV network. These estimated values are used to modify the reference power of individual single-phase sources, to ensure system-wide balanced voltages and proper power sharing among sources connected to the same phase. Further, the high X / R ratio of the filter, used in the inverter of the single-phase source, enables control of reactive power, to minimize voltage unbalance locally. The proposed scheme is validated by simulating a LV distribution network with multiple single-phase sources subjected to various perturbations.This article is part of the themed issue 'Energy management: flexibility, risk and optimization'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Vibrational spectral investigation on xanthine and its derivatives—theophylline, caffeine and theobromine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunasekaran, S.; Sankari, G.; Ponnusamy, S.

2005-01-01

A normal coordinate analysis has been carried out on four compounds having a similar ring structure with different side chain substitutions, which are xanthine, caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Xanthine is chemically known as 2,6-dihydroxy purine. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are methylated xanthines. Considering the methyl groups as point mass, the number of normal modes of vibrations can be distributed as Γ vib=27 A'+12 A″ based on C s point group symmetry associated with the structures. In the present work 15 A' and 12 A″ normal modes are considered. A new set of orthonormal symmetry co-ordinates have been constructed. Wilson's F- G matrix method has been adopted for the normal coordinate analysis. A satisfactory vibrational band assignment has been made by employing the FTIR and FT Raman spectra of the compounds. The potential energy distribution is calculated with the arrived values of the force constants and hence the agreement of the frequency assignment has been checked.

Homogeneously dispersed, multimetal oxygen-evolving catalysts

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Bo; Zheng, Xueli; Voznyy, Oleksandr; ...

2016-03-24

Earth-abundant first-row (3d) transition-metal-based catalysts have been developed for the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER); however, they operate at overpotentials significantly above thermodynamic requirements. Density functional theory suggested that non-3d high-valency metals such as tungsten can modulate 3d metal oxides, providing near-optimal adsorption energies for OER intermediates. We developed a room-temperature synthesis to produce gelled oxy-hydroxide materials with an atomically homogeneous metal distribution. These gelled FeCoW oxy-hydroxide exhibits the lowest overpotential (191 mV) reported at 10 mA per square centimeter in alkaline electrolyte. Here, the catalyst shows no evidence of degradation following more than 500 hours of operation. X-ray absorption and computationalmore » studies reveal a synergistic interplay between W, Fe and Co in producing a favorable local coordination environment and electronic structure that enhance the energetics for OER.« less

The management of large cabling campaigns during the Long Shutdown 1 of LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meroli, S.; Machado, S.; Formenti, F.; Frans, M.; Guillaume, J. C.; Ricci, D.

2014-03-01

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN entered into its first 18 month-long shutdown period in February 2013. During this period the entire CERN accelerator complex will undergo major consolidation and upgrade works, preparing the machines for LHC operation at nominal energy (7 TeV/beam). One of the most challenging activities concerns the cabling infrastructure (copper and optical fibre cables) serving the CERN data acquisition, networking and control systems. About 1000 kilometres of cables, distributed in different machine areas, will be installed, representing an investment of about 15 MCHF. This implies an extraordinary challenge in terms of project management, including resource and activity planning, work execution and quality control. The preparation phase of this project started well before its implementation, by defining technical solutions and setting financial plans for staff recruitment and material supply. Enhanced task coordination was further implemented by deploying selected competences to form a central support team.

Architectural development of an advanced EVA Electronic System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lavelle, Joseph

1992-01-01

An advanced electronic system for future EVA missions (including zero gravity, the lunar surface, and the surface of Mars) is under research and development within the Advanced Life Support Division at NASA Ames Research Center. As a first step in the development, an optimum system architecture has been derived from an analysis of the projected requirements for these missions. The open, modular architecture centers around a distributed multiprocessing concept where the major subsystems independently process their own I/O functions and communicate over a common bus. Supervision and coordination of the subsystems is handled by an embedded real-time operating system kernel employing multitasking software techniques. A discussion of how the architecture most efficiently meets the electronic system functional requirements, maximizes flexibility for future development and mission applications, and enhances the reliability and serviceability of the system in these remote, hostile environments is included.

The International Human Epigenome Consortium Data Portal.

PubMed

Bujold, David; Morais, David Anderson de Lima; Gauthier, Carol; Côté, Catherine; Caron, Maxime; Kwan, Tony; Chen, Kuang Chung; Laperle, Jonathan; Markovits, Alexei Nordell; Pastinen, Tomi; Caron, Bryan; Veilleux, Alain; Jacques, Pierre-Étienne; Bourque, Guillaume

2016-11-23

The International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) coordinates the production of reference epigenome maps through the characterization of the regulome, methylome, and transcriptome from a wide range of tissues and cell types. To define conventions ensuring the compatibility of datasets and establish an infrastructure enabling data integration, analysis, and sharing, we developed the IHEC Data Portal (http://epigenomesportal.ca/ihec). The portal provides access to >7,000 reference epigenomic datasets, generated from >600 tissues, which have been contributed by seven international consortia: ENCODE, NIH Roadmap, CEEHRC, Blueprint, DEEP, AMED-CREST, and KNIH. The portal enhances the utility of these reference maps by facilitating the discovery, visualization, analysis, download, and sharing of epigenomics data. The IHEC Data Portal is the official source to navigate through IHEC datasets and represents a strategy for unifying the distributed data produced by international research consortia. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of a Multi-mode Flight Deck Decision Support System for Airborne Conflict Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barhydt, Richard; Krishnamurthy, Karthik

2004-01-01

NASA Langley has developed a multi-mode decision support system for pilots operating in a Distributed Air-Ground Traffic Management (DAG-TM) environment. An Autonomous Operations Planner (AOP) assists pilots in performing separation assurance functions, including conflict detection, prevention, and resolution. Ongoing AOP design has been based on a comprehensive human factors analysis and evaluation results from previous human-in-the-loop experiments with airline pilot test subjects. AOP considers complex flight mode interactions and provides flight guidance to pilots consistent with the current aircraft control state. Pilots communicate goals to AOP by setting system preferences and actively probing potential trajectories for conflicts. To minimize training requirements and improve operational use, AOP design leverages existing alerting philosophies, displays, and crew interfaces common on commercial aircraft. Future work will consider trajectory prediction uncertainties, integration with the TCAS collision avoidance system, and will incorporate enhancements based on an upcoming air-ground coordination experiment.

Mode Specific Electronic Friction in Dissociative Chemisorption on Metal Surfaces: H2 on Ag(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Reinhard J.; Jiang, Bin; Guo, Hua; Tully, John C.

2017-06-01

Electronic friction and the ensuing nonadiabatic energy loss play an important role in chemical reaction dynamics at metal surfaces. Using molecular dynamics with electronic friction evaluated on the fly from density functional theory, we find strong mode dependence and a dominance of nonadiabatic energy loss along the bond stretch coordinate for scattering and dissociative chemisorption of H2 on the Ag(111) surface. Exemplary trajectories with varying initial conditions indicate that this mode specificity translates into modulated energy loss during a dissociative chemisorption event. Despite minor nonadiabatic energy loss of about 5%, the directionality of friction forces induces dynamical steering that affects individual reaction outcomes, specifically for low-incidence energies and vibrationally excited molecules. Mode-specific friction induces enhanced loss of rovibrational rather than translational energy and will be most visible in its effect on final energy distributions in molecular scattering experiments.

Homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxygen-evolving catalysts.

PubMed

Zhang, Bo; Zheng, Xueli; Voznyy, Oleksandr; Comin, Riccardo; Bajdich, Michal; García-Melchor, Max; Han, Lili; Xu, Jixian; Liu, Min; Zheng, Lirong; García de Arquer, F Pelayo; Dinh, Cao Thang; Fan, Fengjia; Yuan, Mingjian; Yassitepe, Emre; Chen, Ning; Regier, Tom; Liu, Pengfei; Li, Yuhang; De Luna, Phil; Janmohamed, Alyf; Xin, Huolin L; Yang, Huagui; Vojvodic, Aleksandra; Sargent, Edward H

2016-04-15

Earth-abundant first-row (3d) transition metal-based catalysts have been developed for the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER); however, they operate at overpotentials substantially above thermodynamic requirements. Density functional theory suggested that non-3d high-valency metals such as tungsten can modulate 3d metal oxides, providing near-optimal adsorption energies for OER intermediates. We developed a room-temperature synthesis to produce gelled oxyhydroxides materials with an atomically homogeneous metal distribution. These gelled FeCoW oxyhydroxides exhibit the lowest overpotential (191 millivolts) reported at 10 milliamperes per square centimeter in alkaline electrolyte. The catalyst shows no evidence of degradation after more than 500 hours of operation. X-ray absorption and computational studies reveal a synergistic interplay between tungsten, iron, and cobalt in producing a favorable local coordination environment and electronic structure that enhance the energetics for OER. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Virtual time and time warp on the JPL hypercube. [operating system implementation for distributed simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jefferson, David; Beckman, Brian

1986-01-01

This paper describes the concept of virtual time and its implementation in the Time Warp Operating System at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Virtual time is a distributed synchronization paradigm that is appropriate for distributed simulation, database concurrency control, real time systems, and coordination of replicated processes. The Time Warp Operating System is targeted toward the distributed simulation application and runs on a 32-node JPL Mark II Hypercube.

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Planning Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This planning guide in marketing and distributive education is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator and instructor with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the career field of marketing. Such programs require competencies in sales, sales promotion, buying, transporting, storing, financing, marketing research, and management.…

Food Distribution. The Supermarket Entry Occupations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

South Carolina State Dept. of Education, Columbia. Office of Vocational Education.

This guide is designed to assist the coordinator of the Marketing and Distributive Education Cooperative Education Program in improving and expanding the instructional activities needed to prepare individuals to function in the food industry's entry-level jobs. The instructional material provides information about what is expected of a student…

Large-deformation modal coordinates for nonrigid vehicle dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Likins, P. W.; Fleischer, G. E.

1972-01-01

The derivation of minimum-dimension sets of discrete-coordinate and hybrid-coordinate equations of motion of a system consisting of an arbitrary number of hinge-connected rigid bodies assembled in tree topology is presented. These equations are useful for the simulation of dynamical systems that can be idealized as tree-like arrangements of substructures, with each substructure consisting of either a rigid body or a collection of elastically interconnected rigid bodies restricted to small relative rotations at each connection. Thus, some of the substructures represent elastic bodies subjected to small strains or local deformations, but possibly large gross deformations, in the hybrid formulation, distributed coordinates referred to herein as large-deformation modal coordinates, are used for the deformations of these substructures. The equations are in a form suitable for incorporation into one or more computer programs to be used as multipurpose tools in the simulation of spacecraft and other complex electromechanical systems.

Frequency Response Assessment and Enhancement of the U.S. Power Grids towards Extra-High Photovoltaic Generation Penetrations – an Industry Perspective

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

Liu, Yong; You, Shutang; Tan, Jin

Nonsynchronous generations such as photovoltaics (PVs) are expected to undermine bulk power systems (BPSs)' frequency response at high penetration levels. Though the underlying mechanism has been relatively well understood, the accurate assessment and effective enhancement of the U.S. interconnections, frequency response under extra-high PV penetration conditions remains an issue. In this paper, the industry-provided full-detail interconnection models were further validated by synchrophasor frequency measurements and realistically-projected PV geographic distribution information were used to develop extra-high PV penetration scenarios and dynamic models for the three main U.S. interconnections, including Eastern Interconnection (EI), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), and Electric Reliability Councilmore » of Texas (ERCOT). Up to 65% instantaneous PV and 15% wind penetration were simulated and the frequency response change trend of each U.S. interconnection due to the increasing PV penetration level were examined. Most importantly, the practical solutions to address the declining frequency response were discussed. This paper will provide valuable guidance for policy makers, utility operators and academic researchers not only in the U.S. but also other countries in the world.« less

Glomerular and Mitral-Granule Cell Microcircuits Coordinate Temporal and Spatial Information Processing in the Olfactory Bulb.

PubMed

Cavarretta, Francesco; Marasco, Addolorata; Hines, Michael L; Shepherd, Gordon M; Migliore, Michele

2016-01-01

The olfactory bulb processes inputs from olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) through two levels: the glomerular layer at the site of input, and the granule cell level at the site of output to the olfactory cortex. The sequence of action of these two levels has not yet been examined. We analyze this issue using a novel computational framework that is scaled up, in three-dimensions (3D), with realistic representations of the interactions between layers, activated by simulated natural odors, and constrained by experimental and theoretical analyses. We suggest that the postulated functions of glomerular circuits have as their primary role transforming a complex and disorganized input into a contrast-enhanced and normalized representation, but cannot provide for synchronization of the distributed glomerular outputs. By contrast, at the granule cell layer, the dendrodendritic interactions mediate temporal decorrelation, which we show is dependent on the preceding contrast enhancement by the glomerular layer. The results provide the first insights into the successive operations in the olfactory bulb, and demonstrate the significance of the modular organization around glomeruli. This layered organization is especially important for natural odor inputs, because they activate many overlapping glomeruli.

Frequency Response Assessment and Enhancement of the U.S. Power Grids towards Extra-High Photovoltaic Generation Penetrations – an Industry Perspective

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yong; You, Shutang; Tan, Jin; ...

2018-01-30

Nonsynchronous generations such as photovoltaics (PVs) are expected to undermine bulk power systems (BPSs)' frequency response at high penetration levels. Though the underlying mechanism has been relatively well understood, the accurate assessment and effective enhancement of the U.S. interconnections, frequency response under extra-high PV penetration conditions remains an issue. In this paper, the industry-provided full-detail interconnection models were further validated by synchrophasor frequency measurements and realistically-projected PV geographic distribution information were used to develop extra-high PV penetration scenarios and dynamic models for the three main U.S. interconnections, including Eastern Interconnection (EI), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), and Electric Reliability Councilmore » of Texas (ERCOT). Up to 65% instantaneous PV and 15% wind penetration were simulated and the frequency response change trend of each U.S. interconnection due to the increasing PV penetration level were examined. Most importantly, the practical solutions to address the declining frequency response were discussed. This paper will provide valuable guidance for policy makers, utility operators and academic researchers not only in the U.S. but also other countries in the world.« less

System of multifunctional laser polarimetry of phase and amplitude anisotropy in the diagnosis of endometriosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, Yu. O.; Dubolazov, O. V.; Olar, O. V.

2015-11-01

The theoretical background of azimuthally stable method Jones matrix mapping of histological sections of biopsy of uterine neck on the basis of spatial-frequency selection of the mechanisms of linear and circular birefringence is presented. The comparative results of measuring the coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy formed by polycristalline networks of blood plasma layers of donors (group 1) and patients with endometriosis (group 2). The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of complex degree of mutual anisotropy coordinate distributions are studied. The objective criteria of diagnostics of the pathology and differentiation of its severity degree are determined.

Multifunctional polarization tomography of optical anisotropy of biological layers in diagnosis of endometriosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushenko, O. G.; Koval, L. D.; Dubolazov, O. V.; Ushenko, Yu. O.; Savich, V. O.; Sidor, M. I.; Marchuk, Yu. F.

2015-09-01

The theoretical background of azimuthally stable method Jones matrix mapping of histological sections of biopsy of uterine neck on the basis of spatial-frequency selection of the mechanisms of linear and circular birefringence is presented. The comparative results of measuring the coordinate distributions of complex degree of mutual anisotropy formed by polycristalline networks of blood plasma layers of donors (group 1) and patients with endometriosis (group 2). The values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the 1st - 4th order) parameters of complex degree of mutual anisotropy coordinate distributions are studied. The objective criteria of diagnostics of the pathology and differentiation of its severity degree are determined.

Emergence of distributed coordination in the Kolkata Paise Restaurant problem with finite information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Diptesh; Chakrabarti, Anindya S.

2017-10-01

In this paper, we study a large-scale distributed coordination problem and propose efficient adaptive strategies to solve the problem. The basic problem is to allocate finite number of resources to individual agents in the absence of a central planner such that there is as little congestion as possible and the fraction of unutilized resources is reduced as far as possible. In the absence of a central planner and global information, agents can employ adaptive strategies that uses only a finite knowledge about the competitors. In this paper, we show that a combination of finite information sets and reinforcement learning can increase the utilization fraction of resources substantially.

Feasibility of automated dropsize distributions from holographic data using digital image processing techniques. [particle diameter measurement technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feinstein, S. P.; Girard, M. A.

1979-01-01

An automated technique for measuring particle diameters and their spatial coordinates from holographic reconstructions is being developed. Preliminary tests on actual cold-flow holograms of impinging jets indicate that a suitable discriminant algorithm consists of a Fourier-Gaussian noise filter and a contour thresholding technique. This process identifies circular as well as noncircular objects. The desired objects (in this case, circular or possibly ellipsoidal) are then selected automatically from the above set and stored with their parametric representations. From this data, dropsize distributions as a function of spatial coordinates can be generated and combustion effects due to hardware and/or physical variables studied.

Heat transfer of phase-change materials in two-dimensional cylindrical coordinates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Labdon, M. B.; Guceri, S. I.

1981-01-01

Two-dimensional phase-change problem is numerically solved in cylindrical coordinates (r and z) by utilizing two Taylor series expansions for the temperature distributions in the neighborhood of the interface location. These two expansions form two polynomials in r and z directions. For the regions sufficiently away from the interface the temperature field equations are numerically solved in the usual way and the results are coupled with the polynomials. The main advantages of this efficient approach include ability to accept arbitrarily time dependent boundary conditions of all types and arbitrarily specified initial temperature distributions. A modified approach using a single Taylor series expansion in two variables is also suggested.

Practice and Policy to Enhance Student Induction and Transition: A Case Study of Institution-Wide Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alsford, Sally; Rose, Christine

2014-01-01

This case study gives an analytical account of institutional development in induction provision. Driven by student experience concerns, a London post-1992 University set up an "enhanced induction project" to provide a more integrated, personalised approach through more coordinated processes. In a large, diverse context, university-wide…

Enhancing Overseas Chinese Graduate Employability: The Case of Chinese Graduates with Finnish Academic Qualifications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cai, Yuzhuo

2014-01-01

This paper explores ways to enhance overseas Chinese graduate employability by taking Finnish-educated Chinese students/graduates as an example. In so doing, it understands that graduate employability development is a joint effort of multiple stakeholders including students, graduates, academics, program coordinators, employers, and policymakers.…

Enhancing patient engagement in chronic disease self-management support initiatives in Australia: the need for an integrated approach.

PubMed

Jordan, Joanne E; Briggs, Andrew M; Brand, Caroline A; Osborne, Richard H

2008-11-17

Although emphasis on the prevention of chronic disease is important, governments in Australia need to balance this with continued assistance to the 77% of Australians reported to have at least one long-term medical condition. Self-management support is provided by health care and community services to enhance patients' ability to care for their chronic conditions in a cooperative framework. In Australia, there is a range of self-management support initiatives that have targeted patients (most notably, chronic disease self-management education programs) and health professionals (financial incentives, education and training). To date, there has been little coordination or integration of these self-management initiatives to enhance the patient-health professional clinical encounter. If self-management support is to work, there is a need to better understand the infrastructure, systems and training that are required to engage the key stakeholders - patients, carers, health professionals, and health care organisations. A coordinated approach is required in implementing these elements within existing and new health service models to enhance uptake and sustainability.

Enhanced sampling simulations of DNA step parameters.

PubMed

Karolak, Aleksandra; van der Vaart, Arjan

2014-12-15

A novel approach for the selection of step parameters as reaction coordinates in enhanced sampling simulations of DNA is presented. The method uses three atoms per base and does not require coordinate overlays or idealized base pairs. This allowed for a highly efficient implementation of the calculation of all step parameters and their Cartesian derivatives in molecular dynamics simulations. Good correlation between the calculated and actual twist, roll, tilt, shift, and slide parameters is obtained, while the correlation with rise is modest. The method is illustrated by its application to the methylated and unmethylated 5'-CATGTGACGTCACATG-3' double stranded DNA sequence. One-dimensional umbrella simulations indicate that the flexibility of the central CG step is only marginally affected by methylation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Literature Survey on Operational Voltage Control and Reactive Power Management on Transmission and Sub-Transmission Networks

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

Elizondo, Marcelo A.; Samaan, Nader A.; Makarov, Yuri V.

Voltage and reactive power system control is generally performed following usual patterns of loads, based on off-line studies for daily and seasonal operations. This practice is currently challenged by the inclusion of distributed renewable generation, such as solar. There has been focus on resolving this problem at the distribution level; however, the transmission and sub-transmission levels have received less attention. This paper provides a literature review of proposed methods and solution approaches to coordinate and optimize voltage control and reactive power management, with an emphasis on applications at transmission and sub-transmission level. The conclusion drawn from the survey is thatmore » additional research is needed in the areas of optimizing switch shunt actions and coordinating all available resources to deal with uncertain patterns from increasing distributed renewable generation in the operational time frame. These topics are not deeply explored in the literature.« less

Coordinative Voltage Control Strategy with Multiple Resources for Distribution Systems of High PV Penetration: Preprint

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

Zhu, Xiangqi; Zhang, Yingchen

This paper presents an optimal voltage control methodology with coordination among different voltage-regulating resources, including controllable loads, distributed energy resources such as energy storage and photovoltaics (PV), and utility voltage-regulating devices such as voltage regulators and capacitors. The proposed methodology could effectively tackle the overvoltage and voltage regulation device distortion problems brought by high penetrations of PV to improve grid operation reliability. A voltage-load sensitivity matrix and voltage-regulator sensitivity matrix are used to deploy the resources along the feeder to achieve the control objectives. Mixed-integer nonlinear programming is used to solve the formulated optimization control problem. The methodology has beenmore » tested on the IEEE 123-feeder test system, and the results demonstrate that the proposed approach could actively tackle the voltage problem brought about by high penetrations of PV and improve the reliability of distribution system operation.« less

Coordinated distribution network control of tap changer transformers, capacitors and PV inverters

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

Ceylan, Oğuzhan; Liu, Guodong; Tomsovic, Kevin

A power distribution system operates most efficiently with voltage deviations along a feeder kept to a minimum and must ensure all voltages remain within specified limits. Recently with the increased integration of photovoltaics, the variable power output has led to increased voltage fluctuations and violation of operating limits. This study proposes an optimization model based on a recently developed heuristic search method, grey wolf optimization, to coordinate the various distribution controllers. Several different case studies on IEEE 33 and 69 bus test systems modified by including tap changing transformers, capacitors and photovoltaic solar panels are performed. Simulation results are comparedmore » to two other heuristic-based optimization methods: harmony search and differential evolution. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the method and indicate the usage of reactive power outputs of PVs facilitates better voltage magnitude profile.« less

Coordinated distribution network control of tap changer transformers, capacitors and PV inverters

DOE PAGES

Ceylan, Oğuzhan; Liu, Guodong; Tomsovic, Kevin

2017-06-08

A power distribution system operates most efficiently with voltage deviations along a feeder kept to a minimum and must ensure all voltages remain within specified limits. Recently with the increased integration of photovoltaics, the variable power output has led to increased voltage fluctuations and violation of operating limits. This study proposes an optimization model based on a recently developed heuristic search method, grey wolf optimization, to coordinate the various distribution controllers. Several different case studies on IEEE 33 and 69 bus test systems modified by including tap changing transformers, capacitors and photovoltaic solar panels are performed. Simulation results are comparedmore » to two other heuristic-based optimization methods: harmony search and differential evolution. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the method and indicate the usage of reactive power outputs of PVs facilitates better voltage magnitude profile.« less

Extreme fluctuations in stochastic network coordination with time delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, D.; Molnár, F.; Szymanski, B. K.; Korniss, G.

2015-12-01

We study the effects of uniform time delays on the extreme fluctuations in stochastic synchronization and coordination problems with linear couplings in complex networks. We obtain the average size of the fluctuations at the nodes from the behavior of the underlying modes of the network. We then obtain the scaling behavior of the extreme fluctuations with system size, as well as the distribution of the extremes on complex networks, and compare them to those on regular one-dimensional lattices. For large complex networks, when the delay is not too close to the critical one, fluctuations at the nodes effectively decouple, and the limit distributions converge to the Fisher-Tippett-Gumbel density. In contrast, fluctuations in low-dimensional spatial graphs are strongly correlated, and the limit distribution of the extremes is the Airy density. Finally, we also explore the effects of nonlinear couplings on the stability and on the extremes of the synchronization landscapes.

Variations of structures and solid-state conductivity of isomeric silver(I) coordination polymers having linear and V-shaped thiophene-centered ditriazole ligands

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

Hu, Bin; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, 330063; Geng, Jiao

2014-07-01

A pair of new linear and V-shaped acceptor–donor–acceptor (A−D−A) thiophene-centered ditriazole structural isomers, i.e., 2,5-di(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)thiophene (L{sup 1}) and 3,4-di(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)thiophene (L{sup 2}), has been synthesized and characterized. They are used as μ{sub 2}-bridging ligands to prepare a pair of silver(I) coordination polymers formulated as [Ag(L{sup 1})(NO{sub 3})]{sub n} (1) and [Ag(L{sup 2})(NO{sub 3})]{sub n} (2), which are also structural isomers at the supramolecular level. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses for 1 and 2 reveal that they exhibit the same one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers but different structural architectures because of the distinguishable shape and configuration of isomeric ligands (L{sup 1} and L{sup 2})more » and the alterations of the coordination numbers. More interestingly, compared with the free ligands, 1D silver(I) polymeric isomers 1 and 2 show significant enhancement of solid-state conductivity to different extents (1.42×10{sup 4} and 2.17×10{sup 3} times), where 6.96 times' enhancement of solid-state conductivity from 1 to 2 has been observed. The formation of Ag–N coordinative bonds and the configurational discrepancy of L{sup 1} and L{sup 2} are believed to play important roles in facilitating the electron transport between molecules, which can also be supported by Density Function Theory calculations of their band gaps. - Graphical abstract: A pair of linear and V-shaped isomeric thiophene-centered ditriazole ligands (L{sup 1}) and L{sup 2} are used to prepare a pair of silver(I) polymeric isomers (1 and 2), where significant enhancement of solid-state conductivity to different extents are observed originating from the distinguishable shape and configuration of isomeric ligands. - Highlights: • A pair of linear and V-shaped thiophene-centered ditriazole structural isomers is prepared. • They are used as µ{sub 2}-bridging ligands to prepare a pair of silver(I) polymeric isomers. • Significant enhancement of solid-state conductivity is observed for each polymeric isomer.« less

IPTV multicast with peer-assisted lossy error control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhi; Zhu, Xiaoqing; Begen, Ali C.; Girod, Bernd

2010-07-01

Emerging IPTV technology uses source-specific IP multicast to deliver television programs to end-users. To provide reliable IPTV services over the error-prone DSL access networks, a combination of multicast forward error correction (FEC) and unicast retransmissions is employed to mitigate the impulse noises in DSL links. In existing systems, the retransmission function is provided by the Retransmission Servers sitting at the edge of the core network. In this work, we propose an alternative distributed solution where the burden of packet loss repair is partially shifted to the peer IP set-top boxes. Through Peer-Assisted Repair (PAR) protocol, we demonstrate how the packet repairs can be delivered in a timely, reliable and decentralized manner using the combination of server-peer coordination and redundancy of repairs. We also show that this distributed protocol can be seamlessly integrated with an application-layer source-aware error protection mechanism called forward and retransmitted Systematic Lossy Error Protection (SLEP/SLEPr). Simulations show that this joint PARSLEP/ SLEPr framework not only effectively mitigates the bottleneck experienced by the Retransmission Servers, thus greatly enhancing the scalability of the system, but also efficiently improves the resistance to the impulse noise.

Modeling Natural Variation through Distribution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lehrer, Richard; Schauble, Leona

2004-01-01

This design study tracks the development of student thinking about natural variation as late elementary grade students learned about distribution in the context of modeling plant growth at the population level. The data-modeling approach assisted children in coordinating their understanding of particular cases with an evolving notion of data as an…

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

EPA Science Inventory

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

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Guide in Automotive and Petroleum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, E. Edward; And Others

This curriculum guide is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing. It also provides marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility in planning an automotive and petroleum curriculum. The essential common and specialized competencies are…

Marketing and Distributive Education. Wholesaling Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Marketing and Distributive Education. Food Marketing Curriculum Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Department Networks and Distributed Leadership in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Lima, Jorge Avila

2008-01-01

Many schools are organised into departments which function as contexts that frame teachers' professional experiences in important ways. Some educational systems have adopted distributed forms of leadership within schools that rely strongly on the departmental structure and on the role of the department coordinator as teacher leader. This paper…

Adults Need D.E. Too.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moorman, Jerry Wayne

This handbook for the distributive education coordinator was designed to provide information on adult distributive education (D.E.) and to outline the necessary steps in establishing and conducting an adult program. It begins with an introduction which lists the intrinsic values of adult D.E. and the advantages that these programs offer to the…

Enhancing Saarc Disaster Management: A Comparative Study With Asean Coordinating Centre For Humanitarian Assistance On Disaster Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

countries are collaborating in the field of disaster management.40 Similarly, the military leaders in Myanmar were obligated to accept international...Assessment Team (ERAT), arranged by the ASEAN Secretariat in coordination with the ACDM and the government of Myanmar .42 b. Basis for Regional...in Myanmar : Towards a Regional Initiative?” Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs 30, no. 3 (2008), 370

Application of theory to family-centered care: a role for social workers.

PubMed

Miller, Gary

2012-01-01

Family-centered care is an emerging trend in health care settings today. An explanation, principles, and a definition of family-centered care are offered and discussed. A theoretical framework, Balance Theory of Coordination, which can be utilized by social workers to develop and enhance family-centered care practices, is explained and discussed. Various family-centered care practices are examined within the context of Balance Theory of Coordination as examples.

Max '91: Flare research at the next solar maximum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennis, Brian; Canfield, Richard; Bruner, Marilyn; Emslie, Gordon; Hildner, Ernest; Hudson, Hugh; Hurford, Gordon; Lin, Robert; Novick, Robert; Tarbell, Ted

1988-01-01

To address the central scientific questions surrounding solar flares, coordinated observations of electromagnetic radiation and energetic particles must be made from spacecraft, balloons, rockets, and ground-based observatories. A program to enhance capabilities in these areas in preparation for the next solar maximum in 1991 is recommended. The major scientific issues are described, and required observations and coordination of observations and analyses are detailed. A program plan and conceptual budgets are provided.

Multi-agent coordination algorithms for control of distributed energy resources in smart grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortes, Andres

Sustainable energy is a top-priority for researchers these days, since electricity and transportation are pillars of modern society. Integration of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), is a major engineering challenge in operation and management of power systems. This is due to the uncertain nature of renewable energy technologies and the large amount of extra load that PEVs would add to the power grid. Given the networked structure of a power system, multi-agent control and optimization strategies are natural approaches to address the various problems of interest for the safe and reliable operation of the power grid. The distributed computation in multi-agent algorithms addresses three problems at the same time: i) it allows for the handling of problems with millions of variables that a single processor cannot compute, ii) it allows certain independence and privacy to electricity customers by not requiring any usage information, and iii) it is robust to localized failures in the communication network, being able to solve problems by simply neglecting the failing section of the system. We propose various algorithms to coordinate storage, generation, and demand resources in a power grid using multi-agent computation and decentralized decision making. First, we introduce a hierarchical vehicle-one-grid (V1G) algorithm for coordination of PEVs under usage constraints, where energy only flows from the grid in to the batteries of PEVs. We then present a hierarchical vehicle-to-grid (V2G) algorithm for PEV coordination that takes into consideration line capacity constraints in the distribution grid, and where energy flows both ways, from the grid in to the batteries, and from the batteries to the grid. Next, we develop a greedy-like hierarchical algorithm for management of demand response events with on/off loads. Finally, we introduce distributed algorithms for the optimal control of distributed energy resources, i.e., generation and storage in a microgrid. The algorithms we present are provably correct and tested in simulation. Each algorithm is assumed to work on a particular network topology, and simulation studies are carried out in order to demonstrate their convergence properties to a desired solution.

Lessons Learned In Developing Multiple Distributed Planning Systems for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maxwell, Theresa G.; McNair, Ann R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The planning processes for the International Space Station (ISS) Program are quite complex. Detailed mission planning for ISS on-orbit operations is a distributed function. Pieces of the on-orbit plan are developed by multiple planning organizations, located around the world, based on their respective expertise and responsibilities. The "pieces" are then integrated to yield the final detailed plan that will be executed onboard the ISS. Previous space programs have not distributed the planning and scheduling functions to this extent. Major ISS planning organizations are currently located in the United States (at both the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)), in Russia, in Europe, and in Japan. Software systems have been developed by each of these planning organizations to support their assigned planning and scheduling functions. Although there is some cooperative development and sharing of key software components, each planning system has been tailored to meet the unique requirements and operational environment of the facility in which it operates. However, all the systems must operate in a coordinated fashion in order to effectively and efficiently produce a single integrated plan of ISS operations, in accordance with the established planning processes. This paper addresses lessons learned during the development of these multiple distributed planning systems, from the perspective of the developer of one of the software systems. The lessons focus on the coordination required to allow the multiple systems to operate together, rather than on the problems associated with the development of any particular system. Included in the paper is a discussion of typical problems faced during the development and coordination process, such as incompatible development schedules, difficulties in defining system interfaces, technical coordination and funding for shared tools, continually evolving planning concepts/requirements, programmatic and budget issues, and external influences. Techniques that mitigated some of these problems will also be addressed, along with recommendations for any future programs involving the development of multiple planning and scheduling systems. Many of these lessons learned are not unique to the area of planning and scheduling systems, so may be applied to other distributed ground systems that must operate in concert to successfully support space mission operations.

Lessons Learned in Developing Multiple Distributed Planning Systems for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maxwell, Theresa G.

2002-01-01

The planning processes for the International Space Station (ISS) Program are quite complex. Detailed mission planning for ISS on-orbit operations is a distributed function. Pieces of the on-orbit plan are developed by multiple planning organizations, located around the world, based on their respective expertise and responsibilities. The pieces are then integrated to yield the final detailed plan that will be executed onboard the ISS. Previous space programs have not distributed the planning and scheduling functions to this extent. Major ISS planning organizations are currently located in the United States (at both the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)), in Russia, in Europe, and in Japan. Software systems have been developed by each of these planning organizations to support their assigned planning and scheduling functions. Although there is some cooperative development and sharing of key software components, each planning system has been tailored to meet the unique requirements and operational environment of the facility in which it operates. However, all the systems must operate in a coordinated fashion in order to effectively and efficiently produce a single integrated plan of ISS operations, in accordance with the established planning processes. This paper addresses lessons learned during the development of these multiple distributed planning systems, from the perspective of the developer of one of the software systems. The lessons focus on the coordination required to allow the multiple systems to operate together, rather than on the problems associated with the development of any particular system. Included in the paper is a discussion of typical problems faced during the development and coordination process, such as incompatible development schedules, difficulties in defining system interfaces, technical coordination and funding for shared tools, continually evolving planning concepts/requirements, programmatic and budget issues, and external influences. Techniques that mitigated some of these problems will also be addressed, along with recommendations for any future programs involving the development of multiple planning and scheduling systems. Many of these lessons learned are not unique to the area of planning and scheduling systems, so may be applied to other distributed ground systems that must operate in concert to successfully support space mission operations.

Impact of Relational Coordination on Nurse Job Satisfaction, Work Engagement and Burnout: Achieving the Quadruple Aim.

PubMed

Havens, Donna Sullivan; Gittell, Jody Hoffer; Vasey, Joseph

2018-03-01

To explore how relational coordination, known to enhance quality and efficiency outcomes for patients and hospitals, impacts direct care nurse outcomes such as burnout, work engagement, and job satisfaction, addressing the "Quadruple Aim," to improve the experience of providing care. Hospitals are complex organizations in which multiple providers work interdependently, under conditions of uncertainty and time constraints, to deliver safe quality care despite differences in specialization, training, and status. Relational coordination-communicating and relating for the purpose of task integration-is known to improve quality, safety, and efficiency under these conditions, but less is known about its impact on the well-being of direct care providers themselves. Surveys measuring relational coordination among nurses and other types of providers as well as job-related outcomes in 5 acute care community hospitals were completed by direct care RNs. Relational coordination was significantly related to increased job satisfaction, increased work engagement, and reduced burnout. Relational coordination contributes to the well-being of direct care nurses, addressing the Quadruple Aim by improving the experience of providing care.

Meaningful Use of Data in Care Coordination by the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: The TeleFamilies Project

PubMed Central

Looman, Wendy S.; Erickson, Mary M.; Garwick, Ann W.; Cady, Rhonda G.; Kelly, Anne; Pettey, Carrie; Finkelstein, Stanley M.

2012-01-01

Meaningful use of electronic health records to coordinate care requires skillful synthesis and integration of subjective and objective data by practitioners to provide context for information. This is particularly relevant in the coordination of care for children with complex special health care needs. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework and example of meaningful use within an innovative telenursing intervention to coordinate care for children with complex special health care needs. The TeleFamilies intervention engages an advanced practice nurse in a full-time care coordinator role within an existing hospital-based medical home for children with complex special health care needs. Care coordination is facilitated by the synthesis and integration of internal and external data using an enhanced electronic health record and telehealth encounters via telephone and videoconferencing between the advanced practice nurse and the family at home. The advanced practice nurse’s ability to maintain an updated plan of care that is shared across providers and systems and build a relationship over time with the patient and family supports meaningful use of these data. PMID:22948406

Comparison of predictive estimates of high-latitude electrodynamics with observations of global-scale Birkeland currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Brian J.; Korth, Haje; Welling, Daniel T.; Merkin, Viacheslav G.; Wiltberger, Michael J.; Raeder, Joachim; Barnes, Robin J.; Waters, Colin L.; Pulkkinen, Antti A.; Rastaetter, Lutz

2017-02-01

Two of the geomagnetic storms for the Space Weather Prediction Center Geospace Environment Modeling challenge occurred after data were first acquired by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE). We compare Birkeland currents from AMPERE with predictions from four models for the 4-5 April 2010 and 5-6 August 2011 storms. The four models are the Weimer (2005b) field-aligned current statistical model, the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation, the Open Global Geospace Circulation Model MHD simulation, and the Space Weather Modeling Framework MHD simulation. The MHD simulations were run as described in Pulkkinen et al. (2013) and the results obtained from the Community Coordinated Modeling Center. The total radial Birkeland current, ITotal, and the distribution of radial current density, Jr, for all models are compared with AMPERE results. While the total currents are well correlated, the quantitative agreement varies considerably. The Jr distributions reveal discrepancies between the models and observations related to the latitude distribution, morphologies, and lack of nightside current systems in the models. The results motivate enhancing the simulations first by increasing the simulation resolution and then by examining the relative merits of implementing more sophisticated ionospheric conductance models, including ionospheric outflows or other omitted physical processes. Some aspects of the system, including substorm timing and location, may remain challenging to simulate, implying a continuing need for real-time specification.

Generation of dense granular deposits for porosity analysis: assessment and application of large-scale non-smooth granular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schruff, T.; Liang, R.; Rüde, U.; Schüttrumpf, H.; Frings, R. M.

2018-01-01

The knowledge of structural properties of granular materials such as porosity is highly important in many application-oriented and scientific fields. In this paper we present new results of computer-based packing simulations where we use the non-smooth granular dynamics (NSGD) method to simulate gravitational random dense packing of spherical particles with various particle size distributions and two types of depositional conditions. A bin packing scenario was used to compare simulation results to laboratory porosity measurements and to quantify the sensitivity of the NSGD regarding critical simulation parameters such as time step size. The results of the bin packing simulations agree well with laboratory measurements across all particle size distributions with all absolute errors below 1%. A large-scale packing scenario with periodic side walls was used to simulate the packing of up to 855,600 spherical particles with various particle size distributions (PSD). Simulation outcomes are used to quantify the effect of particle-domain-size ratio on the packing compaction. A simple correction model, based on the coordination number, is employed to compensate for this effect on the porosity and to determine the relationship between PSD and porosity. Promising accuracy and stability results paired with excellent computational performance recommend the application of NSGD for large-scale packing simulations, e.g. to further enhance the generation of representative granular deposits.

Oxytocin selectively modulates brain response to stimuli probing social synchrony.

PubMed

Levy, Jonathan; Goldstein, Abraham; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna; Weisman, Omri; Schneiderman, Inna; Eidelman-Rothman, Moranne; Feldman, Ruth

2016-01-01

The capacity to act collectively within groups has led to the survival and thriving of Homo sapiens. A central group collaboration mechanism is "social synchrony," the coordination of behavior during joint action among affiliative members, which intensifies under threat. Here, we tested brain response to vignettes depicting social synchrony among combat veterans trained for coordinated action and following life-threatening group experience, versus controls, as modulated by oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide supporting social synchrony. Using a randomized, double-blind, within-subject design, 40 combat-trained and control male veterans underwent magnetoencephalography (MEG) twice following OT/placebo administration while viewing two social vignettes rated as highly synchronous: pleasant male social gathering and coordinated unit during combat. Both vignettes activated a wide response across the social brain in the alpha band; the combat scene triggered stronger activations. Importantly, OT effects were modulated by prior experience. Among combat veterans, OT attenuated the increased response to combat stimuli in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) - a hub of social perception, action observation, and mentalizing - and enhanced activation in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) to the pleasant social scene. Among controls, OT enhanced inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) response to combat cues, demonstrating selective OT effects on mirror-neuron and mentalizing networks. OT-enhanced mirror network activity was dampened in veterans reporting higher posttraumatic symptoms. Results demonstrate that the social brain responds online, via modulation of alpha rhythms, to stimuli probing social synchrony, particularly those involving threat to survival, and OT's enhancing versus anxiolytic effects are sensitive to salient experiences within social groups. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of the TiO2 nanoparticle surface enables fluorescence monitoring of aggregation and enhanced photoreactivity.

PubMed

Kamps, Kara; Leek, Rachael; Luebke, Lanette; Price, Race; Nelson, Megan; Simonet, Stephanie; Eggert, David Joeseph; Ateşin, Tülay Aygan; Brown, Eric Michael Bratsolias

2013-01-01

Chemically and biologically modified nanoparticles are increasingly considered as viable and multifunctional tools to be used in cancer theranostics. Herein, we demonstrate that coordination of alizarin blue black B (ABBB) to the TiO(2) nanoparticle surface enhances the resulting nanoparticles by (1) creating distinct fluorescence emission spectra that differentiate smaller TiO(2) nanoparticles from larger TiO(2) nanoparticle aggregates (both in vitro and intracellular) and (2) enhancing visible light activation of TiO(2) nanoparticles above previously described methods to induce in vitro and intracellular damage to DNA and other targets. ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are characterized through sedimentation, spectral absorbance, and gel electrophoresis. The possible coordination modes of ABBB to the TiO(2) nanoparticle surface are modeled by computational methods. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy studies indicate that ABBB coordination on TiO(2) nanoparticles enables discernment between nanoparticles and nanoparticle aggregates both in vitro and intracellular through fluorescence confocal microscopy. Visible light activated ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are capable of inflicting increased DNA cleavage through localized production of reactive oxygen species as visualized by plasmid DNA damage detected through gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. Finally, visible light excited ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles are capable of inflicting damage upon HeLa (cervical cancer) cells by inducing alterations in DNA structure and membrane associated proteins. The multifunctional abilities of these ABBB-TiO(2) nanoparticles to visualize and monitor aggregation in real time, as well as inflict visible light triggered damage upon cancer targets will enhance the use of TiO(2) nanoparticles in cancer theranostics.

Coordinated regulation of IFITM1, 2 and 3 genes by an IFN-responsive enhancer through long-range chromatin interactions.

PubMed

Li, Ping; Shi, Ming-Lei; Shen, Wen-Long; Zhang, Zhang; Xie, De-Jian; Zhang, Xiang-Yuan; He, Chao; Zhang, Yan; Zhao, Zhi-Hu

2017-08-01

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein (IFITM) 1, 2 and 3 genes encode a family of interferon (IFN)-induced transmembrane proteins that block entry of a broad spectrum of pathogens. However, the transcriptional regulation of these genes, especially whether there exist any enhancers and their roles during the IFN induction process remain elusive. Here, through public data mining, episomal luciferase reporter assay and in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we identified an IFN-responsive enhancer located 35kb upstream of IFITM3 gene promoter upregulating the IFN-induced expression of IFITM1, 2 and 3 genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 bound to the enhancer with the treatment of IFN and was indispensable for the enhancer activity. Furthermore, using chromosome conformation capture technique, we revealed that the IFITM1, 2 and 3 genes physically clustered together and constitutively looped to the distal enhancer through long-range interactions in both HEK293 and A549 cells, providing structural basis for coordinated regulation of IFITM1, 2 and 3 by the enhancer. Finally, we showed that in vivo truncation of the enhancer impaired IFN-induced resistance to influenza A virus (IAV) infection. These findings expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of IFITM1, 2 and 3 expression and its ability to mediate IFN signaling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early and Late Inhibitions Elicited by a Peripheral Visual Cue on Manual Response to a Visual Target: Are They Based on Cartesian Coordinates?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gawryszewski, Luiz G.; Carreiro, Luiz Renato R.; Magalhaes, Fabio V.

2005-01-01

A non-informative cue (C) elicits an inhibition of manual reaction time (MRT) to a visual target (T). We report an experiment to examine if the spatial distribution of this inhibitory effect follows Polar or Cartesian coordinate systems. C appeared at one out of 8 isoeccentric (7[degrees]) positions, the C-T angular distances (in polar…

Distributed Learning, Extremum Seeking, and Model-Free Optimization for the Resilient Coordination of Multi-Agent Adversarial Groups

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-07

been demonstrated on maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic arrays and for wind turbines . 3. ES has recently been implemented on the Mars...high-dimensional optimization problems . Extensions and applications of these techniques were developed during the realization of the project. 15...studied problems of dynamic average consensus and a class of unconstrained continuous-time optimization algorithms for the coordination of multiple

Effective Network Management via System-Wide Coordination and Optimization

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

Srinath Sridhar, Matthew Streeter, Jimeng Sun, Michael Tschantz, Rangarajan Vasudevan, Vijay Vasude- van, Gaurav Veda, Shobha Venkataraman, Justin... Sharma and Byers [150] suggest the use of Bloom filters. While minimizing redundant measurements is a common high-level theme between cSamp and their...NSDI, 2004. [150] M. R. Sharma and J. W. Byers. Scalable Coordination Techniques for Distributed Network Monitoring. In Proc. of PAM, 2005. [151] S

An Initial Study Examining the Feasibility of Expert System Technology for Command and Control of Supporting Arms in the United States Marine Corps.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

A 11 7. MISSION TARGET COORDINATION a SAFETY’ CH- ECKS FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATION CENTERS S’. iN NFA jNQQ MSSIN C o CFL RqESSIN81 TARGET NO iYs YS...INITIAL DISTRIBUTION LIST No. Copies I. Defense Technical Information Center 2 Cameron Station Alexandria, Virginia 22304-6145 2. Library, Code 0142 2

Oscillations and stability of numerical solutions of the heat conduction equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kozdoba, L. A.; Levi, E. V.

1976-01-01

The mathematical model and results of numerical solutions are given for the one dimensional problem when the linear equations are written in a rectangular coordinate system. All the computations are easily realizable for two and three dimensional problems when the equations are written in any coordinate system. Explicit and implicit schemes are shown in tabular form for stability and oscillations criteria; the initial temperature distribution is considered uniform.

75 FR 35873 - Meeting; Shipping Coordinating Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-23

... meeting include: --Adoption of the agenda. --Decisions of other IMO bodies. --Development of new generation intact stability criteria. --Guidelines to enhance the safety of small fishing vessels...

In-Situ Studies of Structure Transformation and Al Coordination of KAl(MoO4)2 during Heating by High Temperature Raman and 27Al NMR Spectroscopies

PubMed Central

Wang, Min; You, Jinglin; Sobol, Alexander; Lu, Liming; Wang, Jian; Xie, Yingfang

2017-01-01

Recent interest in optimizing composition and synthesis conditions of functional crystals, and the further exploration of new possible candidates for tunable solid-state lasers, has led to significant research on compounds in this family MIMIII(MVIO4)2 (MI = alkali metal, MIII = Al, In, Sc, Fe, Bi, lanthanide; MVI = Mo, W). The vibrational modes, structure transformation, and Al coordination of crystalline, glassy, and molten states of KAl(MoO4)2 have been investigated by in-situ high temperature Raman scattering and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy, together with first principles density functional simulation of room temperature Raman spectrum. The results showed that, under the present fast quenching conditions, Al is present predominantly in [AlO6] octahedra in both KAl(MoO4)2 glass and melt, with the tetrahedrally coordinated Al being minor at approximately 2.7%. The effect of K+, from ordered arrangement in the crystal to random distribution in the melt, on the local chemical environment of Al, was also revealed. The distribution and quantitative analysis of different Al coordination subspecies are final discussed and found to be dependent on the thermal history of the glass samples. PMID:28772669

In-Situ Studies of Structure Transformation and Al Coordination of KAl(MoO₄)₂ during Heating by High Temperature Raman and 27Al NMR Spectroscopies.

PubMed

Wang, Min; You, Jinglin; Sobol, Alexander; Lu, Liming; Wang, Jian; Xie, Yingfang

2017-03-17

Recent interest in optimizing composition and synthesis conditions of functional crystals, and the further exploration of new possible candidates for tunable solid-state lasers, has led to significant research on compounds in this family M I M III (M VI O₄)₂ (M I = alkali metal, M III = Al, In, Sc, Fe, Bi, lanthanide; M VI = Mo, W). The vibrational modes, structure transformation, and Al coordination of crystalline, glassy, and molten states of KAl(MoO₄)₂ have been investigated by in-situ high temperature Raman scattering and 27 Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy, together with first principles density functional simulation of room temperature Raman spectrum. The results showed that, under the present fast quenching conditions, Al is present predominantly in [AlO₆] octahedra in both KAl(MoO₄)₂ glass and melt, with the tetrahedrally coordinated Al being minor at approximately 2.7%. The effect of K⁺, from ordered arrangement in the crystal to random distribution in the melt, on the local chemical environment of Al, was also revealed. The distribution and quantitative analysis of different Al coordination subspecies are final discussed and found to be dependent on the thermal history of the glass samples.

Designs for thermal harvesting with nonlinear coordinate transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Qingxiang; Fang, Guodong; Liang, Jun

2018-04-01

In this paper a thermal concentrating design method was proposed based on the concept of generating function without knowing the needed coordinate transformation beforehand. The thermal harvesting performance was quantitatively characterized by heat concentrating efficiency and external temperature perturbation. Nonlinear transformations of different forms were employed to design high order thermal concentrators, and corresponding harvesting performances were investigated by numerical simulations. The numerical results shows that the form of coordinate transformation directly influences the distributions of heat flows inside the concentrator, consequently, influences the thermal harvesting behaviors significantly. The concentrating performance can be actively controlled and optimized by changing the form of coordinate transformations. The analysis in this paper offers a beneficial method to flexibly tune the harvesting performance of the thermal concentrator according to the requirements of practical applications.

Effect of reinforcement learning on coordination of multiangent systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukkapatnam, Satish T. S.; Gao, Greg

2000-12-01

For effective coordination of distributed environments involving multiagent systems, learning ability of each agent in the environment plays a crucial role. In this paper, we develop a simple group learning method based on reinforcement, and study its effect on coordination through application to a supply chain procurement scenario involving a computer manufacturer. Here, all parties are represented by self-interested, autonomous agents, each capable of performing specific simple tasks. They negotiate with each other to perform complex tasks and thus coordinate supply chain procurement. Reinforcement learning is intended to enable each agent to reach a best negotiable price within a shortest possible time. Our simulations of the application scenario under different learning strategies reveals the positive effects of reinforcement learning on an agent's as well as the system's performance.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel aminopolycarboxylate complexant for efficient trivalent f-element differentiation: N-butyl-2-acetamide-diethylenetriamine- N, N', N", N"-tetraacetic acid

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

Heathman, Colt R.; Grimes, Travis S.; Jansone-Popova, Santa

The novel metal ion complexant N-butyl-2-acetamide-diethylenetriamine-N,N',N",N"-tetraacetic acid (DTTA-BuA) uses an amide functionalization to increase the total ligand acidity and attain efficient 4f/5f differentiation in low pH conditions. The amide, when located on the diethylenetriamine platform containing four acetate pendant arms maintains the octadentate coordination sphere for all investigated trivalent f-elements. This compact coordination environment inhibits the protonation of LnL- complexes, as indicated by lower K 111 constants relative to the corresponding protonation site of the free ligand. For actinide ions, the enhanced stability of AnL- lowers the K 111 for americium and curium beyond the aptitude of potentiometric detection. Densitymore » functional theory computations indicate the difference in the back-donation ability of Am 3+ and Eu 3+ f-orbitals is mainly responsible for stronger proton affinity of EuL- compared to AmL-. The measured stability constants for the formation of AmL- and CmL- complexes are consistently higher, relative to ML- complexes with lanthanides of similar charge density. When compared with the conventional aminopolycarboxylate diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), the modified DTTA-BuA complexant features higher ligand acidity and the important An 3+/Ln 3+ differentiation when deployed on a liquid–liquid distribution platform.« less

3D magnetic sources' framework estimation using Genetic Algorithm (GA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponte-Neto, C. F.; Barbosa, V. C.

2008-05-01

We present a method for inverting total-field anomaly for determining simple 3D magnetic sources' framework such as: batholiths, dikes, sills, geological contacts, kimberlite and lamproite pipes. We use GA to obtain magnetic sources' frameworks and their magnetic features simultaneously. Specifically, we estimate the magnetization direction (inclination and declination) and the total dipole moment intensity, and the horizontal and vertical positions, in Cartesian coordinates , of a finite set of elementary magnetic dipoles. The spatial distribution of these magnetic dipoles composes the skeletal outlines of the geologic sources. We assume that the geologic sources have a homogeneous magnetization distribution and, thus all dipoles have the same magnetization direction and dipole moment intensity. To implement the GA, we use real-valued encoding with crossover, mutation, and elitism. To obtain a unique and stable solution, we set upper and lower bounds on declination and inclination of [0,360°] and [-90°, 90°], respectively. We also set the criterion of minimum scattering of the dipole-position coordinates, to guarantee that spatial distribution of the dipoles (defining the source skeleton) be as close as possible to continuous distribution. To this end, we fix the upper and lower bounds of the dipole moment intensity and we evaluate the dipole-position estimates. If the dipole scattering is greater than a value expected by the interpreter, the upper bound of the dipole moment intensity is reduced by 10 % of the latter. We repeat this procedure until the dipole scattering and the data fitting are acceptable. We apply our method to noise-corrupted magnetic data from simulated 3D magnetic sources with simple geometries and located at different depths. In tests simulating sources such as sphere and cube, all estimates of the dipole coordinates are agreeing with center of mass of these sources. To elongated-prismatic sources in an arbitrary direction, we estimate dipole-position coordinates coincident with principal axis of sources. In tests with synthetic data, simulating the magnetic anomaly yielded by intrusive 2D structures such as dikes and sills, the estimates of the dipole coordinates are coincident with the principal plane of these 2D sources. We also inverted the aeromagnetic data from Serra do Cabral, in southeastern, Brazil, and we estimated dipoles distributed on a horizontal plane at depth of 30 km, with inclination and declination of 59.1° and -48.0°, respectively. The results showed close agreement with previous interpretation.

Pharmacokinetic and in vivo evaluation of a self-assembled gadolinium(III)-iron(II) contrast agent with high relaxivity.

PubMed

Parac-Vogt, Tatjana N; Vander Elst, Luce; Kimpe, Kristof; Laurent, Sophie; Burtéa, Carmen; Chen, Feng; Van Deun, Rik; Ni, Yicheng; Muller, Robert N; Binnemans, Koen

2006-01-01

A high-molecular weight tetrametallic supramolecular complex [(Ln-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- (Ln = Gd, Eu, La) has been obtained upon self-assembly around one iron(II) ion of three 1,10-phenantroline-based molecules substituted in 5'-position with the polyaminocarboxylate diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N',N'-pentaacetate, DTPA-phen(4-). The ICP-MS measurements indicated that the lanthanide:iron ratio is 3:1. Photoluminescence spectra of [Eu-DTPA-phen](-) and of [(Eu-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- are nearly identical, implying that the first coordination sphere of the lanthanide(III) ion has not been changed upon coordination of phenantroline unit to iron(II) ion. NMRD measurements revealed that at 20 MHz and 310 K the relaxivity of the [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- is equal to 9.5 +/- 0.3 s(-1) mM(-1) of Gd (28.5 s(-1) per millimole per liter of complex) which is significantly higher than that for Gd-DTPA (3.9 s(-1) mM(-1)). The pharmacokinetic parameters of [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- in rats indicate that the elimination of [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- is significantly slower than that of Gd-DTPA and is correlated with a reduced volume of distribution. The low volume of distribution and the longer elimination time (T(e1/2)) suggest that the agent is confined to the blood compartment, so it could have an important potential as a blood pool contrast agent. The biodistribution profile of [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- 2 h after injection indicates significantly higher concentrations of [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- as compared with Gd-DTPA in kidney, liver, lungs, heart and spleen. The images obtained on rats by MR angiography show the enhancement of the abdominal blood vessels. The signal intensity reaches a maximum of 55% at 7 min post-contrast and remains around 25% after 90 min. MRI-histomorphological correlation studies of [Gd-DTPA-phen]- and [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- showed that both agents displayed potent contrast enhancement in organs including the liver. The necrosis avidity tests indicated that, in contrast to the [Gd-DTPA-phen](-) precursor complex, the supramolecular complex [(Gd-DTPA-phen)3Fe]- exhibits necrosis avidity. Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of real or simulated microgravity on plant cell growth and proliferation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medina, Francisco Javier; Manzano, Ana Isabel; Herranz, Raul; Dijkstra, Camelia; Larkin, Oliver; Hill, Richard; Carnero-Díaz, Eugénie; van Loon, Jack J. W. A.; Anthony, Paul; Davey, Michael R.; Eaves, Laurence

Experiments on seed germination and seedling growth performed in real microgravity on the International Space Station and in different facilities for simulating microgravity in Earth-based laboratories (Random Positioning Machine and Magnetic Levitation), have provided evidence that the absence of gravity (or the artificial compensation of the gravity vector) results in the uncoupling of cell growth and proliferation in root meristematic cells. These are two essential cellular functions that support plant growth and development, which are strictly coordinated under normal ground gravity conditions. Under conditions of altered gravity, we observe that cell proliferation is enhanced, whereas cell growth is reduced, according to different morphometric, cytological and immunocytochemical parameters. Since coordination of cell growth and proliferation are major features of meristematic cells, this observed uncoupling represents a major stress condition for these cells, inducing major alterations in the pattern of plant development. Moreover, the expression of the cyclin B1 gene, a regulator of the entry into mitosis and normally used as an indicator of cell proliferation, appears reduced in the smaller and more actively proliferating cells of samples grown under the conditions of our experiments. These results are compatible with an alteration of the regulation of the cell cycle, producing a shorter G2 period. Interestingly, while cyclin B1 expression is depleted in these conditions in root meristematic cells, it is enhanced in cotyledons of the same seedlings, as shown by qPCR and by the expression of the gus reporter gene. It is known that regulation of root growth (including regulation of root meristematic activity) is driven mainly by auxin, whereas cytokinin is the key hormone regulating cotyledon growth. Therefore, our results indicate a major role of auxin in the sensitivity to altered gravity of root meristematic cells. Auxin is crucial in maintaining the coupling of cell growth and proliferation under normal conditions and it should have a decisive influence in the uncoupling of these processes under altered gravity. Experiments to detect auxin distribution in roots under altered gravity produced by diamagnetic levitation have shown that the lateral balanced distribution of the growth regulator in the root cap is altered slightly and that the total concentration of the auxin detected in root tips is somewhat reduced. These effects are independent of the orientation of statoliths in columella cells.

Fast recovery of free energy landscapes via diffusion-map-directed molecular dynamics.

PubMed

Preto, Jordane; Clementi, Cecilia

2014-09-28

The reaction pathways characterizing macromolecular systems of biological interest are associated with high free energy barriers. Resorting to the standard all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) to explore such critical regions may be inappropriate as the time needed to observe the relevant transitions can be remarkably long. In this paper, we present a new method called Extended Diffusion-Map-directed Molecular Dynamics (extended DM-d-MD) used to enhance the sampling of MD trajectories in such a way as to rapidly cover all important regions of the free energy landscape including deep metastable states and critical transition paths. Moreover, extended DM-d-MD was combined with a reweighting scheme enabling to save on-the-fly information about the Boltzmann distribution. Our algorithm was successfully applied to two systems, alanine dipeptide and alanine-12. Due to the enhanced sampling, the Boltzmann distribution is recovered much faster than in plain MD simulations. For alanine dipeptide, we report a speedup of one order of magnitude with respect to plain MD simulations. For alanine-12, our algorithm allows us to highlight all important unfolded basins in several days of computation when one single misfolded event is barely observable within the same amount of computational time by plain MD simulations. Our method is reaction coordinate free, shows little dependence on the a priori knowledge of the system, and can be implemented in such a way that the biased steps are not computationally expensive with respect to MD simulations thus making our approach well adapted for larger complex systems from which little information is known.

Learning organizations, internal marketing, and organizational commitment in hospitals

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Knowledge capital is becoming more important to healthcare establishments, especially for hospitals that are facing changing societal and industrial patterns. Hospital staff must engage in a process of continual learning to improve their healthcare skills and provide a superior service to their patients. Internal marketing helps hospital administrators to improve the quality of service provided by nursing staff to their patients and allows hospitals to build a learning culture and enhance the organizational commitment of its nursing staff. Our empirical study provides nursing managers with a tool to allow them to initiate a change in the attitudes of nurses towards work, by constructing a new ‘learning organization’ and using effective internal marketing. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed. Two hundred questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in either a medical centre or a regional hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan, and 114 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate: 57%). The entire process of distribution and returns was completed between 1 October and 31 October 2009. Hypothesis testing was conducted using structural equation modelling. Results A significant positive correlation was found between the existence of a ‘learning organization’, internal marketing, and organizational commitment. Internal marketing was a mediator between creating a learning organization and organizational commitment. Conclusion Nursing managers may be able to apply the creation of a learning organization to strategies that can strengthen employee organizational commitment. Further, when promoting the creation of a learning organization, managers can coordinate their internal marketing practices to enhance the organizational commitment of nurses. PMID:24708601

Nitric oxide mediates strigolactone signaling in auxin and ethylene-sensitive lateral root formation in sunflower seedlings

PubMed Central

Bharti, Niharika; Bhatla, Satish C

2015-01-01

Strigolactones (SLs) play significant role in shaping root architecture whereby auxin-SL crosstalk has been observed in SL-mediated responses of primary root elongation, lateral root formation and adventitious root (AR) initiation. Whereas GR24 (a synthetic strigolactone) inhibits LR and AR formation, the effect of SL biosynthesis inhibitor (fluridone) is just the opposite (root proliferation). Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) leads to LR proliferation but completely inhibits AR development. The diffusive distribution of PIN1 in the provascular cells in the differentiating zone of the roots in response to GR24, fluridone or NPA treatments further indicates the involvement of localized auxin accumulation in LR development responses. Inhibition of LR formation by GR24 treatment coincides with inhibition of ACC synthase activity. Profuse LR development by fluridone and NPA treatments correlates with enhanced [Ca2+]cyt in the apical region and differentiating zones of LR, indicating a critical role of [Ca2+] in LR development in response to the coordinated action of auxins, ethylene and SLs. Significant enhancement of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) activity (enzyme responsible for SL biosynthesis) in tissue homogenates in presence of cPTIO (NO scavenger) indicates the role of endogenous NO as a negative modulator of CCD activity. Differences in the spatial distribution of NO in the primary and lateral roots further highlight the involvement of NO in SL-modulated root morphogenesis in sunflower seedlings. Present work provides new report on the negative modulation of SL biosynthesis through modulation of CCD activity by endogenous nitric oxide during SL-modulated LR development. PMID:26076049

Nitric oxide mediates strigolactone signaling in auxin and ethylene-sensitive lateral root formation in sunflower seedlings.

PubMed

Bharti, Niharika; Bhatla, Satish C

2015-01-01

Strigolactones (SLs) play significant role in shaping root architecture whereby auxin-SL crosstalk has been observed in SL-mediated responses of primary root elongation, lateral root formation and adventitious root (AR) initiation. Whereas GR24 (a synthetic strigolactone) inhibits LR and AR formation, the effect of SL biosynthesis inhibitor (fluridone) is just the opposite (root proliferation). Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) leads to LR proliferation but completely inhibits AR development. The diffusive distribution of PIN1 in the provascular cells in the differentiating zone of the roots in response to GR24, fluridone or NPA treatments further indicates the involvement of localized auxin accumulation in LR development responses. Inhibition of LR formation by GR24 treatment coincides with inhibition of ACC synthase activity. Profuse LR development by fluridone and NPA treatments correlates with enhanced [Ca(2+)]cyt in the apical region and differentiating zones of LR, indicating a critical role of [Ca(2+)] in LR development in response to the coordinated action of auxins, ethylene and SLs. Significant enhancement of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) activity (enzyme responsible for SL biosynthesis) in tissue homogenates in presence of cPTIO (NO scavenger) indicates the role of endogenous NO as a negative modulator of CCD activity. Differences in the spatial distribution of NO in the primary and lateral roots further highlight the involvement of NO in SL-modulated root morphogenesis in sunflower seedlings. Present work provides new report on the negative modulation of SL biosynthesis through modulation of CCD activity by endogenous nitric oxide during SL-modulated LR development.

Physiotherapy treatment of the diabetic shoulder: a longitudinal study following patients with diabetes and shoulder pain using a pre-post treatment design.

PubMed

Kyhlbäck, Maria; Schröder Winter, Helena; Thierfelder, Tomas; Söderlund, Anne

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a physiotherapy program targeted to reduce pain intensity and improve the daily functioning of diabetics with shoulder problems. It was hypothesized that patients receiving specific physiotherapy treatment improved more frequently and rapidly than diabetic patients followed up without specific physiotherapeutic intervention. A pre-post treatment design was completed for a group of 10 subjects. The treatment protocol, also applied during the daily activities of the subjects, was aiming at reducing pain intensity and shoulder stiffness and improving impaired functioning in daily activities by muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and enhancing proper shoulder co-ordination. The group analysis showed significant decrease of pain intensity level as well as improved shoulder functioning and sustained level of subject self-efficacy beliefs throughout the study period. The results suggest that it is possible to relieve shoulder pain intensity and improve daily activities of patients with diabetes-related shoulder problems by employing a physiotherapy program focusing on muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and on the enhancement of proper shoulder co-ordination in daily activities. A physiotherapy program can be effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in diabetics with shoulder problems. The treatment should focus on muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and on the enhancement of proper shoulder co-ordination in daily activities.

The relationship between temperamental traits and the level of performance of an eye-hand co-ordination task in jet pilots.

PubMed

Biernacki, Marcin; Tarnowski, Adam

2008-01-01

When assessing the psychological suitability for the profession of a pilot, it is important to consider personality traits and psychomotor abilities. Our study aimed at estimating the role of temperamental traits as components of pilots' personality in eye-hand co-ordination. The assumption was that differences in the escalation of the level of temperamental traits, as measured with the Formal Characteristic of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), will significantly influence eye-hand co-ordination. At the level of general scores, enhanced briskness proved to be the most important trait for eye-hand co-ordination. An analysis of partial scores additionally underlined the importance of sensory sensitivity, endurance and activity. The application of eye-hand co-ordination tasks, which involve energetic and temporal dimensions of performance, helped to disclose the role of biologically-based personality traits in psychomotor performance. The implication of these findings for selecting pilots is discussed.

Enhanced emotional responses during social coordination with a virtual partner

PubMed Central

Dumas, Guillaume; Kelso, J.A. Scott; Tognoli, Emmanuelle

2016-01-01

Emotion and motion, though seldom studied in tandem, are complementary aspects of social experience. This study investigates variations in emotional responses during movement coordination between a human and a Virtual Partner (VP), an agent whose virtual finger movements are driven by the Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) equations of Coordination Dynamics. Twenty-one subjects were instructed to coordinate finger movements with the VP in either inphase or antiphase patterns. By adjusting model parameters, we manipulated the ‘intention’ of VP as cooperative or competitive with the human's instructed goal. Skin potential responses (SPR) were recorded to quantify the intensity of emotional response. At the end of each trial, subjects rated the VP's intention and whether they thought their partner was another human being or a machine. We found greater emotional responses when subjects reported that their partner was human and when coordination was stable. That emotional responses are strongly influenced by dynamic features of the VP's behavior, has implications for mental health, brain disorders and the design of socially cooperative machines. PMID:27094374

A Monofunctional Platinum Complex Coordinated to a Rhodium Metalloinsertor Selectively Binds Mismatched DNA in the Minor Groove

PubMed Central

Weidmann, Alyson G.; Barton, Jacqueline K.

2015-01-01

We report the synthesis and characterization of a bimetallic complex derived from a new family of potent and selective metalloinsertors containing an unusual Rh—O axial coordination. This complex incorporates a monofunctional platinum center containing only one labile site for coordination to DNA, rather than two, and coordinates DNA non-classically through adduct formation in the minor groove. This conjugate displays bifunctional, interdependent binding of mismatched DNA via metalloinsertion at a mismatch as well as covalent platinum binding. DNA sequencing experiments revealed that the preferred site of platinum coordination is not the traditional N7-guanine site in the major groove, but rather N3-adenine in the minor groove. The complex also displays enhanced cytotoxicity in mismatch repair-deficient and mismatch repair-proficient human colorectal carcinoma cell lines compared to the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, and triggers cell death via an apoptotic pathway, rather than the necrotic pathway induced by rhodium metalloinsertors. PMID:26397309

Variation in sport participation, fitness and motor coordination with socioeconomic status among Flemish children.

PubMed

Vandendriessche, Joric B; Vandorpe, Barbara F R; Vaeyens, Roel; Malina, Robert M; Lefevre, Johan; Lenoir, Matthieu; Philippaerts, Renaat M

2012-02-01

Socioeconomic status (SES) is often indicated as a factor that influences physical activity and associated health outcomes. This study examined the relationship between SES and sport participation, morphology, fitness and motor coordination in a sample of 1955 Flemish children 6-11 years of age. Gender, age and SES-specific values for morphologic dimensions, amount and type of sport participation and fitness and motor coordination tests were compared. SES was positively and significantly associated with sport participation and sports club membership in both sexes. Although differences were not consistently significant, morphologic dimensions and tests of fitness and motor coordination showed a trend in favor of children from higher SES. The results suggest that public and local authorities should consider providing equal opportunities for children in all social strata and especially those in the lower SES to experience the beneficial effects of sport participation through which they can enhance levels of physical fitness and motor coordination.

Multi-segmental postural coordination in professional ballet dancers.

PubMed

Kiefer, Adam W; Riley, Michael A; Shockley, Kevin; Sitton, Candace A; Hewett, Timothy E; Cummins-Sebree, Sarah; Haas, Jacqui G

2011-05-01

Ballet dancers have heightened balance skills, but previous studies that compared dancers to non-dancers have not quantified patterns of multi-joint postural coordination. This study utilized a visual tracking task that required professional ballet dancers and untrained control participants to sway with the fore-aft motion of a target while standing on one leg, at target frequencies of 0.2 and 0.6Hz. The mean and variability of relative phase between the ankle and hip, and measures from cross-recurrence quantification analysis (i.e., percent cross-recurrence, percent cross-determinism, and cross-maxline), indexed the coordination patterns and their stability. Dancers exhibited less variable ankle-hip coordination and a less deterministic ankle-hip coupling, compared to controls. The results indicate that ballet dancers have increased coordination stability, potentially achieved through enhanced neuromuscular control and/or perceptual sensitivity, and indicate proficiency at optimizing the constraints that enable dancers to perform complex balance tasks. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A monofunctional platinum complex coordinated to a rhodium metalloinsertor selectively binds mismatched DNA in the minor groove.

PubMed

Weidmann, Alyson G; Barton, Jacqueline K

2015-10-05

We report the synthesis and characterization of a bimetallic complex derived from a new family of potent and selective metalloinsertors containing an unusual Rh-O axial coordination. This complex incorporates a monofunctional platinum center containing only one labile site for coordination to DNA, rather than two, and coordinates DNA nonclassically through adduct formation in the minor groove. This conjugate displays bifunctional, interdependent binding of mismatched DNA via metalloinsertion at a mismatch as well as covalent platinum binding. DNA sequencing experiments revealed that the preferred site of platinum coordination is not the traditional N7-guanine site in the major groove, but rather N3-adenine in the minor groove. The complex also displays enhanced cytotoxicity in mismatch repair-deficient and mismatch repair-proficient human colorectal carcinoma cell lines compared to the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, and it triggers cell death via an apoptotic pathway, rather than the necrotic pathway induced by rhodium metalloinsertors.

Effects of vision on head-putter coordination in golf.

PubMed

Gonzalez, David Antonio; Kegel, Stefan; Ishikura, Tadao; Lee, Tim

2012-07-01

Low-skill golfers coordinate the movements of their head and putter with an allocentric, isodirectional coupling, which is opposite to the allocentric, antidirectional coordination pattern used by experts (Lee, Ishikura, Kegel, Gonzalez, & Passmore, 2008). The present study investigated the effects of four vision conditions (full vision, no vision, target focus, and ball focus) on head-putter coupling in low-skill golfers. Performance in the absence of vision resulted in a level of high isodirectional coupling that was similar to the full vision condition. However, when instructed to focus on the target during the putt, or focus on the ball through a restricted viewing angle, low-skill golfers significantly decoupled the head--putter coordination pattern. However, outcome measures demonstrated that target focus resulted in poorer performance compared with the other visual conditions, thereby providing overall support for use of a ball focus strategy to enhance coordination and outcome performance. Focus of attention and reduced visual tracking were hypothesized as potential reasons for the decoupling.

Processing-microstructure relationships in thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers: Experimental and numerical modeling studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jun

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) are a class of promising engineering materials for high-demanding structural applications. Their excellent mechanical properties are highly correlated to the underlying molecular orientation states, which may be affected by complex flow fields during melt processing. Thus, understanding and eventually predicting how processing flows impact molecular orientation is a critical step towards rational design work in order to achieve favorable, balanced physical properties in finished products. This thesis aims to develop deeper understanding of orientation development in commercial TLCPs during processing by coordinating extensive experimental measurements with numerical computations. In situ measurements of orientation development of LCPs during processing are a focal point of this thesis. An x-ray capable injection molding apparatus is enhanced and utilized for time-resolved measurements of orientation development in multiple commercial TLCPs during injection molding. Ex situ wide angle x-ray scattering is also employed for more thorough characterization of molecular orientation distributions in molded plaques. Incompletely injection molded plaques ("short shots") are studied to gain further insights into the intermediate orientation states during mold filling. Finally, two surface orientation characterization techniques, near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) are combined to investigate the surface orientation distribution of injection molded plaques. Surface orientation states are found to be vastly different from their bulk counterparts due to different kinematics involved in mold filling. In general, complex distributions of orientation in molded plaques reflect the spatially varying competition between shear and extension during mold filling. To complement these experimental measurements, numerical calculations based on the Larson-Doi polydomain model are performed. The implementation of the Larson-Doi in complex processing flows is performed using a commercial process modeling software suite (MOLDFLOWRTM), exploiting a nearly exact analogy between the Larson-Doi model and a fiber orientation model that has been widely used in composites processing simulations. The modeling scheme is first verified by predicting many qualitative and quantitative features of molecular orientation distributions in isothermal extrusion-fed channel flows. In coordination with experiments, the model predictions are found to capture many qualitative features observed in injection molded plaques (including short shots). The final, stringent test of Larson-Doi model performance is prediction of in situ transient orientation data collected during mold filling. The model yields satisfactory results, though certain numerical approximations limit performance near the mold front.

Jump Rope Training: Balance and Motor Coordination in Preadolescent Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Trecroci, Athos; Cavaggioni, Luca; Caccia, Riccardo; Alberti, Giampietro

2015-01-01

General physical practice and multidimensional exercises are essential elements that allow young athletes to enhance their coordinative traits, balance, and strength and power levels, which are linked to the learning soccer-specific skills. Jumping rope is a widely-used and non-specific practical method for the development of athletic conditioning, balance and coordination in several disciplines. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a short-term training protocol including jumping rope (JR) exercises on motor abilities and body balance in young soccer players. Twenty-four preadolescent soccer players were recruited and placed in two different groups. In the Experimental group (EG), children performed JR training at the beginning of the training session. The control group (CG), executed soccer specific drills. Harre circuit test (HCT) and Lower Quarter Y balance test (YBT-LQ) were selected to evaluate participant’s motor ability (e.g. ability to perform rapidly a course with different physical tasks such as somersault and passages above/below obstacles ) and to assess unilateral dynamic lower limb balance after 8 weeks of training. Statistical analysis consisted of paired t-test and mixed analysis of variance scores to determine any significant interactions. Children who performed jumping rope exercises showed a significant decrease of 9% (p < 0.01, ES = 0.50-0.80) in the performance time of HCT. With regard to the CG, no differences were highlighted (p > 0.05, ES = 0.05-0.2) from pre- to post-training. A training-by-group interaction was found for the composite score in both legs (p < 0.05, Part η2 > 0.14). Our findings demonstrated that JR practice within regular soccer training enhanced general motor coordination and balance in preadolescent soccer players. Therefore, the inclusion of JR practice within regular soccer training session should encouraged to improve children’s motor skills. Key points Performing jumping rope exercises within a regular soccer program can be an additional method to improve balance and motor coordination. The performance improvement in the Harre Circuit Test associated with jump rope training can potentially be attributed to an enhancement of the inter-limb coordination and SSC ability. Results from the present study indicate that young soccer players should be encouraged to practice general physical activities together with sport-specific exercise during their training sessions. PMID:26664276

Jump Rope Training: Balance and Motor Coordination in Preadolescent Soccer Players.

PubMed

Trecroci, Athos; Cavaggioni, Luca; Caccia, Riccardo; Alberti, Giampietro

2015-12-01

General physical practice and multidimensional exercises are essential elements that allow young athletes to enhance their coordinative traits, balance, and strength and power levels, which are linked to the learning soccer-specific skills. Jumping rope is a widely-used and non-specific practical method for the development of athletic conditioning, balance and coordination in several disciplines. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a short-term training protocol including jumping rope (JR) exercises on motor abilities and body balance in young soccer players. Twenty-four preadolescent soccer players were recruited and placed in two different groups. In the Experimental group (EG), children performed JR training at the beginning of the training session. The control group (CG), executed soccer specific drills. Harre circuit test (HCT) and Lower Quarter Y balance test (YBT-LQ) were selected to evaluate participant's motor ability (e.g. ability to perform rapidly a course with different physical tasks such as somersault and passages above/below obstacles ) and to assess unilateral dynamic lower limb balance after 8 weeks of training. Statistical analysis consisted of paired t-test and mixed analysis of variance scores to determine any significant interactions. Children who performed jumping rope exercises showed a significant decrease of 9% (p < 0.01, ES = 0.50-0.80) in the performance time of HCT. With regard to the CG, no differences were highlighted (p > 0.05, ES = 0.05-0.2) from pre- to post-training. A training-by-group interaction was found for the composite score in both legs (p < 0.05, Part η(2) > 0.14). Our findings demonstrated that JR practice within regular soccer training enhanced general motor coordination and balance in preadolescent soccer players. Therefore, the inclusion of JR practice within regular soccer training session should encouraged to improve children's motor skills. Key pointsPerforming jumping rope exercises within a regular soccer program can be an additional method to improve balance and motor coordination.The performance improvement in the Harre Circuit Test associated with jump rope training can potentially be attributed to an enhancement of the inter-limb coordination and SSC ability.Results from the present study indicate that young soccer players should be encouraged to practice general physical activities together with sport-specific exercise during their training sessions.

Obstacle stepping involves spinal anticipatory activity associated with quadrupedal limb coordination.

PubMed

Michel, J; van Hedel, H J A; Dietz, V

2008-04-01

Obstacle avoidance steps are associated with a facilitation of spinal reflexes in leg muscles. Here we have examined the involvement of both leg and arm muscles. Subjects walking with reduced vision on a treadmill were acoustically informed about an approaching obstacle and received feedback about task performance. Reflex responses evoked by tibial nerve stimulation were observed in all arm and leg muscles examined in this study. They were enhanced before the execution of obstacle avoidance compared with normal steps and showed an exponential adaptation in contralateral arm flexor muscles corresponding to the improvement of task performance. This enhancement was absent when the body was partially supported during the task. During the execution of obstacle steps, electromyographic activity in the arm muscles mimicked the preceding reflex behaviour with respect to enhancement and adaptation. Our results demonstrate an anticipatory quadrupedal limb coordination with an involvement of proximal arm muscles in the acquisition and performance of this precision locomotor task. This is presumably achieved by an up-regulated activity of coupled cervico-thoracal interneuronal circuits.

Characterizing substrate–surface interactions on alumina-supported metal catalysts by dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced double-resonance NMR spectroscopy [Characterizing substrate-surface interactions on alumina supported metal catalysts by DNP-enhanced double-resonance NMR spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Perras, Frederic A.; Padmos, J. Daniel; Johnson, Robert L.; ...

2017-01-23

The characterization of nanometer-scale interactions between carbon-containing substrates and alumina surfaces is of paramount importance to industrial and academic catalysis applications, but it is also very challenging. Here, we demonstrate that dynamic nuclear polarization surface-enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP SENS) allows the unambiguous description of the coordination geometries and conformations of the substrates at the alumina surface through high-resolution measurements of 13C– 27Al distances. We apply this new technique to elucidate the molecular-level geometry of 13C-enriched methionine and natural abundance poly(vinyl alcohol) adsorbed on γ-Al 2O 3-supported Pd catalysts, and we support these results with element-specific X-ray absorption near-edge measurements. Furthermore,more » this work clearly demonstrates a surprising bimodal coordination of methionine at the Pd–Al 2O 3 interface.« less

Characterizing substrate–surface interactions on alumina-supported metal catalysts by dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced double-resonance NMR spectroscopy [Characterizing substrate-surface interactions on alumina supported metal catalysts by DNP-enhanced double-resonance NMR spectroscopy

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

Perras, Frederic A.; Padmos, J. Daniel; Johnson, Robert L.

The characterization of nanometer-scale interactions between carbon-containing substrates and alumina surfaces is of paramount importance to industrial and academic catalysis applications, but it is also very challenging. Here, we demonstrate that dynamic nuclear polarization surface-enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP SENS) allows the unambiguous description of the coordination geometries and conformations of the substrates at the alumina surface through high-resolution measurements of 13C– 27Al distances. We apply this new technique to elucidate the molecular-level geometry of 13C-enriched methionine and natural abundance poly(vinyl alcohol) adsorbed on γ-Al 2O 3-supported Pd catalysts, and we support these results with element-specific X-ray absorption near-edge measurements. Furthermore,more » this work clearly demonstrates a surprising bimodal coordination of methionine at the Pd–Al 2O 3 interface.« less

Enhancing the magnetic anisotropy of maghemite nanoparticles via the surface coordination of molecular complexes

PubMed Central

Prado, Yoann; Daffé, Niéli; Michel, Aude; Georgelin, Thomas; Yaacoub, Nader; Grenèche, Jean-Marc; Choueikani, Fadi; Otero, Edwige; Ohresser, Philippe; Arrio, Marie-Anne; Cartier-dit-Moulin, Christophe; Sainctavit, Philippe; Fleury, Benoit; Dupuis, Vincent; Lisnard, Laurent; Fresnais, Jérôme

2015-01-01

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are promising objects for data storage or medical applications. In the smallest—and more attractive—systems, the properties are governed by the magnetic anisotropy. Here we report a molecule-based synthetic strategy to enhance this anisotropy in sub-10-nm nanoparticles. It consists of the fabrication of composite materials where anisotropic molecular complexes are coordinated to the surface of the nanoparticles. Reacting 5 nm γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the [CoII(TPMA)Cl2] complex (TPMA: tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) leads to the desired composite materials and the characterization of the functionalized nanoparticles evidences the successful coordination—without nanoparticle aggregation and without complex dissociation—of the molecular complexes to the nanoparticles surface. Magnetic measurements indicate the significant enhancement of the anisotropy in the final objects. Indeed, the functionalized nanoparticles show a threefold increase of the blocking temperature and a coercive field increased by one order of magnitude. PMID:26634987

Planar Cell Polarity Pathway – Coordinating morphogenetic cell behaviors with embryonic polarity

PubMed Central

Gray, Ryan S.; Roszko, Isabelle; Solnica-Krezel, Lilianna

2011-01-01

Planar cell polarization entails establishment of cellular asymmetries within the tissue plane. An evolutionarily conserved Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling system employs intra- and intercellular feedback interactions between its core components, including Frizzled, Van Gogh, Flamingo, Prickle and Dishevelled, to establish their characteristic asymmetric intracellular distributions and coordinate planar polarity of cell populations. By translating global patterning information into asymmetries of cell membranes and intracellular organelles, PCP signaling coordinates morphogenetic behaviors of individual cells and cell populations with the embryonic polarity. In vertebrates, by polarizing cilia in the node/Kupffer’s vesicle, PCP signaling links the anteroposterior to left-right embryonic polarity. PMID:21763613

A Minimal Model Describing Hexapedal Interlimb Coordination: The Tegotae-Based Approach

PubMed Central

Owaki, Dai; Goda, Masashi; Miyazawa, Sakiko; Ishiguro, Akio

2017-01-01

Insects exhibit adaptive and versatile locomotion despite their minimal neural computing. Such locomotor patterns are generated via coordination between leg movements, i.e., an interlimb coordination, which is largely controlled in a distributed manner by neural circuits located in thoracic ganglia. However, the mechanism responsible for the interlimb coordination still remains elusive. Understanding this mechanism will help us to elucidate the fundamental control principle of animals' agile locomotion and to realize robots with legs that are truly adaptive and could not be developed solely by conventional control theories. This study aims at providing a “minimal" model of the interlimb coordination mechanism underlying hexapedal locomotion, in the hope that a single control principle could satisfactorily reproduce various aspects of insect locomotion. To this end, we introduce a novel concept we named “Tegotae,” a Japanese concept describing the extent to which a perceived reaction matches an expectation. By using the Tegotae-based approach, we show that a surprisingly systematic design of local sensory feedback mechanisms essential for the interlimb coordination can be realized. We also use a hexapod robot we developed to show that our mathematical model of the interlimb coordination mechanism satisfactorily reproduces various insects' gait patterns. PMID:28649197

Distributed Control of Turbofan Engines

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

performance of the engine. Thus the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller ( FADEC ) still remains the central arbiter of the engine’s dynamic behavior...instance, if the control laws are not distributed the dependence on the FADEC remains high, and system reliability can only be insured through many...if distributed computing is used at the local level and only coordinated by the FADEC . Such an architecture must be studied in the context of noisy

Note: Precise radial distribution of charged particles in a magnetic guiding field

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

Backe, H., E-mail: backe@kph.uni-mainz.de

2015-07-15

Current high precision beta decay experiments of polarized neutrons, employing magnetic guiding fields in combination with position sensitive and energy dispersive detectors, resulted in a detailed study of the mono-energetic point spread function (PSF) for a homogeneous magnetic field. A PSF describes the radial probability distribution of mono-energetic electrons at the detector plane emitted from a point-like source. With regard to accuracy considerations, unwanted singularities occur as a function of the radial detector coordinate which have recently been investigated by subdividing the radial coordinate into small bins or employing analytical approximations. In this note, a series expansion of the PSFmore » is presented which can numerically be evaluated with arbitrary precision.« less

The structure of water around the compressibility minimum

DOE PAGES

L. B. Skinner; Benmore, C. J.; Parise, J.; ...

2014-12-03

Here we present diffraction data that yield the oxygen-oxygen pair distribution function, gOO(r) over the range 254.2–365.9 K. The running O-O coordination number, which represents the integral of the pair distribution function as a function of radial distance, is found to exhibit an isosbestic point at 3.30(5) Å. The probability of finding an oxygen atom surrounding another oxygen at this distance is therefore shown to be independent of temperature and corresponds to an O-O coordination number of 4.3(2). Moreover, the experimental data also show a continuous transition associated with the second peak position in gOO(r) concomitant with the compressibility minimummore » at 319 K.« less

Vibrational analysis and quantum chemical calculations of 2,2‧-bipyridine Zinc(II) halide complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozel, Aysen E.; Kecel, Serda; Akyuz, Sevim

2007-05-01

In this study the molecular structure and vibrational spectra of Zn(2,2'-bipyridine)X 2 (X = Cl and Br) complexes were studied in their ground states by computational vibrational study and scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) analysis. The geometry optimization, vibrational wavenumber and intensity calculations of free and coordinated 2,2'-bipyridine were carried out with the Gaussian03 program package by using Hartree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) with B3LYP functional and 6-31G (d,p) basis set. The total energy distributions (TED) of the vibrational modes were calculated by using Scaled Quantum Mechanical (SQM) analysis. Fundamentals were characterised by their total energy distributions. Coordination sensitive modes of 2,2'-bipyridine were determined.

Correlation processing of polarization inhomogenous images in laser diagnostics of biological tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trifonyuk, L.

2012-10-01

The model of interaction of laser radiation with biological tissue as a two-component amorphous-crystalline matrix was proposed. The processes of formation of polarization of laser radiation are considered, taking into account birefringence network protein fibrils. Measurement of the coordinate distribution of polarization states in the location of the laser micropolarimetr was conducted .The results of investigating the interrelation between the values of correlation (correlation area, asymmetry coefficient and autocorrelation function excess) and fractal (dispersion of logarithmic dependencies of power spectra) parameters are presented. They characterize the coordinate distributions of polarization azimuth of laser images of histological sections of women's reproductive sphere tissues and pathological changes in human organism. The diagnostic criteria of the prolapse of the vaginal tissue arising are determined.

Using an Integrated Distributed Test Architecture to Develop an Architecture for Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Othon, William L.

2016-01-01

The creation of a crew-rated spacecraft architecture capable of sending humans to Mars requires the development and integration of multiple vehicle systems and subsystems. Important new technologies will be identified and matured within each technical discipline to support the mission. Architecture maturity also requires coordination with mission operations elements and ground infrastructure. During early architecture formulation, many of these assets will not be co-located and will required integrated, distributed test to show that the technologies and systems are being developed in a coordinated way. When complete, technologies must be shown to function together to achieve mission goals. In this presentation, an architecture will be described that promotes and advances integration of disparate systems within JSC and across NASA centers.

Coordination-Induced Assembly of Intelligent Polysaccharide-Based Phototherapeutic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment.

PubMed

Tian, Ye; Guo, Ranran; Wang, Yajun; Yang, Wuli

2016-12-01

Smart polysaccharide-based anticancer phototherapeutic nanoparticles are prepared via a coordination-induced assembly process. Upon irradiated with a near infrared laser, the nanoparticles are not only able to simultaneously generate reactive oxygen species and hyperthermia that ablate tumors, but also possess tumor microenvironment-responsive off/on near infrared fluorescence and enhancement in photothermal effect, making them promising theranostic platform of cancer. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

PLANNING AND COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING THE RUSSIAN SYSTEM OF CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS AT ROSATOM FACILITIES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE U.S.-RUSSIAN COOPERATION.

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

SVIRIDOVA, V.V.; ERASTOV, V.V.; ISAEV, N.V.

2005-05-16

The MC&A Equipment and Methodological Support Strategic Plan (MEMS SP) for implementing modern MC&A equipment and methodologies at Rosatom facilities has been developed within the framework of the U.S.-Russian MPC&A Program. This plan developed by the Rosatom's Russian MC&A Equipment and Methodologies (MEM) Working Group and is coordinated by that group with support and coordination provided by the MC&A Measurements Project, Office of National Infrastructure and Sustainability, US DOE. Implementation of different tasks of the MEMS Strategic Plan is coordinated by Rosatom and US-DOE in cooperation with different U.S.-Russian MC&A-related working groups and joint site project teams. This cooperation allowsmore » to obtain and analyze information about problems, current needs and successes at Rosatom facilities and facilitates solution of the problems, satisfying the facilities' needs and effective exchange of expertise and lessons learned. The objective of the MEMS Strategic Plan is to enhance effectiveness of activities implementing modern equipment and methodologies in the Russian State MC&A system. These activities are conducted within the joint Russian-US MPC&A program aiming at reduction of possibility for theft or diversion of nuclear materials and enhancement of control of nuclear materials.« less

Nurse-led multidisciplinary initiatives to improve outcomes and reduce hospital admissions for older adults: The Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration project.

PubMed

Marsden, Elizabeth; Craswell, Alison; Taylor, Andrea; Coates, Kaye; Crilly, Julia; Broadbent, Marc; Glenwright, Amanda; Johnston, Colleen; Wallis, Marianne

2018-04-03

This article describes the Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration (CEDRiC) project. CEDRiC is designed to improve the health outcomes for older people with an acute illness. It attempts this via enhanced primary care in residential aged care facilities, focused and streamlined care in the emergency department and enhanced intersectoral communication and referral. Implementing this approach has the potential to decrease inappropriate hospital admissions while improving care for older people in residential aged care and community settings. This article discusses an innovative way of caring for older adults in an ageing population utilising the existing evidence. A formal evaluation is currently underway. © 2018 AJA Inc.

Coordination between veterinary services and other relevant authorities: a key component of good public governance.

PubMed

Bellemain, V

2012-08-01

Coordination between Veterinary Services and other relevant authorities is a key component of good public governance, especially for effective action and optimal management of available resources. The importance of good coordination is reflected in the World Organisation for Animal Health'Tool forthe Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services', which includes a critical competency on coordination. Many partners from technical, administrative and legal fields are involved. The degree of formalisation of coordination tends to depend on a country's level of organisation and development. Contingency plans against avian influenza led to breakthroughs in many countries in the mid-2000s. While interpersonal relationships remain vital, not everything should hinge on them. Organisation and management are critical to operational efficiency. The distribution of responsibilities needs to be defined clearly, avoiding duplication and areas of conflict. Lead authorities should be designated according to subject (Veterinary Services in animal health areas) and endowed with the necessary legitimacy. Lead authorities will be responsible for coordinating the drafting and updating of the relevant documents: agreements between authorities, contingency plans, standard operating procedures, etc.

Barycentric parameterizations for isotropic BRDFs.

PubMed

Stark, Michael M; Arvo, James; Smits, Brian

2005-01-01

A bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) is often expressed as a function of four real variables: two spherical coordinates in each of the the "incoming" and "outgoing" directions. However, many BRDFs reduce to functions of fewer variables. For example, isotropic reflection can be represented by a function of three variables. Some BRDF models can be reduced further. In this paper, we introduce new sets of coordinates which we use to reduce the dimensionality of several well-known analytic BRDFs as well as empirically measured BRDF data. The proposed coordinate systems are barycentric with respect to a triangular support with a direct physical interpretation. One coordinate set is based on the BRDF model proposed by Lafortune. Another set, based on a model of Ward, is associated with the "halfway" vector common in analytical BRDF formulas. Through these coordinate sets we establish lower bounds on the approximation error inherent in the models on which they are based. We present a third set of coordinates, not based on any analytical model, that performs well in approximating measured data. Finally, our proposed variables suggest novel ways of constructing and visualizing BRDFs.

A diketiminate-bound diiron complex with a bridging carbonate ligand

PubMed Central

Sadique, Azwana R.; Brennessel, William W.; Holland, Patrick L.

2009-01-01

Reduction of carbon dioxide by a diiron(I) complex gives μ-carbonato-κ3 O:O′,O′′-bis­{[2,2,6,6-tetra­methyl-3,5-bis­(2,4,6-triisopropyl­phenyl)heptane-2,5-diiminate(1−)-κ2 N,N′]iron(II)} toluene disolvate, [Fe2(C41H65N)2(CO3)]·2C7H8, a diiron(II) species with a bridging carbonate ligand. The asymmetric unit contains one diiron complex and two cocrystallized toluene solvent mol­ecules that are distributed over three sites, one with atoms in general positions and two in crystallographic sites. Both FeII atoms are η2-coordinated to diketiminate ligands, but η1- and η2-coordinated to the bridging carbonate ligand. Thus, one FeII center is three-coordinate and the other is four-coordinate. The bridging carbonate ligand is nearly perpendicular to the iron–diketiminate plane of the four-coordinate FeII center and parallel to the plane of the three-coordinate FeII center. PMID:19407402

Total recall in distributive associative memories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danforth, Douglas G.

1991-01-01

Iterative error correction of asymptotically large associative memories is equivalent to a one-step learning rule. This rule is the inverse of the activation function of the memory. Spectral representations of nonlinear activation functions are used to obtain the inverse in closed form for Sparse Distributed Memory, Selected-Coordinate Design, and Radial Basis Functions.

Energy Systems Integration News | Energy Systems Integration Facility |

Science.gov Websites

the electric grid. These control systems will enable real-time coordination between distributed energy with real-time voltage and frequency control at the level of the home or distributed energy resource least for electricity. A real-time connection to weather forecasts and energy prices would allow the

Marketing and Distributive Education. General Retail Merchandising Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This document is one of four curriculum guides designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. Introductory information provides directions for using the guide and information on…

Marketing and Distributive Education. General Marketing Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern Illinois Univ., DeKalb. Dept. of Business Education and Administration Services.

This general marketing curriculum guide is the master publication in a series of four curriculum guides. The series is designed to provide the curriculum coordinator with a basis for planning a comprehensive program in the field of marketing as well as to provide marketing and distributive education teachers with maximum flexibility. This guide…

Drugstore Selling and Merchandising, a Distributive Education Manual and Answer Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, J. David

This manual on drugstore selling and merchandising, together with a separate answer key, is intended for trainees in distributive education. The 18 self-study assignments, developed by an instructional coordinator with the aid of college professors and leaders in business, cover a wide range of topics, from effective sales techniques to specific…

Position uncertainty distribution for articulated arm coordinate measuring machine based on simplified definite integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Xu; Zhi-jian, Zong; Qun, Gao

2018-07-01

This paper describes a methodology for the position uncertainty distribution of an articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM). First, a model of the structural parameter uncertainties was established by statistical method. Second, the position uncertainty space volume of the AACMM in a certain configuration was expressed using a simplified definite integration method based on the structural parameter uncertainties; it was then used to evaluate the position accuracy of the AACMM in a certain configuration. Third, the configurations of a certain working point were calculated by an inverse solution, and the position uncertainty distribution of a certain working point was determined; working point uncertainty can be evaluated by the weighting method. Lastly, the position uncertainty distribution in the workspace of the ACCMM was described by a map. A single-point contrast test of a 6-joint AACMM was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and it was shown that the method can describe the position uncertainty of the AACMM and it was used to guide the calibration of the AACMM and the choice of AACMM’s accuracy area.

Synthetic Teammates as Team Players: Coordination of Human and Synthetic Teammates

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-31

distribution is unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT This project is part of a larger effort that focuses on human-automation coordination in the...context of the development, integration, and validation of a computational cognitive model that acts as a full-fledged synthetic teammate on an...integrated the synthetic teammate model into the CERTT II (Cognitive Engineering Research on Team Tasks II) testbed in order to empirically address these

The Use of Meta-Level Control for Coordination in a Distributed Problem Solving Network,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

crucial aspect of the design organizational structuring in coordinating the local activity of achs decentralized network control policies. It is...TEMTED EXflD.MENTS WITn and ratings of the subgoals." Threshold values indicating ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCIURING IkeA usaw lani of a subal are specif’ied in...the monitoring are. This environmental vehicle, approximate position, time frame, and belief. The scenario was designed to test the networks ability

A novel method for 3D measurement of RFID multi-tag network based on matching vision and wavelet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Xiao; Yu, Xiaolei; Zhao, Zhimin; Wang, Donghua; Zhang, Wenjie; Liu, Zhenlu; Lu, Dongsheng; Dong, Dingbang

2018-07-01

In the field of radio frequency identification (RFID), the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of RFID multi-tag networks has a significant impact on their reading performance. At the same time, in order to realize the anti-collision of RFID multi-tag networks in practical engineering applications, the 3D distribution of RFID multi-tag networks must be measured. In this paper, a novel method for the 3D measurement of RFID multi-tag networks is proposed. A dual-CCD system (vertical and horizontal cameras) is used to obtain images of RFID multi-tag networks from different angles. Then, the wavelet threshold denoising method is used to remove noise in the obtained images. The template matching method is used to determine the two-dimensional coordinates and vertical coordinate of each tag. The 3D coordinates of each tag are obtained subsequently. Finally, a model of the nonlinear relation between the 3D coordinate distribution of the RFID multi-tag network and the corresponding reading distance is established using the wavelet neural network. The experiment results show that the average prediction relative error is 0.71% and the time cost is 2.17 s. The values of the average prediction relative error and time cost are smaller than those of the particle swarm optimization neural network and genetic algorithm–back propagation neural network. The time cost of the wavelet neural network is about 1% of that of the other two methods. The method proposed in this paper has a smaller relative error. The proposed method can improve the real-time performance of RFID multi-tag networks and the overall dynamic performance of multi-tag networks.

Coordinate transformation by minimizing correlations between parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, M.

1972-01-01

This investigation was to determine the transformation parameters (three rotations, three translations and a scale factor) between two Cartesian coordinate systems from sets of coordinates given in both systems. The objective was the determination of well separated transformation parameters with reduced correlations between each other, a problem especially relevant when the sets of coordinates are not well distributed. The above objective is achieved by preliminarily determining the three rotational parameters and the scale factor from the respective direction cosines and chord distances (these being independent of the translation parameters) between the common points, and then computing all the seven parameters from a solution in which the rotations and the scale factor are entered as weighted constraints according to their variances and covariances obtained in the preliminary solutions. Numerical tests involving two geodetic reference systems were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.

A three dimensional point cloud registration method based on rotation matrix eigenvalue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Zhou, Xiang; Fei, Zixuan; Gao, Xiaofei; Jin, Rui

2017-09-01

We usually need to measure an object at multiple angles in the traditional optical three-dimensional measurement method, due to the reasons for the block, and then use point cloud registration methods to obtain a complete threedimensional shape of the object. The point cloud registration based on a turntable is essential to calculate the coordinate transformation matrix between the camera coordinate system and the turntable coordinate system. We usually calculate the transformation matrix by fitting the rotation center and the rotation axis normal of the turntable in the traditional method, which is limited by measuring the field of view. The range of exact feature points used for fitting the rotation center and the rotation axis normal is approximately distributed within an arc less than 120 degrees, resulting in a low fit accuracy. In this paper, we proposes a better method, based on the invariant eigenvalue principle of rotation matrix in the turntable coordinate system and the coordinate transformation matrix of the corresponding coordinate points. First of all, we control the rotation angle of the calibration plate with the turntable to calibrate the coordinate transformation matrix of the corresponding coordinate points by using the least squares method. And then we use the feature decomposition to calculate the coordinate transformation matrix of the camera coordinate system and the turntable coordinate system. Compared with the traditional previous method, it has a higher accuracy, better robustness and it is not affected by the camera field of view. In this method, the coincidence error of the corresponding points on the calibration plate after registration is less than 0.1mm.