On the influence of solar activity on the mid-latitude sporadic E layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezzopane, Michael; Pignalberi, Alessio; Pietrella, Marco

2015-09-01

To investigate the influence of solar cycle variability on the sporadic E layer (Es), hourly measurements of the critical frequency of the Es ordinary mode of propagation, foEs, and of the blanketing frequency of the Es layer, fbEs, recorded from January 1976 to December 2009 at the Rome (Italy) ionospheric station (41.8° N, 12.5° E), were examined. The results are: (1) a high positive correlation between the F10.7 solar index and foEs as well as between F10.7 and fbEs, both for the whole data set and for each solar cycle separately, the correlation between F10.7 and fbEs being much higher than the one between F10.7 and foEs; (2) a decreasing long-term trend of the F10.7, foEs and fbEs time series, with foEs decreasing more rapidly than F10.7 and fbEs; (3) clear and statistically significant peaks at 11 years in the foEs and fbEs time series, inferred from Lomb-Scargle periodograms.

Tone-assisted time delay interferometry on GRACE Follow-On

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, Samuel P.; Shaddock, Daniel A.; Sutton, Andrew J.; de Vine, Glenn; Ware, Brent; Spero, Robert E.; Klipstein, William M.; McKenzie, Kirk

2015-07-01

We have demonstrated the viability of using the Laser Ranging Interferometer on the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) space mission to test key aspects of the interspacecraft interferometry proposed for detecting gravitational waves. The Laser Ranging Interferometer on GRACE-FO will be the first demonstration of interspacecraft interferometry. GRACE-FO shares many similarities with proposed space-based gravitational wave detectors based on the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) concept. Given these similarities, GRACE-FO provides a unique opportunity to test novel interspacecraft interferometry techniques that a LISA-like mission will use. The LISA Experience from GRACE-FO Optical Payload (LEGOP) is a project developing tests of arm locking and time delay interferometry (TDI), two frequency stabilization techniques, that could be performed on GRACE-FO. In the proposed LEGOP TDI demonstration one GRACE-FO spacecraft will have a free-running laser while the laser on the other spacecraft will be locked to a cavity. It is proposed that two one-way interspacecraft phase measurements will be combined with an appropriate delay in order to produce a round-trip, dual one-way ranging (DOWR) measurement independent of the frequency noise of the free-running laser. This paper describes simulated and experimental tests of a tone-assisted TDI ranging (TDIR) technique that uses a least-squares fitting algorithm and fractional-delay interpolation to find and implement the delays needed to form the DOWR TDI combination. The simulation verifies tone-assisted TDIR works under GRACE-FO conditions. Using simulated GRACE-FO signals the tone-assisted TDIR algorithm estimates the time-varying interspacecraft range with a rms error of ±0.2 m , suppressing the free-running laser frequency noise by 8 orders of magnitude. The experimental results demonstrate the practicability of the technique, measuring the delay at the 6 ns level in the presence of a significant displacement signal.

Wendler glottoplasty and voice-therapy in male-to-female transsexuals: results in pre and post-surgery assessment.

PubMed

Casado, Juan C; O'Connor, Carlos; Angulo, María S; Adrián, José A

2016-01-01

With the development of new ENT techniques, many male transsexuals who wish to become women usually request a surgical procedure to raise the fundamental frequency of the voice (feminization). The ENT specialist and the voice-therapist have to use an interdisciplinary approach to this growing social demand. The aim of this study was to show the results in a group of transsexual patients after Wendler's anterior synechiae, with additional voice-therapy treatment. Ten male transexulas who wish to become women patients who had Wendler glottoplasty and voice-therapy were assessed. The surgical procedure consisted of a de-epithelialization of the anterior third of both vocal folds; this area was sutured and the surface of both vocal folds was vaporised with laser diode. Pre- and postsurgery voice assessment consisted of measuring fundamental frequency (Fo) and maximum phonation time, administering the transgender self-assessment questionnaire (TSEQ) and obtaining perceptual voice assessment by inter-rater agreement. All the male transsexuals who wish to become women patients significantly increased their Fo (106 Hz on average) after the treatment. Furthermore, significant improvements were shown in self-reported satisfaction and in the degree of voice feminization. No improvements in the maximum phonation time were observed. Wendler glottoplasty is a surgical procedure to contribute to feminising the voice, with good medium-term results and without noteworthy medical complications. The increase in vocal tone was observed using several pre- and post-surgery control measures and voice therapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial. All rights reserved.

Time-Series Photometry of Variable Stars in the Globular Cluster NGC 288

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong-Joo; Koo, Jae-Rim; Hong, Kyeongsoo; Kim, Seung-Lee; Lee, Jae Woo; Lee, Chung-Uk; Jeon, Young-Beom; Kim, Yun-Hak; Lim, Beomdu; Ryu, Yoon-Hyun; Cha, Sang-Mok; Lee, Yongseok; Kim, Dong-Jin; Park, Byeong-Gon; Kim, Chun-Hwey

2016-12-01

We present the results of BV time-series photometry of the globular cluster NGC 288. Observations were carried out to search for variable stars using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) 1.6-m telescopes and a 4k pre-science CCD camera during a test observation from August to December, 2014. We found a new SX Phe star and confirmed twelve previously known variable stars in NGC 288. For the semi-regular variable star V1, we newly determined a period of 37.3 days from light curves spanning 137 days. The light-curve solution of the eclipsing binary V10 indicates that the system is probably a detached system. The pulsation properties of nine SX Phe stars were examined by applying multiple frequency analysis to their light curves. We derived a new Period-Luminosity (P-L) relation, < M_{V} rangle = -2.476(±0.300) log P - 0.354(±0.385), from six SX Phe stars showing the fundamental mode. Additionally, the period ratios of three SX Phe stars that probably have a double-radial mode were investigated; P_{FO}/P_{F} = 0.779 for V5, P_{TO}/P_{FO} = 0.685 for V9, P_{SO}/P_{FO} = 0.811 for V11. This paper is the first contribution in a series assessing the detections and properties of variable stars in six southern globular clusters with the KMTNet system.

Community analysis of biofilms on flame-oxidized stainless steel anodes in microbial fuel cells fed with different substrates.

PubMed

Eyiuche, Nweze Julius; Asakawa, Shiho; Yamashita, Takahiro; Ikeguchi, Atsuo; Kitamura, Yutaka; Yokoyama, Hiroshi

2017-06-29

The flame-oxidized stainless steel anode (FO-SSA) is a newly developed electrode that enhances microbial fuel cell (MFC) power generation; however, substrate preference and community structure of the biofilm developed on FO-SSA have not been well characterized. Herein, we investigated the community on FO-SSA using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragment in acetate-, starch-, glucose-, and livestock wastewater-fed MFCs. Furthermore, to analyze the effect of the anode material, the acetate-fed community formed on a common carbon-based electrode-carbon-cloth anode (CCA)-was examined for comparison. Substrate type influenced the power output of MFCs using FO-SSA; the highest electricity was generated using acetate as a substrate, followed by peptone, starch and glucose, and wastewater. Intensity of power generation using FO-SSA was related to the abundance of exoelectrogenic genera, namely Geobacter and Desulfuromonas, of the phylum Proteobacteria, which were detected at a higher frequency in acetate-fed communities than in communities fed with other substrates. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-Enterococcus and Carnobacterium-were predominant in starch- and glucose-fed communities, respectively. In the wastewater-fed community, members of phylum Planctomycetes were frequently detected (36.2%). Exoelectrogenic genera Geobacter and Desulfuromonas were also detected in glucose-, starch-, and wastewater-fed communities on FO-SSA, but with low frequency (0-3.2%); the lactate produced by Carnobacterium and Enterococcus in glucose- and starch-fed communities might affect exoelectrogenic bacterial growth, resulting in low power output by MFCs fed with these substrates. Furthermore, in the acetate-fed community on FO-SSA, Desulfuromonas was abundant (15.4%) and Geobacter had a minor proportion (0.7%), while in that on CCA, both Geobacter and Desulfuromonas were observed at similar frequencies (6.0-9.8%), indicating that anode material affects exoelectrogenic genus enrichment in anodic biofilm. Anodic community structure was dependent on both substrate and anode material. Although Desulfuromonas spp. are marine microorganisms, they were abundant in the acetate-fed community on FO-SSA, implying the presence of novel non-halophilic and exoelectrogenic species in this genus. Power generation using FO-SSA was positively related to the frequency of exoelectrogenic genera in the anodic community. Predominant LAB in saccharide-fed anodic biofilm caused low abundance of exoelectrogenic genera and consequent low power generation.

[The acoustic changes of the voice in the singing boys during the permutation period].

PubMed

Chernobel'sky, S I

2016-01-01

The present study was based on the assumption that the determination of the fundamental frequency (Fo) of the speech by means of computer-assisted acoustic analysis makes it possible to detect the onset of vocal mutation in the singing boys. A total of 30 singing boys were available for the examination. They were allocated to two groups. Group 1 was comprised of 15 boys at the age between 11 years 10 months and 12 years 4 months. Group 2 consisted of 15 boys aged between 12 years 10 months and 13 years 2 months. All the participants of the study underwent an acoustic test in combination with indirect laryngoscopy. It was shown that fundamental frequency of the speech in the boys of group 2 was significantly lower than in group 1. The difference amounted to two half-tones and could be regarded as the onset of vocal pre-mutation. It is concluded that the acoustic analysis of the speech should be employed to determine the time of vocal pre-mutation in the singing boys. The singing teachers can use this method all by themselves.

Modulation format identification enabled by the digital frequency-offset loading technique for hitless coherent transceiver.

PubMed

Fu, Songnian; Xu, Zuying; Lu, Jianing; Jiang, Hexun; Wu, Qiong; Hu, Zhouyi; Tang, Ming; Liu, Deming; Chan, Calvin Chun-Kit

2018-03-19

We propose a blind and fast modulation format identification (MFI) enabled by the digital frequency-offset (FO) loading technique for hitless coherent transceiver. Since modulation format information is encoded to the FO distribution during digital signal processing (DSP) at the transmitter side (Tx), we can use the fast Fourier transformation based FO estimation (FFT-FOE) method to obtain the FO distribution of individual data block after constant modulus algorithm (CMA) pre-equalization at the receiver side, in order to realize non-data-aided (NDA) and fast MFI. The obtained FO can be also used for subsequent FO compensation (FOC), without additional complexity. We numerically investigate and experimentally verify the proposed MFI with high accuracy and fast format switching among 28 Gbaud dual-polarization (DP)-4/8/16/64QAM, time domain hybrid-4/16QAM, and set partitioning (SP)-128QAM. In particular, the proposed MFI brings no performance degradation, in term of tolerance of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise, laser linewidth, and fiber nonlinearity. Finally, a hitless coherent transceiver enabled by the proposed MFI with switching-block of only 2048 symbols is demonstrated over 1500 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) transmission.

Improved phase-ellipse method for in-situ geophone calibration.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liu, Huaibao P.; Peselnick, L.

1986-01-01

For amplitude and phase response calibration of moving-coil electromagnetic geophones 2 parameters are needed, namely the geophone natural frequency, fo, and the geophone upper resonance frequency fu. The phase-ellipse method is commonly used for the in situ determination of these parameters. For a given signal-to-noise ratio, the precision of the measurement of fo and fu depends on the phase sensitivity, f(delta PHI/delta PHIf). For some commercial geophones (f(delta PHI/delta PHI) at fu can be an order of magnitude less than the sensitivity at fo. Presents an improved phase-ellipse method with increased precision. Compared to measurements made with the existing phase-ellipse methods, the method shows a 6- and 3-fold improvement in the precision, respectively, on measurements of fo and fu on a commercial geophone.-from Authors

The Effect of Microphone Type on Acoustical Measures of Synthesized Vowels.

PubMed

Kisenwether, Jessica Sofranko; Sataloff, Robert T

2015-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare microphones of different directionality, transducer type, and cost, with attention to their effects on acoustical measurements of period perturbation, amplitude perturbation, and noise using synthesized sustained vowel samples. This was a repeated measures design. Synthesized sustained vowel stimuli (with known acoustic characteristics and systematic changes in jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonics ratio) were recorded by a variety of dynamic and condenser microphones. Files were then analyzed for mean fundamental frequency (fo), fo standard deviation, absolute jitter, shimmer in dB, peak-to-peak amplitude variation, and noise-to-harmonics ratio. Acoustical measures following recording were compared with the synthesized, known acoustical measures before recording. Although informal analyses showed some differences among microphones, and analyses of variance showed that type of microphone is a significant predictor, t-tests revealed that none of the microphones generated different means compared with the generated acoustical measures. In this sample, microphone type, directionality, and cost did not have a significant effect on the validity of acoustic measures. Copyright © 2015 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the relationship between ionospheric foF2 and earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaboga, Tuba; Canyilmaz, Murat; Ozcan, Osman

2018-04-01

Variations of the ionospheric F2 region critical frequency (foF2) have been investigated statistically before earthquakes during 1980-2008 periods in Japan area. Ionosonde data was taken from Kokubunji station which is in the earthquake preparation zone for all earthquakes. Standard Deviations and Inter-Quartile Range methods are applied to the foF2 data. It is observed that there are anomalous variations in foF2 before earthquakes. These variations can be regarded as ionospheric precursors and may be used for earthquake prediction.

Influence of Traffic Vehicles Against Ground Fundamental Frequency Prediction using Ambient Vibration Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamarudin, A. F.; Noh, M. S. Md; Mokhatar, S. N.; Anuar, M. A. Mohd; Ibrahim, A.; Ibrahim, Z.; Daud, M. E.

2018-04-01

Ambient vibration (AV) technique is widely used nowadays for ground fundamental frequency prediction. This technique is easy, quick, non-destructive, less operator required and reliable result. The input motions of ambient vibration are originally collected from surrounding natural and artificial excitations. But, careful data acquisition controlled must be implemented to reduce the intrusion of short period noise that could imply the quality of frequency prediction of an investigated site. In this study, investigation on the primary noise intrusion under peak (morning, afternoon and evening) and off peak (early morning) traffic flows (only 8 meter from sensor to road shoulder) against the stability and quality of ground fundamental frequency prediction were carried out. None of specific standard is available for AV data acquisition and processing. Thus, some field and processing parameters recommended by previous studies and guideline were considered. Two units of 1 Hz tri-axial seismometer sensor were closely positioned in front of the main entrance Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. 15 minutes of recording length were taken during peak and off peak periods of traffic flows. All passing vehicles were counted and grouped into four classes. Three components of ambient vibration time series recorded in the North-South: NS, East-West: EW and vertical: UD directions were automatically computed into Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR), by using open source software of GEOPSY for fundamental ground frequency, Fo determination. Single sharp peak pattern of HVSR curves have been obtained at peak frequencies between 1.33 to 1.38 Hz which classified under soft to dense soil classification. Even identical HVSR curves pattern with close frequencies prediction were obtained under both periods of AV measurement, however the total numbers of stable and quality windows selected for HVSR computation were significantly different but both have satisfied the requirement given by SESAME (2004) guideline. Besides, the second peak frequencies from the early morning HVSR curve was clearly indicated between 8.23 to 8.55 Hz at very low amplitude (Ao < 2), but it should be neglected according to the similar guideline criteria. In conclusion, the ground fundamental frequency using HVSR method was successfully determined by 1 Hz seismometer instrument with recommended to specific parameters consideration on field as well as data processing, without disruption from the nearest traffic excitations.

A short-term ionospheric forecasting empirical regional model (IFERM) to predict the critical frequency of the F2 layer during moderate, disturbed, and very disturbed geomagnetic conditions over the European area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietrella, M.

2012-02-01

A short-term ionospheric forecasting empirical regional model (IFERM) has been developed to predict the state of the critical frequency of the F2 layer (foF2) under different geomagnetic conditions. IFERM is based on 13 short term ionospheric forecasting empirical local models (IFELM) developed to predict foF2 at 13 ionospheric observatories scattered around the European area. The forecasting procedures were developed by taking into account, hourly measurements of foF2, hourly quiet-time reference values of foF2 (foF2QT), and the hourly time-weighted accumulation series derived from the geomagnetic planetary index ap, (ap(τ)), for each observatory. Under the assumption that the ionospheric disturbance index ln(foF2/foF2QT) is correlated to the integrated geomagnetic disturbance index ap(τ), a set of statistically significant regression coefficients were established for each observatory, over 12 months, over 24 h, and under 3 different ranges of geomagnetic activity. This data was then used as input to compute short-term ionospheric forecasting of foF2 at the 13 local stations under consideration. The empirical storm-time ionospheric correction model (STORM) was used to predict foF2 in two different ways: scaling both the hourly median prediction provided by IRI (STORM_foF2MED,IRI model), and the foF2QT values (STORM_foF2QT model) from each local station. The comparison between the performance of STORM_foF2MED,IRI, STORM_foF2QT, IFELM, and the foF2QT values, was made on the basis of root mean square deviation (r.m.s.) for a large number of periods characterized by moderate, disturbed, and very disturbed geomagnetic activity. The results showed that the 13 IFELM perform much better than STORM_foF2,sub>MED,IRI and STORM_foF2QT especially in the eastern part of the European area during the summer months (May, June, July, and August) and equinoctial months (March, April, September, and October) under disturbed and very disturbed geomagnetic conditions, respectively. The performance of IFELM is also very good in the western and central part of the Europe during the summer months under disturbed geomagnetic conditions. STORM_foF2MED,IRI performs particularly well in central Europe during the equinoctial months under moderate geomagnetic conditions and during the summer months under very disturbed geomagnetic conditions. The forecasting maps generated by IFERM on the basis of the results provided by the 13 IFELM, show very large areas located at middle-high and high latitudes where the foF2 predictions quite faithfully match the foF2 measurements, and consequently IFERM can be used for generating short-term forecasting maps of foF2 (up to 3 h ahead) over the European area.

Comparison of foE and M(3000)F2 variability at Ibadan, Singapore and Slough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somoye, E. O.; Onori, E. O.; Akala, A. O.

2013-01-01

The variability, VR, of critical frequency of E-layer, foE, and ionospheric propagation factor, M(3000)F2 at Ibadan (7.4°N, 3.9°E, 6°S dip) is investigated for local time, seasonal and solar cycle variations. Latitudinal influence of these characteristics is sought by comparison with foE VR and M(3000)F2 VR of Slough ( 51.5°N, 359.4°E, 66.5°N dip) in the European sector, and Singapore (1.3°N,103.8°E, 17.6°S dip) in the Asian sector. While the pattern of foE VR is similar to those of other F2 characteristics with characteristic peaks around dawn and dusk, M(3000)F2 VR shows no clear diurnal trend.A lower bound of foE VR is usually 3% while the maximum VR ranges between 8% and13% at post-sunrise and pre-sunset hours at all the epochs, M(3000)F2 VR is however lower during MSA (about 9%) than during LSA and HSA when it is 4% to about 12-14%. Generally, daytime M(3000)F2 VR is greater than that of foE VR by between 5% and 10%. Furthermore, no latitudinal difference is observed in both characteristics during both HSA and MSA. While nighttime M(3000)F2 VR is about half that of nighttime foF2 VR (the critical frequency of F2-layer ) VR, daytime VR of both characteristics are about equal during the three epochs at Ibadan. For Slough, nighttime M(3000)F2 VR and nighttime foF2 VR as well as the daytime VR of both characteristics are about equal. This difference is most likely due to latitudinal effect.

The MACHO Project LMC Variable Star Inventory. VI. The Second Overtone Mode of Cepheid Pulsation from First/Second Overtone Beat Cepheids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alcock, C.; Allsman, R. A.; Alves, D.; Axelrod, T. S.; Becker, A. C.; Bennett, D. P.; Cook, K. H.; Freeman, K. C.; Griest, K.; Lehner, M. J.; Marshall, S. L.; Minniti, D.; Peterson, B. A.; Pratt, M. R.; Quinn, P. J.; Rodgers, A. W.; Rorabeck, A.; Sutherland, W.; Tomaney, A.; Vandehei, T.; Welch, D. L.; MACHO Collaboration

1999-01-01

MACHO Project photometry of 45 LMC first and second overtone (FO and SO, respectively) beat Cepheids that pulsate in the FO and SO has been analyzed to determine the light-curve characteristics for the SO mode of Cepheid pulsation. We predict that singly periodic SO Cepheids will have nearly sinusoidal light curves; that we will only be able to discern SO Cepheids from fundamental (F) and FO Cepheids for P<~1.4 days; and that the SO distribution will overlap the short-period edge of the LMC FO Cepheid period-luminosity relation (when both are plotted as a function of photometric period). We also report the discovery of one SO Cepheid candidate, MACHO*05:03:39.6-70:04:32, with a photometric period of 0.775961+/-0.000019 days and an instrumental amplitude of 0.047+/-0.009 mag in V.

Variations of the critical foE-frequency of the ionosphere connected with earthquakes. Evaluation of observations of the vertical sounding station "Tokyo"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liperovskaya, Elena V.; Meister, Claudia-Veronika; Hoffmann, Dieter H. H.; Silina, Alexandra S.

2016-04-01

In the present work the critical frequencies foE and foF2 of the ionosphere are considered as possible earthquake precursors. The statistical analysis of the critical frequencies is carried out based on the data of the vertical sounding station (VSS) "Kokubunji" ("Tokyo") (ϕ = 35.7o N, λ = 139.5o E, 1957-1988) obtained every hour. Disturbances are considered on the background of seasonal, geomagnetic as well as 11-years and 27-days Solar variations. Special normalized parameters E and F are introduced, which represent the almost seasonal-independent parts of foE and foF2. Days with high Solar (Wolf number > 100) and geomagnetic (ΣKp > 25) activities are excluded from the analysis. For all data (observed every hour) analysed, no correlations of the normalized parameters E and F are found. One day before the seismic shock, a positive correlation is observed. The superimposed epochs method is used to determine the temporal behaviour of E and F. It is found that E and F decrease one day before the earthquakes provided that the seismic shocks occur at distances 600 < R < 1000 km from the VSS, and that the focus of earthquakes with magnitudes M > 5.5 is situated at depths smaller than 60 km. The reliability of the effect is larger than 98 %. Possible physical mechanisms of the phenomenon are discussed.

Arm-Locking with the GRACE Follow-On Laser Ranging Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thorpe, James Ira; Mckenzie, Kirk

2016-01-01

Arm-locking is a technique for stabilizing the frequency of a laser in an inter-spacecraft interferometer by using the spacecraft separation as the frequency reference. A candidate technique for future space-based gravitational wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), arm-locking has been extensive studied in this context through analytic models, time-domain simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop laboratory demonstrations. In this paper we show the Laser Ranging Instrument flying aboard the upcoming Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission provides an appropriate platform for an on-orbit demonstration of the arm-locking technique. We describe an arm-locking controller design for the GRACE-FO system and a series of time-domain simulations that demonstrate its feasibility. We conclude that it is possible to achieve laser frequency noise suppression of roughly two orders of magnitude around a Fourier frequency of 1Hz with conservative margins on the system's stability. We further demonstrate that `pulling' of the master laser frequency due to fluctuating Doppler shifts and lock acquisition transients is less than 100MHz over several GRACE-FO orbits. These findings motivate further study of the implementation of such a demonstration.

Arm locking with the GRACE follow-on laser ranging interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorpe, James Ira; McKenzie, Kirk

2016-02-01

Arm locking is a technique for stabilizing the frequency of a laser in an interspacecraft interferometer by using the spacecraft separation as the frequency reference. A candidate technique for future space-based gravitational wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, arm locking has been extensive studied in this context through analytic models, time-domain simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop laboratory demonstrations. In this paper we show the laser ranging interferometer instrument flying aboard the upcoming Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment follow-on (GRACE-FO) mission provides an appropriate platform for an on-orbit demonstration of the arm-locking technique. We describe an arm-locking controller design for the GRACE-FO system and a series of time-domain simulations that demonstrate its feasibility. We conclude that it is possible to achieve laser frequency noise suppression of roughly 2 orders of magnitude around a Fourier frequency of 1 Hz with conservative margins on the system's stability. We further demonstrate that "pulling" of the master laser frequency due to fluctuating Doppler shifts and lock acquisition transients is less than 100 MHz over several GRACE-FO orbits. These findings motivate further study of the implementation of such a demonstration.

Daytime dependence of disturbances of ionospheric Es-layers connected to earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liperovskaya, E. V.; Liperovsky, A. V.; Meister, C.-V.; Silina, A. S.

2012-04-01

In the present work variations of the semi-transparency of the sporadic E-layer of the ionosphere due to seismic activities are studied. The semi-transparency Q is determined by the blanketing frequency fbEs and the characteristic frequency foEs, Q = (foEs - fbEs)/fbEs. At low values of the blanketing frequency fbEs, the critical frequency foEs does not describe the maximum ionisation density of the Es-layer, as the critical frequencies of regular ionospheric layers (e.g. foF2) do, but it describes the occurrence of small-scall (tenths of meters) inhomogeneities of the ionisation density along the vertical in the layer. The maximum ionisation density of the sporadic layer is proportional to the square of fbEs. In the case of vertical ionospheric sounding, the sporadic layer becomes transparent for signals with frequencies larger than fbEs. Investigations showed that about three days before an earthquake an increase of the semi-transparency interval is observed during sunset and sunrise. In the present work, analogous results are found for data of the vertical sounding stations "Tokyo" and "Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky". Using the method of superposition of epoches, more than 50 earthquakes with magnitudes M > 5, depths h < 40 km, and distances between the station and the epicenter R < 300 km are considered in case of the vertical sounding station "Tokyo". More than 20 earthquakes with such parameters were analysed in case of the station "Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky". Days with strong geomagnetic activity were excluded from the analysis. According to the station "Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky" about 1-3 days before earthquakes, an increase of Es-spread is observed a few hours before midnight. This increase is a sign of large-scale inhomogeneities in the sporadic layers.

Development of calibration techniques for ultrasonic hydrophone probes in the frequency range from 1 to 100 MHz

PubMed Central

Umchid, S.; Gopinath, R.; Srinivasan, K.; Lewin, P. A.; Daryoush, A. S.; Bansal, L.; El-Sherif, M.

2009-01-01

The primary objective of this work was to develop and optimize the calibration techniques for ultrasonic hydrophone probes used in acoustic field measurements up to 100 MHz. A dependable, 100 MHz calibration method was necessary to examine the behavior of a sub-millimeter spatial resolution fiber optic (FO) sensor and assess the need for such a sensor as an alternative tool for high frequency characterization of ultrasound fields. Also, it was of interest to investigate the feasibility of using FO probes in high intensity fields such as those employed in HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) applications. In addition to the development and validation of a novel, 100 MHz calibration technique the innovative elements of this research include implementation and testing of a prototype FO sensor with an active diameter of about 10 μm that exhibits uniform sensitivity over the considered frequency range and does not require any spatial averaging corrections up to about 75 MHz. The results of the calibration measurements are presented and it is shown that the optimized calibration technique allows the sensitivity of the hydrophone probes to be determined as a virtually continuous function of frequency and is also well suited to verify the uniformity of the FO sensor frequency response. As anticipated, the overall uncertainty of the calibration was dependent on frequency and determined to be about ±12% (±1 dB) up to 40 MHz, ±20% (±1.5 dB) from 40 to 60 MHz and ±25% (±2 dB) from 60 to 100 MHz. The outcome of this research indicates that once fully developed and calibrated, the combined acousto-optic system will constitute a universal reference tool in the wide, 100 MHz bandwidth. PMID:19110289

Fear of cancer progression and cancer-related intrusive cognitions in breast cancer survivors.

PubMed

Mehnert, Anja; Berg, Petra; Henrich, Gerhard; Herschbach, Peter

2009-12-01

To assess the character and frequency of fear of progression (FoP) and to clarify its relationship with cancer-related intrusive cognitions in breast cancer survivors. A sample of 1083 patients was recruited in this cross-sectional study through a population-based Cancer Registry an average of 47 month following diagnosis (66% response rate). Participants completed self-report measures assessing fear of cancer progression (FoP-Q-SF), posttraumatic stress-disorder symptoms (PCL-C), coping strategies (DWI) and quality of life (QoL) (SF-8). In total, 23.6% of women were classified as having moderate to high FoP. Being nervous prior to doctors' appointments or examinations and being afraid of relying on strangers for activities of daily living were the most frequent fears. FoP was significantly associated with younger age, having children, disease progress, chemotherapy, perceived amount of impairments, physical and mental QoL, but not with time since initial diagnosis. Intrusive cognitions were screened in 37% of the sample. We found significant correlations between FoP and intrusive thoughts (r=0.63), avoidance (r=0.57), hyperarousal (r=0.54) and posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis (r=0.42). Factors significantly associated with moderate and high FoP included a depressive coping style as well as an active problem-oriented coping style, intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms (Nagelkerke's R(2)=0.44). Findings of this study give information regarding the frequency and the character of anxiety in breast cancer survivors and underline the relation of FoP to the reality of living with breast cancer. Results suggest that intrusive cognitions as well as avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms seem to be closely related to future-oriented fears of cancer recurrence.

Peridotites and basalts reveal broad congruence between two independent records of mantle fO2 despite local redox heterogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birner, Suzanne K.; Cottrell, Elizabeth; Warren, Jessica M.; Kelley, Katherine A.; Davis, Fred A.

2018-07-01

The oxygen fugacity (fO2) of the oceanic upper mantle has fundamental implications for the production of magmas and evolution of the Earth's interior and exterior. Mid-ocean ridge basalts and peridotites sample the oceanic upper mantle, and retain a record of oxygen fugacity. While fO2 has been calculated for mid-ocean ridge basalts worldwide (>200 locations), ridge peridotites have been comparatively less well studied (33 samples from 11 locations), and never in the same geographic location as basalts. In order to determine whether peridotites and basalts from mid-ocean ridges record congruent information about the fO2 of the Earth's interior, we analyzed 31 basalts and 41 peridotites from the Oblique Segment of the Southwest Indian Ridge. By measuring basalts and peridotites from the same ridge segment, we can compare samples with maximally similar petrogenetic histories. We project the composition and oxygen fugacity of each lithology back to source conditions, and evaluate the effects of factors such as subsolidus diffusion in peridotites and fractional crystallization in basalts. We find that, on average, basalts and peridotites from the Oblique Segment both reflect a source mantle very near the quartz-fayalite-magnetite (QFM) buffer. However, peridotites record a significantly wider range of values (nearly 3 orders of magnitude in fO2), with a single dredge recording a range in fO2 greater than that previously reported for mid-ocean ridge peridotites worldwide. This suggests that mantle fO2 may be heterogeneous on relatively short length scales, and that this heterogeneity may be obscured within aggregated basalt melts. We further suggest that the global peridotite fO2 dataset may not provide a representative sample of average basalt-source mantle. Our study motivates further investigation of the fO2 recorded by ridge peridotites, as peridotites record information about the fO2 of the Earth's interior that cannot be gleaned from analysis of basalts alone.

Comparison of Ionospheric Parameters during Similar Geomagnetic Storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagoveshchensky, D. V.

2018-03-01

The degree of closeness of ionospheric parameters during one magnetic storm and of the same parameters during another, similar, storm is estimated. Overall, four storms—two pairs of storms close in structure and appearance according to recording of the magnetic field X-component—were analyzed. The examination was based on data from Sodankyla observatory (Finland). The f-graphs of the ionospheric vertical sounding, magnetometer data, and riometer data on absorption were used. The main results are as follows. The values of the critical frequencies foF2, foF1, and foE for different but similar magnetic storms differ insignificantly. In the daytime, the difference is on average 6% (from 0 to 11.1%) for all ionospheric layers. In the nighttime conditions, the difference for foF2 is 4%. The nighttime values of foEs differ on average by 20%. These estimates potentially make it possible to forecast ionospheric parameters for a particular storm.

Gait-Related Brain Activity in People with Parkinson Disease with Freezing of Gait

PubMed Central

Peterson, Daniel S.; Pickett, Kristen A.; Duncan, Ryan; Perlmutter, Joel; Earhart, Gammon M.

2014-01-01

Approximately 50% of people with Parkinson disease experience freezing of gait, described as a transient inability to produce effective stepping. Complex gait tasks such as turning typically elicit freezing more commonly than simple gait tasks, such as forward walking. Despite the frequency of this debilitating and dangerous symptom, the brain mechanisms underlying freezing remain unclear. Gait imagery during functional magnetic resonance imaging permits investigation of brain activity associated with locomotion. We used this approach to better understand neural function during gait-like tasks in people with Parkinson disease who experience freezing- “FoG+” and people who do not experience freezing- ”FoG−“. Nine FoG+ and nine FoG− imagined complex gait tasks (turning, backward walking), simple gait tasks (forward walking), and quiet standing during measurements of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal. Changes in BOLD signal (i.e. beta weights) during imagined walking and imagined standing were analyzed across FoG+ and FoG− groups in locomotor brain regions including supplementary motor area, globus pallidus, putamen, mesencephalic locomotor region, and cerebellar locomotor region. Beta weights in locomotor regions did not differ for complex tasks compared to simple tasks in either group. Across imagined gait tasks, FoG+ demonstrated significantly lower beta weights in the right globus pallidus with respect to FoG−. FoG+ also showed trends toward lower beta weights in other right-hemisphere locomotor regions (supplementary motor area, mesencephalic locomotor region). Finally, during imagined stand, FoG+ exhibited lower beta weights in the cerebellar locomotor region with respect to FoG−. These data support previous results suggesting FoG+ exhibit dysfunction in a number of cortical and subcortical regions, possibly with asymmetric dysfunction towards the right hemisphere. PMID:24595265

Variability of tropical cyclone in high frequent occurrence regions over the western North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yuxing; Huang, Fei; Wang, Faming

2014-06-01

In this study, three high frequent occurrence regions of tropical cyclones (TCs), i.e., the northern South China Sea (the region S), the south Philippine Sea (the region P) and the region east of Taiwan Island (the region E), are defined with frequency of TC's occurrence at each grid for a 45-year period (1965-2009), where the frequency of occurrence (FO) of TCs is triple the mean value of the whole western North Pacific. Over the region S, there are decreasing trends in the FO of TCs, the number of TCs' tracks going though this region and the number of TCs' genesis in this region. Over the region P, the FO and tracks demonstrate decadal variation with periods of 10-12 year, while over the region E, a significant 4-5 years' oscillation appears in both FO and tracks. It is demonstrated that the differences of TCs' variation in these three different regions are mainly caused by the variation of the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) at different time scales. The westward shift of WPSH is responsible for the northwesterly anomaly over the region S which inhibits westward TC movement into the region S. On the decadal timescale, the WPSH stretches northwestward because of the anomalous anticyclone over the northwestern part of the region P, and steers more TCs reaching the region P in the greater FO years of the region P. The retreating of the WPSH on the interannual time scale is the main reason for the FO's oscillation over the region E.

The forgotten role of central volume in low frequency oscillations of heart rate variability.

PubMed

Ferrario, Manuela; Moissl, Ulrich; Garzotto, Francesco; Cruz, Dinna N; Tetta, Ciro; Signorini, Maria G; Ronco, Claudio; Grassmann, Aileen; Cerutti, Sergio; Guzzetti, Stefano

2015-01-01

The hypothesis that central volume plays a key role in the source of low frequency (LF) oscillations of heart rate variability (HRV) was tested in a population of end stage renal disease patients undergoing conventional hemodialysis (HD) treatment, and thus subject to large fluid shifts and sympathetic activation. Fluid overload (FO) in 58 chronic HD patients was assessed by whole body bioimpedance measurements before the midweek HD session. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured using 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram recordings starting before the same HD treatment. Time domain and frequency domain analyses were performed on HRV signals. Patients were retrospectively classified in three groups according to tertiles of FO normalized to the extracellular water (FO/ECW%). These groups were also compared after stratification by diabetes mellitus. Patients with the low to medium hydration status before the treatment (i.e. 1st and 2nd FO/ECW% tertiles) showed a significant increase in LF power during last 30 min of HD compared to dialysis begin, while no significant change in LF power was seen in the third group (i.e. those with high pre-treatment hydration values). In conclusion, several mechanisms can generate LF oscillations in the cardiovascular system, including baroreflex feedback loops and central oscillators. However, the current results emphasize the role played by the central volume in determining the power of LF oscillations.

Driving and controlling molecular surface rotors with a terahertz electric field.

PubMed

Neumann, Jan; Gottschalk, Kay E; Astumian, R Dean

2012-06-26

Great progress has been made in the design and synthesis of molecular motors and rotors. Loosely inspired by biomolecular machines such as kinesin and the FoF1 ATPsynthase, these molecules are hoped to provide elements for construction of more elaborate structures that can carry out tasks at the nanoscale corresponding to the tasks accomplished by elementary machines in the macroscopic world. Most of the molecular motors synthesized to date suffer from the drawback that they operate relatively slowly (less than kHz). Here we show by molecular dynamics studies of a diethyl sulfide rotor on a gold(111) surface that a high-frequency oscillating electric field normal to the surface can drive directed rotation at GHz frequencies. The maximum directed rotation rate is 10(10) rotations per second, significantly faster than the rotation of previously reported directional molecular rotors. Understanding the fundamental basis of directed motion of surface rotors is essential for the further development of efficient externally driven artificial rotors. Our results represent a step toward the design of a surface-bound molecular rotary motor with a tunable rotation frequency and direction.

Older Adults with Fear of Falling Show Deficits in Motor Imagery of Gait.

PubMed

Sakurai, R; Fujiwara, Y; Yasunaga, M; Suzuki, H; Sakuma, N; Imanaka, K; Montero-Odasso, M

2017-01-01

Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Fear of Falling (FoF) could help to expand potential treatments. Given the nature of motor performance, the decline in the planning stage of motor execution may be associated with an expression of FoF. The aim of this study was to assess the planning/prediction accuracy in motor execution in people with FoF using gait-related motor imagery (MI). Cross-sectional case/control study. Three health centers in Japan. Two hundred and eighty-three community-dwelling older adults were recruited and stratified by presence of FoF as FoF group (n=178) or non-FoF group (n=107). Participants were tested for both imagery and execution tasks of a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The participants were first asked to imagine the trial (iTUG) and estimate the time it would take, and then perform the actual trial (aTUG). The difference between iTUG and aTUG (Δ TUG) was calculated. The FoF group was significantly slower in aTUG, but iTUG duration was almost identical between the two groups, resulting in significant overestimation in the FoF group. The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that increased Δ TUG (i.e., tendency to overestimate) was significantly associated with FoF (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02-1.10). Low frequency of going outdoors was also associated with FoF (OR 2.95; 95% CI: 1.16-7.44). Older adults with FoF overestimate their TUG performance, reflecting impairment in motor planning. Overestimation of physical capabilities can be an additional explanation of the high risk of falls in this population.

A procedure for the reliability improvement of the oblique ionograms automatic scaling algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ippolito, Alessandro; Scotto, Carlo; Sabbagh, Dario; Sgrigna, Vittorio; Maher, Phillip

2016-05-01

A procedure made by the combined use of the Oblique Ionogram Automatic Scaling Algorithm (OIASA) and Autoscala program is presented. Using Martyn's equivalent path theorem, 384 oblique soundings from a high-quality data set have been converted into vertical ionograms and analyzed by Autoscala program. The ionograms pertain to the radio link between Curtin W.A. (CUR) and Alice Springs N.T. (MTE), Australia, geographical coordinates (17.60°S; 123.82°E) and (23.52°S; 133.68°E), respectively. The critical frequency foF2 values extracted from the converted vertical ionograms by Autoscala were then compared with the foF2 values derived from the maximum usable frequencies (MUFs) provided by OIASA. A quality factor Q for the MUF values autoscaled by OIASA has been identified. Q represents the difference between the foF2 value scaled by Autoscala from the converted vertical ionogram and the foF2 value obtained applying the secant law to the MUF provided by OIASA. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, an appropriate threshold level Qt was chosen for Q to improve the performance of OIASA.

Ionosonde-based indices for improved representation of solar cycle variation in the International Reference Ionosphere model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Steven; Bilitza, Dieter; Yiǧit, Erdal

2018-06-01

A new monthly ionospheric index, IGNS, is presented to improve the representation of the solar cycle variation of the ionospheric F2 peak plasma frequency, foF2. IGNS is calculated using a methodology similar to the construction of the "global effective sunspot number", IG, given by Liu et al. (1983) but selects ionosonde observations based on hemispheres. We incorporated the updated index into the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model and compared the foF2 model predictions with global ionospheric observations. We also investigated the influence of the underlying foF2 model on the IG index. IRI has two options for foF2 specification, the CCIR-66 and URSI-88 foF2 models. For the first time, we have calculated IG using URSI-88 and assessed the impact on model predictions. Through a retrospective model-data comparison, results show that the inclusion of the new monthly IGNS index in place of the current 12-month smoothed IG index reduce the foF2 model prediction errors by nearly a factor of two. These results apply to both day-time and nightime predictions. This is due to an overall improved prediction of foF2 seasonal and solar cycle variations in the different hemispheres.

Improved argument-FFT frequency offset estimation for QPSK coherent optical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jilong; Li, Wei; Yuan, Zhilin; Li, Haitao; Huang, Liyan; Hu, Qianggao

2016-02-01

A frequency offset estimation (FOE) algorithm based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signal's argument is investigated, which does not require removing the modulated data phase. In this paper, we analyze the flaw of the argument-FFT algorithm and propose a combined FOE algorithm, in which the absolute of frequency offset (FO) is accurately calculated by argument-FFT algorithm with a relatively large number of samples and the sign of FO is determined by FFT-based interpolation discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) algorithm with a relatively small number of samples. Compared with the previous algorithms based on argument-FFT, the proposed one has low complexity and can still effectively work with a relatively less number of samples.

Reconstruction of missed critical frequency of F2-layer over Mexico using TEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sergeeva, M. A.; Maltseva, O. A.; Gonzalez-Esparza, A.; Romero Hernandez, E.; De la Luz, V.; Rodriguez-Martinez, M. R.

2016-12-01

The study of the Earth's ionosphere's state is one of the key issues within the Space Weather monitoring task. It is hard to overestimate the importance of diagnostics of its current state and forecasts of Space Weather conditions. There are different methods of short-time predictions for the ionosphere state change. The real-time monitoring of the ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) provides the opportunity to choose an appropriate technique for the particular observation point on the Earth. From September 2015 the continuous monitoring of TEC variations over the territory of Mexico is performed by the Mexican Space Weather Service (SCiESMEX). Regular patterns of the diurnal and seasonal TEC variations were revealed in base of past statistics and real-time observations which can be used to test the prediction method. Some specific features of the ionosphere behaviour are discussed. However, with all the merits of TEC as an ionospheric parameter, for the full picture of the processes in the ionosphere and for practical applications it is needed to identify the behaviour of other principal ionospheric parameters provided by ionosondes. Currently, SCiESMEX works on the project of the ionosonde installation in Mexico. This study was focused on the reconstruction of the critical frequency of F2-layer of the ionosphere (foF2) when this data is missing. For this purpose measurements of TEC and the median value of the equivalent slab thickness of the ionosphere were used. First, the foF2 values reconstruction was made for the case of the ionosonde data being absent during some hours or days. Second, the possibility of foF2 reconstruction was estimated for the Mexican region having no ionosonde using local TEC data and foF2 data obtained in the regions close to Mexico. Calculations were performed for quiet and disturbed periods. The results of reconstruction were compared to the foF2 obtained from the International Reference Model and to median foF2 values. Comparison with other low-and mid-latitude regions was made. It was shown that foF2 reconstructed using TEC have better agreement with the experimental data. Considering the said above, the use of the reconstructed foF2 values is a great aid for the ionosphere state estimation over Mexico when foF2 information is missed.

Trans World Tidal Gravity Profile.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-01

LABORATORY AIR FORCE SYSTEMS COMMAN D __ UNITEI) STATES AIR FO RC E HANSCOIVI AFB , MASSACHUSETTS 0173 1 ‘ S ~~~~~ V — (~~~) REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE...the fundamental station established at Canberra. Uniformity is maintained with the Brussels fundamental station. It is assessed that the...as well as Canberra and Alice Springs still operatin ~; in 1976. Four new stations are described here Kuala Lumpur (~ a1a’~sja) The gravimeter

Ventilatory Responses at Peak Exercise in Endurance-Trained Obese Adults

PubMed Central

Lorenzo, Santiago

2013-01-01

Background: Alterations in respiratory mechanics predispose healthy obese individuals to low lung volume breathing, which places them at risk of developing expiratory flow limitation (EFL). The high ventilatory demand in endurance-trained obese adults further increases their risk of developing EFL and increases their work of breathing. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and magnitude of EFL in fit obese (FO) adults via measurements of breathing mechanics and ventilatory dynamics during exercise. Methods: Ten (seven women and three men) FO (mean ± SD, 38 ± 5 years, 38% ± 5% body fat) and 10 (seven women and three men) control obese (CO) (38 ± 5 years, 39% ± 5% body fat) subjects underwent hydrostatic weighing, pulmonary function testing, cycle exercise testing, and the determination of the oxygen cost of breathing during eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea. Results: There were no differences in functional residual capacity (43% ± 6% vs 40% ± 9% total lung capacity [TLC]), residual volume (21% ± 4% vs 21% ± 4% TLC), or FVC (111% ± 13% vs 104% ± 15% predicted) between FO and CO subjects, respectively. FO subjects had higher FEV1 (111% ± 13% vs 99% ± 11% predicted), TLC (106% ± 14% vs 94% ± 7% predicted), peak expiratory flow (123% ± 14% vs 106% ± 13% predicted), and maximal voluntary ventilation (128% ± 15% vs 106% ± 13% predicted) than did CO subjects. Peak oxygen uptake (129% ± 16% vs 86% ± 15% predicted), minute ventilation (128 ± 35 L/min vs 92 ± 25 L/min), and work rate (229 ± 54 W vs 166 ± 55 W) were higher in FO subjects. Mean inspiratory (4.65 ± 1.09 L/s vs 3.06 ± 1.21 L/s) and expiratory (4.15 ± 0.95 L/s vs 2.98 ± 0.76L/s) flows were greater in FO subjects, which yielded a greater breathing frequency (51 ± 8 breaths/min vs 41 ± 10 breaths/min) at peak exercise in FO subjects. Mechanical ventilatory constraints in FO subjects were similar to those in CO subjects despite the greater ventilatory demand in FO subjects. Conclusion: FO individuals achieve high ventilations by increasing breathing frequency, matching the elevated metabolic demand associated with high fitness. They do this without developing meaningful ventilatory constraints. Therefore, endurance-trained obese individuals with higher lung function are not limited by breathing mechanics during peak exercise, which may allow healthy obese adults to participate in vigorous exercise training. PMID:23722607

Ventilatory responses at peak exercise in endurance-trained obese adults.

PubMed

Lorenzo, Santiago; Babb, Tony G

2013-10-01

Alterations in respiratory mechanics predispose healthy obese individuals to low lung volume breathing, which places them at risk of developing expiratory flow limitation (EFL). The high ventilatory demand in endurance-trained obese adults further increases their risk of developing EFL and increases their work of breathing. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and magnitude of EFL in fit obese (FO) adults via measurements of breathing mechanics and ventilatory dynamics during exercise. Ten (seven women and three men) FO (mean ± SD, 38 ± 5 years, 38% ± 5% body fat) and 10 (seven women and three men) control obese (CO) (38 ± 5 years, 39% ± 5% body fat) subjects underwent hydrostatic weighing, pulmonary function testing, cycle exercise testing, and the determination of the oxygen cost of breathing during eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea. There were no differences in functional residual capacity (43% ± 6% vs 40% ± 9% total lung capacity [TLC]), residual volume (21% ± 4% vs 21% ± 4% TLC), or FVC (111% ± 13% vs 104% ± 15% predicted) between FO and CO subjects, respectively. FO subjects had higher FEV1 (111% ± 13% vs 99% ± 11% predicted), TLC (106% ± 14% vs 94% ± 7% predicted), peak expiratory flow (123% ± 14% vs 106% ± 13% predicted), and maximal voluntary ventilation (128% ± 15% vs 106% ± 13% predicted) than did CO subjects. Peak oxygen uptake (129% ± 16% vs 86% ± 15% predicted), minute ventilation (128 ± 35 L/min vs 92 ± 25 L/min), and work rate (229 ± 54 W vs 166 ± 55 W) were higher in FO subjects. Mean inspiratory (4.65 ± 1.09 L/s vs 3.06 ± 1.21 L/s) and expiratory (4.15 ± 0.95 L/s vs 2.98 ± 0.76 L/s) flows were greater in FO subjects, which yielded a greater breathing frequency (51 ± 8 breaths/min vs 41 ± 10 breaths/min) at peak exercise in FO subjects. Mechanical ventilatory constraints in FO subjects were similar to those in CO subjects despite the greater ventilatory demand in FO subjects. FO individuals achieve high ventilations by increasing breathing frequency, matching the elevated metabolic demand associated with high fitness. They do this without developing meaningful ventilatory constraints. Therefore, endurance-trained obese individuals with higher lung function are not limited by breathing mechanics during peak exercise, which may allow healthy obese adults to participate in vigorous exercise training.

Variability of foF2 in the African equatorial ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akala, A. O.; Oyeyemi, E. O.; Somoye, E. O.; Adeloye, A. B.; Adewale, A. O.

2010-06-01

This paper presents the impact of diurnal, seasonal and solar activity effects on the variability of ionospheric foF2 in the African equatorial latitude. Three African ionospheric stations; Dakar (14.8°N, 17.4°W, dip: 11.4°N), Ouagadougou (12.4°N, 1.5°W, dip: 2.8°N) and Djibouti (11.5°N, 42.8°E, dip: 7.2°N) were considered for the investigation. The overall aim is to provide African inputs that will be of assistance at improving existing forecasting models. The diurnal analysis revealed that the ionospheric critical frequency (foF2) is more susceptible to variability during the night-time than the day-time, with two peaks in the range; 18-38% during post-sunset hours and 35-55% during post-midnight hours. The seasonal and solar activity analyses showed a post-sunset September Equinox maximum and June Solstice maximum of foF2 variability in all the stations for all seasons. At all the stations, foF2 variability was high for low solar activity year. Overall, we concluded that equatorial foF2 variability increases with decreasing solar activity during night-time.

Day-to-day variability of foEs in the equatorial ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somoye, E. O.; Akala, A. O.; Adeniji-Adele, R. A.; Onori, E. O.; Ogwala, A.; Karimu, A. O.

2013-09-01

seasonal, and solar cycle effects of the variability (VR) of the critical frequency of sporadic E layer (foEsq) are investigated at Ibadan (7.4°N, 3.9°E, 6°S dip) in the African sector during high solar activity (HSA) year of 1958 (Rz = 181), moderate solar activity (MSA) year of 1973 (Rz = 30), and low solar activity (LSA) year of 1965 (Rz = 17). The diurnal variation of foEsq VR is characterized by post-midnight (32%-78%) and pre-midnight (20%-84%) peaks during high solar activity (HSA), the only epoch of the three showing these peaks and a diurnal trend. While the daytime foEsq VRs of the three epochs show no seasonal trend, pre-midnight and post-midnight, the foEsq VRs during HSA and LSA show seasonal trends. Similarity is observed in the curve of reciprocal of percentage occurrence of Esq and that of foEsq VR, indicating inverse variation of percentage occurrence and foEsq VR. Longitudinal influence is observed in the diurnal variation of HSA and MSA July foEsq VR of Ibadan (7.4°N, 3.9°E, 6°S dip) in the African sector, which is in the neighborhood of the Greenwich Meridian (GM); Singapore (1.3°N, 108.3°E, 17.6°S dip) in the Asian sector, east of GM; and Huancayo (12°S, 284.7°E, 1.90 dip) in the American sector, west of GM.

Variation of saturation effect in the ionospheric F2 critical frequency at low latitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikubanni, S. O.; Adeniyi, J. O.

2013-08-01

Saturation in the dependence of foF2 on solar flux is a phenomenon more pronounced in the equatorial ionization anomaly region. The phenomenon was observed in the relationship between the F2 critical frequency (foF2) and any solar indices. Using a two-segmented regression fit on data from an African low latitude station (Geographical Latitude 12.4°N; Geomagnetic latitude 3.5°N), saturation features from the dependence of foF2 on solar radio flux (F10.7) was studied. Diurnal and seasonal variation were studied for the first time in this low latitude region of the African sector. Significant variations were observed, especially in the solstices. It was observed that saturation effect is closely related to the hourly F2 critical frequency and these results were compared with those from Asian, Australian and the American sectors. The diurnal and seasonal variations find their explanations in the photo-ionization process, the fountain effect, and the pre-reversal enhancement while the seasonal variation was attributed to both the ion drift and thermospheric circulation. Future work with larger volume of data is expected to validate the observations from this study.

Ionospheric variations over Chinese EIA region using foF2 and comparison with IRI-2016 model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, S. S.; Chakraborty, Monti; Pandey, R.

2018-07-01

In the present work, we have analyzed data of critical frequency of the F2 region (foF2) for the period, 2008-2013 over low latitude Chinese station Guangzhou (Geog. Lat. 23.10°N, Geog. Long. 113.40°E, dip, Lat. 13.49°N) and results thereof have been compared with IRI-2016 model. foF2 data set of the present study encompasses period of unusual and extended solar minimum, i.e., the years 2008-2009 and rising phase of solar cycle 24. IRI data have been obtained by choosing topside electron density profile IRI-NeQuick for two F peak models, CCIR and URSI. It is found that the general trend of variation in foF2 closely follows the trend of the solar flux during the period of study. A linear regression analysis gave a correlation coefficient of 0.98 which shows strong dependence of foF2 variation over solar flux variation. Semi-annual and annual oscillations are clearly brought out in the foF2 data using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram. A presence of semiannual and winter anomaly in observed as well as modeled foF2 at Guangzhou have found to be consistent throughout the period 2008-2013 irrespective of the phases of the solar activity. Our results also show the stronger presence of winter anomaly during the years of higher solar flux and it has been confirmed by normalizing the difference of winter to summer foF2 values for each year. Comparative results of ionosonde observation and IRI-2016 model show a significant discrepancy with regard to values of foF2 in different seasons and local time variations. IRI 2016 model underestimates the foF2 values in winter and equinoxes and overestimates foF2 values in summer. IRI modeled foF2 values using CCIR and URSI F peak models were found greater during forenoon hours and smaller during afternoon hours than the observed foF2 values throughout the period 2008-2013.

The Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Redox State of Multivalent Cations During the Crystallization of Primitive Shergottitic Liquids at Various (f)O2. Insights into the (f)O2 Fugacity of the Martian Mantle and Crustal Influences on Redox Conditions of Martian Magmas.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shearer, C. K.; Bell, A. S.; Burger, P. V.; Papike, J. J.; Jones, J.; Le, L.; Muttik, N.

2016-01-01

The (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] of crystallization for martian basalts has been estimated in various studies to range from IW-1 to QFM+4 [1-3]. A striking geochemical feature of the shergottites is the large range in initial Sr isotopic ratios and initial epsilon(sup Nd) values. Studies by observed that within the shergottite group the (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] of crystallization is highly correlated with these chemical and isotopic characteristics with depleted shergottites generally crystallizing at reduced conditions and enriched shergottites crystallizing under more oxidizing conditions. More recent work has shown that (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] changed during the crystallization of these magmas from one order of magnitude in Y980459 (Y98) to several orders of magnitude in Larkman Nunatak 06319. These real or apparent variations within single shergottitic magmas have been attributed to mixing of a xenocrystic olivine component, volatile loss-water disassociation, auto-oxidation during crystallization of mafic phases, and assimilation of an oxidizing crustal component (e.g. sulfate). In contrast to the shergottites, augite basalts such as NWA 8159 are highly depleted yet appear to be highly oxidized (e.g. QFM+4). As a first step in attempting to unravel petrologic complexities that influence (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] in martian magmas, this study explores the effect of (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] on the liquid line of descent (LLD) for a primitive shergottite liquid composition (Y98). The results of this study will provide a fundamental basis for reconstructing the record of (f)O2 [oxygen fugacity] in shergottites and other martian basalts, its effect on both mineral chemistries and valence state partitioning, and a means for examining the role of crystallization (and other more complex processes) on the petrologic linkages between olivine-phyric and pyroxene-plagioclase shergottites.

Effects of sporadic E-layer characteristics on spread-F generation in the nighttime ionosphere near a northern equatorial anomaly crest during solar minimum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. C.; Chen, W. S.

2015-06-01

This study is to know how the characteristics of sporadic E-layer (Es-layer) affect the generation of spread-F in the nighttime ionosphere near the crest of equatorial ionization anomaly during solar minimum. The data of Es-layer parameters and spread-F are obtained from the Chungli ionograms of 1996. The Es-layer parameters include foEs (critical frequency of Es-layer), fbEs (blanketing frequency of Es-layer), and Δf (≡foEs-fbEs). Results show that the nighttime variations of foEs and fbEs medians (Δf medians) are different from (similar to) that of the occurrence probabilities of spread-F. Because the total number of Es-layer events is greater than that of spread-F events, the comparison between the medians of Es-layer parameters and the occurrence probabilities of spread-F might have a shortfall. Further, we categorize the Es-layer and spread-F events into each frequency interval of Es-layer parameters. For the occurrence probabilities of spread-F versus foEs, an increasing trend is found in post-midnight of all three seasons. The increasing trend also exists in pre-midnight of the J-months and in post-midnight of all seasons, for the occurrence probabilities of spread-F versus Δf. These demonstrate that the spread-F occurrence increases with increasing foEs and/or Δf. Moreover, the increasing trends indicate that polarization electric fields generated in Es-layer assist to produce spread-F, through the electrodynamical coupling of Es-layer and F-region. Regarding the occurrence probabilities of spread-F versus fbEs, the significant trend only appears in post-midnight of the E-months. This implies that fbEs might not be a major factor for the spread-F formation.

Method of recertifying a loaded bearing member

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, Sidney G. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A method is described of recertifying a loaded bearing member using ultrasound testing to compensate for different equipment configurations and temperature conditions. The standard frequency F1 of a reference block is determined via an ultrasonic tone burst generated by a first pulsed phased locked loop (P2L2) equipment configuration. Once a lock point number S is determined for F1, the reference frequency F1a of the reference block is determined at this lock point number via a second P2L2 equipment configuration to permit an equipment offset compensation factor Fo1=((F1-F1a)/F1)(1000000) to be determined. Next, a reference frequency F2 of the unloaded bearing member is determined using a second P2L2 equipment configuration and is then compensated for equipment offset errors via the relationship F2+F2(Fo1)/1000000. A lock point number b is also determined for F2. A resonant frequency F3 is determined for the reference block using a third P2L2 equipment configuration to determine a second offset compensation factor F02=((F1-F3)/F1) 1000000. Next the resonant frequency F4 of the loaded bearing member is measured at lock point number b via the third P2L2 equipment configuration and the bolt load determined by the relationship (-1000000)CI(((F2-F4)/F2)-Fo2), wherein CI is a factor correlating measured frequency shift to the applied load. Temperature compensation is also performed at each point in the process.

Optimal Design of Wireless Power Transmission Links for Millimeter-Sized Biomedical Implants.

PubMed

Ahn, Dukju; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2016-02-01

This paper presents a design methodology for RF power transmission to millimeter-sized implantable biomedical devices. The optimal operating frequency and coil geometries are found such that power transfer efficiency (PTE) and tissue-loss-constrained allowed power are maximized. We define receiver power reception susceptibility (Rx-PRS) and transmitter figure of merit (Tx-FoM) such that their multiplication yields the PTE. Rx-PRS and Tx-FoM define the roles of the Rx and Tx in the PTE, respectively. First, the optimal Rx coil geometry and operating frequency range are identified such that the Rx-PRS is maximized for given implant constraints. Since the Rx is very small and has lesser design freedom than the Tx, the overall operating frequency is restricted mainly by the Rx. Rx-PRS identifies such operating frequency constraint imposed by the Rx. Secondly, the Tx coil geometry is selected such that the Tx-FoM is maximized under the frequency constraint at which the Rx-PRS was saturated. This aligns the target frequency range of Tx optimization with the frequency range at which Rx performance is high, resulting in the maximum PTE. Finally, we have found that even in the frequency range at which the PTE is relatively flat, the tissue loss per unit delivered power can be significantly different for each frequency. The Rx-PRS can predict the frequency range at which the tissue loss per unit delivered power is minimized while PTE is maintained high. In this way, frequency adjustment for the PTE and tissue-loss-constrained allowed power is realized by characterizing the Rx-PRS. The design procedure was verified through full-wave electromagnetic field simulations and measurements using de-embedding method. A prototype implant, 1 mm in diameter, achieved PTE of 0.56% ( -22.5 dB) and power delivered to load (PDL) was 224 μW at 200 MHz with 12 mm Tx-to-Rx separation in the tissue environment.

Ionospheric parameters as the precursors of disturbed geomagnetic conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagoveshchensky, D. V.; Sergeeva, M. A.; Kozlovsky, A.

2017-12-01

Geomagnetic storms and substorms are the principal elements of the disturbed Space Weather conditions. The aim of the study was to reveal the ionospheric precursors that can be used to forecast geomagnetic disturbance beginning. To study the ionospheric processes before, during and after magnetic storms and substorms data from Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory was used (geomagnetic coordinates: 64.1oN, 119.2oE). In earlier works the Main Effect (ME) was revealed for substorms. It consists of the following steps: (a) the increase of critical frequency foF2 from its quiet median before and during the substorm growth phase, four-five hours before To moment that is the moment of the expansion phase onset, (b) the foF2 decrease to the level lower than its median just after To and until Te that is the moment of the end of the expansion phase, (c) the issue ;a; repeated during the recovery phase (d) two bell-shape spikes in the cutoff frequency values foEs: first spike occurs three hours before To, second spike - during the expansion phase within the interval between To and Te. In the present work it is shown that ME manifestations can be used as precursors of magnetic substorms at high-latitudes (geomagnetic latitudes 50oN-65oN). In particular, the foF2 growth some hours before To can be used as a precursor of substorm development. The first foEs bell-shaped spike also can be used for short-term forecasting, two-three hours in advance of a substorm. Furthermore, the storms between 2008 and 2012 were studied. It was revealed that the similar ME also takes place in the case of magnetic storms but within the different time scale. More specifically, the first ME maximum in foF2 values occurs one-two days before the storm beginning and can be used as its precursor. In addition, the foEs spike takes place approximately ten hours before a storm and also can be used for the prediction of the storm beginning.

Ionospheric precursors to large earthquakes: A case study of the 2011 Japanese Tohoku Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, B. A.; Kellerman, A. C.; Kane, T. A.; Dyson, P. L.; Norman, R.; Zhang, K.

2013-09-01

Researchers have reported ionospheric electron distribution abnormalities, such as electron density enhancements and/or depletions, that they claimed were related to forthcoming earthquakes. In this study, the Tohoku earthquake is examined using ionosonde data to establish whether any otherwise unexplained ionospheric anomalies were detected in the days and hours prior to the event. As the choices for the ionospheric baseline are generally different between previous works, three separate baselines for the peak plasma frequency of the F2 layer, foF2, are employed here; the running 30-day median (commonly used in other works), the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model and the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM). It is demonstrated that the classification of an ionospheric perturbation is heavily reliant on the baseline used, with the 30-day median, the IRI and the TIE-GCM generally underestimating, approximately describing and overestimating the measured foF2, respectively, in the 1-month period leading up to the earthquake. A detailed analysis of the ionospheric variability in the 3 days before the earthquake is then undertaken, where a simultaneous increase in foF2 and the Es layer peak plasma frequency, foEs, relative to the 30-day median was observed within 1 h before the earthquake. A statistical search for similar simultaneous foF2 and foEs increases in 6 years of data revealed that this feature has been observed on many other occasions without related seismic activity. Therefore, it is concluded that one cannot confidently use this type of ionospheric perturbation to predict an impending earthquake. It is suggested that in order to achieve significant progress in our understanding of seismo-ionospheric coupling, better account must be taken of other known sources of ionospheric variability in addition to solar and geomagnetic activity, such as the thermospheric coupling.

Automatic detection of freezing of gait events in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Tripoliti, Evanthia E; Tzallas, Alexandros T; Tsipouras, Markos G; Rigas, George; Bougia, Panagiota; Leontiou, Michael; Konitsiotis, Spiros; Chondrogiorgi, Maria; Tsouli, Sofia; Fotiadis, Dimitrios I

2013-04-01

The aim of this study is to detect freezing of gait (FoG) events in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) using signals received from wearable sensors (six accelerometers and two gyroscopes) placed on the patients' body. For this purpose, an automated methodology has been developed which consists of four stages. In the first stage, missing values due to signal loss or degradation are replaced and then (second stage) low frequency components of the raw signal are removed. In the third stage, the entropy of the raw signal is calculated. Finally (fourth stage), four classification algorithms have been tested (Naïve Bayes, Random Forests, Decision Trees and Random Tree) in order to detect the FoG events. The methodology has been evaluated using several different configurations of sensors in order to conclude to the set of sensors which can produce optimal FoG episode detection. Signals recorded from five healthy subjects, five patients with PD who presented the symptom of FoG and six patients who suffered from PD but they do not present FoG events. The signals included 93 FoG events with 405.6s total duration. The results indicate that the proposed methodology is able to detect FoG events with 81.94% sensitivity, 98.74% specificity, 96.11% accuracy and 98.6% area under curve (AUC) using the signals from all sensors and the Random Forests classification algorithm. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of swallowing sounds with the use of sonar Doppler in full-term and preterm newborns.

PubMed

Lagos, Hellen Nataly Correia; Santos, Rosane Sampaio; Abdulmassih, Edna Marcia da Silva; Gallinea, Liliane Friedrich; Langone, Mariangela

2013-10-01

Introduction Technological advances have provided a large variety of instruments to view the swallowing event, aiding in the evaluation, diagnosis, and monitoring of disturbances. These advances include electromyography of the surface, dynamic video fluoroscopy, and most recently sonar Doppler. Objective To characterize swallowing sounds in typical children through the use of sonar Doppler. Method Thirty newborns participated in this prospective study. All newborns received breast milk through either their mother's breasts or bottles during data collection. The newborns were placed in either right lateral or left lateral positions when given breast milk through their mother's breasts and in a sitting position when given a bottle. There were five variables measured: initial frequency of sound wave (FoI), frequency of the first peak of the sound wave (FoP1), frequency of the second peak of the sound wave (FoP2), initial intensity and final sound wave (II and IF), and swallowing length (T), the time elapsed from the beginning until the end of the analyzed acoustic signal measured by the audio signal, in seconds. Results The values obtained in the initial frequency of the babies had a mean of 850 Hz. In terms of frequency of first peak, only three presented with a subtle peak, which was due to the elevated larynx position. Conclusion The use of sonar Doppler as a complementary exam for clinical evaluations is of upmost importance because it is nonintrusive and painless, and it is not necessary to place patients in a special room or expose them to radiation.

Characterization of Swallowing Sounds with the Use of Sonar Doppler in Full-Term and Preterm Newborns

PubMed Central

Lagos, Hellen Nataly Correia; Santos, Rosane Sampaio; Abdulmassih, Edna Marcia da Silva; Gallinea, Liliane Friedrich; Langone, Mariangela

2013-01-01

Introduction Technological advances have provided a large variety of instruments to view the swallowing event, aiding in the evaluation, diagnosis, and monitoring of disturbances. These advances include electromyography of the surface, dynamic video fluoroscopy, and most recently sonar Doppler. Objective To characterize swallowing sounds in typical children through the use of sonar Doppler. Method Thirty newborns participated in this prospective study. All newborns received breast milk through either their mother's breasts or bottles during data collection. The newborns were placed in either right lateral or left lateral positions when given breast milk through their mother's breasts and in a sitting position when given a bottle. There were five variables measured: initial frequency of sound wave (FoI), frequency of the first peak of the sound wave (FoP1), frequency of the second peak of the sound wave (FoP2), initial intensity and final sound wave (II and IF), and swallowing length (T), the time elapsed from the beginning until the end of the analyzed acoustic signal measured by the audio signal, in seconds. Results The values obtained in the initial frequency of the babies had a mean of 850 Hz. In terms of frequency of first peak, only three presented with a subtle peak, which was due to the elevated larynx position. Conclusion The use of sonar Doppler as a complementary exam for clinical evaluations is of upmost importance because it is nonintrusive and painless, and it is not necessary to place patients in a special room or expose them to radiation. PMID:25992041

Doubly differential star-16-QAM for fast wavelength switching coherent optical packet transceiver.

PubMed

Liu, Fan; Lin, Yi; Walsh, Anthony J; Yu, Yonglin; Barry, Liam P

2018-04-02

A coherent optical packet transceiver based on doubly differential star 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (DD-star-16-QAM) is presented for spectrally and energy efficient reconfigurable networks. The coding and decoding processes for this new modulation format are presented, simulations and experiments are then performed to investigate the performance of the DD-star-16-QAM in static and dynamic scenarios. The static results show that the influence of frequency offset (FO) can be cancelled out by doubly differential (DD) coding and the correction range is only limited by the electronic bandwidth of the receivers. In the dynamic scenario with a time-varying FO and linewidth, the DD-star-16-QAM can overcome the time-varying FO, and the switching time of around 70 ns is determined by the time it takes the dynamic linewidth to reach the requisite level. This format can thus achieve a shorter waiting time after switching tunable lasers than the commonly used square-16-QAM, in which the transmission performance is limited by the frequency transients after the wavelength switch.

Earthquake aftereffects in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly region under geomagnetic quiet and storm conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaeva, T. L.; Arikan, F.; Stanislawska, I.

2017-07-01

In addition to multi-scale spatio-temporal trends that shape the ionosphere variability, the ionosphere responds to the disturbances that are solar, geomagnetic and seismic in origin. In this study, post-seismic ionospheric disturbances are investigated retrospectively from 1999 to 2015 using two different sets of ionospheric maps of the F2 layer critical frequency, foF2. One set of foF2 maps is obtained by assimilating Global Ionospheric Maps (GIM) of Total Electron Content (TEC) into IRI-Plas model (IRI-Plas-foF2). Another set of hourly foF2 maps is obtained using PRIME-251 mapping technique (PRIME-foF2) by the assimilation of ionosonde foF2 data into IRI-CCIR model. The geomagnetic storms affecting the ionosphere are determined with relevant thresholds of geomagnetic AE, aa, ap, ap(τ) and Dst indices. It is observed that more than 60% of the earthquakes occur in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region within the belt of geomagnetic latitudes ±40° N and geographic longitudes 90-190° E. The co-seismic foF2 disturbances, DfoF2, are identified for the cells of the map if an instant foF2 value is outside of pre-defined bounds of foF2 median (μ) and standard deviation (σ), μ ± 1σ, in the map fragment of 1000 km radius around the earthquake hypocenter. The results of positive ionospheric disturbances, DfoF2p, and negative disturbances, DfoF2n, in the EIA region during the 12 h after earthquake differ with respect to geomagnetic quiet and storm conditions, nighttime and daytime, magnitude and depth of the earthquake. The maximum spatial variability (for more than 50% of map cells in the vicinity of hypocenter) is observed with positive disturbances (DfoF2p) for the earthquakes that occurred during daytime at a depth of 70-300 km.

Estimating the frequency interval of a regularly spaced multicomponent harmonic line signal in colored noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frazer, Gordon J.; Anderson, Stuart J.

1997-10-01

The radar returns from some classes of time-varying point targets can be represented by the discrete-time signal plus noise model: xt equals st plus [vt plus (eta) t] equals (summation)i equals o P minus 1 Aiej2(pi f(i)/f(s)t) plus vt plus (eta) t, t (epsilon) 0, . . ., N minus 1, fi equals kfI plus fo where the received signal xt corresponds to the radar return from the target of interest from one azimuth-range cell. The signal has an unknown number of components, P, unknown complex amplitudes Ai and frequencies fi. The frequency parameters fo and fI are unknown, although constrained such that fo less than fI/2 and parameter k (epsilon) {minus u, . . ., minus 2, minus 1, 0, 1, 2, . . ., v} is constrained such that the component frequencies fi are bound by (minus fs/2, fs/2). The noise term vt, is typically colored, and represents clutter, interference and various noise sources. It is unknown, except that (summation)tvt2 less than infinity; in general, vt is not well modelled as an auto-regressive process of known order. The additional noise term (eta) t represents time-invariant point targets in the same azimuth-range cell. An important characteristic of the target is the unknown parameter, fI, representing the frequency interval between harmonic lines. It is desired to determine an estimate of fI from N samples of xt. We propose an algorithm to estimate fI based on Thomson's harmonic line F-Test, which is part of the multi-window spectrum estimation method and demonstrate the proposed estimator applied to target echo time series collected using an experimental HF skywave radar.

A prediction model of short-term ionospheric foF2 Based on AdaBoost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiukuan; Liu, Libo; Ning, Baiqi

Accurate specifications of spatial and temporal variations of the ionosphere during geomagnetic quiet and disturbed conditions are critical for applications, such as HF communications, satellite positioning and navigation, power grids, pipelines, etc. Therefore, developing empirical models to forecast the ionospheric perturbations is of high priority in real applications. The critical frequency of the F2 layer, foF2, is an important ionospheric parameter, especially for radio wave propagation applications. In this paper, the AdaBoost-BP algorithm is used to construct a new model to predict the critical frequency of the ionospheric F2-layer one hour ahead. Different indices were used to characterize ionospheric diurnal and seasonal variations and their dependence on solar and geomagnetic activity. These indices, together with the current observed foF2 value, were input into the prediction model and the foF2 value at one hour ahead was output. We analyzed twenty-two years’ foF2 data from nine ionosonde stations in the East-Asian sector in this work. The first eleven years’ data were used as a training dataset and the second eleven years’ data were used as a testing dataset. The results show that the performance of AdaBoost-BP is better than those of BP Neural Network (BPNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and the IRI model. For example, the AdaBoost-BP prediction absolute error of foF2 at Irkutsk station (a middle latitude station) is 0.32 MHz, which is better than 0.34 MHz from BPNN, 0.35 MHz from SVR and also significantly outperforms the IRI model whose absolute error is 0.64 MHz. Meanwhile, AdaBoost-BP prediction absolute error at Taipei station from the low latitude is 0.78 MHz, which is better than 0.81 MHz from BPNN, 0.81 MHz from SVR and 1.37 MHz from the IRI model. Finally, the variety characteristics of the AdaBoost-BP prediction error along with seasonal variation, solar activity and latitude variation were also discussed in the paper.

Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS). Volume 1. Theoretical Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

corresponding frequency list are given by Equation C-9. The second set of parameters is the frequency list used in solving Equation C-3 to obtain the response...vector (u(w)). This frequency list is: w - 2*fo, 2wfi, 2wf2, 2wfn (C-20) The frequency lists (^ and w are not necessarily equal. While setting...alternative methods are used to input the frequency list u. For the first method, the frequency list u is input via two parameters: Aff (C-21

RF Spectrum Sensing Based on an Overdamped Nonlinear Oscillator Ring for Cognitive Radios.

PubMed

Tang, Zhi-Ling; Li, Si-Min; Yu, Li-Juan

2016-06-09

Existing spectrum-sensing techniques for cognitive radios require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to work at high dynamic range and a high sampling rate, resulting in high cost. Therefore, in this paper, a spectrum-sensing method based on a unidirectionally coupled, overdamped nonlinear oscillator ring is proposed. First, the numerical model of such a system is established based on the circuit of the nonlinear oscillator. Through numerical analysis of the model, the critical condition of the system's starting oscillation is determined, and the simulation results of the system's response to Gaussian white noise and periodic signal are presented. The results show that once the radio signal is input into the system, it starts oscillating when in the critical region, and the oscillating frequency of each element is fo/N, where fo is the frequency of the radio signal and N is the number of elements in the ring. The oscillation indicates that the spectrum resources at fo are occupied. At the same time, the sampling rate required for an ADC is reduced to the original value, 1/N. A prototypical circuit to verify the functionality of the system is designed, and the sensing bandwidth of the system is measured.

The One-on-One Stochastic Duel. Parts I and II

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-15

called the fundamental marksman problem (FM). From this we may solve the duel problem by considering each marksman to be firing independ- ently of the...other. The first to hit his passive target wins. This is entirely equivalent to the fundamental duel, a the model described above in no way links the...fire another round at t it muot fail, in order fo’" the system to be in the state of having just fired th a round which vas the n one, and no hits

Spatial Tuning of a RF Frequency Selective Surface through Origami (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-12

Rigid fo The fold patt facets and fo [11] as illustr The necessar where den While sector configuration is used to evo The compute folding simu well...defin ch geometric r to carry out th ity of each ver⋯ = ation matrix re = 1 000 ch crease patte the folding pro rs are referred to access the...effect se ombination of graded quality ed to several n nd dipole patte quency of a F D space, whic and folding pa uch as actua le in operation al study

Physical activity locations in Georgia: frequency of use by socio-demographic group

Treesearch

Lincoln R. Larson; Jason W. Whiting; Gary T. Green; J. M. Bowker

2014-01-01

Active outdoor recreation helps to mitigate health consequences associated with sedentary behavior. Enhanced understanding of socio-demographic differences in physical activity (PA) location preferences could therefore contribute to health promotion.This study examined frequency o fuse fo rvarious PA locations in Georgia,a state with historically high levels of...

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for detection of ammonium nitrate in soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz, Daniel; Hahn, David W.; Molina, Alejandro

2009-05-01

The extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IED) by irregular armed groups in Colombia has posed a threat, not only to the Colombian regular army but to the civilian population. It is expected that in future years, after an eventual cease fire, humanitarian missions for IED clearance will be fundamental to secure safe transit of people and goods, particularly in Colombian rural areas. The clandestine nature of IEDs preparation in Colombia yielded a rather diverse nature of these irregular weapons. Although, some have metal parts such as nails and shrapnel, others are metal-free devices in which detonation is obtained by chemical means. Despite this variability in IEDs design, one thing that is common in IEDs preparation is the use of significant amounts of ANFO (ammonium nitrate (AN), fuel oil (FO)) in their construction. The goal of this work was to identify AN and FO in soils using LIBS. Experiments showed the ability of LIBS to identify the presence of AN based on Hα (656.3 nm) and Hβ (486.1 nm) emission lines. It was not possible to identify FO mixed with soils in the spectral windows studied. FO caused a reduction on spark intensity on the samples. This would represent a challenge for identification of chemical compounds in wet soils. Potential interferences with fertilizers are discussed as well.

ON THE DISTANCE OF THE MAGELLANIC CLOUDS USING CEPHEID NIR AND OPTICAL-NIR PERIOD-WESENHEIT RELATIONS

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

Inno, L.; Bono, G.; Buonanno, R.

2013-02-10

We present the largest near-infrared (NIR) data sets, JHKs, ever collected for classical Cepheids in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs). We selected fundamental (FU) and first overtone (FO) pulsators, and found 4150 (2571 FU, 1579 FO) Cepheids for Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and 3042 (1840 FU, 1202 FO) for Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Current sample is 2-3 times larger than any sample used in previous investigations with NIR photometry. We also discuss optical VI photometry from OGLE-III. NIR and optical-NIR Period-Wesenheit (PW) relations are linear over the entire period range (0.0 < log P {sub FU} {<=} 1.65) and their slopesmore » are, within the intrinsic dispersions, common between the MCs. These are consistent with recent results from pulsation models and observations suggesting that the PW relations are minimally affected by the metal content. The new FU and FO PW relations were calibrated using a sample of Galactic Cepheids with distances based on trigonometric parallaxes and Cepheid pulsation models. By using FU Cepheids we found a true distance moduli of 18.45 {+-} 0.02(random) {+-} 0.10(systematic) mag (LMC) and 18.93 {+-} 0.02(random) {+-} 0.10(systematic) mag (SMC). These estimates are the weighted mean over 10 PW relations and the systematic errors account for uncertainties in the zero point and in the reddening law. We found similar distances using FO Cepheids (18.60 {+-} 0.03(random) {+-} 0.10(systematic) mag (LMC) and 19.12 {+-} 0.03(random) {+-} 0.10(systematic) mag (SMC)). These new MC distances lead to the relative distance, {Delta}{mu} = 0.48 {+-} 0.03 mag (FU, log P = 1) and {Delta}{mu} = 0.52 {+-} 0.03 mag (FO, log P = 0.5), which agrees quite well with previous estimates based on robust distance indicators.« less

Filarial infection modulates the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis through expansion of CD4+ IL-4 memory T cells

PubMed Central

Chatterjee, Soumya; Clark, Carolyn E.; Lugli, Enrico; Roederer, Mario; Nutman, Thomas B.

2015-01-01

Exaggerated CD4+T helper 2-specific cytokine producing memory T cell responses developing concomitantly with a T helper1 response might have a detrimental role in immunity to infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). To assess the dynamics of antigen (Ag)-specific memory T cell compartments in the context of filarial infection we used multiparameter flow cytometry on PBMCs from 25 microfilaremic filarial -infected (Inf) and 14 filarial-uninfected (Uninf) subjects following stimulation with filarial (BmA) or with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific Ag CFP10. Our data demonstrated that the Inf group not only had a marked increase in BmA-specific CD4+IL-4+ cells (Median net frequency compared to baseline (Fo)=0.09% vs. 0.01%, p=0.038) but also to CFP10 (Fo =0.16% vs. 0.007%, p=0.04) and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) (Fo =0.49% vs. 0.26%, p=0.04). The Inf subjects showed a BmA-specific expansion of CD4+CD45RO+IL-4+ producing central memory (TCM, CD45RO+CCR7+CD27+) (Fo =1.1% vs. 0.5%, p=0.04) as well as effector memory (TEM CD45RO+CCR7-CD27-) (Fo =1.5% vs. 0.2%, p=0.03) with a similar but non-significant response to CFP10. In addition, there was expansion of CD4+ IL-4+ CD45RA+ CCR7+CD27+ (naïve-like) in Inf individuals compared to Uninf subjects. Among Inf subjects with definitive latent tuberculosis , there were no differences in frequencies of IL-4 producing cells within any of the memory compartments compared to the Uninf group. Our data suggest that filarial infection induces antigen-specific, exaggerated IL-4 responses in distinct T cell memory compartments to Mtb-specific antigens, which are attenuated in subjects who are able to mount a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to Mtb. PMID:25667413

Comparaisons d'étalons primaires de fréquence par GPS.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhrich, P. J.-M.

The new primary frequency standard of the BNM-LPTF, LPTF FO1, exhibits a frequency accuracy estimated at 3×10-15. For the comparison with other primary frequency standards, it then requires a method that remains at a stability level better than 10-15 between ten hours, during which it remains generally in continuous operation, and a couple of days, where the local oscillator towards which LPTF FO1 is estimated keeps its frequency at a level of 2×10-15. The well known GPS common-view method does not fit any more when using a single channel receiver: the clock comparison measurements exhibit a frequency stability at a few parts in 10-14 over one day, depending on the distance between the clock, and the intrinsic best stability level limited by the GPS signal currently used can be calculated at 7.7×10-15. But is can be shown that a 4 channel receiver, performing as many regular common-views as possible over each day, would allow to reach 10-15 on actual measurements. That should also be the case for an other option: the use of the carrier phase of the GPS signal, associated with global geodetic computing.

Parasite-Antigen Driven Expansion of IL-5− and IL-5+ Th2 Human Subpopulations in Lymphatic Filariasis and Their Differential Dependence on IL-10 and TGFβ

PubMed Central

Anuradha, Rajamanickam; George, Parakkal Jovvian; Hanna, Luke E.; Chandrasekaran, Vedachalam; Kumaran, P. Paul; Nutman, Thomas B.; Babu, Subash

2014-01-01

Background Two different Th2 subsets have been defined recently on the basis of IL-5 expression – an IL-5+Th2 subset and an IL-5−Th2 subset in the setting of allergy. However, the role of these newly described CD4+ T cells subpopulations has not been explored in other contexts. Methods To study the role of the Th2 subpopulation in a chronic, tissue invasive parasitic infection (lymphatic filariasis), we examined the frequency of IL-5+IL-4+IL-13+ CD4+ T cells and IL-5−IL-4 IL-13+ CD4+ T cells in asymptomatic, infected individuals (INF) and compared them to frequencies (Fo) in filarial-uninfected (UN) individuals and to those with filarial lymphedema (CP). Results INF individuals exhibited a significant increase in the spontaneously expressed and antigen-induced Fo of both Th2 subpopulations compared to the UN and CP. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the Fo of IL-5+Th2 cells and the absolute eosinophil and neutrophil counts; in addition there was a positive correlation between the frequency of the CD4+IL-5−Th2 subpopulation and the levels of parasite antigen – specific IgE and IgG4 in INF individuals. Moreover, blockade of IL-10 and/or TGFβ demonstrated that each of these 2 regulatory cytokines exert opposite effects on the different Th2 subsets. Finally, in those INF individuals cured of infection by anti-filarial therapy, there was a significantly decreased Fo of both Th2 subsets. Conclusions Our findings suggest that both IL-5+ and IL-5−Th2 cells play an important role in the regulation of immune responses in filarial infection and that these two Th2 subpopulations may be regulated by different cytokine-receptor mediated processes. PMID:24498448

Effects of sporadic E-layer characteristics on spread-F generation in the nighttime midlatitude ionosphere: A climatological study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. C.; Chen, W. S.

2018-04-01

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Es-layer characteristics on spread-F generation in the nighttime midlatitude ionosphere. The Es-layer parameters and spread-F appearance of the 23rd solar cycle (1996-2008) are recorded by the Kokubunji ionosonde. The Es-layer parameters are foEs (critical frequency of Es-layer), fbEs (blanketing frequency of Es-layer), and Δf (≡foEs-fbEs). In order to completely explore the effects, the pre-midnight and post-midnight data are classified by seasons, solar activities, and geomagnetic conditions. Results show that the spread-F occurs more frequently in post-midnight and in summer. And, the occurrence probabilities of spread-F are greater, when the solar activity is lower. For the occurrence probabilities of spread-F versus foEs and Δf under geomagnetic quiet-conditions, the trend is increasing, when the associated probabilities are significant. These indicate that the spread-F occurrence increases with increasing foEs and/or Δf. Further, the increasing trends demonstrate that polarization electric fields generated in Es-layer would be helpful to generate spread-F, through the electrodynamical coupling of Es-layer and F-region. Moreover, this electrodynamical coupling is efficient not only under quiet-conditions but under disturbed-conditions, since the significant increasing trend can also be found under disturbed-conditions. Regarding the occurrence probabilities of spread-F versus fbEs, the evident trends are not in the majority. This implies that fbEs might not be a major factor for the spread-F formation.

Using Distributed Temperature Sensing for measuring vertical temperature profiles and air temperature variance in the roughness sublayer above a forest canopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schilperoort, B.; Coenders, M.; Savenije, H. H. G.

2017-12-01

In recent years, the accuracy and resolution of Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) machines has increased enough to expand its use in atmospheric sciences. With DTS the temperature of a fiber optic (FO) cable can be measured with a high frequency (1 Hz) and high resolution (0.30 m), for cable lengths up to kilometers. At our measurement site, a patch of 26 to 30 m tall Douglas Fir in mixed forest, we placed FO cables vertically along a 48 m tall flux tower. This gives a high resolution vertical temperature profile above, through, and below the canopy. By using a `bare' FO cable, with a diameter of 0.25 mm, we are able to measure variations in air temperature at a very small timescale, and are able to measure a vertical profile of the air temperature variance. The vertical temperature profiles can be used to study the formation of the stable boundary layer above and in the canopy at a high resolution. It also shows that a stable layer can develop below the canopy, which is not limited to night time conditions but also occurs during daytime. The high frequency measurements can be used to study the gradient of the variance of air temperature over the height. To study how the flux tower itself affects temperature variance measurements, the `bare' FO cable can be placed horizontally under a support structure away from the flux tower. Lastly, by using the hot-wire anemometer principle with DTS, the measurements can be expanded to also include vertical wind profile.

Spread-F occurrences and relationships with foF2 and h'F at low- and mid-latitudes in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ning; Guo, Lixin; Zhao, Zhenwei; Ding, Zonghua; Lin, Leke

2018-04-01

Ionospheric irregularities are an important phenomenon in scientific studies and applications of radio-wave propagation. Spread-F echoes in ionograms are a type of high-frequency band irregularities that include frequency spread-F (FSF), range spread-F (RSF), and mixed spread-F (MSF) events. In this study, we obtained spread-F data from four ionosondes at low- and mid-latitudes near the 120°E chain in China during the 23rd solar cycle. We used these data to investigate spread-F occurrence percentages and variations with local time, season, latitude, and solar activity. The four ionosondes were located at Haikou (HK) (20°N, 110.34°E), Guangzhou (GZ) (23.14°N, 113.36°E), Beijing (BJ) (40.11°N, 116.28°E), and Changchun (CC) (43.84°N, 125.28°E). We also present possible correlations between spread-Fs and other ionospheric parameters, such as the critical frequency of the F2-layer (foF2) and the virtual height of the bottom-side F-layer (h'F). In particular, we investigated the possible threshold of the foF2 affecting the FSF and the relationship between the h'F and the RSF. The main conclusions are as follows: (a) the FSF occurrence percentages were anti-correlated with solar activity at all four sites; meanwhile, RSF occurrence rates increased with the increase in solar activity at HK, but not at the other three sites; (b) FSF occurrence rates were larger at the mid-latitudes than expected, while FSFs occurred more often after midnight; (c) the highest FSF occurrence rates mostly appeared during the summer months, while RSFs occurred mostly in the equinoctial months of 2000-2002 at HK and GZ; (d) a lower foF2 was suitable for FSF events; nevertheless, h'F and RSF occurrences satisfied the parabolic relationship; (e) the foF2 thresholds for FSFs were 15, 14, 7.6, and 7.8 MHz at HK, GZ, BJ, and CC, respectively. The h'Fs occurring between 240 and 290 km were more favorable for RSF occurrences. These results are important for understanding ionospheric irregularity variations in eastern Asia and for improving space weather modeling and forecasting capabilities[Figure not available: see fulltext.] .

The interaction between stratospheric monthly mean regional winds and sporadic-E

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Çetin, Kenan; Özcan, Osman; Korlaelçi, Serhat

2017-03-01

In the present study, a statistical investigation is carried out to explore whether there is a relationship between the critical frequency (foEs) of the sporadic-E layer that is occasionally seen on the E region of the ionosphere and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) that flows in the east-west direction in the equatorial stratosphere. Multiple regression model as a statistical tool was used to determine the relationship between variables. In this model, the stationarity of the variables (foEs and QBO) was firstly analyzed for each station (Cocos Island, Gibilmanna, Niue Island, and Tahiti). Then, a co-integration test was made to determine the existence of a long-term relationship between QBO and foEs. After verifying the presence of a long-term relationship between the variables, the magnitude of the relationship between variables was further determined using the multiple regression model. As a result, it is concluded that the variations in foEs were explainable with QBO measured at 10 hPa altitude at the rate of 69%, 94%, 79%, and 58% for Cocos Island, Gibilmanna, Niue Island, and Tahiti stations, respectively. It is observed that the variations in foEs were explainable with QBO measured at 70 hPa altitude at the rate of 66%, 69%, 53%, and 47% for Cocos Island, Gibilmanna, Niue Island, and Tahiti stations, respectively.

Ultrasound attenuation estimation using backscattered echoes from multiple sources.

PubMed

Bigelow, Timothy A

2008-08-01

The objective of this study was to devise an algorithm that can accurately estimate the attenuation along the propagation path (i.e., the total attenuation) from backscattered echoes. It was shown that the downshift in the center frequency of the backscattered ultrasound echoes compared to echoes obtained in a water bath was calculated to have the form Deltaf=mf(o)+b after normalizing with respect to the source bandwidth where m depends on the correlation length, b depends on the total attenuation, and f(o) is the center frequency of the source as measured from a reference echo. Therefore, the total attenuation can be determined independent of the scatterer correlation length by measuring the downshift in center frequency from multiple sources (i.e., different f(o)) and fitting a line to the measured shifts versus f(o). The intercept of the line gives the total attenuation along the propagation path. The calculations were verified using computer simulations of five spherically focused sources with 50% bandwidths and center frequencies of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 MHz. The simulated tissue had Gaussian scattering structures with effective radii of 25 mum placed at a density of 250 mm(3). The attenuation of the tissue was varied from 0.1 to 0.9 dB / cm-MHz. The error in the attenuation along the propagation path ranged from -3.5+/-14.7% for a tissue attenuation of 0.1 dB / cm-MHz to -7.0+/-3.1% for a tissue attenuation of 0.9 dB / cm-MHz demonstrating that the attenuation along the propagation path could be accurately determined using backscattered echoes from multiple sources using the derived algorithm.

Proposed Revisions to MIL-F-8785C Related to Flight Safety of Augmented Aircraft. Volume 2. Appendices A through F, References

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

for Step 6h Command - Configuration FO, Fl, F6 , F4, F2 .................................................. ....... 309 C-15 Frequency Response of e/Fs...Configuration FO, Fl, F6 , F4, F2.. 312 C-16 Time History for Step Sh Command - Configuration L21, L71, L72, L73...505 T= 2 sec 2 F4 .465 4 sec F6 .453 6 sEc where F indicates unaugmented F-1l1A and the number following F indicates T2 in sec, except 0 : stable, 1

Comparative speaking, shouting and singing voice range profile measurement: physiological and pathological aspects.

PubMed

Hacki, T

1996-01-01

The Voice Range Profile (VRP) measurement offers a method for the investigation of voice modalities i.e. speaking voice, shouting voice and singing voice in their mutual pitch and intensity relations. The parameters FO and SPL are evaluated by means of automatic pitch and SPL measurements from (1) sustained phonation /a:/ in the speaker's natural pitch and intensity range, (2) the continuous speaking voice beginning with Pianissimo up to Fortissimo, (3) the shouting voice. Vocal intensity is plotted vertically, vocal pitch horizontally. The displays of the vocal intensity versus fundamental frequency are defined as singing voice range profile (VRP), speaking VRP and shouting VRP. The VRPs are superimposed on the same plot. Their form, their shape and their position to each other are analysed. The physiological relationships between the VRPs of the different voice modalities to each other are defined. The pathological relationships between the VRPs (i.e. reduction, shifting) give information about etiology and pathomechanism of voice disorders.

Floating Oscillator-Embedded Triboelectric Generator for Versatile Mechanical Energy Harvesting

PubMed Central

Seol, Myeong-Lok; Han, Jin-Woo; Jeon, Seung-Bae; Meyyappan, M.; Choi, Yang-Kyu

2015-01-01

A versatile vibration energy harvesting platform based on a triboelectricity is proposed and analyzed. External mechanical vibration repeats an oscillating motion of a polymer-coated metal oscillator floating inside a surrounding tube. Continuous sidewall friction at the contact interface of the oscillator induces current between the inner oscillator electrode and the outer tube electrode to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The floating oscillator-embedded triboelectric generator (FO-TEG) is applicable for both impulse excitation and sinusoidal vibration which universally exist in usual environment. For the impulse excitation, the generated current sustains and slowly decays by the residual oscillation of the floating oscillator. For the sinusoidal vibration, the output energy can be maximized by resonance oscillation. The operating frequency range can be simply optimized with high degree of freedom to satisfy various application requirements. In addition, the excellent immunity against ambient humidity is experimentally demonstrated, which stems from the inherently packaged structure of FO-TEG. The prototype device provides a peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 157 V and instantaneous short-circuit current of 4.6 μA, within sub-10 Hz of operating frequency. To visually demonstrate the energy harvesting behavior of FO-TEG, lighting of an array of LEDs is demonstrated using artificial vibration and human running. PMID:26553524

RF Spectrum Sensing Based on an Overdamped Nonlinear Oscillator Ring for Cognitive Radios

PubMed Central

Tang, Zhi-Ling; Li, Si-Min; Yu, Li-Juan

2016-01-01

Existing spectrum-sensing techniques for cognitive radios require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to work at high dynamic range and a high sampling rate, resulting in high cost. Therefore, in this paper, a spectrum-sensing method based on a unidirectionally coupled, overdamped nonlinear oscillator ring is proposed. First, the numerical model of such a system is established based on the circuit of the nonlinear oscillator. Through numerical analysis of the model, the critical condition of the system’s starting oscillation is determined, and the simulation results of the system’s response to Gaussian white noise and periodic signal are presented. The results show that once the radio signal is input into the system, it starts oscillating when in the critical region, and the oscillating frequency of each element is fo/N, where fo is the frequency of the radio signal and N is the number of elements in the ring. The oscillation indicates that the spectrum resources at fo are occupied. At the same time, the sampling rate required for an ADC is reduced to the original value, 1/N. A prototypical circuit to verify the functionality of the system is designed, and the sensing bandwidth of the system is measured. PMID:27294928

Floating Oscillator-Embedded Triboelectric Generator for Versatile Mechanical Energy Harvesting.

PubMed

Seol, Myeong-Lok; Han, Jin-Woo; Jeon, Seung-Bae; Meyyappan, M; Choi, Yang-Kyu

2015-11-10

A versatile vibration energy harvesting platform based on a triboelectricity is proposed and analyzed. External mechanical vibration repeats an oscillating motion of a polymer-coated metal oscillator floating inside a surrounding tube. Continuous sidewall friction at the contact interface of the oscillator induces current between the inner oscillator electrode and the outer tube electrode to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The floating oscillator-embedded triboelectric generator (FO-TEG) is applicable for both impulse excitation and sinusoidal vibration which universally exist in usual environment. For the impulse excitation, the generated current sustains and slowly decays by the residual oscillation of the floating oscillator. For the sinusoidal vibration, the output energy can be maximized by resonance oscillation. The operating frequency range can be simply optimized with high degree of freedom to satisfy various application requirements. In addition, the excellent immunity against ambient humidity is experimentally demonstrated, which stems from the inherently packaged structure of FO-TEG. The prototype device provides a peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 157 V and instantaneous short-circuit current of 4.6 μA, within sub-10 Hz of operating frequency. To visually demonstrate the energy harvesting behavior of FO-TEG, lighting of an array of LEDs is demonstrated using artificial vibration and human running.

Voice feminization in male-to-female transgendered clients after Wendler's glottoplasty with vs. without voice therapy support.

PubMed

Casado, Juan C; Rodríguez-Parra, María J; Adrián, José A

2017-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of Wendler's glottoplasty surgery (WG) and the effects of post-operative voice therapy in a group of male-to-female transsexuals. This is a retrospective study of 18 transsexuals who voluntarily underwent WG between 2010 and 2014 at a single hospital. Ten of the subjects underwent an additional voice therapy training. The group was assessed pre- vs. post-treatments with a limited battery of measures consisting of fundamental frequency (Fo), maximum phonation time, the TSEQ transgender self-assessment questionnaire, and perceptual assessment of the voice (Visual Analog Scale and a simplified version of the classical Hirano-GRBAS scale) by inter-rater agreement. The surgical procedure consisted of a de-epithelialization of the anterior third of both vocal folds; this area was sutured, and the surface of both vocal folds was vaporized with a laser diode. The results showed a significant increase in vocal tone and feminization of voice in all participants, including a significant increase in Fo 12 months after treatment. Significant improvements were also shown in other evaluated measures, such as self-reported satisfaction and the degree of feminization of the voice. However, no improvements in maximum phonation time were observed. The use of voice therapy appears decisive for optimal improvement of this class of patients. WG applied appropriately by well-trained hands is thus a very effective and less traumatic procedure than other techniques that aim for an acceptable feminization of the voice in MtoF transgendered clients.

Ionospheric disturbances under low solar activity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buresova, D.; Lastovicka, J.; Hejda, P.; Bochnicek, J.

2014-07-01

The paper is focused on ionospheric response to occasional magnetic disturbances above selected ionospheric stations located at middle latitudes of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere under extremely low solar activity conditions of 2007-2009. We analyzed changes in the F2 layer critical frequency foF2 and the F2 layer peak height hmF2 against 27-days running mean obtained for different longitudinal sectors of both hemispheres for the initial, main and recovery phases of selected magnetic disturbances. Our analysis showed that the effects on the middle latitude ionosphere of weak-to-moderate CIR-related magnetic storms, which mostly occur around solar minimum period, could be comparable with the effects of strong magnetic storms. In general, both positive and negative deviations of foF2 and hmF2 have been observed independent on season and location. However positive effects on foF2 prevailed and were more significant. Observations of stormy ionosphere also showed large departures from the climatology within storm recovery phase, which are comparable with those usually observed during the storm main phase. The IRI STORM model gave no reliable corrections of foF2 for analyzed events.

Parameter Estimation for GRACE-FO Geometric Ranging Errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegener, H.; Mueller, V.; Darbeheshti, N.; Naeimi, M.; Heinzel, G.

2017-12-01

Onboard GRACE-FO, the novel Laser Ranging Instrument (LRI) serves as a technology demonstrator, but it is a fully functional instrument to provide an additional high-precision measurement of the primary mission observable: the biased range between the two spacecraft. Its (expectedly) two largest error sources are laser frequency noise and tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling. While not much can be done about laser frequency noise, the mechanics of the TTL error are widely understood. They depend, however, on unknown parameters. In order to improve the quality of the ranging data, it is hence essential to accurately estimate these parameters and remove the resulting TTL error from the data.Means to do so will be discussed. In particular, the possibility of using calibration maneuvers, the utility of the attitude information provided by the LRI via Differential Wavefront Sensing (DWS), and the benefit from combining ranging data from LRI with ranging data from the established microwave ranging, will be mentioned.

Tissue warming and regulatory responses induced by radio frequency energy deposition on a whole-body 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imager.

PubMed

Boss, Andreas; Graf, Hansjörg; Berger, Alexander; Lauer, Ulrike A; Wojtczyk, Hanne; Claussen, Claus D; Schick, Fritz

2007-11-01

To quantify the B1-field induced tissue warming on a 3T-whole-body scanner, to test whether the patient is able to sense the temperature change, and to evaluate whether the imaging procedure constitutes a significant cardiovascular stress. A total of 18 volunteers were divided into three equal groups for 3.0T MRI of the pelvis, the head, or the knee. An imaging protocol operating at first level mode was applied, allowing radio frequency (RF) irradiation up to the legal specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. An identical placebo protocol with active gradient switching but without RF transmission was used. Temperature changes were measured with a fiber-optic thermometer (FO) and an infrared camera (IR). Temperature differences to the placebo were highest for imaging of the pelvis (FO: DeltaT = 0.88 +/- 0.13 degrees C, IR: DeltaT = 1.01 +/- 0.15 degrees C) as compared to the head (FO: DeltaT = 0.46 +/- 0.12 degrees C, IR: DeltaT = 0.47 +/- 0.10 degrees C) and the knee (FO: DeltaT = 0.33 +/- 0.11 degrees C, IR: DeltaT = 0.37 +/- 0.09 degrees C). The volunteers were able to discriminate between imaging and placebo for pelvic (P < 0.0001) and head (P = 0.0005) imaging but not for knee imaging (P = 0.209). No changes in heart rate or blood pressure were detected. The 3.0T MRI in the first operational mode may lead to measurable and perceptible thermal energy deposition. However, it may be regarded as safe concerning the thermoregulatory cardiovascular stress.

Equatorial ionization anomaly development as studied by GPS TEC and foF2 over Brazil: A comparison of observations with model results from SUPIM and IRI-2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nogueira, P. A. B.; Abdu, M. A.; Souza, J. R.; Batista, I. S.; Bailey, G. J.; Santos, A. M.; Takahashi, H.

2013-11-01

The equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) development is studied using the total electron content (TEC) observed by the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, the F2-layer critical frequency (foF2) as measured by digisondes operated in the Brazilian sector, and by model simulation using the SUPIM (Sheffield University Plasmasphere Ionosphere Model). We have used two indices based on foF2 and TEC to represent the strength of the EIA Southern Anomaly Crest (SAC), which are denoted, respectively, by SAC(foF2) and SAC(TEC). Significant differences in the local time variations of the EIA intensity, as represented by these two indices, are investigated. The observed SAC indices are compared with their values modeled by the SUPIM and also by the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI)-2012. The SUPIM simulations that use the standard E×B plasma drift and neutral air wind models are found to provide acceptable representations of the observed foF2 and TEC, and hence the indices SAC(foF2) and SAC(TEC) during daytime, whereas the IRI-2012 model is not, except during the post-midnight/sunrise hours. It is found that the differences in the local time variations between the SAC(foF2) and SAC(TEC) can be reduced by limiting the TEC integrations in height up to an altitude of 630 km in the SUPIM calculations. It is also found that when the EIA intensity is calculated for an intermediate dip latitude (12°S) the difference between the local time variation patterns of the two corresponding indices in the experimental data and in the SUPIM results is reduced. For the IRI-2012 values, the subequatorial station modification does not appear to have any effect.

foF2 vs solar indices for the Rome station: Looking for the best general relation which is able to describe the anomalous minimum between cycles 23 and 24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perna, L.; Pezzopane, M.

2016-10-01

Analyses of the dependence of the F2layer critical frequency, foF2, on five widely used solar activity indices (F10.7, Lym-α, MgII, R and EUV0.1-50)are carried out considering noon values manually validated at the ionospheric station of Rome (41.8°N, 12.5°E, Italy) between January 1976 and December 2013, a period of time covering the last three solar cycles and including the prolonged and anomalous minimum of solar cycle 23/24 (years 2008-2009). After applying a 1-year running mean to both foF2 and solar activity indices time series, a second order polynomial fitting proves to perform better than a linear one, and this is specifically due to the very low solar activity of the last solar minimum and to the remaining saturation effect characterizing the high solar activity. A comparison between observed and synthetic foF2 values, the latter calculated by using the analytical relations found for every index, and some considerations made on the R parameter introduced by Solomon et al. (2013), suggest that MgII is the best index to describe the dependence of foF2 on the solar activity. Three main reasons justify this result: (1) the good sensibility of MgII to the variations of foF2 for low solar activity; (2) the reduced saturation effect characterizing MgII at high solar activity; (3) the poor influence of the hysteresis effect characterizing MgII at medium solar activity. On the other hand, the F10.7 index, widely used as input parameter for numerous ionospheric models, does not represent properly the last minimum; specifically, it is not able to describe the variations of foF2 under a solar activity level of F10.7=82·10-22 [J Hz-1 s-1 m-2].

Longitudinal variation of the equatorial ionosphere: Modeling and experimental results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souza, J. R.; Asevedo, W. D.; dos Santos, P. C. P.; Petry, A.; Bailey, G. J.; Batista, I. S.; Abdu, M. A.

2013-02-01

We describe a new version of the Parameterized Regional Ionospheric Model (PARIM) which has been modified to include the longitudinal dependences. This model has been reconstructed using multidimensional Fourier series. To validate PARIM results, the South America maps of critical frequencies for the E (foE) and F (foF2) regions were compared with the values calculated by Sheffield Plasmasphere-Ionosphere Model (SUPIM) and IRI representations. PARIM presents very good results, the general characteristics of both regions, mainly the presence of the equatorial ionization anomaly, were well reproduced for equinoctial conditions of solar minimum and maximum. The values of foF2 and hmF2 recorded over Jicamarca (12°S; 77°W; dip lat. 1°N; mag. declination 0.3°) and sites of the conjugate point equatorial experiment (COPEX) campaign Boa Vista (2.8°N; 60.7°W; dip lat. 11.4°; mag. declination -13.1°), Cachimbo (9.5°S; 54.8°W; dip lat. -1.8°; mag. declination -15.5°), and Campo Grande (20.4°S; 54.6°W; dip lat. -11.1°; mag. declination -14.0°) have been used in this work. foF2 calculated by PARIM show good agreement with the observations, except during morning over Boa Vista and midnight-morning over Campo Grande. Some discrepancies were also found for the F-region peak height (hmF2) near the geomagnetic equator during times of F3 layer occurrences. IRI has underestimated both foF2 and hmF2 over equatorial and low latitude sectors during evening-nighttimes, except for Jicamarca where foF2 values were overestimated.

A prediction model of short-term ionospheric foF2 based on AdaBoost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiukuan; Ning, Baiqi; Liu, Libo; Song, Gangbing

2014-02-01

In this paper, the AdaBoost-BP algorithm is used to construct a new model to predict the critical frequency of the ionospheric F2-layer (foF2) one hour ahead. Different indices were used to characterize ionospheric diurnal and seasonal variations and their dependence on solar and geomagnetic activity. These indices, together with the current observed foF2 value, were input into the prediction model and the foF2 value at one hour ahead was output. We analyzed twenty-two years' foF2 data from nine ionosonde stations in the East-Asian sector in this work. The first eleven years' data were used as a training dataset and the second eleven years' data were used as a testing dataset. The results show that the performance of AdaBoost-BP is better than those of BP Neural Network (BPNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and the IRI model. For example, the AdaBoost-BP prediction absolute error of foF2 at Irkutsk station (a middle latitude station) is 0.32 MHz, which is better than 0.34 MHz from BPNN, 0.35 MHz from SVR and also significantly outperforms the IRI model whose absolute error is 0.64 MHz. Meanwhile, AdaBoost-BP prediction absolute error at Taipei station from the low latitude is 0.78 MHz, which is better than 0.81 MHz from BPNN, 0.81 MHz from SVR and 1.37 MHz from the IRI model. Finally, the variety characteristics of the AdaBoost-BP prediction error along with seasonal variation, solar activity and latitude variation were also discussed in the paper.

An efficient low frequency horizontal diamagnetic levitation mechanism based vibration energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palagummi, S.; Yuan, F. G.

2016-04-01

This article identifies and studies key parameters that characterize a horizontal diamagnetic levitation (HDL) mechanism based low frequency vibration energy harvester with the aim of enhancing performance metrics such as efficiency and volume figure of merit (FoMv). The HDL mechanism comprises of three permanent magnets and two diamagnetic plates. Two of the magnets, aka lifting magnets, are placed co-axially at a distance such that each attract a centrally located magnet, aka floating magnet, to balance its weight. This floating magnet is flanked closely by two diamagnetic plates which stabilize the levitation in the axial direction. The influence of the geometry of the floating magnet, the lifting magnet and the diamagnetic plate are parametrically studied to quantify their effects on the size, stability of the levitation mechanism and the resonant frequency of the floating magnet. For vibration energy harvesting using the HDL mechanism, a coil geometry and eddy current damping are critically discussed. Based on the analysis, an efficient experimental system is setup which showed a softening frequency response with an average system efficiency of 25.8% and a FoMv of 0.23% when excited at a root mean square acceleration of 0.0546 m/s2 and at frequency of 1.9 Hz.

Statistical description of non-Gaussian samples in the F2 layer of the ionosphere during heliogeophysical disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sergeenko, N. P.

2017-11-01

An adequate statistical method should be developed in order to predict probabilistically the range of ionospheric parameters. This problem is solved in this paper. The time series of the critical frequency of the layer F2- foF2( t) were subjected to statistical processing. For the obtained samples {δ foF2}, statistical distributions and invariants up to the fourth order are calculated. The analysis shows that the distributions differ from the Gaussian law during the disturbances. At levels of sufficiently small probability distributions, there are arbitrarily large deviations from the model of the normal process. Therefore, it is attempted to describe statistical samples {δ foF2} based on the Poisson model. For the studied samples, the exponential characteristic function is selected under the assumption that time series are a superposition of some deterministic and random processes. Using the Fourier transform, the characteristic function is transformed into a nonholomorphic excessive-asymmetric probability-density function. The statistical distributions of the samples {δ foF2} calculated for the disturbed periods are compared with the obtained model distribution function. According to the Kolmogorov's criterion, the probabilities of the coincidence of a posteriori distributions with the theoretical ones are P 0.7-0.9. The conducted analysis makes it possible to draw a conclusion about the applicability of a model based on the Poisson random process for the statistical description and probabilistic variation estimates during heliogeophysical disturbances of the variations {δ foF2}.

Redox systematics of a magma ocean with variable pressure-temperature gradients and composition.

PubMed

Righter, K; Ghiorso, M S

2012-07-24

Oxygen fugacity in metal-bearing systems controls some fundamental aspects of the geochemistry of the early Earth, such as the FeO and siderophile trace element content of the mantle, volatile species that influence atmospheric composition, and conditions for organic compounds synthesis. Redox and metal-silicate equilibria in the early Earth are sensitive to oxygen fugacity (fO(2)), yet are poorly constrained in modeling and experimentation. High pressure and temperature experimentation and modeling in metal-silicate systems usually employs an approximation approach for estimating fO(2) that is based on the ratio of Fe and FeO [called "ΔIW (ratio)" hereafter]. We present a new approach that utilizes free energy and activity modeling of the equilibrium: Fe + SiO(2) + O(2) = Fe(2)SiO(4) to calculate absolute fO(2) and relative to the iron-wüstite (IW) buffer at pressure and temperature [ΔIW (P,T)]. This equilibrium is considered across a wide range of pressures and temperatures, including up to the liquidus temperature of peridotite (4,000 K at 50 GPa). Application of ΔIW (ratio) to metal-silicate experiments can be three or four orders of magnitude different from ΔIW (P,T) values calculated using free energy and activity modeling. We will also use this approach to consider the variation in oxygen fugacity in a magma ocean scenario for various thermal structures for the early Earth: hot liquidus gradient, 100 °C below the liquidus, hot and cool adiabatic gradients, and a cool subsolidus adiabat. The results are used to assess the effect of increasing P and T, changing silicate composition during accretion, and related to current models for accretion and core formation in the Earth. The fO(2) in a deep magma ocean scenario may become lower relative to the IW buffer at hotter and deeper conditions, which could include metal entrainment scenarios. Therefore, fO(2) may evolve from high to low fO(2) during Earth (and other differentiated bodies) accretion. Any modeling of core formation and metal-silicate equilibrium should take these effects into account.

Effects of Energetic Solar Emissions on the Lower Ionosphere as seen in Ionosonde Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barta, V.; Satori, G.; Williams, E.

2016-12-01

The sudden increase of X-radiation and EUV emission following solar flares causes extra ionization in the sunlit hemisphere in the D- and E-regions of the Earth's ionosphere. In addition, solar flares are also accompanied by energetic particles (protons and electrons) with energies from tens of keV to hundreds of MeV result additional ionization. The impact of two exceptional solar events - the Bastille Day event (July 14, 2000) and the Halloween event (Oct/Nov2003) on the lowest region of the ionosphere (<100 km) have recently been analyzed with global Schumann resonance measurements (Sátori et al., 2015). The present study is aimed at somewhat higher levels of the ionosphere (90-150 km) accessible with ionosonde observations. The variation of two ionospheric parameters, namely the minimum frequency of echoes (fmin) and the critical frequency of the E-layer (foE) were studied to disclose the effect of the solar flares on the lower ionosphere. The time series of the fmin and foE parameters recorded at meridionally-distributed stations in Europe were analyzed during these two intense solar events. Extreme increases of the fmin values (2-6 MHz) were observed at several European stations (Juliusruh, 53.6°N, 13.4°E; Chilton, 51.5°N, 359.4°E; Rome, 41.9°N, 12.5°E; SanVito 40.6°N, 17.8°E) during the Halloween event. This ionosonde response increases with increasing latitude. Simultaneously the absence of the foE parameter was observed. The sharply increased values (2-4 MHz) of the fmin parameters and the co-occurring absence of the foE parameters were detected in the case of the Bastille Day event as well, but only at high latitude stations (Loparskaya, 68°N, 33°E; St. Petersburg, 59.9°N, 30.3°E; Juliusruh, 53.6°N, 13.4°E). These results suggest that the latitude-dependent change of the fmin and foE parameters is related to energetic solar particles penetrating to the lower ionosphere.

40 CFR 264.231 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.231 Section 264.231 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Surface Impoundments § 264.231 Special...

40 CFR 264.317 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.317 Section 264.317 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Landfills § 264.317 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.317 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.317 Section 264.317 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Landfills § 264.317 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.231 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.231 Section 264.231 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Surface Impoundments § 264.231 Special...

40 CFR 264.231 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.231 Section 264.231 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Surface Impoundments § 264.231 Special...

40 CFR 264.317 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.317 Section 264.317 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Landfills § 264.317 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.283 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.283 Section 264.283 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Land Treatment § 264.283 Special requirements...

40 CFR 264.283 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.283 Section 264.283 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Land Treatment § 264.283 Special requirements...

40 CFR 264.283 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.283 Section 264.283 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Land Treatment § 264.283 Special requirements...

40 CFR 264.283 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.283 Section 264.283 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Land Treatment § 264.283 Special requirements...

40 CFR 264.259 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.259 Section 264.259 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Waste Piles § 264.259 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.259 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.259 Section 264.259 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Waste Piles § 264.259 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.259 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.259 Section 264.259 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES Waste Piles § 264.259 Special requirements for...

40 CFR 264.231 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.231 Section 264.231 Protection of Environment... chemical characteristics of the wastes, including their potential to migrate through soil or to volatilize...

Status and prospect of the Swiss continuous Cs fountain FoCS-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jallageas, A.; Devenoges, L.; Petersen, M.; Morel, J.; Bernier, L.-G.; Thomann, P.; Südmeyer, T.

2016-06-01

The continuous cesium fountain clock FoCS-2 at METAS presents many unique characteristics and challenges in comparison with standard pulsed fountain clocks. For several years FoCS-2 was limited by an unexplained frequency sensitivity on the velocity of the atoms, in the range of 140 • 10-15. Recent experiments allowed us to identify the origin of this problem as undesirable microwave surface currents circulating on the shield of the coaxial cables that feed the microwave cavity. A strong reduction of this effect was obtained by adding microwave absorbing coatings on the coaxial cables and absorbers inside of the vacuum chamber. This breakthrough opens the door to a true metrological validation of the fountain. A series of simulation tools have already been developed and proved their efficiency in the evaluation of some of the uncertainties of the continuous fountain. With these recent improvements, we are confident in the future demonstration of an uncertainty budget at the 10-15 level and below.

Observation of the solar eclipse of 20 March 2015 at the Pruhonice station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mošna, Zbyšek; Boška, Josef; Knížová, Petra Koucká; Šindelářová, Tereza; Kouba, Daniel; Chum, Jaroslav; Rejfek, Luboš; Potužníková, Kateřina; Arikan, Feza; Toker, Cenk

2018-06-01

Response of the atmosphere to the Solar Eclipse on 20 March 2015 is described for mid-latitude region of Czech Republic. For the first time we show join analysis using Digisonde vertical sounding, manually processed Digisonde drift measurement, and Continuous Doppler Sounding for the solar eclipse study. The critical frequencies foE, foF1 and foF2 show changes with different time offset connected to the solar eclipse. Digisonde drift measurement shows significant vertical plasma drifts in F2 region deviating from daily mean course with amplitudes reaching 15-20 m/s corresponding to the time of solar eclipse. Continuous Doppler Sounding shows propagation of waves in the NE direction with velocities between 70 and 100 m/s with a peak 30 min after first contact. We observed increased and persistent wave activity at heights between 150 and 250 km at time about 20-40 min after beginning of SE with central period 65 min.

40 CFR 264.283 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.283 Section 264.283 Protection of Environment... characteristics of the wastes, including their potential to migrate through soil or to volatilize or escape into...

40 CFR 264.317 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.317 Section 264.317 Protection of Environment..., including their potential to migrate through the soil or to volatilize or escape into the atmosphere; (2...

40 CFR 264.259 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27. 264.259 Section 264.259 Protection of Environment... through soil or to volatilize or escape into the atmosphere; (2) The attenuative properties of underlying...

Electrical conductivity of diopside: evidence for oxygen vacancies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huebner, J.S.; Voigt, D.E.

1988-01-01

Impedance spectra for two natural single crystals of diopside were obtained at 800 to 1300??C and 1-bar pressure over the frequency range 0.001 Hz to 100 kHz in a system closed to all components but oxygen. At both higher and lower fO2 values, no fO2 dependence of conductivity was observed, indicating the presence of different conduction mechanisms. At temperatures less than 1000??C, the activation energy is 1.3 eV, also suggesting a different conduction mechanism. Thus, at least four regimes are necessary to describe the conductivity of this diopside in T-fO2 space. The approximately -1/(7 ?? 1) value of d(log ??)/d(log fO2) in a high-temperature geologic region suggests a reaction by which oxygen vacancies control the conductivity. This relatively pure diopside is much less conducting than olivine or orthopyroxene. A second diopside with greater Fe content but otherwise similar in composition to the near-end-member diopside, is more conducting, has a smaller activation energy (1.0 eV) over the range 1050 to 1225??C, and shows only a weak negative fO2 dependence; suggesting that oxygen vacancies are present but are not the dominant defect in controlling the conductivity. -from Authors

Ionosphere dynamics in the auroral zone during the magnetic storm of March 17-18, 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagoveshchensky, D. V.; Sergeeva, M. A.

2016-11-01

A comprehensive study of the ionospheric processes encountered during the superstorm which started on March 17th 2015 has been carried out using magnetometer, ionosonde, riometer, ionospheric tomography and an all-sky camera installed in the observatory of Sodankylä, Finland. The storm manifested a number of interesting features. From 12:00 on March 17 there was a significant decrease of critical frequencies foF2 and intensive sporadic Es layers were observed. During the disturbance, there was a lack of variation of the X-component of the magnetic field at times, but the absorption level measured by the riometer was high. A comparison of the electron density distributions for the quiet and disturbed days as shown in the tomography data were very different. Where results were available at the same times, the tomographic foF2 values coincided with the ;real; foF2 values from the ionosonde. Where the ionosonde data was missing due to absorption, the tomographic foF2 values were used instead. The keograms from the all-sky camera showed that during disturbed days the aurorae manifested themselves as bright discrete forms. It was shown that the peaks of absorption due to particle precipitation seen by the riometer coincided in time with the brightenings of aurorae seen on the keograms.

VLF wave generation by beating of two HF waves in the ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Spencer; Snyder, Arnold; Kossey, Paul; Chang, Chia-Lie; Labenski, John

2011-05-01

Theory of a beat-wave mechanism for very low frequency (VLF) wave generation in the ionosphere is presented. The VLF current is produced by beating two high power HF waves of slightly different frequencies through the nonlinearity and inhomogeneity of the ionospheric plasma. Theory also shows that the density irregularities can enhance the beat-wave generation. An experiment was conducted by transmitting two high power HF waves of 3.2 MHz and 3.2 MHz + f, where f = 5, 8, 13, and 2.02 kHz, from the HAARP transmitter. In the experiment, the ionosphere was underdense to the O-mode heater, i.e., the heater frequency f0 > foF2, and overdense or slightly underdense to the X-mode heater, i.e., f0 < fxF2 or f0 ≥ fxF2. The radiation intensity increased with the VLF wave frequency, was much stronger with the X-mode heaters, and was not sensitive to the electrojet. The strongest VLF radiation of 13 kHz was generated when the reflection layer of the X-mode heater was just slightly below the foF2 layer and the spread of the O-mode sounding echoes had the largest enhancement, suggesting an optimal setting for beat-wave generation of VLF waves by the HF heaters.

Influence of very-long-distance earthquakes on the ionosphere?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liperovskaya, E. V.; Meister, C.-V.; Biagi, P.-F.; Liperovsky, V. A.; Rodkin, M. V.

2009-04-01

In the present work, variations of the critical frequency foF2 obtained every hour by the ionospheric sounding station Tashkent (41.3oN, 69.6oE) in the years 1964-1996 are considered. Mean values of data found at day-time between 11 LT and 16 LT are investigated. Disturbances of foF2 related to earthquakes are studied on the background of seasonal, geomagnetic, 11-years and 27-days solar variations. Normalized values F are used in the analysis, which are obtained excluding the seasonal run by subtracting the mean value of foF2 during the time interval of 14 days, from 7 days before the earthquake until seven days after the event, and dividing the result on its standard deviation. Days with high solar (Wolf number > 200) and geomagnetic (ΣKp > 25) disturbances are excluded from the analysis. Using the method of superposition of epoches it is concluded, that at the day of the earthquake the foF2 value decreases a) in case of earthquakes with magnitudes M > 6.5 at any place on the Earth, if the depth h of the epicentre satisfies h < 200 km, b) in connection with earthquakes with magnitudes 6.5 > M > 6.0 occurring in the Middle Asia region, if h < 70 km is satisfied, and c) in connection with earthquakes with magnitudes 6.0 > M > 5.5 appearing at a distance from Tashkent smaller than 1000 km if one has h < 70 km. In all investigated cases the reliability of the effect is larger than 95 %. The ratio of the number of earthquakes with a decrease of the foF2-value to the number of earthquakes where foF2 grows is about 2. The decrease of the foF2-value is also obtained some hours before and some hours - a day - after the event. Thus, one may assume that before an earthquake happening at a long distance, in the vicinity of the sounding station seismo-gravity waves with periods between half an hour and a few hours propagate through the earth's core. After long-distance earthquakes, seismic waves propagate in the vicinity of the sounding station. But in both cases, the radon emanation is activated. As a result of the increase of the radon concentration in the atmosphere, the value of foF2 decreases.

Enhanced electrical power generation using flame-oxidized stainless steel anode in microbial fuel cells and the anodic community structure.

PubMed

Yamashita, Takahiro; Ishida, Mitsuyoshi; Asakawa, Shiho; Kanamori, Hiroyuki; Sasaki, Harumi; Ogino, Akifumi; Katayose, Yuichi; Hatta, Tamao; Yokoyama, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

Carbon-based materials are commonly used as anodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), whereas metal and metal-oxide-based materials are not used frequently because of low electrical output. Stainless steel is a low-cost material with high conductivity and physical strength. In this study, we investigated the power generation using flame-oxidized (FO) stainless steel anodes (SSAs) in single-chambered air-cathode MFCs. The FO-SSA performance was compared to the performance of untreated SSA and carbon cloth anode (CCA), a common carbonaceous electrode. The difference in the anodic community structures was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region in 16S rRNA gene. Flame oxidation of SSA produced raised node-like sites, predominantly consisting of hematite (Fe2O3), on the surface, as determined by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The flame oxidation enhanced the maximum power density (1063 mW/m(2)) in MFCs, which was 184 and 24 % higher than those for untreated SSA and CCA, respectively. The FO-SSA exhibited 8.75 and 2.71 times higher current production than SSA and CCA, respectively, under potentiostatic testing conditions. Bacteria from the genus Geobacter were detected at a remarkably higher frequency in the biofilm formed on the FO-SSA (8.8-9.2 %) than in the biofilms formed on the SSA and CCA (0.7-1.4 %). Bacterial species closely related to Geobacter metallireducens (>99 % identity in the gene sequence) were predominant (93-96 %) among the genus Geobacter in the FO-SSA biofilm, whereas bacteria with a 100 % identity to G. anodireducens were abundant (>55 %) in the SSA and CCA biofilms. This is the first demonstration of power generation using an FO-SSA in MFCs. Flame oxidation of the SSA enhances electricity production in MFCs, which is higher than that with the common carbonaceous electrode, CCA. The FO-SSA is not only inexpensive but also can be prepared using a simple method. To our knowledge, this study reveals, for the first time, that the predominant Geobacter species in the biofilm depends on the anode material. The high performance of the FO-SSA could result from the particularly high population of bacteria closely related to G. metallireducens in the biofilm.

Effect of spray-drying with organic solvents on the encapsulation, release and stability of fish oil.

PubMed

Encina, Cristian; Márquez-Ruiz, Gloria; Holgado, Francisca; Giménez, Begoña; Vergara, Cristina; Robert, Paz

2018-10-15

Fish-oil (FO) was encapsulated with hydroxypropylcelullose (HPC) by conventional spray-drying with water (FO-water) and solvent spray-drying with ethanol (FO-EtOH), methanol (FO-MeOH) and acetone (FO-Acet) in order to study the effect of the solvent on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), microparticle properties and stability of FO during storage at 40 °C. Results showed that FO-Acet presented the highest EE of FO (92.0%), followed by FO-EtOH (80.4%), FO-MeOH (75.0%) and FO-water (71.1%). A decrease of the dielectric constant increased the EE of FO, promoting triglyceride-polymer interactions instead of oil-in-water emulsion retention. FO release profile in aqueous model was similar for all FO-microparticles, releasing only the surface FO, according to Higuchi model. Oxidative stability of FO significantly improved by spray-drying with MeOH, both in surface and encapsulated oil fractions. In conclusion, encapsulation of FO by solvent spray-drying can be proposed as an alternative technology for encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Smile and laughter elicited by electrical stimulation of the frontal operculum.

PubMed

Caruana, F; Gozzo, F; Pelliccia, V; Cossu, M; Avanzini, P

2016-08-01

Laughter and smile are typical expressions of mirth and fundamental means of social communication. Despite their general interest, the current knowledge about the brain regions involved in the production of these expressions is still very limited, and the principal insights come from electrical stimulation (ES) studies in patients, in which, nevertheless, laughter or smile have been elicited very rarely. Previous studies showed that laughter is evoked by the stimulation of nodes of an emotional network encompassing the anterior cingulate, the superior frontal and basal temporal cortex. A common feature of these stimulation studies is that the facial expression was always accompanied by motor awareness and often by mirth, in line with the affective functions attributed to these regions. Little is known, in contrast, on the neural basis of the voluntary motor control of this expression. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ES of the frontal operculum (FO), which is considered a crucial node for the linkage of the voluntary motor system for emotional expression and limbic emotional network. We report the case of ES applied to the frontal operculum (FO) in four patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy undergoing stereo-electroencephalographic (SEEG) implantation of intracerebral electrodes. In all patients, ES applied to the FO produced laughter or smile. Interestingly, in one patient, the production of a smiling expression was also clearly accompanied by the lack of motor awareness. Since the lack of motor awareness has been previously observed only after the stimulation of the voluntary motor network, we speculate that FO is involved in the voluntary control of facial expressions, and is placed at the interface with the emotional network, gating limbic information to the motor system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Redox systematics of a magma ocean with variable pressure-temperature gradients and composition

PubMed Central

Righter, K.; Ghiorso, M. S.

2012-01-01

Oxygen fugacity in metal-bearing systems controls some fundamental aspects of the geochemistry of the early Earth, such as the FeO and siderophile trace element content of the mantle, volatile species that influence atmospheric composition, and conditions for organic compounds synthesis. Redox and metal-silicate equilibria in the early Earth are sensitive to oxygen fugacity (fO2), yet are poorly constrained in modeling and experimentation. High pressure and temperature experimentation and modeling in metal-silicate systems usually employs an approximation approach for estimating fO2 that is based on the ratio of Fe and FeO [called “ΔIW (ratio)” hereafter]. We present a new approach that utilizes free energy and activity modeling of the equilibrium: Fe + SiO2 + O2 = Fe2SiO4 to calculate absolute fO2 and relative to the iron-wüstite (IW) buffer at pressure and temperature [ΔIW (P,T)]. This equilibrium is considered across a wide range of pressures and temperatures, including up to the liquidus temperature of peridotite (4,000 K at 50 GPa). Application of ΔIW (ratio) to metal-silicate experiments can be three or four orders of magnitude different from ΔIW (P,T) values calculated using free energy and activity modeling. We will also use this approach to consider the variation in oxygen fugacity in a magma ocean scenario for various thermal structures for the early Earth: hot liquidus gradient, 100 °C below the liquidus, hot and cool adiabatic gradients, and a cool subsolidus adiabat. The results are used to assess the effect of increasing P and T, changing silicate composition during accretion, and related to current models for accretion and core formation in the Earth. The fO2 in a deep magma ocean scenario may become lower relative to the IW buffer at hotter and deeper conditions, which could include metal entrainment scenarios. Therefore, fO2 may evolve from high to low fO2 during Earth (and other differentiated bodies) accretion. Any modeling of core formation and metal-silicate equilibrium should take these effects into account. PMID:22778438

Recurrent competition explains temporal effects of attention in MSTd

PubMed Central

Layton, Oliver W.; Browning, N. Andrew

2012-01-01

Navigation in a static environment along straight paths without eye movements produces radial optic flow fields. A singularity called the focus of expansion (FoE) specifies the direction of travel (heading) of the observer. Cells in primate dorsal medial superior temporal area (MSTd) respond to radial fields and are therefore thought to be heading-sensitive. Humans frequently shift their focus of attention while navigating, for example, depending on the favorable or threatening context of approaching independently moving objects. Recent neurophysiological studies show that the spatial tuning curves of primate MSTd neurons change based on the difference in visual angle between an attentional prime and the FoE. Moreover, the peak mean population activity in MSTd retreats linearly in time as the distance between the attentional prime and FoE increases. We present a dynamical neural circuit model that demonstrates the same linear temporal peak shift observed electrophysiologically. The model qualitatively matches the neuron tuning curves and population activation profiles. After model MT dynamically pools short-range motion, model MSTd incorporates recurrent competition between units tuned to different radial optic flow templates, and integrates attentional signals from model area frontal eye fields (FEF). In the model, population activity peaks occur when the recurrent competition is most active and uncertainty is greatest about the relative position of the FoE. The nature of attention, multiplicative or non-multiplicative, is largely irrelevant, so long as attention has a Gaussian-like profile. Using an appropriately tuned sigmoidal signal function to modulate recurrent feedback affords qualitative fits of deflections in the population activity that otherwise appear to be low-frequency noise. We predict that these deflections mark changes in the balance of attention between the priming and FoE locations. PMID:23060788

A Figure-of-Merit for Design and Optimization of Inductive Power Transmission Links for Millimeter-Sized Biomedical Implants.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Ahmed; Kiani, Mehdi

2016-12-01

Power transmission efficiency (PTE) has been the key parameter for wireless power transmission (WPT) to biomedical implants with millimeter (mm) dimensions. It has been suggested that for mm-sized implants increasing the power carrier frequency (f p ) of the WPT link to hundreds of MHz improves PTE. However, increasing f p significantly reduces the maximum allowable power that can be transmitted under the specific absorption rate (SAR) constraints. This paper presents a new figure-of-merit (FoM) and a design methodology for optimal WPT to mm-sized implants via inductive coupling by striking a balance between PTE and maximum delivered power under SAR constraints (P L,SAR ). First, the optimal mm-sized receiver (Rx) coil geometry is identified for a wide range of f p to maximize the Rx coil quality factor (Q). Secondly, the optimal transmitter (Tx) coil geometry and f p are found to maximize the proposed FoM under a low-loss Rx matched-load condition. Finally, proper Tx coil and tissue spacing is identified based on FoM at the optimal f p . We demonstrate that f p in order of tens of MHz still offer higher P L,SAR and FoM, which is key in applications that demand high power such as optogenetics. An inductive link to power a 1 mm 3 implant was designed based on our FoM and verified through full-wave electromagnetic field simulations and measurements using de-embedding method. In our measurements, an Rx coil with 1 mm diameter, located 10 mm inside the tissue, achieved PTE and P L,SAR of 1.4% and 2.2 mW at f p of 20 MHz, respectively.

Fiber optic systems for mobile platforms IV; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Jose, CA, Sept. 18, 1990

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, Norris E.; Moore, Emery L.

The present conference on fiber-optic (FO) systems discusses topics in shipboard, automotive, spacecraft, and aeronautical FO applications. Attention is given to an FO interferometric ellipsoidal shell hydrophone, an FO backbone for a submarine combat system, EM environmental effects on shipboard FO installations, and recent developments in polymeric FO systems for automotive use. Also discussed are a wavelength-multiplexed FO position encoder for aircraft control systems, a code-division multiple-access system for integrated modular avionics, fly-by-light systems for commercial aircraft, FO temperature sensors for aerospace applications, a hybrid FO/electrical network for launch vehicles, the effects of ionizing radiation on FO systems, and FO systems in liquid propellant rocket environments.

Production and assay of forskolin antibodies

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

Ho, L.T.; Ho, R.J.

1986-05-01

Forskolin (Fo), a cardiovascular active diterpene of plant origin, has been widely used as a research tool in regulation of the catalytic activity of adenylate cyclase (AC). A linear relationship of Fo binding to plasma membrane with activation of AC has been reported. The present abstract describes the production and assay of Fo antibodies (AB). 7-0-Hemisuccinyl-7-deacetyl Fo, coupled to either human serum albumin or goat IgG, was injected into goats to elicit AB to Fo haptan. AB to Fo in antiserum or an isolated IgG fraction was tested by two assay methods, a radioimmunoassay using /sup 3/H-Fo as a tracermore » and a colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using horse radish peroxidase-rabbit anti goat IgG as indicator. The titers for Fo antiserum were 4000-10,000. In the defined assay condition, approximately 20-25% of the added /sup 3/H-Fo was found to bind to AB. The bound radioactivity was displaced by Fo-HSA or Fo-goat IgG or free unlabelled Fo ranging from 0.5-50 pmol/tube, or 5-500 nM. The IC/sub 50/ was approximately 8-10 pmol/tube or 80-100 nM. The binding of HRP-rabbit anti goat IgG in the ELISA was inhibited by proper Fo conjugate. The development of methods for production and assay for Fo AB may be useful in the study of mechanism of activation of AC by Fo and Fo-like compound.« less

Predicting fundamental frequency from mel-frequency cepstral coefficients to enable speech reconstruction.

PubMed

Shao, Xu; Milner, Ben

2005-08-01

This work proposes a method to reconstruct an acoustic speech signal solely from a stream of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) as may be encountered in a distributed speech recognition (DSR) system. Previous methods for speech reconstruction have required, in addition to the MFCC vectors, fundamental frequency and voicing components. In this work the voicing classification and fundamental frequency are predicted from the MFCC vectors themselves using two maximum a posteriori (MAP) methods. The first method enables fundamental frequency prediction by modeling the joint density of MFCCs and fundamental frequency using a single Gaussian mixture model (GMM). The second scheme uses a set of hidden Markov models (HMMs) to link together a set of state-dependent GMMs, which enables a more localized modeling of the joint density of MFCCs and fundamental frequency. Experimental results on speaker-independent male and female speech show that accurate voicing classification and fundamental frequency prediction is attained when compared to hand-corrected reference fundamental frequency measurements. The use of the predicted fundamental frequency and voicing for speech reconstruction is shown to give very similar speech quality to that obtained using the reference fundamental frequency and voicing.

The Application of Leaf Ultrasonic Resonance to Vitis vinifera L. Suggests the Existence of a Diurnal Osmotic Adjustment Subjected to Photosynthesis

PubMed Central

Sancho-Knapik, Domingo; Medrano, Hipólito; Peguero-Pina, José J.; Mencuccini, Maurizio; Fariñas, Maria D.; Álvarez-Arenas, Tomás G.; Gil-Pelegrín, Eustaquio

2016-01-01

The main objective of this study was to apply the air-coupled broad-band ultrasonic spectroscopy in attached transpiring leaves of Vitis vinifera L. to monitor changes in leaf water potential (Ψ) through the measurements of the standardized value of the resonant frequency associated with the maximum transmitance (f/fo). With this purpose, the response of grapevine to a drought stress period was investigated in terms of leaf water status, ultrasounds, gas exchange and sugar accumulation. Two strong correlations were obtained between f/fo and Ψ measured at predawn (pd) and at midday (md) with different slopes. This fact implied the existence of two values of Ψ for a given value of f/fo, which was taken as a sign that the ultrasonic technique was not directly related to the overall Ψ, but only to one of its components: the turgor pressure (P). The difference in Ψ at constant f/fo (δ) was found to be dependent on net CO2 assimilation (A) and might be used as a rough estimator of photosynthetic activity. It was then, the other main component of Ψ, osmotic potential (π), the one that may have lowered the values of md Ψ with respect to pd Ψ by the accumulation of sugars associated to net CO2 assimilation. This phenomenon suggests the existence of a diurnal osmotic adjustment in this species associated to sugars production in well-watered plants. PMID:27833626

IR Absorption Coefficients for the Quantification of Water in Hydrous Ringwoodite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Sylvia-Monique; Jacobsen, Steven D.; Bina, Craig R.; Smyth, Joseph R.; Frost, Daniel J.

2010-05-01

Raman spectroscopy, combined with the 'Comparator technique' has been developed to determine water contents ranging from a few wt ppm to wt% in glasses and nominally anhydrous minerals including garnets, olivine, and SiO2 polymorphs (Thomas et al. 2009). The routine is one promising example of quantification tools to determine mineral specific molar absorption coefficients (ɛ) for IR spectroscopy. Mineral specific absorption coefficients are required because general IR calibrations do not necessarily apply to minerals with water incorporated as hydroxyl point defects. Here we utilize the 'Comparator technique' to provide ɛ-values for a set of synthetic Fe-free (Fo100) and Fe-bearing (Fo90, Fo87, Fo83, Fo60) ringwoodites, as well as for γ-Mg2GeO4. Ringwoodite is considered one of the major phases of the Earth's lower transition zone (520-660 km depth) and the knowledge of its absolute water storage capacity is essential for modeling the Earth's deep water cycle. Samples were synthesized at variable P-T conditions in a multi-anvil press and cover a range of OH contents. Single-crystals were characterized using X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Mineral specific IR absorption coefficients were calculated from independently determined water contents from Raman spectroscopy. Unpolarized IR spectra of Mg-ringwoodite show broad absorption features in the OH region with band maxima at ~2350, 2538, 3130, 3172, 3598 and 3688 cm-1. In the spectra of Fe-bearing ringwoodite and γ-Mg2GeO4 the maxima of the main OH band are shifted to 3244 cm-1 (Fo60) and 3207 cm-1, respectively. For Mg-ringwoodite with the mean wavenumber (area-weighted average of the peak position) of 3170 cm-1 an ɛ-value of 191500 ± 38300 L cm-2/ molH2O was determined. For the ringwoodites with Fo90, Fo87 and Fo83 composition and the mean wavenumbers of 3229 cm-1, 3252 cm-1 and 3163 cm-1 values of 123600 ± 24700 L cm-2/ molH2O, 176300 ± 52900 L cm-2/ molH2O and 155000 ± 46500 L cm-2/ molH2O were computed. Our value for pure Mg-ringwoodite is in very good agreement with the value according to Libowitzky & Rossman (1997) and the absorption coefficient proposed by Balan et al. (2008), but is higher than the extrapolated value from Koch-Müller & Rhede (2010). However, in case of the sample with Fo60 composition water content and ɛ-value determined here are in excellent agreement with those calculated by Koch-Müller & Rhede (2010). Here, we will further discuss general IR calibrations and the dependence of ɛ on structure, composition and frequency for the (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 polymorphs in the mantle. We agree with the findings of Koch-Müller & Rhede (2010), which report that using the calibrations according to Paterson (1982) and Libowitzky & Rossman (1997) leads to a water content underestimation in case of Fe-rich (Fay-Fo60) samples. At this point this cannot be generalized for Mg-rich ringwoodite. References Thomas et al. (2009), Phys. Chem. Mineral., 36, 489-509. Libowitzky & Rossman (1997), Am. Mineral., 82, 1111-1115. Koch-Müller & Rhede (2010), Am. Mineral., in press. Paterson (1982), Bull. Mineral. (Paris), 105, 20-29.

A comparison of neural network-based predictions of foF2 with the IRI-2012 model at conjugate points in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wichaipanich, Noraset; Hozumi, Kornyanat; Supnithi, Pornchai; Tsugawa, Takuya

2017-06-01

This paper presents the development of Neural Network (NN) model for the prediction of the F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) at three ionosonde stations near the magnetic equator of Southeast Asia. Two of these stations including Chiang Mai (18.76°N, 98.93°E, dip angle 12.7°N) and Kototabang (0.2°S, 100.3°E, dip angle 10.1°S) are at the conjugate points while Chumphon (10.72°N, 99.37°E, dip angle 3.0°N) station is near the equator. To produce the model, the feed forward network with backpropagation algorithm is applied. The NN is trained with the daily hourly values of foF2 during 2004-2012, except 2009, and the selected input parameters, which affect the foF2 variability, include day number (DN), hour number (HR), solar zenith angle (C), geographic latitude (θ), magnetic inclination (I), magnetic declination (D) and angle of meridian (M) relative to the sub-solar point, the 7-day mean of F10.7 (F10.7_7), the 81-day mean of SSN (SSN_81) and the 2-day mean of Ap (Ap_2). The foF2 data of 2009 and 2013 are then used for testing the NN model during the foF2 interpolation and extrapolation, respectively. To examine the performance of the proposed NN, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the observed foF2, the proposed NN model and the IRI-2012 (CCIR and URSI options) model are compared. In general, the results show the same trends in foF2 variation between the models (NN and IRI-2012) and the observations in that they are higher during the day and lower at night. Besides, the results demonstrate that the proposed NN model can predict the foF2 values more closely during daytime than during nighttime as supported by the lower RMSE values during daytime (0.5 ≤ RMSE ≤ 1.0 for Chumphon and Kototabang, 0.7 ≤ RMSE ≤ 1.2 at Chiang Mai) and with the highest levels during nighttime (0.8 ≤ RMSE ≤ 1.5 for Chumphon and Kototabang, 1.2 ≤ RMSE ≤ 2.0 at Chiang Mai). Furthermore, the NN model predicts the foF2 values more accurately than the IRI model at the three sites on average, as clearly seen on the yearly RMSE averages. The RMSE values of NN model are lower than those of both CCIR and URSI options, and in terms of the yearly percentage improvements, the NN model gives improvement of around 10-15% in 2009 and 10% in 2013 for Chiang Mai, 20-25% in 2009 and 5-10% in 2013 for Chumphon, and around 18-25% in 2009 and 20-30% in 2013 at Kototabang. Although the NN model predicts the foF2 values closely to the observed data and produces more accurate prediction than the IRI models, in some cases, the IRI model performs better than the NN model. Hence, there is still room for further improvement of the proposed NN model.

40 CFR 264.259 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) The volume, physical, and chemical characteristics of the wastes, including their potential to migrate through soil or to volatilize or escape into the atmosphere; (2) The attenuative properties of underlying and surrounding soils or other materials; (3) The mobilizing properties of other materials co-disposed...

40 CFR 265.352 - Interim status incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Interim status incinerators burning... incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes. (a) Owners or operators of incinerators subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or FO27 if they receive a...

40 CFR 265.352 - Interim status incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Interim status incinerators burning... incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes. (a) Owners or operators of incinerators subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or FO27 if they receive a...

40 CFR 265.352 - Interim status incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Interim status incinerators burning... incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes. (a) Owners or operators of incinerators subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or FO27 if they receive a...

40 CFR 265.352 - Interim status incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Interim status incinerators burning... incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes. (a) Owners or operators of incinerators subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or FO27 if they receive a...

40 CFR 265.352 - Interim status incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Interim status incinerators burning... incinerators burning particular hazardous wastes. (a) Owners or operators of incinerators subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or FO27 if they receive a...

Structural health monitoring on medium rise reinforced concrete building using ambient vibration method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamarudin, A. F.; Mokhatar, S. N.; Zainal Abidin, M. H.; Daud, M. E.; Rosli, M. S.; Ibrahim, A.; Ibrahim, Z.; Noh, M. S. Md

2018-04-01

Monitoring of structural health from initial stage of building construction to its serviceability is an ideal practise to assess for any structural defects or damages. Structural integrity could be intruded by natural destruction or structural deterioration, and worse if without remedy action on monitoring, building re-assessment or maintenance is taken. In this study the application of ambient vibration (AV) testing is utilized to evaluate the health of eighth stories medium rise reinforced concrete building in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), based comparison made between the predominant frequency, fo, determined in year 2012 and 2017. For determination of fo, popular method of Fourier Amplitude Spectra (FAS) was used to transform the ambient vibration time series by using 1 Hz tri-axial seismometer sensors and City SharkII data recorder. From the results, it shows the first mode frequencies from FAS curves indicate at 2.04 Hz in 2012 and 1.97 Hz in 2017 with only 3.14% of frequency reduction. However, steady state frequencies shown at the second and third modes frequencies of 2.42 Hz and 3.31 Hz by both years. Two translation mode shapes were found at the first and second mode frequencies in the North-South (NS-parallel to building transverse axis) and East-West (EsW-parallel to building longitudinal axis) components, and the torsional mode shape shows as the third mode frequency in both years. No excessive deformation amplitude was found at any selective floors based on comparison made between three mode shapes produced, that could bring to potential feature of structural deterioration. Low percentages of natural frequency disparity within five years of duration interval shown by the first mode frequencies under ambient vibration technique was considered in good health state, according to previous researchers recommendation at acceptable percentages below 5 to 10% over the years.

40 CFR 264.317 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... factors to be considered are: (1) The volume, physical, and chemical characteristics of the wastes, including their potential to migrate through the soil or to volatilize or escape into the atmosphere; (2) The attenuative properties of underlying and surrounding soils or other materials; (3) The mobilizing...

40 CFR 264.231 - Special requirements for hazardous wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, and FO27.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... chemical characteristics of the wastes, including their potential to migrate through soil or to volatilize or escape into the atmosphere; (2) The attenuative properties of underlying and surrounding soils or other materials; (3) The mobilizing properties of other materials co-disposed with these wastes; and (4...

The influence of fundamental frequency on perceived duration in spectrally comparable sounds

PubMed Central

Aalto, Daniel; Simko, Juraj; Vainio, Martti

2017-01-01

The perceived duration of a sound is affected by its fundamental frequency and intensity: higher sounds are judged to be longer, as are sounds with greater intensity. Since increasing intensity lengthens the perceived duration of the auditory object, and increasing the fundamental frequency increases the sound’s perceived loudness (up to ca. 3 kHz), frequency modulation of duration could be potentially explained by a confounding effect where the primary cause of the modulation would be variations in intensity. Here, a series of experiments are described that were designed to disentangle the contributions of fundamental frequency, intensity, and duration to perceived loudness and duration. In two forced-choice tasks, participants judged duration and intensity differences between two sounds varying simultaneously in intensity, fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency gliding range, and duration. The results suggest that fundamental frequency and intensity each have an impact on duration judgments, while frequency gliding range did not influence the present results. We also demonstrate that the modulation of perceived duration by sound fundamental frequency cannot be fully explained by the confounding relationship between frequency and intensity. PMID:28879063

The influence of fundamental frequency on perceived duration in spectrally comparable sounds.

PubMed

Dawson, Caitlin; Aalto, Daniel; Simko, Juraj; Vainio, Martti

2017-01-01

The perceived duration of a sound is affected by its fundamental frequency and intensity: higher sounds are judged to be longer, as are sounds with greater intensity. Since increasing intensity lengthens the perceived duration of the auditory object, and increasing the fundamental frequency increases the sound's perceived loudness (up to ca. 3 kHz), frequency modulation of duration could be potentially explained by a confounding effect where the primary cause of the modulation would be variations in intensity. Here, a series of experiments are described that were designed to disentangle the contributions of fundamental frequency, intensity, and duration to perceived loudness and duration. In two forced-choice tasks, participants judged duration and intensity differences between two sounds varying simultaneously in intensity, fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency gliding range, and duration. The results suggest that fundamental frequency and intensity each have an impact on duration judgments, while frequency gliding range did not influence the present results. We also demonstrate that the modulation of perceived duration by sound fundamental frequency cannot be fully explained by the confounding relationship between frequency and intensity.

Central Tendency and Dispersion Measures of the Fundamental Frequencies of Four Vowels as Produced by Two Year-Old and Four-Year Children.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monroe, Roberta Lynn

The intrinsic fundamental frequency effect among vowels is a vocalic phenomenon of adult speech in which high vowels have higher fundamental frequencies in relation to low vowels. Acoustic investigations of children's speech have shown that variability of the speech signal decreases as children's ages increase. Fundamental frequency measures have been suggested as an indirect metric for the development of laryngeal stability and coordination. Studies of the intrinsic fundamental frequency effect have been conducted among 8- and 9-year old children and in infants. The present study investigated this effect among 2- and 4-year old children. Eight 2-year old and eight 4-year old children produced four vowels, /ae/, /i/, /u/, and /a/, in CVC syllables. Three measures of fundamental frequency were taken. These were mean fundamental frequency, the intra-utterance standard deviation of the fundamental frequency, and the extent to which the cycle-to-cycle pattern of the fundamental frequency was predicted by a linear trend. An analysis of variance was performed to compare the two age groups, the four vowels, and the earlier and later repetitions of the CVC syllables. A significant difference between the two age groups was detected using the intra-utterance standard deviation of the fundamental frequency. Mean fundamental frequencies and linear trend analysis showed that voicing of the preceding consonant determined the statistical significance of the age-group comparisons. Statistically significant differences among the fundamental frequencies of the four vowels were not detected for either age group.

Mitochondrial basis of the anti-arrhythmic action of lidocaine and modulation by the n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratio of cardiac phospholipids.

PubMed

Demaison, Luc; Moreau, Daniel; Clauw, Fabienne; Vergely, Catherine; Rochette, Luc

2013-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of mitochondria in the mechanism of the anti-arrhythmic lidocaine. Rats were fed with a diet containing either n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, SSO group) or an equimolecular mixture of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs (FO group) for 8 weeks. The hearts were perfused according to the working mode using a medium with or without lidocaine 5 μm. They were then subjected to local ischemia (20 min) and reperfusion (30 min). Dietary n-3 PUFAs triggered the expected decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of cardiac phospholipids. Reperfusing the ischemic area favored the incidence of severe arrhythmias. Lidocaine treatment abolished almost completely reperfusion arrhythmias in the FO group, but did not display anti-arrhythmic properties in the SSO group. As it was indicated by measurements of the mitochondrial function, lidocaine seemed to favor mitochondrial calcium retention in the FO group, which might prevent cytosolic calcium spikes and reperfusion arrhythmias. In the SSO group, the resistance to lidocaine was associated with an aggravation of cellular damages. The mitochondrial calcium retention capacities were saturated, and lidocaine was unable to increase them, making the drug inefficient in preventing reperfusion arrhythmias. © 2012 The Authors Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology © 2012 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fiber optic smart structures and skins V; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Sept. 8, 9, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, Richard O. (Editor); Rogowski, Robert S. (Editor)

1993-01-01

The present conference discusses the materials used in applications of fiber-optics (F-O) to smart structures, extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric F-O sensors, sapphire F-O sensors, two-mode F-O sensors with photoinduced refractive index, an F-O accelerometer using two-mode fibers, and embedded F-O acoustic sensors for flaw detection. Also discussed are an optoelectronic smart structure interface, F-O sensors for simultaneous detection of strain and temperature, an optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer for smart skins, a split-cavity cross-coupled extrinsic fiber interferometer, and an embedded Bragg grating F-O sensor for composite flexbeams, an Er-doped ring-laser strain sensor.

[Applicability of voice acoustic analysis with vocal loading testto diagnostics of occupational voice diseases].

PubMed

Niebudek-Bogusz, Ewa; Sliwińska-Kowalska, Mariola

2006-01-01

An assessment of the vocal system, as a part of the medical certification of occupational diseases, should be objective and reliable. Therefore, interest in the method of acoustic voice analysis enabling objective assessment of voice parameters is still growing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of acoustic analysis with vocal loading test to the diagnostics of occupational voice disorders. The results of acoustic voice analysis were compared using IRIS software for phoniatrics, before and after a 30-min vocal loading test in 35 female teachers with diagnosed occupational voice disorders (group I) and in 31 female teachers with functional dysphonia (group II). In group I, vocal effort produced significant abnormalities in voice acoustic parameters, compared to group II. These included significantly increased mean fundamental frequency (Fo) value (by 11 Hz) and worsened jitter, shimmer and NHR parameters. Also, the percentage of subjects showing abnormalities in voice acoustic analysis was higher in this group. Conducting voice acoustic analysis before and after the vocal loading test makes it possible to objectively confirm irreversible voice impairments in persons with work-related pathologies of the larynx, which is essential for medical certification of occupational voice diseases.

TrmFO, a Fibronectin-Binding Adhesin of Mycoplasma bovis.

PubMed

Guo, Yongpeng; Zhu, Hongmei; Wang, Jiayao; Huang, Jing; Khan, Farhan Anwar; Zhang, Jingjing; Guo, Aizhen; Chen, Xi

2017-08-09

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogenic mycoplasma, causing the cattle industry serious economic losses. Adhesion is a crucial step in the mycoplasmas' infection and colonization process; fibronectin (Fn), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is a molecular bridge between the bacterial adhesins and host cell receptors. The present study was designed to characterize the Fn-binding ability of methylenetetrahydrofolate-tRNA-(uracil-5-)-methyltransferase (TrmFO) and its role in M. bovis cytoadherence. The trmFO ( MBOV_RS00785 ) gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21, and polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant TrmFO (rTrmFO) were raised in rabbits. Immunoblotting demonstrated that TrmFO was an immunogenic component, and the TrmFO expression was conserved in different M. bovis isolates. The mycoplasmacidal assay further showed that in the presence of complement, rabbit anti-recombinant TrmFO serum exhibited remarkable mycoplasmacidal efficacy. TrmFO was detected in both the M. bovis membrane and cytoplasm. By ligand dot blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) binding assay, we found that rTrmFO bound Fn in a dose-dependent manner. Immunostaining visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that rTrmFO had capacity to adhere to the embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. In addition, the adhesion of M. bovis and rTrmFO to EBL cells could be inhibited by anti-rTrmFO antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize the Fn-binding ability of TrmFO and its role in the bacterial adhesion to host cells.

TrmFO, a Fibronectin-Binding Adhesin of Mycoplasma bovis

PubMed Central

Guo, Yongpeng; Zhu, Hongmei; Wang, Jiayao; Huang, Jing; Khan, Farhan Anwar; Zhang, Jingjing; Guo, Aizhen; Chen, Xi

2017-01-01

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogenic mycoplasma, causing the cattle industry serious economic losses. Adhesion is a crucial step in the mycoplasmas’ infection and colonization process; fibronectin (Fn), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is a molecular bridge between the bacterial adhesins and host cell receptors. The present study was designed to characterize the Fn-binding ability of methylenetetrahydrofolate-tRNA-(uracil-5-)-methyltransferase (TrmFO) and its role in M. bovis cytoadherence. The trmFO (MBOV_RS00785) gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21, and polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant TrmFO (rTrmFO) were raised in rabbits. Immunoblotting demonstrated that TrmFO was an immunogenic component, and the TrmFO expression was conserved in different M. bovis isolates. The mycoplasmacidal assay further showed that in the presence of complement, rabbit anti-recombinant TrmFO serum exhibited remarkable mycoplasmacidal efficacy. TrmFO was detected in both the M. bovis membrane and cytoplasm. By ligand dot blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) binding assay, we found that rTrmFO bound Fn in a dose-dependent manner. Immunostaining visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that rTrmFO had capacity to adhere to the embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. In addition, the adhesion of M. bovis and rTrmFO to EBL cells could be inhibited by anti-rTrmFO antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize the Fn-binding ability of TrmFO and its role in the bacterial adhesion to host cells. PMID:28792486

Coherent receiver design based on digital signal processing in optical high-speed intersatellite links with M-phase-shift keying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, Semjon; Gregory, Mark; Rosenkranz, Werner

2016-11-01

We present simulative and experimental investigations of different coherent receiver designs for high-speed optical intersatellite links. We focus on frequency offset (FO) compensation in homodyne and intradyne detection systems. The considered laser communication terminal uses an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), which ensures stable homodyne detection. However, the hardware complexity increases with the modulation order. Therefore, we show that software-based intradyne detection is an attractive alternative for OPLL-based homodyne systems. Our approach is based on digital FO and phase noise compensation, in order to achieve a more flexible coherent detection scheme. Analytic results will further show the theoretical impact of the different detection schemes on the receiver sensitivity. Finally, we compare the schemes in terms of bit error ratio measurements and optimal receiver design.

Wave behaviour of sporadic E-layer variations at the latitudes 30-70N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryabchenko, E. Yu.; Sherstyukov, O. N.

A wave behaviour of sporadic E-layer variations was investigated by analysing time series of twenty European ionosonde stations (30°N--80°N, 15°W--45°E) for 1985-1988. Wavelet transform was used to explore 3-30 periodicities in variations of Es-layer relative electron density δ NEs defined here as (foEs2--foE2)/foE2. Such compound parameter allowed us to partly exclude solar ionisation factor and concentrate on meteorological nature of Es-layer synoptical oscillations. A typical synoptical atmospheric 3-30 day oscillations were discovered in foEs and also in δ NEs. Due to nonorthgonal wavelet transform used in this work, it is advisable to divide frequency domain into several optimal intervals. Five periods 4,6,10,16 and 24 day were chosen which cover 3-5, 5-7, 8-12, 13-20 and 20-30 day intervals. Low value of oscillation amplitude not greater than 1.5 is typical for most of European ionospheric stations in January-March and September-December. A higher values were observed at latitudes higher than 60°N. A wave vortex were discovered during the analysis of dynamics of δ NEs spatio-temporal variations in summer for each period interval. In May and June we observed wave penetration from north and south into the middle latitudes 45°N--55°N with amplitudes up to 5.0 for the most of considered years. In Jule and August all amplitudes reach their average values.

A generalized measurement equation and van Cittert-Zernike theorem for wide-field radio astronomical interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carozzi, T. D.; Woan, G.

2009-05-01

We derive a generalized van Cittert-Zernike (vC-Z) theorem for radio astronomy that is valid for partially polarized sources over an arbitrarily wide field of view (FoV). The classical vC-Z theorem is the theoretical foundation of radio astronomical interferometry, and its application is the basis of interferometric imaging. Existing generalized vC-Z theorems in radio astronomy assume, however, either paraxiality (narrow FoV) or scalar (unpolarized) sources. Our theorem uses neither of these assumptions, which are seldom fulfiled in practice in radio astronomy, and treats the full electromagnetic field. To handle wide, partially polarized fields, we extend the two-dimensional (2D) electric field (Jones vector) formalism of the standard `Measurement Equation' (ME) of radio astronomical interferometry to the full three-dimensional (3D) formalism developed in optical coherence theory. The resulting vC-Z theorem enables full-sky imaging in a single telescope pointing, and imaging based not only on standard dual-polarized interferometers (that measure 2D electric fields) but also electric tripoles and electromagnetic vector-sensor interferometers. We show that the standard 2D ME is easily obtained from our formalism in the case of dual-polarized antenna element interferometers. We also exploit an extended 2D ME to determine that dual-polarized interferometers can have polarimetric aberrations at the edges of a wide FoV. Our vC-Z theorem is particularly relevant to proposed, and recently developed, wide FoV interferometers such as Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and Square Kilometer Array (SKA), for which direction-dependent effects will be important.

Optical fiber sensors: Systems and applications. Volume 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culshaw, Brian; Dakin, John

State-of-the-art fiber-optic (FO) sensors and their applications are described in chapters contributed by leading experts. Consideration is given to interferometers, FO gyros, intensity- and wavelength-based sensors and optical actuators, Si in FO sensors, point-sensor multiplexing principles, and distributed FO sensor systems. Also examined are chemical, biochemical, and medical sensors; physical and chemical sensors for process control; FO-sensor applications in the marine and aerospace industries; FO-sensor monitoring systems for security and safety, structural integrity, NDE, and the electric-power industry; and the market situation for FO-sensor technology. Diagrams, drawings, graphs, and photographs are provided.

Magnitude and frequency of Iowa floods, Part two

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schwob, Harlan H.

1966-01-01

Floqd records fo.r regular and partial-record gaging stations are contained in the following pages. Each listing contains the station number .and name, descriptive paragraphs pertaining to the station, qnd a listing of the flood peaks available through the 1965 water year. Peaks above a base as well as annual peaks are listed. These provide the data for a partial-duration flood-frequency curve. Most of the material is self-explan~tory and needs no discussion. However, a few items may be made clearer by the brief explanation which follows. 

Adhesive Bonding for Optical Metrology Systems in Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohlke, Martin; Schuldt, Thilo; Döringshoff, Klaus; Peters, Achim; Johann, Ulrich; Weise, Dennis; Braxmaier, Claus

2015-05-01

Laser based metrology systems become more and more attractive for space applications and are the core elements of planned missions such as LISA (NGO, eLISA) or NGGM where laser interferometry is used for distance measurements between satellites. The GRACE-FO mission will for the first time demonstrate a Laser Ranging Instrument (LRI) in space, starting 2017. Laser based metrology also includes optical clocks/references, either as ultra-stable light source for high sensitivity interferometry or as scientific payload e.g. proposed in fundamental physics missions such as mSTAR (mini SpaceTime Asymmetry Research), a mission dedicated to perform a Kennedy-Thorndike experiment on a satellite in a low-Earth orbit. To enable the use of existing optical laboratory setups, optimization with respect to power consumption, weight and dimensions is necessary. At the same time the thermal and structural stability must be increased. Over the last few years we investigated adhesive bonding of optical components to thermally highly stable glass ceramics as an easy-to-handle assembly integration technology. Several setups were implemented and tested for potential later use in space applications. We realized a heterodyne LISA related interferometer with demonstrated noise levels in the pm-range for translation measurement and nano-radiant-range for tilt measurements and two iodine frequency references on Elegant Breadboard (EBB) and Engineering Model (EM) level with frequency stabilities in the 10-15 range for longer integration times. The EM setup was thermally cycled and vibration tested.

Maintenance of myonuclear domain size in rat soleus after overload and growth hormone/IGF-I treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCall, G. E.; Allen, D. L.; Linderman, J. K.; Grindeland, R. E.; Roy, R. R.; Mukku, V. R.; Edgerton, V. R.

1998-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of functional overload (FO) combined with growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I (GH/IGF-I) administration on myonuclear number and domain size in rat soleus muscle fibers. Adult female rats underwent bilateral ablation of the plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles and, after 7 days of recovery, were injected three times daily for 14 days with GH/IGF-I (1 mg/kg each; FO + GH/IGF-I group) or saline vehicle (FO group). Intact rats receiving saline vehicle served as controls (Con group). Muscle wet weight was 32% greater in the FO than in the Con group: 162 +/- 8 vs. 123 +/- 16 mg. Muscle weight in the FO + GH/IGF-I group (196 +/- 14 mg) was 59 and 21% larger than in the Con and FO groups, respectively. Mean soleus fiber cross-sectional area of the FO + GH/IGF-I group (2,826 +/- 445 microm2) was increased compared with the Con (2,044 +/- 108 microm2) and FO (2,267 +/- 301 microm2) groups. The difference in fiber size between the FO and Con groups was not significant. Mean myonuclear number increased in FO (187 +/- 15 myonuclei/mm) and FO + GH/IGF-I (217 +/- 23 myonuclei/mm) rats compared with Con (155 +/- 12 myonuclei/mm) rats, although the difference between FO and FO + GH/IGF-I animals was not significant. The mean cytoplasmic volume per myonucleus (myonuclear domain) was similar across groups. These results demonstrate that the larger mean muscle weight and fiber cross-sectional area occurred when FO was combined with GH/IGF-I administration and that myonuclear number increased concomitantly with fiber volume. Thus there appears to be some mechanism(s) that maintains the myonuclear domain when a fiber hypertrophies.

40 CFR 265.383 - Interim status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... devices burning particular hazardous waste. 265.383 Section 265.383 Protection of Environment... status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste. (a) Owners or operators of thermal treatment devices subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or...

40 CFR 265.383 - Interim status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... devices burning particular hazardous waste. 265.383 Section 265.383 Protection of Environment... status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste. (a) Owners or operators of thermal treatment devices subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or...

40 CFR 265.383 - Interim status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... devices burning particular hazardous waste. 265.383 Section 265.383 Protection of Environment... status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste. (a) Owners or operators of thermal treatment devices subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or...

40 CFR 265.383 - Interim status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... devices burning particular hazardous waste. 265.383 Section 265.383 Protection of Environment... status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste. (a) Owners or operators of thermal treatment devices subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or...

40 CFR 265.383 - Interim status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... devices burning particular hazardous waste. 265.383 Section 265.383 Protection of Environment... status thermal treatment devices burning particular hazardous waste. (a) Owners or operators of thermal treatment devices subject to this subpart may burn EPA Hazardous Wastes FO20, FO21, FO22, FO23, FO26, or...

Pressure retarded osmosis for energy production: membrane materials and operating conditions.

PubMed

Kim, H; Choi, J-S; Lee, S

2012-01-01

Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) is a novel membrane process to produce energy. PRO has the potential to convert the osmotic pressure difference between fresh water (i.e. river water) and seawater to electricity. Moreover, it can recover energy from highly concentrated brine in seawater desalination. Nevertheless, relatively little research has been undertaken for fundamental understanding of the PRO process. In this study, the characteristics of the PRO process were examined using a proof-of-concept device. Forward osmosis (FO), reverse osmosis (RO), and nanofiltration (NF) membranes were compared in terms of flux rate and concentration polarization ratio. The results indicated that the theoretical energy production by PRO depends on the membrane type as well as operating conditions (i.e. back pressure). The FO membrane had the highest energy efficiency while the NF membrane had the lowest efficiency. However, the energy production rate was low due to high internal concentration polarization (ICP) in the PRO membrane. This finding suggests that the control of the ICP is essential for practical application of PRO for energy production.

Role of afferent input in load-dependent plasticity of rat muscle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawano, F.; Umemoto, S.; Higo, Y.; Kawabe, N.; Wang, X. D.; Lan, Y. B.; Ohira, Y.

We have been studying the role of afferent input in the plasticity of skeletal muscles. The present study was performed to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the deafferentation-related inhibition of the compensatory hypertrophy in rat soleus muscle. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly separated into the control, functionally overloaded (FO), and functionally overloaded + deafferentation (FO+DA) group. The tendons of plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles were transected in the FO rats. The dorsal roots of the spinal cord at the L4-5 segmental levels were additionally transected in the FO+DA rats. The sampling of the soleus was performed 2 weeks after the surgery and ambulation recovery. The single muscle fibers were isolated in low-calcium relaxing solution. Further, the myonuclei or argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) were stained. Significant increase of the fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) was seen in the FO, but not in the FO+DA, rats. The myonuclear number in fiber was significantly decreased by FO. Addition of DA to FO further promoted the reduction of myonuclear number. The mean nucleus size and DNA content in single nucleus in all groups were identical. Although a single or double AgNORs were seen in ~90% of myonuclei in the control rats, their distributions were 72 and 76% in the FO and FO+DA rats, respectively (p<0.05). More myonuclei containing 3-5 AgNORs were noted in the FO and FO+DA rats. The mean number of the AgNORs per myonucleus was 1.7 in the control, 2.1 in both FO and FO+DA rats (p<0.05). It was suggested that the FO-related increase of the number of AgNORs may be responsible for the induction of compensatory hypertrophy. It was also indicated that intact afferent input plays an essential role in these phenomena.

Effect of changes of femoral offset on abductor and joint reaction forces in total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Rüdiger, Hannes A; Guillemin, Maïka; Latypova, Adeliya; Terrier, Alexandre

2017-11-01

Anatomical reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty (THA) allows for physiological muscle function, good functional outcome and implant longevity. Quantitative data on the effect of a loss or gain of femoral offset (FO) are scarce. The aim of this study was to quantitatively describe the effect of FO changes on abductor moment arms, muscle and joint reactions forces. THA was virtually performed on 3D models built from preoperative CT scans of 15 patients undergoing THA. Virtual THA was performed with a perfectly anatomical reconstruction, a loss of 20% of FO (-FO), and a gain of 20% of FO (+FO). These models were combined with a generic musculoskeletal model (OpenSim) to predict moment arms, muscle and joint reaction forces during normal gait cycles. In average, with -FO reconstructions, muscle moment arms decreased, while muscle and hip forces increased significantly (p < 0.001). We observed the opposite with +FO reconstructions. Gluteus medius was more affected than gluteus minimus. -FO had more effect than +FO. A change of 20% of FO induced an average change 8% of abductor moment arms, 16% of their forces, and 6% of the joint reaction force. To our knowledge, this is the first report providing quantitative data on the effect of FO changes on muscle and joint forces during normal gait. A decrease of FO necessitates an increase of abductor muscle force to maintain normal gait, which in turn increases the joint reaction force. This effect underscores the importance of an accurate reconstruction of the femoral offset.

Comparison of the LEW88516 and ALHA77005 martian meteorites: Similar but distinct

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treiman, A. H.; Mckay, G. A.; Bogard, D. D.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Wang, M.-S.; Keller, L.; Lipschutz, M. E.; Lindstrom, M. M.; Garrison, D.

1994-01-01

By mineral and bulk compositions, the Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88516 meteorite is quite similar to the ALHA77005 martian meteorite. These two meteorites are not paired because their mineral compositions are distinct, they were found 500 km apart in ice fields with different sources for meteorites, and their terrestrial residence ages are different. Minerals in LEW88516 include: olivine, pyroxenes (low- and high-Ca), and maskelynite (ater plagioclase); and the minor minerals chromite, whitlockite, ilmenite, and pyrrhotite. Mineral grains in LEW88516 range up to a few mm. Texturally, the meteorite is complex, with regions of olivine and chromite poikilitically enclosed in pyroxene, regions of interstitial basaltic texture, and glass-rich (shock) veinlets. Olivine compositions range from Fo(sub 64) to Fo(sub 70), (avg. Fo(sub 67)), more ferroan and with more variation than in ALHA77005 (Fo(sub 69) to Fo(sub 73)). Pyroxene compositions fall between En(sub 77)Wo(sub 4) and En(sub 65)Wo(sub 15) and in clusters near En(sub 63)Wo(sub 9) and En(sub 53)Wo(sub 33), on average more magnesian and with more variation than in ALHA77005. Shock features in LEW88516 range from weak deformation through complete melting. Bulk chemical analyses by modal recombination of electron microprobe analyses, instrumental neutron activation, and radiochemical neutron activation confirm that LEW88516 is more closely related to ALHA77005 than to other known martian meteorites. Key element abundance ratios are typical of martian meteorites, as is it nonchondritic rare earth pattern. Differences between the chemical compositions of LEW88516 and ALHA77005 are consistent with slight differences in the proportions of their constituent minerals and not from fundamental petrogenetic differences. Noble gas abundances in LEW88516, like those in ALHA77005, show modest excesses of Ar-40 and Xe-129 from trapped (shock-implanted) gas. As with other ALHA77005 and the shergottite martian meteorites (except EETA79001), noble gas isotope abundances in LEW88516 are consistent with exposure to cosmic rays for 2.5-3 Ma. The absence of substantial effects of shielding from cosmic rays suggest LEW88516 spent this time as an object no larger than a few cm in diameter.

Review on analog/radio frequency performance of advanced silicon MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passi, Vikram; Raskin, Jean-Pierre

2017-12-01

Aggressive gate-length downscaling of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) has been the main stimulus for the growth of the integrated circuit industry. This downscaling, which has proved beneficial to digital circuits, is primarily the result of the need for improved circuit performance and cost reduction and has resulted in tremendous reduction of the carrier transit time across the channel, thereby resulting in very high cut-off frequencies. It is only in recent decades that complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) field-effect transistor (FET) has been considered as the radio frequency (RF) technology of choice. In this review, the status of the digital, analog and RF figures of merit (FoM) of silicon-based FETs is presented. State-of-the-art devices with very good performance showing low values of drain-induced barrier lowering, sub-threshold swing, high values of gate transconductance, Early voltage, cut-off frequencies, and low minimum noise figure, and good low-frequency noise characteristic values are reported. The dependence of these FoM on the device gate length is also shown, helping the readers to understand the trends and challenges faced by shorter CMOS nodes. Device performance boosters including silicon-on-insulator substrates, multiple-gate architectures, strain engineering, ultra-thin body and buried-oxide and also III-V and 2D materials are discussed, highlighting the transistor characteristics that are influenced by these boosters. A brief comparison of the two main contenders in continuing Moore’s law, ultra-thin body buried-oxide and fin field-effect transistors are also presented. The authors would like to mention that despite extensive research carried out in the semiconductor industry, silicon-based MOSFET will continue to be the driving force in the foreseeable future.

Economic Evaluation of a Hybrid Desalination System Combining Forward and Reverse Osmosis

PubMed Central

Choi, Yongjun; Cho, Hyeongrak; Shin, Yonghyun; Jang, Yongsun; Lee, Sangho

2015-01-01

This study seeks to evaluate the performance and economic feasibility of the forward osmosis (FO)–reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process; to propose a guideline by which this hybrid process might be more price-competitive in the field. A solution-diffusion model modified with film theory was applied to analyze the effects of concentration polarization, water, and salt transport coefficient on flux, recovery, seawater concentration, and treated wastewater of the FO process of an FO-RO hybrid system. A simple cost model was applied to analyze the effects of flux; recovery of the FO process; energy; and membrane cost on the FO-RO hybrid process. The simulation results showed that the water transport coefficient and internal concentration polarization resistance are very important factors that affect performance in the FO process; however; the effect of the salt transport coefficient does not seem to be large. It was also found that the flux and recovery of the FO process, the FO membrane, and the electricity cost are very important factors that influence the water cost of an FO-RO hybrid system. This hybrid system can be price-competitive with RO systems when its recovery rate is very high, the flux and the membrane cost of the FO are similar to those of the RO, and the electricity cost is expensive. The most important thing in commercializing the FO process is enhancing performance (e.g.; flux and the recovery of FO membranes). PMID:26729176

An Effective Design of Electrically Conducting Thin-Film Composite (TFC) Membranes for Bio and Organic Fouling Control in Forward Osmosis (FO).

PubMed

Liu, Qing; Qiu, Guanglei; Zhou, Zhengzhong; Li, Jingguo; Amy, Gary Lee; Xie, Jianping; Lee, Jim Yang

2016-10-04

The organic foulants and bacteria in secondary wastewater treatment can seriously impair the membrane performance in a water treatment plant. The embedded electrode approach using an externally applied potential to repel organic foulants and inhibit bacterial adhesion can effectively reduce the frequency of membrane replacement. Electrode embedment in membranes is often carried out by dispensing a conductor (e.g., carbon nanotubes, or CNTs) in the membrane substrate, which gives rise to two problems: the leaching-out of the conductor and a percolation-limited membrane conductivity that results in an added energy cost. This study presents a facile method for the embedment of a continuous electrode in thin-film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes. Specifically, a conducting porous carbon paper is used as the understructure for the formation of a membrane substrate by the classical phase inversion process. The carbon paper and the membrane substrate polymer form an interpenetrating structure with good stability and low electrical resistance (only about 1Ω/□). The membrane-electrode assembly was deployed as the cathode of an electrochemical cell, and showed good resistance to organic and microbial fouling with the imposition of a 2.0 V DC voltage. The carbon paper-based FO TFC membranes also possess good mechanical stability for practical use.

Resonant nonlinear ultrasound spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Johnson, Paul A.; TenCate, James A.; Guyer, Robert A.; Van Den Abeele, Koen E. A.

2001-01-01

Components with defects are identified from the response to strains applied at acoustic and ultrasound frequencies. The relative resonance frequency shift .vertline..DELTA..function./.function..sub.0.vertline., is determined as a function of applied strain amplitude for an acceptable component, where .function..sub.0 is the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and .DELTA..function. is the frequency shift of the resonance peak of a selected mode to determine a reference relationship. Then, the relative resonance frequency shift .vertline..DELTA..function./.function..sub.0 is determined as a function of applied strain for a component under test, where fo .function..sub.0 the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and .DELTA..function. is the frequency shift of the resonance peak to determine a quality test relationship. The reference relationship is compared with the quality test relationship to determine the presence of defects in the component under test.

A novel α-galactosidase from Fusarium oxysporum and its application in determining the structure of the gum arabic side chain.

PubMed

Maruta, Akiho; Yamane, Mirei; Matsubara, Midori; Suzuki, Shiho; Nakazawa, Masami; Ueda, Mitsuhiro; Sakamoto, Tatsuji

2017-08-01

We previously reported that Fusarium oxysporum 12S produces two bifunctional proteins, FoAP1 and FoAP2, with α-d-galactopyranosidase (GPase) and β-l-arabinopyranosidase (APase) activities. The aim of this paper was to purify a third GPase, FoGP1, from culture supernatant of F. oxysporum 12S, to characterize it, and to determine its mode of action towards gum arabic. A cDNA encoding FoGP1 was cloned and the protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Module sequence analysis revealed the presence of a GH27 domain in FoGP1. The recombinant enzyme (rFoGP1) showed a GPase/APase activity ratio of 330, which was quite different from that of FoAP1 (1.7) and FoAP2 (0.2). Among the natural substrates tested, rFoGP1 showed the highest activity towards gum arabic. In contrast to other well-characterized GPases, rFoGP1 released a small amount of galactose from α-galactosyl oligosaccharides such as raffinose and exhibited no activity toward galactomannans, which are highly substituted with α-galactosyl side chains. This indicated that FoGP1 is an unusual type of GPase. rFoGP1 released 30% of the total galactose from gum arabic, suggesting the existence of a large number of α-galactosyl residues at the non-reducing ends of gum arabic side chains. Together, rFoGP1 and α-l-arabinofuranosidase released four times more arabinose than α-l-arabinofuranosidase acting alone. This suggested that a large number of α-l-arabinofuranosyl residues is capped by α-galactosyl residues. 1 H NMR experiments revealed that rFoGP1 hydrolyzed the α-1,3-galactosidic linkage within the side chain structure of [α-d-Galp-(1→3)-α-l-Araf-(1→] in gum arabic. In conclusion, rFoGP1 is highly active toward α-1,3-galactosyl linkages but negligibly or not active toward α-1,6-galactosyl linkages. The novel FoGP1 might be used to modify the physical properties of gum arabic, which is an industrially important polysaccharide used as an emulsion stabilizer and coating agent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

HAARP 2011 Summer Student Research Campaign

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-16

in order to take advantage of a wide variety of background ionospheric conditions and to provide ample time for each student to investigate...The SSRC expands on the PARS Summer School by providing a significant increase in facility operational time. This has advantages in several areas...in several advantages for scheduling and conducting experiments: (1) Higher ionospheric density yields higher F-region critical frequency (foF2

GIM-TEC adaptive ionospheric weather assessment and forecast system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaeva, T. L.; Arikan, F.; Hernandez-Pajares, M.; Stanislawska, I.

2013-09-01

The Ionospheric Weather Assessment and Forecast (IWAF) system is a computer software package designed to assess and predict the world-wide representation of 3-D electron density profiles from the Global Ionospheric Maps of Total Electron Content (GIM-TEC). The unique system products include daily-hourly numerical global maps of the F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) and the peak height (hmF2) generated with the International Reference Ionosphere extended to the plasmasphere, IRI-Plas, upgraded by importing the daily-hourly GIM-TEC as a new model driving parameter. Since GIM-TEC maps are provided with 1- or 2-days latency, the global maps forecast for 1 day and 2 days ahead are derived using an harmonic analysis applied to the temporal changes of TEC, foF2 and hmF2 at 5112 grid points of a map encapsulated in IONEX format (-87.5°:2.5°:87.5°N in latitude, -180°:5°:180°E in longitude). The system provides online the ionospheric disturbance warnings in the global W-index map establishing categories of the ionospheric weather from the quiet state (W=±1) to intense storm (W=±4) according to the thresholds set for instant TEC perturbations regarding quiet reference median for the preceding 7 days. The accuracy of IWAF system predictions of TEC, foF2 and hmF2 maps is superior to the standard persistence model with prediction equal to the most recent ‘true’ map. The paper presents outcomes of the new service expressed by the global ionospheric foF2, hmF2 and W-index maps demonstrating the process of origin and propagation of positive and negative ionosphere disturbances in space and time and their forecast under different scenarios.

A Combination of Flaxseed Oil and Astaxanthin Improves Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Reduces Oxidative Stress in High Fat-Diet Fed Rats

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiqu; Rong, Shuang; Gao, Hui; Chen, Chang; Yang, Wei; Deng, Qianchun; Huang, Qingde; Xiao, Lingyun; Huang, Fenghong

2017-01-01

Hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress are crucial pathophysiological mechanisms for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, we examined the effect of a combination of flaxseed oil (FO) and astaxanthin (ASX) on hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat diet. ASX was dissolved in flaxseed oil (1 g/kg; FO + ASX). Animals were fed diets containing 20% fat, where the source was lard, or 75% lard and 25% FO + ASX, or 50% lard and 50% FO + ASX, or FO + ASX, for 10 weeks. Substitution of lard with FO + ASX reduced steatosis and reduced hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol. The combination of FO and ASX significantly decreased hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase but increased peroxisome proliferator activated receptor expression. FO + ASX significantly suppressed fatty acid synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase but induced carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 and acyl CoA oxidase expression. FO + ASX also significantly elevated hepatic SOD, CAT and GPx activity and GSH, and markedly reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Thus, FO and ASX may reduce NAFLD by reversing hepatic steatosis and reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. PMID:28335388

33 CFR 86.03 - Limits of fundamental frequencies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of fundamental frequencies. To ensure a wide variety of whistle characteristics, the fundamental... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Limits of fundamental frequencies. 86.03 Section 86.03 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY...

Membrane fouling of forward osmosis (FO) membrane for municipal wastewater treatment: A comparison between direct FO and OMBR.

PubMed

Sun, Yan; Tian, Jiayu; Zhao, Zhiwei; Shi, Wenxin; Liu, Dongmei; Cui, Fuyi

2016-11-01

In this work, membrane fouling behavior in a direct forward osmosis (FO) and an osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) for municipal wastewater treatment was systematically investigated and compared. During the long-term operation, much severer flux decline was observed for the direct FO than that for the OMBR. The cake layer was found to be much thicker, together with large amounts of microorganisms growing on the membrane surface in direct FO. Interestingly, no obvious attachment of microorganisms on the membrane surface was observed in the OMBR. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and excitation emission matrices (EEM) analyses showed the polysaccharides and proteins were the dominant organic foulants in the fouling layer, and the quantity of the organic substances was also higher in direct FO than that in OMBR. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) results indicated the main inorganic elements in the fouling layer were Ca, Mg, Fe and P, all of which exhibited higher relative percentages in direct FO than that in OMBR. The occurrence of higher contents of microorganisms, organic foulants and inorganic elements in the cake layer caused a higher filtration resistance for the FO membrane in the direct FO. Although more severe membrane fouling was identified in direct FO, the hydraulic and chemical cleaning was more effective on recovering the water permeability of the membrane in direct FO than that in OMBR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measuring the rate of change of voice fundamental frequency in fluent speech during mental depression.

PubMed

Nilsonne, A; Sundberg, J; Ternström, S; Askenfelt, A

1988-02-01

A method of measuring the rate of change of fundamental frequency has been developed in an effort to find acoustic voice parameters that could be useful in psychiatric research. A minicomputer program was used to extract seven parameters from the fundamental frequency contour of tape-recorded speech samples: (1) the average rate of change of the fundamental frequency and (2) its standard deviation, (3) the absolute rate of fundamental frequency change, (4) the total reading time, (5) the percent pause time of the total reading time, (6) the mean, and (7) the standard deviation of the fundamental frequency distribution. The method is demonstrated on (a) a material consisting of synthetic speech and (b) voice recordings of depressed patients who were examined during depression and after improvement.

GRACE-FO Prelaunch Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-21

NASA Headquarters Public Affairs Officer Steve Cole, left, moderates the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission prelaunch media briefing with David Jarrett, GRACE-FO program executive in the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters; Frank Webb, GRACE-FO project scientist at JPL; Frank Flechtner, GRACE-FO project manager for the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam, Germany; Phil Morton, NASA GRACE-FO project manager at JPL; and Capt. Jennifer Haden, weather officer, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, right, Monday, May 21, 2018, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Valence State Partitioning of Cr and V Between Olivine-Melt and Pyroxene-Melt in Experimental Basalts of a Eucritic Composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karner, J. M.; Jones, J. H.; Le, L.

2017-01-01

The partitioning of multivalent elements in basaltic systems can elucidate the oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions under which basalts formed on planetary bodies (Earth, Moon, Mars, asteroids). Chromium and V are minor and trace elements in basaltic melts, partition into several minerals that crystallize from basaltic melts, exist in multiple valence states at differing fO2 conditions, and can therefore be used as oxybarometers for basaltic melts. Chromium is mostly 3+ in terrestrial basaltic melts at relatively high fO2 values (= IW+3.5), and mostly 2+ in melts at low fO2 values (= IW-1), such as those on the Moon and some asteroids. At intermediate fO2s, (i.e., IW-1 to IW+3.5), basaltic melts contain both Cr3+ and Cr2+. Vanadium in basaltic melts is mostly 4+ at high fO2, mostly 3+ at low fO2, and a mix of V3+ and V4+ at intermediate fO2 con-ditions. Understanding the partitioning of Cr and V into silicate phases with changing fO2 is therefore critical to the employment of Cr and V oxybarometers. In this abstract we examine the equilibrium partitioning of Cr and V between olivine/melt and pyroxene/melt in experimental charges of a eucritic composition produced at differing fO2 conditions. This study will add to the experimental data on DCr and DV (i.e., olivine/melt, pyroxene/melt) at differing fO2, and in turn these D values will be used to assess the fO2 of eucrite basalts and perhaps other compositionally similar planetary basalts.

Trace organic solutes in closed-loop forward osmosis applications: influence of membrane fouling and modeling of solute build-up.

PubMed

D'Haese, Arnout; Le-Clech, Pierre; Van Nevel, Sam; Verbeken, Kim; Cornelissen, Emile R; Khan, Stuart J; Verliefde, Arne R D

2013-09-15

In this study, trace organics transport in closed-loop forward osmosis (FO) systems was assessed. The FO systems considered, consisted of an FO unit and a nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) unit, with the draw solution circulating between both units. The rejection of trace organics by FO, NF and RO was tested. It was found that the rejection rates of FO were generally comparable with NF and lower than RO rejection rates. To assess the influence of fouling in FO on trace organics rejection, FO membranes were fouled with sodium alginate, bovine serum albumin or by biofilm growth, after which trace organics rejection was tested. A negative influence of fouling on FO rejection was found which was limited in most cases, while it was significant for some compounds such as paracetamol and naproxen, indicating specific compound-foulant interactions. The transport mechanism of trace organics in FO was tested, in order to differentiate between diffusive and convective transport. The concentration of trace organics in the final product water and the build-up of trace organics in the draw solution were modeled assuming the draw solution was reconcentrated by NF/RO and taking into account different transport mechanisms for the FO membrane and different rejection rates by NF/RO. Modeling results showed that if the FO rejection rate is lower than the RO rejection rate (as is the case for most compounds tested), the added value of the FO-RO cycle compared to RO only at steady-state was small for diffusively and negative for convectively transported trace organics. Modeling also showed that trace organics accumulate in the draw solution. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Case study of ISWI in Vietnam: A comparison of ionospheric parameters observed over Ho Chi Minh with IRI predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Hoang Thai; Tam, Dao Ngoc Hanh

2014-01-01

For the contribution of Vietnam to ISWI activities, there are 3 GPS receivers, 3 Ionosondes, 1 AWESOME and 1 MAGDAS operating in Vietnam. With a special geographical position stretching from the north tropic to the magnetic equator, Vietnam is an interesting area to supplement the data for the Global Space Weather Model. The Ionosphere is an important indicator of Space Weather and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model has become widely accepted. The first task of ionospheric science in a new location is often comparing the observed data with IRI. This paper presents the results of comparisons of the foF2 and TEC observed over Ho Chi Minh City (10.51 N, 106.33 E) with the values calculated according to the IRI-2007 in order to evaluate the applicability of the model in forecasting for the equatorial region of Vietnam. We compare the critical frequency of layer F (foF2) and Total Electron Content (TEC) values for two phases of solar activity. The results show very good diurnal correlations between the observed foF2 and TEC with IRI values in the decreasing solar activity period 2003 ± 2006 (the deviation < 15%). In the increasing period 2009 ± 2012, good correlation was in the morning time before the foF2 peak at about 10 LT, with a deviation about 10% (except 2012). However, after 10 LT, the IRI-foF2 values rose up and the deviations were about 25% to 30%, especially during evening. In the years with low solar activity (SSN < 40), the IRI-foF2 are almost always higher than the observed foF2 data and vice versa for the years with SSN > 40. This is a note for correction IRI model applying for Vietnam. The comparison of the TEC shows that the correlation between GPS-TEC and IRI-TEC generally was good with coefficients k > 0.8 and R > 0.9 for the period 2006 - 2010. The worst relationship were March, April, September, October, November and December 2011, corresponding to periods when the TEC gradients are highest. The phenomenon of decline in the TEC at noon over Ho Chi Minh City observed pretty weak. This phenomenon appeared only in a few months from April to September, when the ionization is high. In the period from 0 to 5 am local time, the average minimum GPS-TEC observed over Ho Chi Minh City is about 3 tecu, while the IRI-TEC value is ~ 0.3. Thus, the IRI-TEC values should be recalibrated.

Comparison of biofouling mechanisms between cellulose triacetate (CTA) and thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide forward osmosis membranes in osmotic membrane bioreactors.

PubMed

Wang, Xinhua; Zhao, Yanxiao; Yuan, Bo; Wang, Zhiwei; Li, Xiufen; Ren, Yueping

2016-02-01

There are two types of popular forward osmosis (FO) membrane materials applied for researches on FO process, cellulose triacetate (CTA) and thin film composite (TFC) polyamide. However, performance and fouling mechanisms of commercial TFC FO membrane in osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) are still unknown. In current study, its biofouling behaviors in OMBRs were investigated and further compared to the CTA FO membrane. The results indicated that β-D-glucopyranose polysaccharides and microorganisms accounted for approximately 77% of total biovolume on the CTA FO membrane while β-D-glucopyranose polysaccharides (biovolume ratio of 81.1%) were the only dominant biofoulants on the TFC FO membrane. The analyses on the biofouling structure implied that a tighter biofouling layer with a larger biovolume was formed on the CTA FO membrane. The differences in biofouling behaviors including biofoulants composition and biofouling structure between CTA and TFC FO membranes were attributed to different membrane surface properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical, biochemical, and environmental fiber sensors IV; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Sept. 8, 9, 1992

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lieberman, Robert A.

Various paper on chemical, biochemical, and environmental fiber sensors are presented. Some of the individual topics addressed include: evanescent-wave fiber optic (FO) biosensor, refractive-index sensors based on coupling to high-index multimode overlays, advanced technique in FO sensors, design of luminescence-based temperature sensors, NIR fluorescence in FO applications, FO sensor based on microencapsulated reagents, emitters and detectors for optical gas and chemical sensing, tunable fiber laser source for methane detection at 1.68 micron, FO fluorometer based on a dual-wavelength laser excitation source, thin polymer films as active components of FO chemical sensors, submicron optical sources for single macromolecule detection, nanometer optical fiber pH sensor. Also discussed are: microfabrication of optical sensor array, luminescent FO sensor for the measurement of pH, time-domain fluorescence methods as applied to pH sensing, characterization of a sol-gel-entrapped artificial receptor, FO technology for nuclear waste cleanup, spectroscopic gas sensing with IR hollow waveguides, dissolved-oxygen quenching of in situ fluorescence measurements.

Figures of Merit Software: Description, User's Guide, Installation Notes, Versions Description, and License Agreement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

hoelzer, H. D.; Fourroux, K. A.; Rickman, D. L.; Schrader, C. M.

2011-01-01

Figures of Merit (FoMs) and the FoM software provide a method for quantitatively evaluating the quality of a regolith simulant by comparing the simulant to a reference material. FoMs may be used for comparing a simulant to actual regolith material, specification by stating the value a simulant s FoMs must attain to be suitable for a given application and comparing simulants from different vendors or production runs. FoMs may even be used to compare different simulants to each other. A single FoM is conceptually an algorithm that computes a single number for quantifying the similarity or difference of a single characteristic of a simulant material and a reference material and provides a clear measure of how well a simulant and reference material match or compare. FoMs have been constructed to lie between zero and 1, with zero indicating a poor or no match and 1 indicating a perfect match. FoMs are defined for modal composition, particle size distribution, particle shape distribution, (aspect ratio and angularity), and density. This TM covers the mathematics, use, installation, and licensing for the existing FoM code in detail.

A discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometric study of the FO(X 2 Pi i) radical. Photoionization efficiency spectrum and ionization energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Zhengyu; Kuo, Szu-Cherng; Klemm, R. Bruce; Monks, Paul S.; Stief, Louis J.

1994-01-01

Photoionization efficiency spectra of FO were measured over the wavelength range 80.0-100.0 nm and in the ionization threshold region, 94.0-100.0 nm, using a discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometer apparatus coupled to a synchrotron radiation source. FO was generated by the reaction of F2P atoms with NO3 and via a F2O2 discharge. A value of 12.78 +/- 0.03 eV was obtained for the adiabatic ionization energy of FO from photoion thresholds which corresponds to FO(+)(X 3 Sigma -) from FO(X 2 Pi i). These results, which are the first to be obtained by direct Photo-ionization mass spectrometry (PIMS) measurements, corroborate those of a photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) study; however, the ionization energy determined here is free from interferences due to other species which complicated the PES measurement. A value of 109.5 +/- 8.0 kJ/mol for Delta f H 0 298(FO) is computed from the present value of IE(FO) and a previous appearance energy measurement, and a value for the proton affinity of FO is calculated to be 511.5 +/- 10.0 kJ/mol.

Nanoscale patterning of gold-coated optical fibers for improved plasmonic sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antohe, Iulia; Spasic, Dragana; Delport, Filip; Li, Jiaqi; Lammertyn, Jeroen

2017-05-01

Merging surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to fiber optic (FO) technology has brought remarkable achievements in the field by offering attractive advantages over the conventional prism-based SPR platforms, such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness and miniaturization. However, the performance of the existing FO-SPR instruments mainly depends on the device surface condition and in particular on the structural aspect of the thin gold (Au) plasmonic film deposited on the FO substrate. In this work, a simple cost-effective colloidal lithography technique (CLT) was adapted and applied for the first time to the micrometer-sized FO substrate, to design end reflection-type FO-SPR sensors with periodic arrays of Au triangularly-shaped nanostructures on the Au mirror FO tip distal end. The nanopatterned FO-SPR sensor tips were afterwards subjected to refractometric measurements in a sucrose dilution series and subsequently compared with their non-patterned counterparts. It was observed that the spectral dips of the nanopatterned FO-SPR sensor tips were shifted towards longer wavelengths after CLT patterning. Moreover, the sensor sensitivity was improved with up to 25% compared to the conventional non-patterned FO-SPR devices. The obtained results represent important steps in the development of a new generation of FO-SPR sensors with improved performance, which can ultimately be used in various applications, ranging from food analysis and environmental monitoring, to health control and medical diagnosis.

Flaxseed oil-trastuzumab interaction in breast cancer.

PubMed

Mason, Julie K; Chen, Jianmin; Thompson, Lilian U

2010-01-01

Flaxseed oil (FO), which is rich in n-3 fatty acid, is commonly consumed by breast cancer patients because of its potential anti-cancer effects. Trastuzumab (TRAS) is the primary drug for epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer. We investigated in athymic mice whether combining dietary FO (8%) with TRAS treatment (2.5 or 5mg/kg body weight) can cause better or adverse effect on established human breast tumors overexpressing HER2 (BT-474). Control tumors significantly grew 187%, TRAS2.5 treated tumors did not change, while TRAS5, FO+TRAS2.5 and FO+TRAS5 treated tumors significantly regressed 75%, 89% and 84%, respectively, after 4weeks treatment. Two weeks after stopping TRAS treatment while continuing on same diet, tumor size in FO+TRAS2.5 group was 87% lower than in TRAS2.5 group and was not different from TRAS5 group with or without FO. Combined TRAS2.5 treatment with FO caused a significantly lower tumor cell proliferation and higher apoptosis compared to TRAS2.5 treatment alone and showed similar effect to TRAS5 treatment with or without FO. Hence, FO did not interfere with TRAS but rather enhanced its tumor-reducing effects and combined FO and low dose TRAS was as effective as high dose TRAS treatment. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Upgrading CCIR's fo F 2 maps using available ionosondes and genetic algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gularte, Erika; Carpintero, Daniel D.; Jaen, Juliana

2018-04-01

We have developed a new approach towards a new database of the ionospheric parameter fo F 2 . This parameter, being the frequency of the maximum of the ionospheric electronic density profile and its main modeller, is of great interest not only in atmospheric studies but also in the realm of radio propagation. The current databases, generated by CCIR (Committee Consultative for Ionospheric Radiowave propagation) and URSI (International Union of Radio Science), and used by the IRI (International Reference Ionosphere) model, are based on Fourier expansions and have been built in the 60s from the available ionosondes at that time. The main goal of this work is to upgrade the databases by using new available ionosonde data. To this end we used the IRI diurnal/spherical expansions to represent the fo F 2 variability, and computed its coefficients by means of a genetic algorithm (GA). In order to test the performance of the proposed methodology, we applied it to the South American region with data obtained by RAPEAS (Red Argentina para el Estudio de la Atmósfera Superior, i.e. Argentine Network for the Study of the Upper Atmosphere) during the years 1958-2009. The new GA coefficients provide a global better fit of the IRI model to the observed fo F 2 than the CCIR coefficients. Since the same formulae and the same number of coefficients were used, the overall integrity of IRI's typical ionospheric feature representation was preserved. The best improvements with respect to CCIR are obtained at low solar activities, at large (in absolute value) modip latitudes, and at night-time. The new method is flexible in the sense that can be applied either globally or regionally. It is also very easy to recompute the coefficients when new data is available. The computation of a third set of coefficients corresponding to days of medium solar activity in order to avoid the interpolation between low and high activities is suggested. The same procedure as for fo F 2 can be perfomed to obtain the ionospheric parameter M(3000)F2.

Neuroprotective efficacy of a combination of fish oil and ferulic acid against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in rats: behavioural and biochemical evidence.

PubMed

K M, Denny Joseph; Muralidhara

2014-04-01

The beneficial effects of fish oil (FO) supplements on the central nervous system have been adequately demonstrated. However, FO supplementation at higher doses for longer duration is likely to cause oxidative stress in vivo. To overcome this, attempts have been made to enrich FO with known antioxidants/phytochemicals. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that a combination of FO with ferulic acid (FA), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, is likely to provide higher degree of neuroprotection. This was examined by employing 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA), a well-known neurotoxin used to mimic behavioural and neurochemical features of Huntington's disease. Growing male rats administered with NPA (25 mg/kg of body weight (bw) for 4 days) were provided with either FO (2 mL/kg bw), FA (50 mg/kg bw) or FO+FA for 2 weeks. Interestingly, FO+FA not only offered significant protection against NPA-induced behavioural impairments, but also markedly attenuated oxidative stress in brain regions (striatum/cerebellum) as evidenced by the reduction in reactive species, malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Further, FO+FA combination restored the activities of various antioxidant enzymes and the levels of cytosolic calcium. In striatum, activity levels of acetylcholinesterase enzyme and dopamine levels were markedly restored among FO+FA rats. Interestingly, NPA-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions were also attenuated among FO+FA rats. Collectively, our findings suggest the advantage of co-treatment of FO with known antioxidants to achieve a higher therapeutic benefit in the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative conditions.

[Fundamental frequency analysis - a contribution to the objective examination of the speaking and singing voice (author's transl)].

PubMed

Schultz-Coulon, H J

1975-07-01

The applicability of a newly developed fundamental frequency analyzer to diagnosis in phoniatrics is reviewed. During routine voice examination, the analyzer allows a quick and accurate measurement of fundamental frequency and sound level of the speaking voice, and of vocal range and maximum phonation time. By computing fundamental frequency histograms, the median fundamental frequency and the total pitch range can be better determined and compared. Objective studies of certain technical faculties of the singing voice, which usually are estimated subjectively by the speech therapist, may now be done by means of this analyzer. Several examples demonstrate the differences between correct and incorrect phonation. These studies compare the pitch perturbations during the crescendo and decrescendo of a swell-tone, and show typical traces of staccato, thrill and yodel. Conclusions of the study indicate that fundamental frequency analysis is a valuable supplemental method for objective voice examination.

The growth performance of Jade Tiger cultured abalone fed diets supplemented with fish oil and vegetable oils.

PubMed

Mateos, Hintsa T; Lewandowski, Paul A; Su, Xiao Q

2013-04-01

The effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation and the dietary replacement of FO with flaxseed oil (FlaxO) and canola oil (CO) on the growth of cultured abalone was investigated. The study involved three growth experiments: (E1) diets containing 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% of FO, respectively; (E2) diets in which FO was serially replaced by 25, 50, 75 and 100% FlaxO, respectively; and (E3) diets in which FO was serially replaced by 25, 50, 75 and 100% CO, respectively. In Experiment 1, abalone fed a diet supplemented with 1.5% FO showed a significantly higher (121.2 ± 1.1 mg day(-1)) daily growth rate of weight (DGRw ) compared to control (70.1 ± 1.71 mg day(-1)). In Experiment 2, abalone fed 1.5% FO diet and diets containing 25-75% FlaxO showed no significant differences in DGRw. The diet containing 100% FlaxO showed significantly lower (63.3 ± 6.7 mg day(-1)) DGRw. In Experiment 3, abalone fed diets containing 25% and 50% CO showed similar DGRw as those fed a 1.5% FO diet. The diet containing 75% and 100% CO showed significantly lower (63.7 ± 5.0 to 95.4 ± 5.1 mg day(-1)) DGRw. Supplementation with 1.5% of dietary FO can improve growth performance in cultured abalone. It is feasible to replace 75% of dietary FO with FlaxO and 50% of dietary FO with CO, without negative effect on growth performance. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of dietary fish oil on exercising skeletal muscle vascular and metabolic control in chronic heart failure rats.

PubMed

Holdsworth, Clark T; Copp, Steven W; Hirai, Daniel M; Ferguson, Scott K; Sims, Gabrielle E; Hageman, Karen S; Stebbins, Charles L; Poole, David C; Musch, Timothy I

2014-03-01

Impaired vasomotor control in chronic heart failure (CHF) is due partly to decrements in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mediated vasodilation. Exercising muscle blood flow (BF) is augmented with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation via fish oil (FO) in healthy rats. We hypothesized that FO would augment exercising muscle BF in CHF rats via increased NO-bioavailability. Myocardial infarction (coronary artery ligation) induced CHF in Sprague-Dawley rats which were subsequently randomized to dietary FO (20% docosahexaenoic acid, 30% eicosapentaenoic acid, n = 15) or safflower oil (SO, 5%, n = 10) for 6-8 weeks. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood [lactate], and hindlimb muscles BF (radiolabeled microspheres) were determined at rest, during treadmill exercise (20 m·min(-1), 5% incline) and exercise + N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (l-NAME) (a nonspecific NOS inhibitor). FO did not change left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (SO: 14 ± 2; FO: 11 ± 1 mm Hg, p > 0.05). During exercise, MAP (SO: 128 ± 3; FO: 132 ± 3 mm Hg) and blood [lactate] (SO: 3.8 ± 0.4; FO: 4.6 ± 0.5 mmol·L(-1)) were not different (p > 0.05). Exercising hindlimb muscle BF was lower in FO than SO (SO: 120 ± 11; FO: 93 ± 4 mL·min(-1)·100 g(-1), p < 0.05) but was not differentially affected by l-NAME. Specifically, 17 of 28 individual muscle BF's were lower (p < 0.05) in FO demonstrating that PUFA supplementation with FO in CHF rats does not augment muscle BF during exercise but may lower metabolic cost.

Advances in high-resolution synchrotron micro-XANES for constraining the redox evolution of terrestrial and extraterrestrial magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzirotti, A.; Sutton, S. R.; Dyar, M. D.; McCanta, M. C.; Head, E.

2017-12-01

Quantifying the redox evolution of geological materials is of fundamental importance for understanding the evolution of the Earth and terrestrial planets. Microfocused, synchrotron X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) provides direct, in-situ analyses of the valence state for elements that can be used as proxies for oxygen fugacity (Fe, V, Cr, Ti, S, Eu, and Ce). Such proxies span the entire fO2 range of solar system evolution, covering at least 16 log units. Recent technical improvements at the Advanced Photon Source 13-ID-E microspectroscopy beamline have improved the energy, spatial resolution and detection sensitivity for XAS. The application of multiple valence state oxybarometers to individual mineral grains is valuable as demonstrated in a study of Ti, V and Cr valence in olivine and pyroxene of the ungrouped achondrite NWA 7325 [1], results which yielded a very reduced fO2 estimate of IW-3 and suggested a likely origin of NWA 7325 in a parent body with similar redox conditions to the ureilite parent body. Simultaneously, we have made advances using multivariate prediction models to more precisely measure ever-smaller variations in elemental valence [2]. Applied to V XAS spectra in glasses, we have developed an MVA calibration model that directly relates the measured spectra to predicted fO2, improving the precision in calculating fO2 with more robust error analysis. These machine learning based algorithms also allow for XAS to be collected in an imaging modality to spatially map elemental redox states within samples. For example for imaging changes in Fe oxidation state in natural lunar picritic glasses [3] that may be related to magmatic degassing. This presentation highlights recent examples of this research at 13-ID-E, including application of Fe, S and V valence state oxybarometers in the analysis of terrestrial volcanic glasses and melt inclusions for looking at long term evolution of oxygen fugacity of magmas. [1] Sutton S. et al. (2017) GCA, 211, 115-132. [2] Dyar M. D et al. (2016) Amer. Mineral., 101, 744-748. [3] McCanta et al. (2017) Icarus, 285, 95-102.

Crystal Zoning Constrains on the Processes and Time Scales Involved in Monogenetic Mafic Volcanism (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, H.; Costa Rodriguez, F.; Marti, J.

2014-12-01

Most of the historical eruptive activity in Tenerife has been relatively mafic and mildly-explosive monogenetic eruptions, and thus it seems that this activity is the most likely in the near future. Here we investigate the processes and time scales that lead to such eruptions with the aim to better interpret and plan for any possible unrest in the island. We focus on three historical eruptions: Siete Fuentes (December 31 1704-January 1705), Fasnia (January 5-January 13 1705) and Arafo (February 2-February 26 1705) issued from a 10 km long basaltic fissure eruption oriented N45E and covering an area of 10.4 km2. The erupted volume increases by 5-fold from the first to the last eruption. All magmas are tephritic, although the bulk-rock becomes more mafic with time due to accumulation of olivine with Cr-spinel inclusions, and clinopyroxene rather than to the appearance of a truly more primitive melt. Olivine core compositions of the three eruptions range between Fo79 and Fo87. Frequency histograms show three main populations: at Fo79-80, Fo80-82 and Fo84-87 displaying normal and reverse zoning. Thermodynamic calculations show that only cores with Fo80-82 are in equilibrium with the whole rock. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts can have large pools of matrix glass and show rims of different composition. Only the rims, with Mg#84-86, are in equilibrium with the whole-rock. Considering olivine cores and clinopyroxene rims in equilibrium we obtained a temperature range of 1150-1165°C, and MELTS calculations suggest pressures of 1 to 5 kbar. The variety of olivine core populations reflects mixing and mingling between three different magmas, and their proportions have changed with time from Siete Fuentes to Arafo. Most crystals have complex zoning profiles that record two events: (1) one of magma mixing/mingling at depth, (2) another of magma transport and ascent to the surface. Magma mixing at depth ranges from about 3 months to two years and is similar for the three eruptions. Magma transport times vary between about one week and one month, with somewhat longer times in the last eruption. The longer magma mixing times might be related to precursory seismicity of a few months as it occurred in the recent eruption of El Hierro in 2011. The shorter transport times of a week to a month might be more relevant for emergency plans in Tenerife Island.

Perception of the fundamental frequencies of children's voices by trained and untrained listeners.

PubMed

Wilson, F B; Wellen, C J; Kimbarow, M L

1983-10-01

This study was designed to determine if trained voice clinicians were better than untrained listeners in judging differences in the fundamental frequencies of children's voices. We also attempted to determine the degree of difference in fundamental frequency necessary for accurate judgments. Finally, ability to perceive pitch differences in speaking voices was correlated with ability to judge puretone stimuli. Results indicated that trained clinicians were no better at judging average fundamental frequency than were untrained listeners. Both groups performed at chance level until differences in vocal fundamental frequency exceeded 20 Hz. Finally, there was no correlation between subjects' success on standardized puretone pitch tests and ability to judge average pitch in the speaking voice.

Second-harmonic generation of a dual-frequency laser in a MgO:PPLN crystal.

PubMed

Kang, Ying; Yang, Suhui; Brunel, Marc; Cheng, Lijun; Zhao, Changming; Zhang, Haiyang

2017-04-10

A dual-frequency CW laser at a wavelength of 1.064 μm is frequency doubled in a MgO:PPLN nonlinear crystal. The fundamental dual-frequency laser has a tunable beat note from 125 MHz to 175 MHz. A laser-diode pumped fiber amplifier is used to amplify the dual-frequency fundamental output to a maximum power of 50 W before frequency doubling. The maximum output power of the green light is 1.75 W when the input fundamental power is 12 W, corresponding to a frequency doubling efficiency of 14.6%. After frequency doubling, green light with modulation frequencies in two bands from 125 MHz to 175 MHz and from 250 MHz to 350 MHz is achieved simultaneously. The relative intensities of the beat notes at the two bands can be adjusted by changing the relative intensities at different frequencies of the fundamental light. The spectral width and frequency stabilities of the beat notes in fundamental wave and green light are also measured, respectively. The modulated green light has potential applications in underwater ranging, communication, and imaging.

GRACE-FO Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-30

Karen Fox, of NASA's Office of Communications, introduces Michael Watkins, GRACE-FO science lead and director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Frank Webb, GRACE-FO project scientist at JPL, during a briefing on the upcoming launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, Monday, April 30, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure and monitor monthly changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

GRACE-FO Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-30

Karen Fox, of NASA's Office of Communications, right, discusses the upcoming launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission with Michael Watkins, GRACE-FO science lead and director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, left, and Frank Webb, GRACE-FO project scientist at JPL, Monday, April 30, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure and monitor monthly changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Experimental Assessment of the Effects of Temperature and Food Availability on Particle Mixing by the Bivalve Abra alba Using New Image Analysis Techniques

PubMed Central

Bernard, Guillaume; Duchêne, Jean-Claude; Romero-Ramirez, Alicia; Lecroart, Pascal; Maire, Olivier; Ciutat, Aurélie; Deflandre, Bruno; Grémare, Antoine

2016-01-01

The effects of temperature and food addition on particle mixing in the deposit-feeding bivalve Abra alba were assessed using an experimental approach allowing for the tracking of individual fluorescent particle (luminophore) displacements. This allowed for the computations of vertical profiles of a set of parameters describing particle mixing. The frequency of luminophore displacements (jumps) was assessed through the measurement of both waiting times (i.e., the time lapses between two consecutive jumps of the same luminophore) and normalized numbers of jumps (i.e., the numbers of jumps detected in a given area divided by the number of luminophores in this area). Jump characteristics included the direction, duration and length of each jump. Particle tracking biodiffusion coefficients (Db) were also computed. Data originated from 32 experiments carried out under 4 combinations of 2 temperature (Te) and 2 food addition (Fo) levels. For each of these treatments, parameters were computed for 5 experimental durations (Ed). The effects of Se, Fo and Ed were assessed using PERmutational Multivariate ANalyses Of VAriance (PERMANOVAs) carried out on vertical depth profiles of each particle mixing parameter. Inversed waiting times significantly decreased with Ed whereas the normalized number of jumps did not, thereby suggesting that it constitutes a better proxy of jump frequency when assessing particle mixing based on the measure of individual particle displacements. Particle mixing was low during autumn temperature experiments and not affected by Fo, which was attributed to the dominant effect of low temperature. Conversely, particle mixing was high during summer temperature experiments and transitory inhibited by food addition. This last result is coherent with the functional responses (both in terms of activity and particle mixing) already measured for individual of the closely related clam A. ovata originating from temperate populations. It also partly resulted from a transitory switch between deposit- and suspension-feeding caused by the high concentration of suspended particulate organic matter immediately following food addition. PMID:27115148

Experimental Assessment of the Effects of Temperature and Food Availability on Particle Mixing by the Bivalve Abra alba Using New Image Analysis Techniques.

PubMed

Bernard, Guillaume; Duchêne, Jean-Claude; Romero-Ramirez, Alicia; Lecroart, Pascal; Maire, Olivier; Ciutat, Aurélie; Deflandre, Bruno; Grémare, Antoine

2016-01-01

The effects of temperature and food addition on particle mixing in the deposit-feeding bivalve Abra alba were assessed using an experimental approach allowing for the tracking of individual fluorescent particle (luminophore) displacements. This allowed for the computations of vertical profiles of a set of parameters describing particle mixing. The frequency of luminophore displacements (jumps) was assessed through the measurement of both waiting times (i.e., the time lapses between two consecutive jumps of the same luminophore) and normalized numbers of jumps (i.e., the numbers of jumps detected in a given area divided by the number of luminophores in this area). Jump characteristics included the direction, duration and length of each jump. Particle tracking biodiffusion coefficients (Db) were also computed. Data originated from 32 experiments carried out under 4 combinations of 2 temperature (Te) and 2 food addition (Fo) levels. For each of these treatments, parameters were computed for 5 experimental durations (Ed). The effects of Se, Fo and Ed were assessed using PERmutational Multivariate ANalyses Of VAriance (PERMANOVAs) carried out on vertical depth profiles of each particle mixing parameter. Inversed waiting times significantly decreased with Ed whereas the normalized number of jumps did not, thereby suggesting that it constitutes a better proxy of jump frequency when assessing particle mixing based on the measure of individual particle displacements. Particle mixing was low during autumn temperature experiments and not affected by Fo, which was attributed to the dominant effect of low temperature. Conversely, particle mixing was high during summer temperature experiments and transitory inhibited by food addition. This last result is coherent with the functional responses (both in terms of activity and particle mixing) already measured for individual of the closely related clam A. ovata originating from temperate populations. It also partly resulted from a transitory switch between deposit- and suspension-feeding caused by the high concentration of suspended particulate organic matter immediately following food addition.

Welding characteristics of 27, 40 and 67 kHz ultrasonic plastic welding systems using fundamental- and higher-resonance frequencies.

PubMed

Tsujino, Jiromaru; Hongoh, Misugi; Yoshikuni, Masafumi; Hashii, Hidekazu; Ueoka, Tetsugi

2004-04-01

The welding characteristics of 27, 40 and 67 kHz ultrasonic plastic welding systems that are driven at only the fundamental-resonance frequency vibration were compared, and also those of the welding systems that were driven at the fundamental and several higher resonance frequencies simultaneously were studied. At high frequency, welding characteristics can be improved due to the larger vibration loss of plastic materials. For welding of rather thin or small specimens, as the fundamental frequency of these welding systems is higher and the numbers of driven higher frequencies are driven simultaneously, larger welded area and weld strength were obtained.

Freeze-Fracture Ultrastructure of Thylakoid Membranes in Chloroplasts from Manganese-Deficient Plants

PubMed Central

Simpson, David J.; Robinson, Simon P.

1984-01-01

Leaves from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv Hybrid 102) plants grown in Mn-deficient nutrient solution were characterized by chlorosis, lowered chlorophyll a/b ratio and reduced electron transport. There were characteristic changes in room temperature fluorescence induction kinetics with increased initial yield (Fo) and decreased variable fluorescence (Fv). The fluorescence yield after the maximum fell rapidly to a level below Fo. The shape of the rise from Fo to the maximum was altered and the size of photosystem II units increased, as measured by half-rise time of Fv in the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. The Mn-deficient leaves were harvested before necrosis, when thin section electron microscopy revealed no disorganization of the thylakoid system. Thylakoid membranes were examined by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. The effect of Mn-deficiency was the specific loss of three-quarters of the particles from the endoplasmic fracture face of appressed thylakoids (EFs). Mn-deficient leaves were restored to near normal 2 days after application of exogenous Mn to the nutrient solution. It is concluded that the loss of most, but not all, functional photosystem II reaction centers from grana, with no alteration in light-harvesting complex or photosystem I, is responsible for the fluorescence and functional properties observed. The response of thylakoids to Mn deficiency shows that there is a fundamental difference in composition and function of stacked and unstacked endoplasmic fracture particles. The stacked endoplasmic fracture particle probably contains, in close association, the photosystem II reaction center and also the Mn-containing polypeptide, the 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea-binding protein, and all electron transport components in between. Images Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:16663491

Characterizing resonant component in speech: A different view of tracking fundamental frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Bin

2017-05-01

Inspired by the nonlinearity and nonstationarity and the modulations in speech, Hilbert-Huang Transform and cyclostationarity analysis are employed to investigate the speech resonance in vowel in sequence. Cyclostationarity analysis is not directly manipulated on the target vowel, but on its intrinsic mode functions one by one. Thanks to the equivalence between the fundamental frequency in speech and the cyclic frequency in cyclostationarity analysis, the modulation intensity distributions of the intrinsic mode functions provide much information for the estimation of the fundamental frequency. To highlight the relationship between frequency and time, the pseudo-Hilbert spectrum is proposed to replace the Hilbert spectrum here. After contrasting the pseudo-Hilbert spectra of and the modulation intensity distributions of the intrinsic mode functions, it finds that there is usually one intrinsic mode function which works as the fundamental component of the vowel. Furthermore, the fundamental frequency of the vowel can be determined by tracing the pseudo-Hilbert spectrum of its fundamental component along the time axis. The later method is more robust to estimate the fundamental frequency, when meeting nonlinear components. Two vowels [a] and [i], picked up from a speech database FAU Aibo Emotion Corpus, are applied to validate the above findings.

Predicting Achievable Fundamental Frequency Ranges in Vocalization Across Species

PubMed Central

Titze, Ingo; Riede, Tobias; Mau, Ted

2016-01-01

Vocal folds are used as sound sources in various species, but it is unknown how vocal fold morphologies are optimized for different acoustic objectives. Here we identify two main variables affecting range of vocal fold vibration frequency, namely vocal fold elongation and tissue fiber stress. A simple vibrating string model is used to predict fundamental frequency ranges across species of different vocal fold sizes. While average fundamental frequency is predominantly determined by vocal fold length (larynx size), range of fundamental frequency is facilitated by (1) laryngeal muscles that control elongation and by (2) nonlinearity in tissue fiber tension. One adaptation that would increase fundamental frequency range is greater freedom in joint rotation or gliding of two cartilages (thyroid and cricoid), so that vocal fold length change is maximized. Alternatively, tissue layers can develop to bear a disproportionate fiber tension (i.e., a ligament with high density collagen fibers), increasing the fundamental frequency range and thereby vocal versatility. The range of fundamental frequency across species is thus not simply one-dimensional, but can be conceptualized as the dependent variable in a multi-dimensional morphospace. In humans, this could allow for variations that could be clinically important for voice therapy and vocal fold repair. Alternative solutions could also have importance in vocal training for singing and other highly-skilled vocalizations. PMID:27309543

Inhibition, Executive Function, and Freezing of Gait

PubMed Central

Cohen, Rajal G.; Klein, Krystal A.; Nomura, Mariko; Fleming, Michael; Mancini, Martina; Giladi, Nir; Nutt, John G.; Horak, Fay B.

2014-01-01

Background Studies suggest that freezing of gait (FoG) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with declines in executive function (EF). However, EF is multi-faceted, including three dissociable components: inhibiting prepotent responses, switching between task sets, and updating working memory. Objective This study investigated which aspect of EF is most strongly associated with FoG in PD. Method Three groups were studied: adults with PD (with and without FoG) and age-matched, healthy adults. All participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks previously shown to discriminate among the three EF components. Participants also completed a turning-in-place task that was scored for FoG by neurologists blind to subjects’ self-reported FoG. Results Compared to both other groups, participants with FoG showed significant performance deficits in tasks associated with inhibitory control, even after accounting for differences in disease severity, but no significant deficits in task-switching or updating working memory. Surprisingly, the strongest effect was an intermittent tendency of participants with FoG to hesitate, and thus miss the response window, on go trials in the Go-Nogo task. The FoG group also made slower responses in the conflict condition of the Stroop task. Physician-rated FoG scores were correlated both with failures to respond on go trials and with failures to inhibit responses on nogo trials in the Go-Nogo task. Conclusion These results suggest that FoG is associated with a specific inability to appropriately engage and release inhibition, rather than with a general executive deficit. PMID:24496099

Forward osmosis for oily wastewater reclamation: Multi-charged oxalic acid complexes as draw solutes.

PubMed

Ge, Qingchun; Amy, Gary Lee; Chung, Tai-Shung

2017-10-01

Forward osmosis (FO) has demonstrated its merits in hybrid FO seawater desalination. However, FO may have a potential for other applications if suitable draw solutes are available. In this study, a series of novel draw solutes based on oxalic acid (OA)-transitional metal complexes are presented. Influential factors of FO performance have been systematically investigated by varying the transitional metals, cations of the complex draw solutes as well as the experimental conditions. Compared to NaCl and other recently synthesized draw solutes, the OA complexes show superior FO performance in terms of high water fluxes up to 27.5 and 89.1 LMH under the respective FO and PRO (pressure retarded osmosis) modes, both with negligible reverse solute fluxes. The features of octahedral geometry, abundant hydrophilic groups and ionic species are crucial for the OA complexes as appropriate draw solutes with satisfactory FO performance. Among the synthesized OA complexes, the ammonium salt of chromic complex (NH 4 -Cr-OA) outperforms others due to the presence of more ionic species in its complex system. NH 4 -Cr-OA also performs better than the typical NaCl draw solute in FO oily wastewater treatment with higher water recovery and negligible reverse fluxes. Dilute solutions of OA complexes have been reconcentrated through membrane distillation (MD) and reused to new round of FO processes. The OA complexes have demonstrated their suitability and superiority as a novel class of draw solutes for the FO process in this study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quadrupolar asymmetry in shifted-stem vane-shaped-rod radio frequency quadrupole accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrotra, Nitin

2018-04-01

Quadrupolar Asymmetry (QA), which has been a rampant problem for rod-type Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) Linacs, arises due to the geometry of resonant structure. A systematic parametric simulation study has been performed to unravel their effect on Figure of Merit (FoM) quantities namely Quality Factor (Q), Shunt Impedance (Rsh) and Quadrupolar Asymmetry (QA). A novel stem and cavity shape is proposed, which caters to the profile of electromagnetic fields of the resonant structure. A design methodology is formulated, which demonstrates that Quadrupolar Asymmetry can be annihilated, and a symmetric electric field can be produced in all four quadrants of rod-type RFQ accelerator.

Forward osmosis for application in wastewater treatment: a review.

PubMed

Lutchmiah, Kerusha; Verliefde, A R D; Roest, K; Rietveld, L C; Cornelissen, E R

2014-07-01

Research in the field of Forward Osmosis (FO) membrane technology has grown significantly over the last 10 years, but its application in the scope of wastewater treatment has been slower. Drinking water is becoming an increasingly marginal resource. Substituting drinking water for alternate water sources, specifically for use in industrial processes, may alleviate the global water stress. FO has the potential to sustainably treat wastewater sources and produce high quality water. FO relies on the osmotic pressure difference across the membrane to extract clean water from the feed, however the FO step is still mostly perceived as a "pre-treatment" process. To prompt FO-wastewater feasibility, the focus lies with new membrane developments, draw solutions to enhance wastewater treatment and energy recovery, and operating conditions. Optimisation of these parameters are essential to mitigate fouling, decrease concentration polarisation and increase FO performance; issues all closely related to one another. This review attempts to define the steps still required for FO to reach full-scale potential in wastewater treatment and water reclamation by discussing current novelties, bottlenecks and future perspectives of FO technology in the wastewater sector. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Circuit for echo and noise suppression of accoustic signals transmitted through a drill string

DOEpatents

Drumheller, Douglas S.; Scott, Douglas D.

1993-01-01

An electronic circuit for digitally processing analog electrical signals produced by at least one acoustic transducer is presented. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel digital time delay circuit is utilized which employs an array of First-in-First-out (FiFo) microchips. Also, a bandpass filter is used at the input to this circuit for isolating drill string noise and eliminating high frequency output.

Statistics and Dynamics of Aircraft Encounters of Turbulence over Greenland

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

America and Europe , and turbulence above Greenland is the fo- cus of this study. Turbulence derived from interactions with terrain and mountain waves can...Seasonal variations in the large- scale circulation (viz., storm tracks) will modify the frequency of occurrence of cyclones. Such variations coupled with...Greenland’s southern tip is from the southeast quadrant. The passage of extratropical cyclones to the south of the turbulent regions is one source of low

Fo-driven Rotation in the ATP Synthase Direction against the Force of F1 ATPase in the FoF1 ATP Synthase*

PubMed Central

Martin, James; Hudson, Jennifer; Hornung, Tassilo; Frasch, Wayne D.

2015-01-01

Living organisms rely on the FoF1 ATP synthase to maintain the non-equilibrium chemical gradient of ATP to ADP and phosphate that provides the primary energy source for cellular processes. How the Fo motor uses a transmembrane electrochemical ion gradient to create clockwise torque that overcomes F1 ATPase-driven counterclockwise torque at high ATP is a major unresolved question. Using single FoF1 molecules embedded in lipid bilayer nanodiscs, we now report the observation of Fo-dependent rotation of the c10 ring in the ATP synthase (clockwise) direction against the counterclockwise force of ATPase-driven rotation that occurs upon formation of a leash with Fo stator subunit a. Mutational studies indicate that the leash is important for ATP synthase activity and support a mechanism in which residues aGlu-196 and cArg-50 participate in the cytoplasmic proton half-channel to promote leash formation. PMID:25713065

Fish oil protects the peripheral and central nervous systems against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Kamisli, Suat; Ciftci, Osman; Cetin, Asli; Kaya, Kursat; Kamisli, Ozden; Celik, Hamit

2014-04-01

The protective effects of fish oil (FO) on cisplatin (CP)-induced central and peripheral neurotoxicity were investigated in rats. Rats (n = 28) were divided equally into four groups, the first group was kept as a control. In the second and third groups, CP and FO were given at doses of 7 mg/kg and 1 softgel/rat/day, respectively. In the fourth group, CP and FO were given together at the same doses. Although CP caused significant oxidative damage, via induction of lipid peroxidation and reduction in the antioxidant defense system potency, FO treatment largely reversed these effects. CP also resulted in histopathological damage, such as apoptosis, and electromyographical changes in the sciatic nerve. FO treatment partially prevented the histopathological and electromyographical effects of CP. CP has severe central and peripheral neurotoxic effects in rats and these effects were largely prevented by FO treatment. Thus, it appears that co-administration of FO with CP may be a useful approach to attenuate the negative effects of CP on the nervous system.

Further applications of a Figure-of-Merit in space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Preiss, Bruce; Pan, Thomas; Ramohalli, Kumar

1991-01-01

A redesigned figure-of-merit (FoM) approach is described with respect to its applications in projects that employ in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and advanced modular engines. The FoM considers long-term effects, reliability of hardware, and risks inherent to new technologies, as well as significant design parameters. A spreadsheet is utilized to describe the FoM by means of key mission characteristics and combinations of the characteristic inputs in terms of precise governing equations. Results of the FoMs for historical and Mars Sample Return (MSR) missions are given for the conventional mission as well as an ISRU mission for the MSR. A detailed description of the most effective Mars mission is presented, showing how different factors affect the FoM. The results demonstrate that the FoM gives quantitative results based on overall mission design, allowing intercomparisons of similar missions. The FoM can be used as a screening parameter by modifying aspects of the mission by means of the R-factor.

Produced Water Treatment Using the Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis (SPS FO) Desalination Process: Preliminary Engineering Design Basis

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

Wendt, Daniel; Adhikari, Birendra; Orme, Christopher

Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis (SPS FO) is a semi-permeable membrane-based water treatment technology. INL is currently advancing SPS FO technology such that a prototype unit can be designed and demonstrated for the purification of produced water from oil and gas production operations. The SPS FO prototype unit will used the thermal energy in the produced water as a source of process heat, thereby reducing the external process energy demands. Treatment of the produced water stream will reduce the volume of saline wastewater requiring disposal via injection, an activity that is correlated with undesirable seismic events, as well as generatemore » a purified product water stream with potential beneficial uses. This paper summarizes experimental data that has been collected in support of the SPS FO scale-up effort, and describes how this data will be used in the sizing of SPS FO process equipment. An estimate of produced water treatment costs using the SPS FO process is also provided.« less

Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Preparation of High-Performance Forward Osmosis Membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Libin; Zhang, Jinglong; Song, Peng; Wang, Zhan

2018-01-01

Forward osmosis (FO) membrane with high separation performance is needed to promote its practical applications. Herein, layer-by-layer (LbL) approach was used to prepare a thin and highly cross-linked polyamide layer on a polyacrylonitrile substrate surface to prepare a thin-film composite forward osmosis (TFC-FO) membrane with enhanced FO performance. The effects of monomer concentrations and assembly cycles on the performance of the TFC-FO membranes were systematically investigated. Under the optimal preparation condition, TFC-FO membrane achieved the best performance, exhibiting the water flux of 14.4/6.9 LMH and reverse salt flux of 7.7/3.8 gMH under the pressure retarded osmosis/forward osmosis (PRO/FO) mode using 1M NaCl as the draw against a DI-water feed, and a rejection of 96.1% for 2000 mg/L NaCl aqueous solution. The result indicated that layer-by-layer method was a potential method to regulate the structure and performance of the TFC-FO membrane.

The effects of physicochemical wastewater treatment operations on forward osmosis.

PubMed

Hey, Tobias; Bajraktari, Niada; Vogel, Jörg; Hélix Nielsen, Claus; la Cour Jansen, Jes; Jönsson, Karin

2017-09-01

Raw municipal wastewater from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant was physicochemically pretreated in a large pilot-scale system comprising coagulation, flocculation, microsieve and microfiltration operated in various configurations. The produced microsieve filtrates and microfiltration permeates were then concentrated using forward osmosis (FO). Aquaporin Inside TM FO membranes were used for both the microsieve filtrate and microfiltration permeates, and Hydration Technologies Inc.-thin-film composite membranes for the microfiltration permeate using only NaCl as the draw solution. The FO performance was evaluated in terms of the water flux, water flux decline and solute rejections of biochemical oxygen demand, and total and soluble phosphorus. The obtained results were compared with the results of FO after only mechanical pretreatment. The FO permeates satisfied the Swedish discharge demands for small and medium-sized wastewater treatment plants. The study demonstrates that physicochemical pretreatment can improve the FO water flux by up to 20%. In contrast, the solute rejection decreases significantly compared to the FO-treated wastewater with mechanical pretreatment.

Foramen ovale puncture, lesioning accuracy, and avoiding complications: microsurgical anatomy study with clinical implications.

PubMed

Peris-Celda, Maria; Graziano, Francesca; Russo, Vittorio; Mericle, Robert A; Ulm, Arthur J

2013-11-01

Foramen ovale (FO) puncture allows for trigeminal neuralgia treatment, FO electrode placement, and selected biopsy studies. The goals of this study were to demonstrate the anatomical basis of complications related to FO puncture, and provide anatomical landmarks for improvement of safety, selective lesioning of the trigeminal nerve (TN), and optimal placement of electrodes. Both sides of 50 dry skulls were studied to obtain the distances from the FO to relevant cranial base references. A total of 36 sides from 18 formalin-fixed specimens were dissected for Meckel cave and TN measurements. The best radiographic projection for FO visualization was assessed in 40 skulls, and the optimal trajectory angles, insertion depths, and topographies of the lesions were evaluated in 17 specimens. In addition, the differences in postoperative pain relief after the radiofrequency procedure among different branches of the TN were statistically assessed in 49 patients to determine if there was any TN branch less efficiently targeted. Most severe complications during FO puncture are related to incorrect needle placement intracranially or extracranially. The needle should be inserted 25 mm lateral to the oral commissure, forming an approximately 45° angle with the hard palate in the lateral radiographic view, directed 20° medially in the anteroposterior view. Once the needle reaches the FO, it can be advanced by 20 mm, on average, up to the petrous ridge. If the needle/radiofrequency electrode tip remains more than 18 mm away from the midline, injury to the cavernous carotid artery is minimized. Anatomically there is less potential for complications when the needle/radiofrequency electrode is advanced no more than 2 mm away from the clival line in the lateral view, when the needle pierces the medial part of the FO toward the medial part of the trigeminal impression in the petrous ridge, and no more than 4 mm in the lateral part. The 40°/45° inferior transfacial-20° oblique radiographic projection visualized 96.2% of the FOs in dry skulls, and the remainder were not visualized in any other projection of the radiograph. Patients with V1 involvement experienced postoperative pain more frequently than did patients with V2 or V3 involvement. Anatomical targeting of V1 in specimens was more efficiently achieved by inserting the needle in the medial third of the FO; for V2 targeting, in the middle of the FO; and for V3 targeting, in the lateral third of the FO. Knowledge of the extracranial and intracranial anatomical relationships of the FO is essential to understanding and avoiding complications during FO puncture. These data suggest that better radiographic visualization of the FO can improve lesioning accuracy depending on the part of the FO to be punctured. The angles and safety distances obtained may help the neurosurgeon minimize complications during FO puncture and TN lesioning.

Comparison of midlatitude ionospheric F region peak parameters and topside Ne profiles from IRI2012 model prediction with ground-based ionosonde and Alouette II observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordiyenko, G. I.; Yakovets, A. F.

2017-07-01

The ionospheric F2 peak parameters recorded by a ground-based ionosonde at the midlatitude station Alma-Ata [43.25N, 76.92E] were compared with those obtained using the latest version of the IRI model (http://omniweb.gsfc.nasa.gov/vitmo/iri2012_vitmo.html). It was found that for the Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan) location, the IRI2012 model describes well the morphology of seasonal and diurnal variations of the ionospheric critical frequency (foF2) and peak density height (hmF2) monthly medians. The model errors in the median foF2 prediction (percentage deviations between the median foF2 values and their model predictions) were found to vary approximately in the range from about -20% to 34% and showed a stable overestimation in the median foF2 values for daytime in January and July and underestimation for day- and nighttime hours in the equinoctial months. The comparison between the ionosonde hmF2 and IRI results clearly showed that the IRI overestimates the nighttime hmF2 values for March and September months, and the difference is up to 30 km. The daytime Alma-Ata hmF2 data were found to be close to the IRI predictions (deviations are approximately ±10-15 km) in winter and equinoctial months, except in July when the observed hmF2 values were much more (from approximately 50-200 km). The comparison between the Alouette foF2 data and IRI predictions showed mixed results. In particular, the Alouette foF2 data showed a tendency to be overestimated for daytime in winter months similar to the ionosonde data; however, the overestimated foF2 values for nighttime in the autumn equinox were in disagreement with the ionosonde observations. There were large deviations between the observed hmF2 values and their model predictions. The largest deviations were found during winter and summer (up to -90 km). The comparison of the Alouette II electron density profiles with those predicted by the adapted IRI2012 model in the altitude range hmF2 of the satellite position showed a great difference in the shape of the Alouette-, NeQuick-, IRI02-coorr, and IRI2001-derived Ne profiles, with overestimated Ne values at some altitudes and underestimated Ne values at others. The results obtained in the study showed that the observation-model differences were significant especially for the real observed (not median) data. For practical application, it is clearly important for the IRI2012 model to be adapted to the observed F2-layer peak parameters. However, the model does not offer a simple solution to predict the shape of the vertical electron density profile in the topside ionosphere, because of the problem with the topside shape parameters.

Upper mantle oxygen fugacity recorded by peridotite xenoliths from oceanic islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, F. A.; Wall, K. T.; Cottrell, E.

2017-12-01

Oxygen fugacity (fO2) in Earth's mantle is a key variable influencing mineral and fluid stability, the onset of melting, and mantle rheology; but fO2 is not uniform across mantle spatial domains. Peridotite xenoliths erupted in oceanic island basalts (OIB) potentially record fO2 of their lithospheric source - the convecting upper mantle. Many of these xenoliths have reacted with OIB as they transited the lithosphere. These xenoliths may record fO2 of the OIB source, potentially recording fO2 heterogeneity within the upper mantle. We investigate fO2heterogeneity by analyzing coexisting olivine, opx, and spinel in 41 peridotite xenoliths from islands associated with four different hotspots: Oahu (Hawaii), Savai'i (Samoa), Tubuai (Austral), and Tahiti (Society). Elevated spinel TiO2 concentrations (TiO2 >0.2 wt.%) in xenoliths from Oahu, Tubuai, and Tahiti may indicate interaction with OIB magmas [1]. Such assemblages record higher fO2 on average (QFM+0.4 to QFM+1.0) than peridotites and lavas from mid-ocean ridges (QFM-2 to QFM) [2,3,4]. This suggests that Hawaiian, Society, and Austral basalts with fO2 ≥ QFM+0.4 are more oxidized than MORB. (None of the Samoan xenoliths have spinel TiO2 >0.05 wt.%). Xenoliths with TiO2 <0.2 wt.% that have not reacted with OIB show a great degree of fO2 heterogeneity (QFM-1.5 to QFM+1.0) reflective of heterogeneity in lithospheric fO2. Although some heterogeneity may indicate spatial variability in bulk mantle chemistry, it is likely that it is partly driven by metamorphic reactions as lithosphere cools or is reheated by a mantle plume. Increased temperature causes the (Mg,Fe)Al2O4 component of spinel to dissolve into pyroxene; this concentrates the magnetite component in spinel and increases fO2 [5]. We observed evidence of this reaction at the grain-scale. Spinels in spinel-cpx symplectites and rims of equant spinels are >1 log unit more oxidized and have lower Al2O3 concentrations than interiors of the equant spinels. These results indicate that fO2 of the oceanic lithosphere is affected by subsolidus metamorphic reactions, which must be considered when relating fO2 of peridotites to fO2 of the convecting upper mantle. [1] Pearce et al. 2000, CMP; [2] Bryndzia and Wood 1990, AJS; [3] Bézos and Humler 2005, GCA; [4] Cottrell and Kelley 2011, EPSL; [5] Canil and O'Neill 1996, JPet

Thunderstorm related variations of the ionospheric sporadic E layer over Rome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barta, Veronika; Scotto, Carlo; Pietrella, Marco

2013-04-01

Meteorological events in the lower atmosphere can affect the ionosphere by electromagnetic and mechanical processes. One type of the latter ones is the internal atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) which can often be generated by thunderstorms. According to a Superposed Epoch Analyses (SEA) using the time series of the critical frequency (foEs) and virtual height (h'Es) of the sporadic E layer and WWLLN (World Wide Lightning Location Network) lightning data over the ionospheric station of Rome (41.9° 12.5°) there is a statistically significant decrease in the foEs of the sporadic E layer after the time of the lightnings. This may indicate a sudden decrease in the electron density of the sporadic E layer associated to lightnings. In order to understand the physical explanation for this phenomenon further studies are performed as follows: a SEA for different seasons and for daytime - nightime lightnings separately. Direction of arrival of thunderstorms is also taken into account.

Online, automatic, ionospheric maps: IRI-PLAS-MAP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arikan, F.; Sezen, U.; Gulyaeva, T. L.; Cilibas, O.

2015-04-01

Global and regional behavior of the ionosphere is an important component of space weather. The peak height and critical frequency of ionospheric layer for the maximum ionization, namely, hmF2 and foF2, and the total number of electrons on a ray path, Total Electron Content (TEC), are the most investigated and monitored values of ionosphere in capturing and observing ionospheric variability. Typically ionospheric models such as International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) can provide electron density profile, critical parameters of ionospheric layers and Ionospheric electron content for a given location, date and time. Yet, IRI model is limited by only foF2 STORM option in reflecting the dynamics of ionospheric/plasmaspheric/geomagnetic storms. Global Ionospheric Maps (GIM) are provided by IGS analysis centers for global TEC distribution estimated from ground-based GPS stations that can capture the actual dynamics of ionosphere and plasmasphere, but this service is not available for other ionospheric observables. In this study, a unique and original space weather service is introduced as IRI-PLAS-MAP from http://www.ionolab.org

FREEZING OF GAIT IS ASSOCIATED WITH A MISMATCH BETWEEN MOTOR IMAGERY AND MOTOR EXECUTION IN NARROW DOORWAYS, NOT WITH FAILURE TO JUDGE DOORWAY PASSABILITY

PubMed Central

Cohen, Rajal G.; Chao, Amanda; Nutt, John G.; Horak, Fay B.

2011-01-01

Background Many patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) develop freezing of gait (FoG), which may manifest as a hesitation or “getting stuck” when they attempt to pass through a doorway. In two experiments, we asked whether FoG is associated with (1) a deficit in internal representation of one’s body size with respect to a doorway and (2) a mismatch between imagined and actual walking times when passing through a doorway. Method 24 subjects with PD (11 with and 13 without FoG) and 10 control subjects of similar age completed two experiments. In the Passability experiment, subjects judged the passability of doorways with different apertures scaled to their body widths. We compared passability estimates across groups. In the Imagery experiment, subjects timed themselves while: (1) imagining walking through doorways of different apertures and from different distances, and (2) actually walking in the same conditions they had just imagined. We compared imagined and actual walking durations across groups and conditions. Results In the Passability experiment, the estimated just-passable doorway was wider, relative to body width, in PD subjects than in control subjects, but there was no difference between PD subjects with and without FoG. In the Imagery experiment, subjects in all groups walked more slowly through narrow doorways than though wide doorways, and subjects with FoG walked much more slowly through the narrowest doorways. PD subjects with FoG showed a large discrepancy between actual and imagined time to pass through narrow doorways, unlike PD subjects without FoG and control subjects. Conclusions The equivalent passability judgments in PD subjects with and without FoG indicate that FoG is not specifically associated with a deficit in ability to internally represent space with reference to body size. However, the large difference in duration between actual and imagined walking through narrow doorways in subjects with FoG suggests that PD subjects with FoG did not know how much they would slow down to pass through narrow doorways. The observed discrepancy between imagined and actual walking times may point to a specific problem that contributes to the occurrence of FoG. These results also suggest that caution should be used when interpreting brain imaging results from locomotor imagery studies with PD subjects who have FoG. PMID:22027173

GRACE-FO Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-30

Frank Webb, GRACE-FO project scientist at JPL, discusses the upcoming launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, Monday, April 30, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure and monitor monthly changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The costs of fluid overload in the adult intensive care unit: is a small-volume infusion model a proactive solution?

PubMed Central

Child, Debra L; Cao, Zhun; Seiberlich, Laura E; Brown, Harold; Greenberg, Jordan; Swanson, Anne; Sewall, Martha R; Robinson, Scott B

2015-01-01

Purpose Fluid overload (FO) in critically ill patients remains a challenging clinical dilemma, and many continuous intravenous (IV) medications in the US are being delivered as a dilute solution, adding significantly to a patient’s daily intake. This study describes the costs and outcomes of FO in patients receiving multiple continuous infusions. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted using a hospital administrative database covering >500 US hospitals. An FO cohort included adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with a central line receiving IV loop diuretics and 2+ continuous IV infusions on 50%+ of their ICU days; a directly matched non-FO cohort included patients without IV diuretic use. The primary outcome of the study was total hospitalization costs per visit. Additional outcomes were ICU costs, mortality, total and ICU length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates, and ventilator use. Unadjusted descriptive analysis was performed using chi-squared or paired t-tests to compare outcomes between the two cohorts. Results A total of 63,974 patients were identified in each cohort. The total hospitalization cost per visit for the FO cohort was US$15,344 higher than the non-FO cohort (US$42,386 vs US$27,042), and the ICU cost for the FO cohort was US$5,243 higher than the non-FO cohort (US$10,902 vs US$5,659). FO patients had higher mortality (20% vs 16.8%), prolonged LOS (11.5 vs 8.0 days), longer ICU LOS (6.2 vs 3.6 days), higher risk of 30-day readmission (21.8% vs 21.3%), and ventilator usage (47.7% vs 28.3%) than the non-FO cohort (all P<0.05). Conclusion In patients receiving multiple continuous infusions, FO is associated with increased health care resources and costs. Maximally concentrating medications and proactively providing continuous medications in small-volume infusions (SVI) could be a potential solution to prevent iatrogenic FO in critically ill patients. Further prospective research is warranted to assess the impact of the SVI dispensing model on patient outcomes and health care costs. PMID:25548524

Fundamental frequency and voice perturbation measures in smokers and non-smokers: An acoustic and perceptual study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freeman, Allison

This research examined the fundamental frequency and perturbation (jitter % and shimmer %) measures in young adult (20-30 year-old) and middle-aged adult (40-55 year-old) smokers and non-smokers; there were 36 smokers and 36 non-smokers. Acoustic analysis was carried out utilizing one task: production of sustained /a/. These voice samples were analyzed utilizing Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) software, which provided values for fundamental frequency, jitter %, and shimmer %.These values were analyzed for trends regarding smoking status, age, and gender. Statistical significance was found regarding the fundamental frequency, jitter %, and shimmer % for smokers as compared to non-smokers; smokers were found to have significantly lower fundamental frequency values, and significantly higher jitter % and shimmer % values. Statistical significance was not found regarding fundamental frequency, jitter %, and shimmer % for age group comparisons. With regard to gender, statistical significance was found regarding fundamental frequency; females were found to have statistically higher fundamental frequencies as compared to males. However, the relationships between gender and jitter % and shimmer % lacked statistical significance. These results indicate that smoking negatively affects voice quality. This study also examined the ability of untrained listeners to identify smokers and non-smokers based on their voices. Results of this voice perception task suggest that listeners are not accurately able to identify smokers and non-smokers, as statistical significance was not reached. However, despite a lack of significance, trends in data suggest that listeners are able to utilize voice quality to identify smokers and non-smokers.

Influence of fish oil supplementation and strength training on some functional aspects of immune cells in healthy elderly women.

PubMed

de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki, Cintia; Rodacki, André Luiz Felix; Coelho, Isabela; Pequito, Daniele; Krause, Maressa; Bonatto, Sandro; Naliwaiko, Katya; Fernandes, Luiz Cláudio

2015-07-14

Immune function changes with ageing and is influenced by physical activity (strength training, ST) and diet (fish oil, FO). The present study investigated the effect of FO and ST on the immune system of elderly women. Forty-five women (64 (sd 1.4) years) were assigned to ST for 90 d (ST; n 15), ST plus 2 g/d FO for 90 d (ST90; n 15) or 2 g/d FO for 60 d followed by ST plus FO for 90 d (ST150; n 15). Training was performed three times per week, for 12 weeks. A number of innate (zymosan phagocytosis, lysosomal volume, superoxide anion, peroxide of hydrogen) and adaptive (cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), CD8, TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 produced by lymphocytes) immune parameters were assessed before supplementation (base), before (pre-) and after (post-) training. ST induced no immune changes. FO supplementation caused increased phagocytosis (48 %), lysosomal volume (100 %) and the production of superoxide anion (32 %) and H₂O₂(70 %) in the ST90. Additional FO supplementation (ST150) caused no additive influence on the immune system, as ST150 and ST90 did not differ, but caused greater changes when compared to the ST (P< 0·05). FO increased CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the ST150, which remained unchanged when training was introduced. The combination of ST and FO reduced TNF-α in the ST150 from base to post-test. FO supplementation (ST150, base-pre) when combined with exercise (ST150, pre-post) increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 production. The immune parameters improved in response to FO supplementation; however, ST alone did not enhance the immune system.

Custom-Molded Foot-Orthosis Intervention and Multisegment Medial Foot Kinematics During Walking

PubMed Central

Cobb, Stephen C.; Tis, Laurie L.; Johnson, Jeffrey T.; Wang, Yong “Tai”; Geil, Mark D.

2011-01-01

Context: Foot-orthosis (FO) intervention to prevent and treat numerous lower extremity injuries is widely accepted clinically. However, the results of quantitative gait analyses have been equivocal. The foot models used, participants receiving intervention, and orthoses used might contribute to the variability. Objective: To investigate the effect of a custom-molded FO intervention on multisegment medial foot kinematics during walking in participants with low-mobile foot posture. Design: Crossover study. Setting: University biomechanics and ergonomics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen participants with low-mobile foot posture (7 men, 9 women) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 FO groups. Interventions : After a 2-week period to break in the FOs, individuals participated in a gait analysis that consisted of 5 successful walking trials (1.3 to 1.4 m/s) during no-FO and FO conditions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Three-dimensional displacements during 4 subphases of stance (loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, preswing) were computed for each multisegment foot model articulation. Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed that rearfoot complex dorsiflexion displacement during midstance was greater in the FO than the no-FO condition (F1,14 = 5.24, P = .04, partial η2 = 0.27). Terminal stance repeated-measures ANOVA results revealed insert-by-insert condition interactions for the first metatarsophalangeal joint complex (F1,14 = 7.87, P = .01, partial η2 = 0.36). However, additional follow-up analysis did not reveal differences between the no-FO and FO conditions for the balanced traditional orthosis (F1,14 = 4.32, P = .08, partial η2 = 0.38) or full-contact orthosis (F1,14 = 4.10, P = .08, partial η2 = 0.37). Conclusions: Greater rearfoot complex dorsiflexion during midstance associated with FO intervention may represent improved foot kinematics in people with low-mobile foot postures. Furthermore, FO intervention might partially correct dys-functional kinematic patterns associated with low-mobile foot postures. PMID:21944067

Properties of fluorosulfate-based ionic liquids and geometries of (FO2SOH)OSO2F- and (FO2SOH)2O2SOF-.

PubMed

Enomoto, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Kazuhiko; Hagiwara, Rika

2011-12-14

A room temperature ionic liquid (IL) based on the fluorosulfate anion (SO(3)F(-)) has been synthesized by the reaction of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIm(+)) chloride and fluorosulfuric acid (HOSO(2)F). The viscosity, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical window of EMImSO(3)F at 25 °C are 46.6 mPa s, 10.8 mS cm(-1), and 4.3 V, respectively. According to a solvatochromic measurement using ILs, there is a trend in the donor ability of fluoro- and oxofluoroanions, PF(6)(-) < BF(4)(-) < N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)(-) < SO(3)CF(3)(-) < SO(3)F(-) < PO(2)F(2)(-), which is explained by the atomic charges obtained from quantum mechanical calculations. The 1 : 2 and 1 : 3 stoichiometric reactions of EMImCl and HOSO(2)F give EMIm(FO(2)SOH)OSO(2)F and EMIm(FO(2)SOH)(2)O(2)SOF, respectively. Both the salts are liquid at room temperature without a HOSO(2)F dissociation pressure (< 1 Pa) and have low viscosity and high ionic conductivity (9.2 mPa s and 30.8 mS cm(-1) for EMIm(FO(2)SOH)OSO(2)F and 5.1 mPa s and 43.2 mS cm(-1) for EMIm(FO(2)SOH)(2)O(2)SOF). The vibrational modes and bonding properties of these anionic species are discussed with the aid of quantum mechanical calculations. The (FO(2)SOH)OSO(2)F(-) anion in EMIm(FO(2)SOH)OSO(2)F does not have an inversion centre, which stands in contrast to the one with an inversion centre (e.g. observed in solid Cs(FO(2)SOH)OSO(2)F). The (FO(2)SOH)(2)O(2)SOF(-) anion in EMIm(FO(2)SOH)(2)O(2)SOF is characterized by vibrational spectroscopy under C(s) symmetry.

Forward osmosis membrane modular configurations for osmotic dilution of seawater by forward osmosis and reverse osmosis hybrid system.

PubMed

Kim, Jung Eun; Phuntsho, Sherub; Ali, Syed Muztuza; Choi, Joon Young; Shon, Ho Kyong

2018-01-01

This study evaluates various options for full-scale modular configuration of forward osmosis (FO) process for osmotic dilution of seawater using wastewater for simultaneous desalination and water reuse through FO-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid system. Empirical relationship obtained from one FO membrane element operation was used to simulate the operational performances of different FO module configurations. The main limiting criteria for module operation is to always maintain the feed pressure higher than the draw pressure throughout the housing module for safe operation without affecting membrane integrity. Experimental studies under the conditions tested in this study show that a single membrane housing cannot accommodate more than four elements as the draw pressure exceeds the feed pressure. This then indicates that a single stage housing with eight elements is not likely to be practical for safe FO operation. Hence, six different FO modular configurations were proposed and simulated. A two-stage FO configuration with multiple housings (in parallel) in the second stage using same or larger spacer thickness reduces draw pressure build-up as the draw flow rates are reduced to half in the second stage thereby allowing more than four elements in the second stage housing. The loss of feed pressure (pressure drop) and osmotic driving force in the second stage are compensated by operating under the pressure assisted osmosis (PAO) mode, which helps enhance permeate flux and maintains positive pressure differences between the feed and draw chamber. The PAO energy penalty is compensated by enhanced permeate throughput, reduced membrane area, and plant footprint. The contribution of FO/PAO to total energy consumption was not significant compared to post RO desalination (90%) indicating that the proposed two-stage FO modular configuration is one way of making the FO full-scale operation practical for FO-RO hybrid system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional Reorganization of the Locomotor Network in Parkinson Patients with Freezing of Gait

PubMed Central

Fling, Brett W.; Cohen, Rajal G.; Mancini, Martina; Carpenter, Samuel D.; Fair, Damien A.; Nutt, John G.; Horak, Fay B.

2014-01-01

Freezing of gait (FoG) is a transient inability to initiate or maintain stepping that often accompanies advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly impairs mobility. The current study uses a multimodal neuroimaging approach to assess differences in the functional and structural locomotor neural network in PD patients with and without FoG and relates these findings to measures of FoG severity. Twenty-six PD patients and fifteen age-matched controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging along with self-reported and clinical assessments of FoG. After stringent movement correction, fifteen PD patients and fourteen control participants were available for analysis. We assessed functional connectivity strength between the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the following locomotor hubs: 1) subthalamic nucleus (STN), 2) mesencephalic and 3) cerebellar locomotor region (MLR and CLR, respectively) within each hemisphere. Additionally, we quantified structural connectivity strength between locomotor hubs and assessed relationships with metrics of FoG. FoG+ patients showed greater functional connectivity between the SMA and bilateral MLR and between the SMA and left CLR compared to both FoG− and controls. Importantly, greater functional connectivity between the SMA and MLR was positively correlated with i) clinical, ii) self-reported and iii) objective ratings of freezing severity in FoG+, potentially reflecting a maladaptive neural compensation. The current findings demonstrate a re-organization of functional communication within the locomotor network in FoG+ patients whereby the higher-order motor cortex (SMA) responsible for gait initiation communicates with the MLR and CLR to a greater extent than in FoG− patients and controls. The observed pattern of altered connectivity in FoG+ may indicate a failed attempt by the CNS to compensate for the loss of connectivity between the STN and SMA and may reflect a loss of lower-order, automatic control of gait by the basal ganglia. PMID:24937008

Sustainable water recovery from oily wastewater via forward osmosis-membrane distillation (FO-MD).

PubMed

Zhang, Sui; Wang, Peng; Fu, Xiuzhu; Chung, Tai-Shung

2014-04-01

This study proposed and investigated a hybrid forward osmosis - membrane distillation (FO-MD) system for sustainable water recovery from oily wastewater by employing lab-fabricated FO and MD hollow fiber membranes. Stable oil-in-water emulsions of different concentrations with small droplet sizes (<1 μm) were firstly prepared and applied as the feed solution in the FO process. Fouling was immediately observed in the FO mode and was low on the cellulose triacetate (CTA) - based thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Moreover, slight increment of fouling was observed in the first few hours and the water flux was then stabilized over 24 h. The characterizations of water flux and solute rejection in separate FO and MD processes revealed that a high water flux, good NaCl rejection, impressively high retention of oil droplets and partial permeation of acetic acid could be achieved. Finally, an integrated FO-MD system was developed to treat the oily wastewater containing petroleum, surfactant, NaCl and acetic acid at 60 °C in the batch mode. The water flux in FO undergoes three-stage decline due to fouling and reduction in osmotic driving force, but is quite stable in MD regardless of salt concentration. Oily wastewater with relatively high salinity could be effectively recovered by the FO-MD hybrid system while maintaining large water flux, at least 90% feed water recovery could be readily attained with only trace amounts of oil and salts, and the draw solution was re-generated for the next rounds of FO-MD run. Interestingly, significant amount of acetic acid was also retained in the permeate for further reuse as a chemical additive during the production of crude oil. The work has demonstrated that not only water but also organic additives in the wastewater could be effectively recovered by FO-MD systems for reuse or other utilizations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A mechanism of midlatitude noontime foE long-term variations inferred from European observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikhailov, A. V.; Perrone, L.; Nusinov, A. A.

2017-04-01

Manually scaled June noontime monthly median foE values at three European stations Rome, Juliusruh, and Slough/Chilton were used to understand the mechanism of foE long-term variations. The 11 year running mean smoothed foE manifests long-term (for some solar cycles) variations with the rising phase at the end of 1960-1985 and the falling phase after 1985. A close relationship (even in details) between (foEave)11y and (R12)11y variations with the correlation coefficient of 0.996 (absolutely significant according to Fisher F criterion) suggests that the Sun is the source of these (foEave)11y long-term variations. After removing solar activity long-term variations the residual (foEave)11y trend is very small ( 0.029% per decade) being absolutely insignificant. This means that all (foEave)11y variations are removed with one solar activity index, (R12)11y, i.e., this means that long-term variations are fully controlled by solar activity. Theory of midlatitude daytime E region tells us that long-term variations of solar EUV in two lines λ = 977 Å (CIII) and λ = 1025.7 Å (HLyβ) and X-ray radiation with λ < 100 Å (both manifesting the same long-term variations with the rising phase at the end of 1960-1985 and the falling phase after 1985) are responsible for the observed (foEave)11y variations. Therefore, the observed daytime midlatitude foE long-term variations have a natural (not anthropogenic) origin related to long-term variations of solar activity. No peculiarities in relation with the last deep solar minimum in 2008-2009 have been revealed.

Postural control deficit during sit-to-walk in patients with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait.

PubMed

Mezzarobba, Susanna; Grassi, Michele; Valentini, Roberto; Bernardis, Paolo

2018-03-01

The intricate linkage between Freezing of Gait (FoG) and postural control in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unclear. We analyzed the impact of FoG on dynamic postural control. 24 PD patients, 12 with (PD + FoG), 12 without FoG (PD-FoG), and 12 healthy controls, were assessed in ON state. Mobility and postural control were measured with clinical scales (UPDRS III, BBS, MPAS) and with kinematic and kinetic analysis during three tasks, characterized by levels of increasing difficulty to plan sequential movement of postural control: walk (W), gait initiation (GI) and sit-to-walk (STW). The groups were balanced by age, disease duration, disease severity, mobility and balance. During STW, the spatial distribution of COP trajectories in PD + FoG patients are spread over medial-lateral space more than in the PD-FoG (p < .001). Moreover, the distribution of COP positions. in the transition between sit-to-stand and gait initiation, is not properly shifted toward the leading leg, as in PD-FoG and healthy controls, but it is more centrally dispersed (p < .01) with a delayed weight forward progression (p < .05). In GI task and walk task, COM and COP differences are less evident and even absent between PD patients. PD + FoG show postural control differences in STW, compared with PD-FoG and healthy. Different spatial distribution of COP trajectories, between two PD groups are probably due to a deficit to plan postural control during a more demanding motor pattern, such as STW. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficiently Combining Water Reuse and Desalination through Forward Osmosis-Reverse Osmosis (FO-RO) Hybrids: A Critical Review.

PubMed

Blandin, Gaetan; Verliefde, Arne R D; Comas, Joaquim; Rodriguez-Roda, Ignasi; Le-Clech, Pierre

2016-07-01

Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising membrane technology to combine seawater desalination and water reuse. More specifically, in a FO-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process, high quality water recovered from the wastewater stream is used to dilute seawater before RO treatment. As such, lower desalination energy needs and/or water augmentation can be obtained while delivering safe water for direct potable reuse thanks to the double dense membrane barrier protection. Typically, FO-RO hybrid can be a credible alternative to new desalination facilities or to implementation of stand-alone water reuse schemes. However, apart from the societal (public perception of water reuse for potable application) and water management challenges (proximity of wastewater and desalination plants), FO-RO hybrid has to overcome technical limitation such as low FO permeation flux to become economically attractive. Recent developments (i.e., improved FO membranes, use of pressure assisted osmosis, PAO) demonstrated significant improvement in water flux. However, flux improvement is associated with drawbacks, such as increased fouling behaviour, lower rejection of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in PAO operation, and limitation in FO membrane mechanical resistance, which need to be better considered. To support successful implementation of FO-RO hybrid in the industry, further work is required regarding up-scaling to apprehend full-scale challenges in term of mass transfer limitation, pressure drop, fouling and cleaning strategies on a module scale. In addition, refined economics assessment is expected to integrate fouling and other maintenance costs/savings of the FO/PAO-RO hybrid systems, as well as cost savings from any treatment step avoided in the water recycling.

Fructo-oligosaccharide improved brain β-amyloid, β-secretase, cognitive function, and plasma antioxidant levels in D-galactose-treated Balb/cJ mice.

PubMed

Yen, Chi-Hua; Wang, Cheng-Hsin; Wu, Wen-Tzu; Chen, Hsiao-Ling

2017-05-01

Long-term d-galactose injection induces accelerated aging in experimental rodent models. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharide (FO) on the brain β-amyloid (Aβ), amyloid-associated enzymes, cognitive function, and plasma antioxidant levels in d-galactose-treated Balb/c mice. The subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and the dietary treatment were conducted simultaneously for 49 days. Mice (12 weeks of age) were divided into five groups (n = 14/group): control (s.c. saline, control diet) serving as a young control, DG (s.c. 1.2 g d-galactose/kg body weight, control diet), DG + LFO (2.5% w/w FO, low-dose FO diet), DG + HFO (5% w/w FO, high-dose FO diet), and DG + E (α-tocopherol 0.2% w/w, vitamin E diet) as an antioxidant reference group. Another group of older mice (64 weeks of age) without any injection served as a natural aging (NA) group. The DG and NA groups had greater Aβ levels in the cortex, hippocampus, and the whole brain. High-dose FO, similar to α-tocopherol, attenuated the d-galactose-induced Aβ density in the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, FO attenuated the d-galactose-induced protein expression of Aβ and beta-site amyloid precursor cleaving enzyme of the whole brain in a dose-response manner. Either dose of FO supplementation, similar to α-tocopherol, attenuated the d-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction. In addition, FO improved the plasma ascorbic acid level in a dose-response manner. Dietary FO (2.5-5% w/w diet) could attenuate the development of Alzheimer's disease, which was likely to be associated with its systematic antioxidant effects.

Redox variations in Mauna Kea lavas, the oxygen fugacity of the Hawaiian plume, and the role of volcanic gases in Earth’s oxygenation

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

Brounce, Maryjo; Stolper, Edward; Eiler, John

The behavior of C, H, and S in the solid Earth depends on their oxidation states, which are related to oxygen fugacity (fO2). Volcanic degassing is a source of these elements to Earth’s surface; therefore, variations in mantle fO2 may influence the fO2 at Earth’s surface. However, degassing can impact magmatic fO2 before or during eruption, potentially obscuring relationships between the fO2 of the solid Earth and of emitted gases and their impact on surface fO2. We show that low-pressure degassing resulted in reduction of the fO2 of Mauna Kea magmas by more than an order of magnitude. The leastmore » degassed magmas from Mauna Kea are more oxidized than midocean ridge basalt (MORB) magmas, suggesting that the upper mantle sources of Hawaiian magmas have higher fO2 than MORB sources. One explanation for this difference is recycling of material from the oxidized surface to the deep mantle, which is then returned to the surface as a component of buoyant plumes. It has been proposed that a decreasing pressure of volcanic eruptions led to the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Extension of our findings via modeling of degassing trends suggests that a decrease in eruption pressure would not produce this effect. If degassing of basalts were responsible for the rise in oxygen, it requires that Archean magmas had at least two orders of magnitude lower fO2 than modern magmas. Estimates of fO2 of Archean magmas are not this low, arguing for alternative explanations for the oxygenation of the atmosphere.« less

Redox variations in Mauna Kea lavas, the oxygen fugacity of the Hawaiian plume, and the role of volcanic gases in Earth’s oxygenation

PubMed Central

Stolper, Edward; Eiler, John

2017-01-01

The behavior of C, H, and S in the solid Earth depends on their oxidation states, which are related to oxygen fugacity (fO2). Volcanic degassing is a source of these elements to Earth’s surface; therefore, variations in mantle fO2 may influence the fO2 at Earth’s surface. However, degassing can impact magmatic fO2 before or during eruption, potentially obscuring relationships between the fO2 of the solid Earth and of emitted gases and their impact on surface fO2. We show that low-pressure degassing resulted in reduction of the fO2 of Mauna Kea magmas by more than an order of magnitude. The least degassed magmas from Mauna Kea are more oxidized than midocean ridge basalt (MORB) magmas, suggesting that the upper mantle sources of Hawaiian magmas have higher fO2 than MORB sources. One explanation for this difference is recycling of material from the oxidized surface to the deep mantle, which is then returned to the surface as a component of buoyant plumes. It has been proposed that a decreasing pressure of volcanic eruptions led to the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Extension of our findings via modeling of degassing trends suggests that a decrease in eruption pressure would not produce this effect. If degassing of basalts were responsible for the rise in oxygen, it requires that Archean magmas had at least two orders of magnitude lower fO2 than modern magmas. Estimates of fO2 of Archean magmas are not this low, arguing for alternative explanations for the oxygenation of the atmosphere. PMID:28784788

Combination of forward osmosis (FO) process with coagulation/flocculation (CF) for potential treatment of textile wastewater.

PubMed

Han, Gang; Liang, Can-Zeng; Chung, Tai-Shung; Weber, Martin; Staudt, Claudia; Maletzko, Christian

2016-03-15

A novel combination of forward osmosis (FO) process with coagulation/flocculation (CF) (FO-CF) has been experimentally conceived for the treatment and reuse of textile wastewater. FO is employed to spontaneously recover water from the wastewater via osmosis and thus effectively reduces its volume with a dramatically enhanced dye concentration. CF is then applied to precipitate and remove dyes from the FO concentrated stream with much improved efficiency and reduced chemical dosage. The FO-CF hybrid system exhibits unique advantages of high water flux and recovery rate, well controlled membrane fouling, high efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. Using a lab-made thin-film composite (TFC) FO membrane, an initial water flux (Jw) of 36.0 L m(-2) h(-1) with a dye rejection of 99.9% has been demonstrated by using 2 M NaCl as the draw solution and synthetic textile wastewater containing multiple textile dyes, inorganic salts and organic additives as the feed under the FO mode. The Jw could be maintained at a high value of 12.0 L m(-2) h(-1) even when the recovery rate of the wastewater reaches 90%. Remarkable reverse fouling behavior has also been observed where the Jw of the fouled membrane can be almost fully restored to the initial value by physical flushing without using any chemicals. Due to the great dye concentration in the FO concentrated wastewater stream, the CF process could achieve more than 95% dye removal with a small dosage of coagulants and flocculants at 500-1000 ppm. The newly developed FO-CF hybrid process may open up new exploration of alternative technologies for the effective treatment and reuse of textile effluents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Redox variations in Mauna Kea lavas, the oxygen fugacity of the Hawaiian plume, and the role of volcanic gases in Earth's oxygenation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brounce, Maryjo; Stolper, Edward; Eiler, John

2017-08-01

The behavior of C, H, and S in the solid Earth depends on their oxidation states, which are related to oxygen fugacity (fO2). Volcanic degassing is a source of these elements to Earth’s surface; therefore, variations in mantle fO2 may influence the fO2 at Earth’s surface. However, degassing can impact magmatic fO2 before or during eruption, potentially obscuring relationships between the fO2 of the solid Earth and of emitted gases and their impact on surface fO2. We show that low-pressure degassing resulted in reduction of the fO2 of Mauna Kea magmas by more than an order of magnitude. The least degassed magmas from Mauna Kea are more oxidized than midocean ridge basalt (MORB) magmas, suggesting that the upper mantle sources of Hawaiian magmas have higher fO2 than MORB sources. One explanation for this difference is recycling of material from the oxidized surface to the deep mantle, which is then returned to the surface as a component of buoyant plumes. It has been proposed that a decreasing pressure of volcanic eruptions led to the oxygenation of the atmosphere. Extension of our findings via modeling of degassing trends suggests that a decrease in eruption pressure would not produce this effect. If degassing of basalts were responsible for the rise in oxygen, it requires that Archean magmas had at least two orders of magnitude lower fO2 than modern magmas. Estimates of fO2 of Archean magmas are not this low, arguing for alternative explanations for the oxygenation of the atmosphere.

Fear of falling as a risk factor of mobility disability in older people at five diverse sites of the IMIAS study.

PubMed

Auais, Mohammad; Alvarado, Beatriz E; Curcio, Carmen-Lucia; Garcia, Angeles; Ylli, Alban; Deshpande, Nandini

2016-01-01

Fear of falling (FoF) is a common health problem among older adults. Although the relationship between FoF and limitation in daily activities has been reported, FoF's relationship to mobility disability, a transitional phase to end-stage disability, is not yet understood. We examined the relationship between FoF and mobility disability among community-dwelling older adults and explored the differences in this relationship among socio-culturally diverse sites. Cross-sectional study. Community. 1875 participants (65-74 years) were recruited from five sites and included in the analysis (Kingston, Canada: 394; St-Hyacinthe, Canada: 397; Tirana, Albania: 359; Manizales, Colombia: 341; and Natal, Brazil: 384). FoF was quantified using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I, range: 16-64). Mobility disability was defined as difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking 400m without assistance. Overall, 21.5% of participants reported high FoF (FES-I>27). The average FoF scores were significantly different between the sites (p<0.001) and higher in women (p<0.001). In general, 36.2% of participants reported mobility disability. The distribution of mobility disability was significantly different at the five study sites (ranged from 19.8% at Kingston, Canada to 50.7% at Tirana, Albania, p<0.001). After adjusting for covariates, those with high and moderate FoF had about 3 times (95% CI: 2.59-3.83) and 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.99-2.91) higher risk of mobility disability, respectively, compared to those with no/low FoF. FoF was significantly associated with risk of mobility disability across the sites. The strength of this relationship appears to be different between the five sites. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficiently Combining Water Reuse and Desalination through Forward Osmosis—Reverse Osmosis (FO-RO) Hybrids: A Critical Review

PubMed Central

Blandin, Gaetan; Verliefde, Arne R.D.; Comas, Joaquim; Rodriguez-Roda, Ignasi; Le-Clech, Pierre

2016-01-01

Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising membrane technology to combine seawater desalination and water reuse. More specifically, in a FO-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process, high quality water recovered from the wastewater stream is used to dilute seawater before RO treatment. As such, lower desalination energy needs and/or water augmentation can be obtained while delivering safe water for direct potable reuse thanks to the double dense membrane barrier protection. Typically, FO-RO hybrid can be a credible alternative to new desalination facilities or to implementation of stand-alone water reuse schemes. However, apart from the societal (public perception of water reuse for potable application) and water management challenges (proximity of wastewater and desalination plants), FO-RO hybrid has to overcome technical limitation such as low FO permeation flux to become economically attractive. Recent developments (i.e., improved FO membranes, use of pressure assisted osmosis, PAO) demonstrated significant improvement in water flux. However, flux improvement is associated with drawbacks, such as increased fouling behaviour, lower rejection of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) in PAO operation, and limitation in FO membrane mechanical resistance, which need to be better considered. To support successful implementation of FO-RO hybrid in the industry, further work is required regarding up-scaling to apprehend full-scale challenges in term of mass transfer limitation, pressure drop, fouling and cleaning strategies on a module scale. In addition, refined economics assessment is expected to integrate fouling and other maintenance costs/savings of the FO/PAO-RO hybrid systems, as well as cost savings from any treatment step avoided in the water recycling. PMID:27376337

Effects of dietary fat energy restriction and fish oil feeding on hepatic metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance in KK mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

PubMed

Arai, Takeshi; Kim, Hyoun-ju; Hirako, Satoshi; Nakasatomi, Maki; Chiba, Hiroshige; Matsumoto, Akiyo

2013-01-01

We investigated the effects of dietary fat energy restriction and fish oil intake on glucose and lipid metabolism in female KK mice with high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity. Mice were fed a lard/safflower oil (LSO50) diet consisting of 50 energy% (en%) lard/safflower oil as the fat source for 12 weeks. Then, the mice were fed various fat energy restriction (25 en% fat) diets - LSO, FO2.5, FO12.5 or FO25 - containing 0, 2.5, 12.5, or 25 en% fish oil, respectively, for 9 weeks. Conversion from a HF diet to each fat energy restriction diet significantly decreased final body weights and visceral and subcutaneous fat mass in all fat energy restriction groups, regardless of fish oil contents. Hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels markedly decreased in the FO12.5 and FO25 groups, but not in the LSO group. Although plasma insulin levels did not differ among groups, the blood glucose areas under the curve in the oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower in the FO12.5 and FO25 groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed fatty acid synthase mRNA levels significantly decreased in the FO25 group, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 mRNA levels markedly decreased in the FO12.5 and FO25 groups. These results demonstrate that body weight gains were suppressed by dietary fat energy restriction even in KK mice with HF diet-induced obesity. We also suggested that the combination of fat energy restriction and fish oil feeding decreased fat droplets and ameliorated hepatic hypertrophy and insulin resistance with suppression of de novo lipogenesis in these mice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chromium valences in ureilite olivine and implications for ureilite petrogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodrich, C. A.; Sutton, S. R.; Wirick, S.; Jercinovic, M. J.

2013-12-01

Ureilites are a group of ultramafic achondrites commonly thought to be residues of partial melting on a carbon-rich asteroid. They show a large variation in FeO content (olivine Fo values ranging from ∼74 to 95) that cannot be due to igneous fractionation and suggests instead variation in oxidation state. The presence of chromite in only a few of the most ferroan (Fo 75-76) samples appears to support such a model. MicroXANES analyses were used in this study to determine the valence states of Cr (previously unknown) in olivine cores of 11 main group ureilites. The goal of this work was to use a method that is independent of Fo to determine the oxidation conditions under which ureilites formed, in order to evaluate whether the ureilite FeO-variation is correlated with oxidation state, and whether it is nebular or planetary in origin. Two of the analyzed samples, LEW 88774 (Fo 74.2) and NWA 766 (Fo 76.7) contain primary chromite; two others, LAP 03587 (Fo 74.4) and CMS 04048 (Fo 76.2) contain sub-micrometer-sized exsolutions of chromite + Ca-rich pyroxene in olivine; and one, EET 96328 (Fo 85.2) contains an unusual chromite grain of uncertain origin. No chromite has been observed in the remaining six samples (Fo 77.4-92.3). Chromium in olivine in all eleven samples was found to be dominated by the divalent species, with valences ranging from 2.10 ± 0.02 (1σ) to 2.46 ± 0.04. The non-chromite-bearing ureilites have the most reduced Cr, with a weighted mean valence of 2.12 ± 0.01, i.e., Cr2+/Cr3+ = 7.33. All low-Fo chromite-bearing ureilites have more oxidized Cr, with valences ranging from 2.22 ± 0.03 to 2.46 ± 0.04. EET 96328, whose chromite grain we interpret as a late-crystallizing phase, yielded a reduced Cr valence of 2.15 ± 0.07, similar to the non-chromite-bearing samples. Based on the measured Cr valences, magmatic (1200-1300 °C) oxygen fugacities (fO2) of the non-chromite-bearing samples were estimated to be in the range IW-1.9 to IW-2.8 (assuming basaltic melt composition), consistent with fO2 values obtained by assuming olivine-silica-iron metal (OSI) equilibrium. For the primary chromite-bearing-ureilites, the corresponding fO2 were estimated (again, assuming basaltic melt composition) to be ∼IW to IW+1.0, i.e., several orders of magnitude more oxidizing than the conditions estimated for the chromite-free ureilites. In terms of Fo and Cr valence properties, ureilites appear to form two groups rather than a single “Cr-valence (or fO2) vs. Fo” trend. The chromite-bearing ureilites show little variation in Fo (∼74-76) but significant variation in Cr valence, while the non-chromite-bearing ureilites show significant variation in Fo (∼77-95) and little variation in Cr valence. These groups are unrelated to petrologic type (i.e., olivine-pigeonite, olivine-orthopyroxene, or augite-bearing). The chromite-bearing ureilites also have lower contents of Cr in olivine than most non-chromite-bearing ureilites, consistent with predictions based on Cr olivine/melt partitioning in spinel saturated vs. non-spinel-saturated systems. Under the assumption that at magmatic temperatures graphite-gas equilibria controlled fO2 at all depths on the ureilite parent body, we conclude: (1) that ureilite precursor materials having the Fo and Cr valence properties now observed in ureilites are unlikely to have been preserved during planetary processing; and (2) that the Fo and Cr valence properties now observed in ureilites are consistent with having been established by high-temperature carbon redox control over a range of depths on a plausible-sized ureilite parent body. The apparent limit on ureilite Fo values around 74-76 suggests that the precursor material(s) had bulk mg# ⩾ that of LL chondrites.

GRACE-FO Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-30

Michael Watkins, GRACE-FO science lead and director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses the upcoming launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, Monday, April 30, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure and monitor monthly changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

GRACE-FO Prelaunch Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-21

Phil Morton, NASA GRACE-FO project manager at JPL, second from right, discusses the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission during a prelaunch media briefing, Monday, May 21, 2018, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Application of forward osmosis membrane technology for oil sands process-affected water desalination.

PubMed

Jiang, Yaxin; Liang, Jiaming; Liu, Yang

2016-01-01

The extraction process used to obtain bitumen from the oil sands produces large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). As a newly emerging desalination technology, forward osmosis (FO) has shown great promise in saving electrical power requirements, increasing water recovery, and minimizing brine discharge. With the support of this funding, a FO system was constructed using a cellulose triacetate FO membrane to test the feasibility of OSPW desalination and contaminant removal. The FO systems were optimized using different types and concentrations of draw solution. The FO system using 4 M NH4HCO3 as a draw solution achieved 85% water recovery from OSPW, and 80 to 100% contaminant rejection for most metals and ions. A water backwash cleaning method was applied to clean the fouled membrane, and the cleaned membrane achieved 77% water recovery, a performance comparable to that of new FO membranes. This suggests that the membrane fouling was reversible. The FO system developed in this project provides a novel and energy efficient strategy to remediate the tailings waters generated by oil sands bitumen extraction and processing.

Boric acid permeation in forward osmosis membrane processes: modeling, experiments, and implications.

PubMed

Jin, Xue; Tang, Chuyang Y; Gu, Yangshuo; She, Qianhong; Qi, Saren

2011-03-15

Forward osmosis (FO) is attracting increasing interest for its potential applications in desalination. In FO, permeation of contaminants from feed solution into draw solution through the semipermeable membrane can take place simultaneously with water diffusion. Understanding the contaminants transport through and rejection by FO membrane has significant technical implications in the way to separate clean water from the diluted draw solution. In this study, a model was developed to predict boron flux in FO operation. A strong agreement between modeling results and experimental data indicates that the model developed in this study can accurately predict the boron transport through FO membranes. Furthermore, the model can guide the fabrication of improved FO membranes with decreased boron permeability and structural parameter to minimize boron flux. Both theoretical model and experimental results demonstrated that when membrane active layer was facing draw solution, boron flux was substantially greater compared to the other membrane orientation due to more severe internal concentration polarization. In this investigation, for the first time, rejection of contaminants was defined in FO processes. This is critical to compare the membrane performance between different membranes and experimental conditions.

The Relationship between Feelings-of-Knowing and Partial Knowledge for General Knowledge Questions

PubMed Central

Norman, Elisabeth; Blakstad, Oskar; Johnsen, Øivind; Martinsen, Stig K.; Price, Mark C.

2016-01-01

Feelings of knowing (FoK) are introspective self-report ratings of the felt likelihood that one will be able to recognize a currently unrecallable memory target. Previous studies have shown that FoKs are influenced by retrieved fragment knowledge related to the target, which is compatible with the accessibility hypothesis that FoK is partly based on currently activated partial knowledge about the memory target. However, previous results have been inconsistent as to whether or not FoKs are influenced by the accuracy of such information. In our study (N = 26), we used a recall-judge-recognize procedure where stimuli were general knowledge questions. The measure of partial knowledge was wider than those applied previously, and FoK was measured before rather than after partial knowledge. The accuracy of reported partial knowledge was positively related to subsequent recognition accuracy, and FoK only predicted recognition on trials where there was correct partial knowledge. Importantly, FoK was positively related to the amount of correct partial knowledge, but did not show a similar incremental relation with incorrect knowledge. PMID:27445950

Development of combined nanofiltration and forward osmosis process for production of ethanol from pretreated rice straw.

PubMed

Shibuya, Masafumi; Sasaki, Kengo; Tanaka, Yasuhiro; Yasukawa, Masahiro; Takahashi, Tomoki; Kondo, Akihiko; Matsuyama, Hideto

2017-07-01

A membrane process combining nanofiltraion (NF) and forward osmosis (FO) was developed for the sugar concentration with the aim of high bio-ethanol production from the liquid fraction of rice straw. The commercial NF membrane, ESNA3, was more adequate for removal of fermentation inhibitors (such as acetic acid) than the FO membrane, whereas the commercial FO membrane, TFC-ES, was more adequate for concentration of the sugars than the NF membrane. The liquid fraction was subjected to the following process: NF concentration with water addition (NF (+H2O) )→enzymatic hydrolysis→FO concentration. This NF (+H2O) -FO hybrid process generated a total sugar content of 107g·L -1 . Xylose-assimilating S. cerevisiae produced 24g·L -1 ethanol from the liquid fraction that was diluted 1.5-fold and then concentrated by the NF (+H2O) -FO hybrid process. The NF (+H2O) -FO hybrid process has the potential for optimized ethanol production from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Circuit for echo and noise suppression of acoustic signals transmitted through a drill string

DOEpatents

Drumheller, D.S.; Scott, D.D.

1993-12-28

An electronic circuit for digitally processing analog electrical signals produced by at least one acoustic transducer is presented. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel digital time delay circuit is utilized which employs an array of First-in-First-out (FiFo) microchips. Also, a bandpass filter is used at the input to this circuit for isolating drill string noise and eliminating high frequency output. 20 figures.

CRL/NMSU and Brandeis: Description of the MucBruce System as Used for MUC-4

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

developing a method fo r identifying articles of interest and extracting and storing specific kinds of information from large volumes o f Japanese and...performance . Most of the information produced in our MUC template s is arrived at by probing the text which surrounds `significant’ words for the...strings with semantic information . The other two, the Relevant Template Filter and the Relevant Paragraph Filter, perform word frequency analysis to

Comparing Wild 2 Particles to Chondrites and IDPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael; Nakamura-Messenger, Keiko; Rietmeijer, Frans; Leroux, Hugues; Mikouchi, Takashi; Ohsumi, Kazumasa; Simon, Steven; Grossman, Lawrence; Stephan, Thomas; Weisberg, Michael;

Biosimilars: it's not as simple as cost alone.

PubMed

Roger, S D; Goldsmith, D

2008-10-01

Biosimilars or follow-on biologics (FoB) are biopharmaceuticals that, unlike small molecule generic products, are copies of larger, much more complex proteins. As such, data generated from one biopharmaceutical cannot be extrapolated to another. Unlike small molecule generics, FoB require a full developmental programme, albeit smaller than for an originator product. This has been recognized by European regulatory authorities and it is becoming clear that accelerated processes for FoB marketing approval are not feasible. To determine the balance between costs surrounding FoB (including relatively extensive developmental programmes and subsequent price to the market) and the necessity to ensure efficacy and safety. It is important that FoB are sufficiently tested to ensure patient safety is not compromised. Conducting such a development programme followed by sound pharmacovigilance is very challenging and costly. Cost-savings associated with FoB may be limited.

Effect of dietary starch concentration and fish oil supplementation on milk yield and composition, diet digestibility, and methane emissions in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Pirondini, M; Colombini, S; Mele, M; Malagutti, L; Rapetti, L; Galassi, G; Crovetto, G M

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets with different starch concentrations and fish oil (FO) supplementation on lactation performance, in vivo total-tract nutrient digestibility, N balance, and methane (CH4) emissions in lactating dairy cows. The experiment was conducted as a 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement: 2 concentrations of dietary starch [low vs. high: 23.7 and 27.7% on a dry matter (DM) basis; neutral detergent fiber/starch ratios: 1.47 and 1.12], the presence or absence of FO supplement (0.80% on a DM basis), and their interaction were evaluated. Four Italian Friesian cows were fed 1 of the following 4 diets in 4 consecutive 26-d periods: (1) low starch (LS), (2) low starch plus FO (LSO), (3) high starch (HS), and (4) high starch plus FO (HSO). The diets contained the same amount of forages (corn silage, alfalfa and meadow hays). The starch concentration was balanced using different proportions of corn meal and soybean hulls. The cows were housed in metabolic stalls inside open-circuit respiration chambers to allow measurement of CH4 emission and the collection of separate urine and feces. No differences among treatments were observed for DM intake. We observed a trend for FO to increase milk yield: 29.2 and 27.5kg/d, on average, for diets with and without FO, respectively. Milk fat was affected by the interaction between dietary starch and FO: milk fat decreased only in the HSO diet. Energy-corrected milk (ECM) was affected by the interaction between starch and FO, with a positive effect of FO on the LS diet. Fish oil supplementation decreased the n-6:n-3 ratio of milk polyunsaturated fatty acids. High-starch diets negatively influenced all digestibility parameters measured except starch, whereas FO improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility (41.9 vs. 46.1% for diets without and with FO, respectively, and ether extract digestibility (53.7 vs. 67.1% for diets without and with FO, respectively). We observed a trend for lower CH4 emission (g/d) and intensity (g/kg of milk) with the high-starch diets compared with the low-starch diets: 396 versus 415g/d on average, respectively, and 14.1 versus 14.9g/kg of milk, respectively. Methane intensity per kilogram of ECM was affected by the interaction between starch and FO, with a positive effect of FO for the LS diet: 14.5 versus 13.3g of CH4/kg of ECM for LS and LSO diets, respectively. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A new ionospheric storm scale based on TEC and foF2 statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishioka, Michi; Tsugawa, Takuya; Jin, Hidekatsu; Ishii, Mamoru

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose the I-scale, a new ionospheric storm scale for general users in various regions in the world. With the I-scale, ionospheric storms can be classified at any season, local time, and location. Since the ionospheric condition largely depends on many factors such as solar irradiance, energy input from the magnetosphere, and lower atmospheric activity, it had been difficult to scale ionospheric storms, which are mainly caused by solar and geomagnetic activities. In this study, statistical analysis was carried out for total electron content (TEC) and F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) in Japan for 18 years from 1997 to 2014. Seasonal, local time, and latitudinal dependences of TEC and foF2 variabilities are excluded by normalizing each percentage variation using their statistical standard deviations. The I-scale is defined by setting thresholds to the normalized numbers to seven categories: I0, IP1, IP2, IP3, IN1, IN2, and IN3. I0 represents a quiet state, and IP1 (IN1), IP2 (IN2), and IP3 (IN3) represent moderate, strong, and severe positive (negative) storms, respectively. The proposed I-scale can be used for other locations, such as polar and equatorial regions. It is considered that the proposed I-scale can be a standardized scale to help the users to assess the impact of space weather on their systems.

Driving an Active Vibration Balancer to Minimize Vibrations at the Fundamental and Harmonic Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holliday, Ezekiel S. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Vibrations of a principal machine are reduced at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies by driving the drive motor of an active balancer with balancing signals at the fundamental and selected harmonics. Vibrations are sensed to provide a signal representing the mechanical vibrations. A balancing signal generator for the fundamental and for each selected harmonic processes the sensed vibration signal with adaptive filter algorithms of adaptive filters for each frequency to generate a balancing signal for each frequency. Reference inputs for each frequency are applied to the adaptive filter algorithms of each balancing signal generator at the frequency assigned to the generator. The harmonic balancing signals for all of the frequencies are summed and applied to drive the drive motor. The harmonic balancing signals drive the drive motor with a drive voltage component in opposition to the vibration at each frequency.

Medium-chain triglycerides and monounsaturated fatty acids potentiate the beneficial effects of fish oil on selected cardiovascular risk factors in rats.

PubMed

Kondreddy, Vijay Kumar Reddy; Anikisetty, Maheswaraiah; Naidu, Kamatham Akhilender

2016-02-01

Fish oil (FO) rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Little information is known regarding the influence of lipid composition in the background diet on the modulatory effect of FO supplementation on CVDs. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of various background dietary lipids and FO on selected cardiovascular risk factors in rats. Adult Wistar rats were fed semisynthetic diet with FO at 1.0% or 2.0% along with other lipids, namely, medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-3 PUFAs, for 5 weeks. Some of the potent CVD risk factors were estimated in the rats. FO at 1.0% and 2.0% has significantly reduced serum lipid peroxides, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TAGs), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein; liver and adipose TAG and cholesterol levels in MCT, MUFA and n-6 PUFA diet groups. Notably, these alterations were comparatively higher in 1.0% FO-substituted MCT and MUFA diet groups. Interestingly, feeding of FO along with n-3 PUFAs did not show additive effect in attenuation of these factors. Serum liver EPA and DHA levels were remarkably elevated in rats fed FO-enriched MCT or MUFA diets. Our results suggest that MCTs or MUFAs in the background diet might promote the beneficial effects of FO on CVDs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary fish oil supplements increase tissue n-3 fatty acid composition and expression of delta-6 desaturase and elongase-2 in Jade Tiger hybrid abalone.

PubMed

Mateos, Hintsa T; Lewandowski, Paul A; Su, Xiao Q

2011-08-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fish oil (FO) supplements on fatty acid composition and the expression of ∆6 desaturase and elongase 2 genes in Jade Tiger abalone. Five test diets were formulated to contain 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% of FO respectively, and the control diet was the normal commercial abalone diet with no additional FO supplement. The muscle, gonad and digestive glands (DG) of abalone fed with all of the five test diets showed significantly high levels of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid n-3 (DPAn-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than the control group. In all three types of tissue, abalone fed diet supplemented with 1.5% FO showed the highest level of these fatty acids (P < 0.05). For DPAn-3 the higher level was also found in muscle and gonad of abalone fed diet supplemented with 2% FO (P < 0.05). Elongase 2 expression was markedly higher in the muscle of abalone fed diet supplemented with 1.5% FO (P < 0.05), followed by the diet containing 2% FO supplement. For ∆6 desaturase, significantly higher expression was observed in muscle of abalone fed with diet containing 0.5% FO supplement (P < 0.05). Supplementation with FO in the normal commercial diet can significantly improve long chain n-3 PUFA level in cultured abalone, with 1.5% being the most effective supplementation level.

Rapid effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on growth and development parameters and transcription of key fatty acid metabolism genes in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer).

PubMed

Salini, Michael J; Turchini, Giovanni M; Wade, Nicholas M; Glencross, Brett D

2015-12-14

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), a catadromous teleost of significant and growing commercial importance, are reported to have limited fatty acid bioconversion capability and therefore require preformed long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) as dietary essential fatty acid (EFA). In this study, the response of juvenile barramundi (47·0 g/fish initial weight) fed isolipidic and isoenergetic diets with 8·2% added oil was tested. The experimental test diets were either devoid of fish oil (FO), and thus with no n-3 LC-PUFA (FO FREE diet), or with a low inclusion of FO (FO LOW diet). These were compared against a control diet containing only FO (FO CTRL diet) as the added lipid source, over an 8-week period. Interim samples and measurements were taken fortnightly during the trial in order to define the aetiology of the onset and progression of EFA deficiency. After 2 weeks, the fish fed the FO FREE and FO LOW diets had significantly lower live-weights, and after 8 weeks significant differences were detected for all performance parameters. The fish fed the FO FREE diet also had a significantly higher incidence of external abnormalities. The transcription of several genes involved in fatty acid metabolism was affected after 2 weeks of feeding, showing a rapid nutritional regulation. This experiment documents the aetiology of the onset and the progression of EFA deficiency in juvenile barramundi and demonstrates that such deficiencies can be detected within 2 weeks in juvenile fish.

Acoustic analysis of speech variables during depression and after improvement.

PubMed

Nilsonne, A

1987-09-01

Speech recordings were made of 16 depressed patients during depression and after clinical improvement. The recordings were analyzed using a computer program which extracts acoustic parameters from the fundamental frequency contour of the voice. The percent pause time, the standard deviation of the voice fundamental frequency distribution, the standard deviation of the rate of change of the voice fundamental frequency and the average speed of voice change were found to correlate to the clinical state of the patient. The mean fundamental frequency, the total reading time and the average rate of change of the voice fundamental frequency did not differ between the depressed and the improved group. The acoustic measures were more strongly correlated to the clinical state of the patient as measured by global depression scores than to single depressive symptoms such as retardation or agitation.

Individual Differences in the Frequency-Following Response: Relation to Pitch Perception

PubMed Central

Coffey, Emily B. J.; Colagrosso, Emilia M. G.; Lehmann, Alexandre; Schönwiesner, Marc; Zatorre, Robert J.

2016-01-01

The scalp-recorded frequency-following response (FFR) is a measure of the auditory nervous system’s representation of periodic sound, and may serve as a marker of training-related enhancements, behavioural deficits, and clinical conditions. However, FFRs of healthy normal subjects show considerable variability that remains unexplained. We investigated whether the FFR representation of the frequency content of a complex tone is related to the perception of the pitch of the fundamental frequency. The strength of the fundamental frequency in the FFR of 39 people with normal hearing was assessed when they listened to complex tones that either included or lacked energy at the fundamental frequency. We found that the strength of the fundamental representation of the missing fundamental tone complex correlated significantly with people's general tendency to perceive the pitch of the tone as either matching the frequency of the spectral components that were present, or that of the missing fundamental. Although at a group level the fundamental representation in the FFR did not appear to be affected by the presence or absence of energy at the same frequency in the stimulus, the two conditions were statistically distinguishable for some subjects individually, indicating that the neural representation is not linearly dependent on the stimulus content. In a second experiment using a within-subjects paradigm, we showed that subjects can learn to reversibly select between either fundamental or spectral perception, and that this is accompanied both by changes to the fundamental representation in the FFR and to cortical-based gamma activity. These results suggest that both fundamental and spectral representations coexist, and are available for later auditory processing stages, the requirements of which may also influence their relative strength and thus modulate FFR variability. The data also highlight voluntary mode perception as a new paradigm with which to study top-down vs bottom-up mechanisms that support the emerging view of the FFR as the outcome of integrated processing in the entire auditory system. PMID:27015271

Increased fear of progression in cancer patients with recurrence.

PubMed

Shim, Eun-Jung; Shin, Yong-Wook; Oh, Do-Youn; Hahm, Bong-Jin

2010-01-01

This study investigated the fear of progression (FoP) in cancer patients and the discriminant ability of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q) against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while also examining relationships between FoP, satisfaction outcomes and supportive needs. The FoP-Q and HADS were administered to 112 cancer patients in Korea during June and July 2006. The FoP-Q totals and subscales, and the HADS scores were compared across three groups (patients with recurrence, patients with metastases and controls experiencing neither). Comparison of the FoP-Q total score to HADS anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) scores showed higher FoP in the recurrence group compared to the control group (P=.009). Subscale score comparisons revealed a heightened "affective reaction" (P=.003) to cancer progression and fear of "loss of autonomy" (P=.011) in recurrence patients. FoP-Q score showed a moderate association with HADS-A (r=.54, P=.000) and a significant association with treatment satisfaction (r=-.26, P=.007), medical staff and communication (r=-.31, P=.001), and supportive needs (r=.41, P=.000). The importance of providing supportive interventions tailored to the specific emotional concerns of cancer patients, assessed via appropriate, disease-specific instruments, and the need to pay special attention to the concerns of recurrence patients are suggested. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integrated forward osmosis-membrane distillation process for human urine treatment.

PubMed

Liu, Qianliang; Liu, Caihong; Zhao, Lei; Ma, Weichao; Liu, Huiling; Ma, Jun

2016-03-15

This study demonstrated a forward osmosis-membrane distillation (FO-MD) hybrid system for real human urine treatment. A series of NaCl solutions at different concentrations were adopted for draw solutions in FO process, which were also the feed solutions of MD process. To establish a stable and continuous integrated FO-MD system, individual FO process with different NaCl concentrations and individual direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process with different feed temperatures were firstly investigated separately. Four stable equilibrium conditions were obtained from matching the water transfer rates of individual FO and MD processes. It was found that the integrated system is stable and sustainable when the water transfer rate of FO subsystem is equal to that of MD subsystem. The rejections to main contaminants in human urine were also investigated. Although individual FO process had relatively high rejection to Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN) and Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) in human urine, these contaminants could also accumulate in draw solution after long term performance. The MD process provided an effective rejection to contaminants in draw solution after FO process and the integrated system revealed nearly complete rejection to TOC, TN and NH4(+)-N. This work provided a potential treatment process for human urine in some fields such as water regeneration in space station and water or nutrient recovery from source-separated urine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Space Weathering of Silicates Simulated by Successive Laser Irradiation: In Situ Reflectance Measurements of Fo90, Fo99+, and Sio2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeffler, M. J.; Dukes, C. A.; Christoffersen, R.; Baragiola, R. A.

2016-01-01

Pulsed-laser irradiation causes the visible-near-infrared spectral slope of olivine (Fo90 and Fo99+) and SiO2 to increase (redden), while the olivine samples darken and the SiO2 samples brighten slightly. XPS analysis shows that irradiation of Fo90 produces metallic Fe. Analytical SEM and TEM measurements confirm that reddening in the Fo90 olivine samples correlates with the production of nanophase metallic Fe (npFe0) grains, 2050 nm in size. The reddening observed in the SiO2 sample is consistent with the formation of SiO or other SiOx species that absorb in the visible. The weak spectral brightening induced by laser irradiation of SiO2 is consistent with a change in surface topography of the sample. The darkening observed in the olivine samples is likely caused by the formation of larger npFe0 particles, such as the 100400 nm diameter npFe0 identified during our TEM analysis of Fo90 samples. The Fo90 reflectance spectra are qualitatively similar to those in previous experiments suggesting that in all cases formation of npFe0 is causing the spectral alteration. Finally, we find that the accumulation of successive laserpulses cause continued sample darkening in the Vis-NIR, which suggests that repeated surface impacts are an efficient way to darken airless body surfaces.

Fish oil-enriched nutrition combined with systemic chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer patients with cancer cachexia.

PubMed

Shirai, Yumiko; Okugawa, Yoshinaga; Hishida, Asahi; Ogawa, Aki; Okamoto, Kyoko; Shintani, Miki; Morimoto, Yuki; Nishikawa, Ryutaro; Yokoe, Takeshi; Tanaka, Koji; Urata, Hisashi; Toiyama, Yuji; Inoue, Yasuhiro; Tanaka, Motoyoshi; Mohri, Yasuhiko; Goel, Ajay; Kusunoki, Masato; McMillan, Donald C; Miki, Chikao

2017-07-06

Despite recent advances in chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer, a crucial factor related to poor prognosis is reduced tolerance to chemotherapy induced by cancer cachexia. Fish oil (FO)-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) modulates inflammation in patients with various malignancies; however, the impact of FO-enriched nutrition as a combined modality therapy on clinical outcomes remains controversial. We systemically analysed chronological changes in biochemical and physiological status using bioelectrical impedance analysis in 128 gastrointestinal cancer patients provided with or without FO-enriched nutrition during chemotherapy. Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical significance of FO-enriched nutrition and clarified appropriate patient groups that receive prognostic benefits from FO-enriched nutrition during treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. The control group showed significant up-regulation of serum CRP) levels and no significant difference in both skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass. In contrast, the FO-enriched nutrition group showed no changes in serum CRP concentration and significantly increased skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass over time. Furthermore, high CRP levels significantly correlated with reduced tolerance to chemotherapy, and FO-enriched nutrition improved chemotherapy tolerance and prognosis, particularly in gastrointestinal cancer patients with a modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) of 1 or 2. We conclude that FO-enriched nutrition may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer cachexia and systemic inflammation (i.e., those with a mGPS of 1 or 2).

Echium Oil Reduces Plasma Triglycerides by Increasing Intravascular Lipolysis in apoB100-Only Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Receptor Knockout Mice

PubMed Central

Forrest, Lolita M.; Lough, Christopher M.; Chung, Soonkyu; Boudyguina, Elena Y.; Gebre, Abraham K.; Smith, Thomas L.; Colvin, Perry L.; Parks, John S.

2013-01-01

Echium oil (EO), which is enriched in SDA (18:4 n-3), reduces plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations in humans and mice. We compared mechanisms by which EO and fish oil (FO) reduce plasma TG concentrations in mildly hypertriglyceridemic male apoB100-only LDLrKO mice. Mice were fed one of three atherogenic diets containing 0.2% cholesterol and palm oil (PO; 20%), EO (10% EO + 10% PO), or FO (10% FO + 10% PO). Livers from PO- and EO-fed mice had similar TG and cholesteryl ester (CE) content, which was significantly higher than in FO-fed mice. Plasma TG secretion was reduced in FO vs. EO-fed mice. Plasma very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle size was ordered: PO (63 ± 4 nm) > EO (55 ± 3 nm) > FO (40 ± 2 nm). Post-heparin lipolytic activity was similar among groups, but TG hydrolysis by purified lipoprotein lipase was significantly greater for EO and FO VLDL compared to PO VLDL. Removal of VLDL tracer from plasma was marginally faster in EO vs. PO fed mice. Our results suggest that EO reduces plasma TG primarily through increased intravascular lipolysis of TG and VLDL clearance. Finally, EO may substitute for FO to reduce plasma TG concentrations, but not hepatic steatosis in this mouse model. PMID:23857172

Echium oil reduces plasma triglycerides by increasing intravascular lipolysis in apoB100-only low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout mice.

PubMed

Forrest, Lolita M; Lough, Christopher M; Chung, Soonkyu; Boudyguina, Elena Y; Gebre, Abraham K; Smith, Thomas L; Colvin, Perry L; Parks, John S

2013-07-12

Echium oil (EO), which is enriched in SDA (18:4 n-3), reduces plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations in humans and mice. We compared mechanisms by which EO and fish oil (FO) reduce plasma TG concentrations in mildly hypertriglyceridemic male apoB100-only LDLrKO mice. Mice were fed one of three atherogenic diets containing 0.2% cholesterol and palm oil (PO; 20%), EO (10% EO + 10% PO), or FO (10% FO + 10% PO). Livers from PO- and EO-fed mice had similar TG and cholesteryl ester (CE) content, which was significantly higher than in FO-fed mice. Plasma TG secretion was reduced in FO vs. EO-fed mice. Plasma very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle size was ordered: PO (63 ± 4 nm) > EO (55 ± 3 nm) > FO (40 ± 2 nm). Post-heparin lipolytic activity was similar among groups, but TG hydrolysis by purified lipoprotein lipase was significantly greater for EO and FO VLDL compared to PO VLDL. Removal of VLDL tracer from plasma was marginally faster in EO vs. PO fed mice. Our results suggest that EO reduces plasma TG primarily through increased intravascular lipolysis of TG and VLDL clearance. Finally, EO may substitute for FO to reduce plasma TG concentrations, but not hepatic steatosis in this mouse model.

Sulfur diffusion in dacitic melt at various oxidation states: Implications for volcanic degassing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lierenfeld, Matthias Bernhard; Zajacz, Zoltán; Bachmann, Olivier; Ulmer, Peter

2018-04-01

The diffusivity of S in a hydrous dacitic melt (4.5-6.0 wt.% H2O) has been investigated in the temperature (T) and pressure (P) range of 950 °C to 1100 °C and 200 to 250 MPa, respectively. Three series of experiments were conducted at relatively low oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions [0.8 log units below fayalite-magnetite-quartz equilibrium (FMQ -0.8); referred to as "low fO2"] and high fO2 conditions (FMQ +2.5; referred to as "high fO2") to determine if the diffusivity of S is affected by its oxidation state and speciation. Sulfur concentration profiles were measured by electron microprobe and the diffusion coefficient (D) was calculated by fitting these profiles. Sulfur diffusion is approximately one order of magnitude faster when S is dominantly present as sulfide species (low fO2) in comparison to the sulfate dominated experiments (high fO2). The following Arrhenian equations were obtained for high and low fO2 conditions at 200 MPa: high fO2: D = 10-5.92±0.86 * exp ({-137.3±21.5 kJ/mol}/{RT}) low fO2: D = 10-5.18±1.39 * exp ({-125.7±34.4 kJ/mol}/{RT}) where D is the average diffusion coefficient in m2 s-1, R is the gas constant in 8.3144 J mol-1 K-1 and T is the temperature in K. Our results demonstrate for the first time in natural melts that S diffusion is strongly sensitive to fO2. Our S diffusivities under low fO2 conditions are only slightly slower of those found for H2O, suggesting that S can be rather efficiently purged from reduced dacitic melts during volcanic eruptions. However, for more oxidized systems (e.g. subduction zones), S diffusion will be much slower and will hinder equilibrium syn-eruptive degassing during rapid decompression. Therefore, we conclude that the "excess" measured during many explosive volcanic eruptions in arcs is dominantly derived from S-rich bubble accumulation in the eruptible portion of the magma reservoir.

Petrography and geochemistry of volcanic rocks from the Niemodlin area (SW Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakubiak, Artur; Pietranik, Anna; Łyczewska, Ewelina

2010-05-01

The Tertiary volcanic rocks of the Opole Silesia (SW Poland) belong to the easternmost part of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP). Various volcanic rocks occur in the Opole region including melanephelinites, melabasanites, nephelinites and nephelinite basalts. Radiometric ages (K - Ar method) of these rocks range from 21,2 to 30,5Ma [1]. Here, we characterize volcanic rocks from two active quarries 'Gracze' and 'Rutki - Ligota'. According to the TAS diagram, the rocks from 'Gracze' classify as nephelinites and those from 'Rutki-Ligota' as basanites. Mineral composition is very similar in both groups of rocks. Nephelinite consists of olivine, clinopyroxene, nepheline, Ti-Fe oxide and apatite. Basanite consists of olivine, clinopyroxene, nepheline, plagioclase, Ti-Fe oxide and apatite. Phenocrysts in both groups are olivine and clinopyroxene. The nephelinites from 'Gracze' contain more MgO (12,7 - 13,8 wt%) than the basanites from 'Rutki-Ligota' (MgO 10,8 - 12,0 wt%). However, chemical composition of minerals in the basanites and nephelinites is similar, though minerals in the nephelinites are more homogenous. Olivine phenocrysts in the nephelinites show compositional variations from Fo73to Fo87(?Fo = 14), Ca = 100-4600 ppm and Ni = 500-4700 ppm. In contrast, olivine phenocrysts in the basanites span a wider compositional range from Fo63- Fo88 (?Fo = 25), Ca = 1000-6350 ppm and Ni = 400-3150 ppm. In both groups of rocks the forsterite and Ni content is higher in the cores (Fo78 -Fo88,Ni = 500 - 3800ppm in nephelinites, Fo75 - Fo88, Ni = 500 - 3200ppm in basanites) and lower in the rims (Fo73 -Fo81,Ni = 550 - 4750ppm in nephelinites, Fo66 - Fo84, Ni = 300 - 2350ppm in basanites) while Ca content is lower in the cores (Ca = 100 - 3700ppmin nephelinites, Ca = 1000 - 3150ppm in basanites) and higher in the rims (Ca = 1850 - 4600ppm in nephelinites, Ca = 1400 - 5450ppm in basanites). However, the lowest contents of Ca (100 - 1000 ppm) were observed only in a few olivine phenoctrysts from the Gracze quarry. The Fo content in the olivine cores is in equilibrium with whole rock Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio. The similarity of mineral and chemical whole rock compositions of the rocks from 'Rutki-Ligota' and 'Gracze' indicate that they were derived from the same source. Slight differences in chemical composition are consistent with different degrees of differentiation and/or melting in the source. Basanite records a larger span of differentiation than nephelinite. The low Fo in olivine (up to 88%) and Ni (up to 3800ppm) content are consistent with the magmatic origin for most of the olivine phenocrysts [2,3]. Two stages of olivine crystallization are recorded in the chemical composition of olivine: (1) a protracted, early stage when a few grains crystallized in equilibrium with melt and the melt composition did not varied during that stage; (2) an abrupt crystallization consistent with a rapid change in crystallization conditions, most probably during the eruption. [1] Birkenmajer, Pécskay, 2002,: Biulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences Earth Sciences Vol. 50, pp.33-50 [2] Cvetkovič et al, 2004 Contr. Min. Pet. Vol. 148 pp. 335-357 [3] Pearson et al. 2003, Treatise on Geochemistry . Vol. 2.05

Fluid Overload and Fluid Removal in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

PubMed Central

Selewski, David T; Cornell, Timothy T; Blatt, Neal B; Han, Yong Y; Mottes, Theresa; Kommareddi, Mallika; Gaies, Michael G; Annich, Gail M; Kershaw, David B; Shanley, Thomas P; Heung, Michael

2012-01-01

Objective In pediatric patients fluid overload (FO) at continuous renal replacement (CRRT) initiation is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between fluid overload at CRRT initiation, fluid removal during CRRT, the kinetics of fluid removal and mortality in a large pediatric population receiving CRRT while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary children’s hospital Patients ECMO patients requiring CRRT from July 2006 to September 2010 Interventions None Measurements and Main Results Overall ICU survival was 34% for 53 patients that were initiated on CRRT while on ECMO during the study period. Median FO at CRRT initiation was significantly lower in survivors compared to non-survivors (24.5 vs. 38%, p=0.006). Median FO at CRRT discontinuation was significantly lower in survivors compared to non-survivors (7.1 vs. 17.5%, p=0.035). After adjusting for percent FO at CRRT initiation, age and severity of illness, the change in FO at CRRT discontinuation was not significantly associated with mortality (p=0.212). Models investigating the rates of fluid removal in different periods, age, severity of illness and fluid overload at CRRT initiation found that fluid overload at CRRT initiation was the most consistent predictor of survival. Conclusions Our data demonstrates an association between FO at CRRT initiation and mortality in pediatric patients receiving ECMO. The degree of FO at CRRT discontinuation is also associated with mortality, but appears to reflect the effect of FO at initiation. Furthermore, correction of FO to ≤ 10% was not associated with improved survival. These results suggest that intervening prior to the development of significant FO may be more clinically effective than attempting fluid removal after significant fluid overload has developed. Our findings suggest a role for earlier initiation of CRRT in this population, and warrant further clinical studies. PMID:22743776

Oxygen Fugacity in Large Metal Capsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faul, U.; Cline, C. J., II; Jackson, I.; Berry, A.

2016-12-01

During experiments with iron bearing silicates, equilibration between metal capsules and sample interior depends on diffusion of Fe if the capsule composition is not initially in equilibrium with the sample composition. For example, placing Pt or Ni capsules in contact with Fe-bearing olivine leads to Fe-loss from the olivine. In a fully equilibrated system the Fe contents of coexisting metal capsule and olivine reflect the oxygen fugacity (fO2) of the system. Experiments were conducted with olivine encapsulated or wrapped in four different metals (Fe, Ni70Fe30, Ni and Pt) to determine the fO2 in the cm-sized samples used for deformation and seismic property experiments. Small Pt particles mixed with olivine powder were used as fO2 sensors in the interior of the capsules. The results show an ordering of the fO2 in the interior that is consistent with the enclosing metals, i.e. the fO2 is lowest in a Fe capsule and highest in a Pt capsule. However, fO2 values in the more oxidizing metal capsules are substantially below their respective metal-oxide buffers. For example, solgel olivine encapsulated in Ni has an oxygen fugacity that is more than three orders of magnitude below Ni-NiO at 1200C and 0.3 GPa. The fO2 in a capsule interior is therefore to some extent self-buffering and only moderately influenced by the composition of the capsule. While the Pt particles in the interior are equilibrated, Fe gradients from the interior up to the Pt and Ni sample-capsule interfaces show that Fe loss into the capsules is diffusion limited. The fO2 at the interface also has implications for the water retention in unbuffered capsules. We infer that relatively high fO2 and hence fH2O observed adjacent to Pt capsules enables retention of water in these capsules, but the fO2 adjacent to Ni capsules is too low and water is lost.

Validation of foF2 and TEC Modeling During Geomagnetic Disturbed Times: Preliminary Outcomes of International Forum for Space Weather Modeling Capabilities Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shim, J. S.; Tsagouri, I.; Goncharenko, L. P.; Kuznetsova, M. M.

2017-12-01

To address challenges of assessment of space weather modeling capabilities, the CCMC (Community Coordinated Modeling Center) is leading the newly established "International Forum for Space Weather Modeling Capabilities Assessment." This presentation will focus on preliminary outcomes of the International Forum on validation of modeled foF2 and TEC during geomagnetic storms. We investigate the ionospheric response to 2013 Mar. geomagnetic storm event using ionosonde and GPS TEC observations in North American and European sectors. To quantify storm impacts on foF2 and TEC, we first quantify quiet-time variations of foF2 and TEC (e.g., the median and the average of the five quietest days for the 30 days during quiet conditions). It appears that the quiet time variation of foF2 and TEC are about 10% and 20-30%, respectively. Therefore, to quantify storm impact, we focus on foF2 and TEC changes during the storm main phase larger than 20% and 50%, respectively, compared to 30-day median. We find that in European sector, both foF2 and TEC response to the storm are mainly positive phase with foF2 increase of up to 100% and TEC increase of 150%. In North America sector, however, foF2 shows negative effects (up to about 50% decrease), while TEC shows positive response (the largest increase is about 200%). To assess modeling capability of reproducing the changes of foF2 and TEC due to the storm, we use various model simulations, which are obtained from empirical, physics-based, and data assimilation models. The performance of each model depends on the selected metrics, therefore, only one metrics is not enough to evaluate the models' predictive capabilities in capturing the storm impact. The performance of the model also varies with latitude and longitude.

Modified Primers for the Identification of Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Isolates That Have Biological Control Potential against Fusarium Wilt of Cucumber in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Wang, Chaojen; Lin, Yisheng; Lin, Yinghong; Chung, Wenhsin

2013-01-01

Previous investigations demonstrated that Fusarium oxysporum (Fo), which is not pathogenic to cucumbers, could serve as a biological control agent for managing Fusarium wilt of cucumber caused by Fo f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc) in Taiwan. However, thus far it has not been possible to separate the populations of pathogenic Fo from the nonpathogenic isolates that have biological control potential through their morphological characteristics. Although these two populations can be distinguished from one another using a bioassay, the work is laborious and time-consuming. In this study, a fragment of the intergenic spacer (IGS) region of ribosomal DNA from an Fo biological control agent, Fo366, was PCR-amplified with published general primers, FIGS11/FIGS12 and sequenced. A new primer, NPIGS-R, which was designed based on the IGS sequence, was paired with the FIGS11 primer. These primers were then evaluated for their specificity to amplify DNA from nonpathogenic Fo isolates that have biological control potential. The results showed that the modified primer pair, FIGS11/NPIGS-R, amplified a 500-bp DNA fragment from five of seven nonpathogenic Fo isolates. These five Fo isolates delayed symptom development of cucumber Fusarium wilt in greenhouse bioassay tests. Seventy-seven Fo isolates were obtained from the soil and plant tissues and then subjected to amplification using the modified primer pair; six samples showed positive amplification. These six isolates did not cause symptoms on cucumber seedlings when grown in peat moss infested with the isolates and delayed disease development when the same plants were subsequently inoculated with a virulent isolate of Foc. Therefore, the modified primer pair may prove useful for the identification of Fo isolates that are nonpathogenic to cucumber which can potentially act as biocontrol agents for Fusarium wilt of cucumber. PMID:23762289

The optimised sc dipole of SIS100 for series production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roux, Christian; Mierau, Anna; Bleile, Alexander; Fischer, Egbert; Kaether, Florian; Körber, Boris; Schnizer, Pierre; Sugita, Kei; Szwangruber, Piotr

2017-02-01

At the international facility for antiproton and ion research (FAIR) in Darmstadt, Germany, an accelerator complex is developed for fundamental research in various fields of modern physics. In the SIS100 heavy-ion synchrotron, the main accelerator of FAIR, superconducting dipoles are used to bend the particle beam. The fast ramped dipoles are 3 m long super-ferric curved magnets operated at 4.5 K. The demands on field homogeneity required for sufficient beam stability are given by ΔB/B ≤ ±6 · 10-4. An intense measurement program of the First of Series (FoS) dipole showed excellent quench behavior and lower than expected AC losses yielding the main load on the SIS100 cryoplant. The FoS is capable to provide a field strength of 1.9 T. However, with sophisticated measurement systems slight distortions of the dipole field were detected. Those effects were tracked down to mechanical inaccuracies of the yoke proven by appropriate geometrical measurements and simulations. After a survey on alternative fabrication techniques a magnet with a new yoke was built with substantial changes to improve the mechanical accuracy. Its characteristics concerning cryogenic losses, cold geometry and the resulting magnetic-field quality are presented and an outlook on the series production of superconducting dipoles for SIS100 is given.

Sensory quality and chemical composition of meat from lambs fed diets enriched with fish and rapeseed oils, carnosic acid and seleno-compounds.

PubMed

Jaworska, Danuta; Czauderna, Marian; Przybylski, Wiesław; Rozbicka-Wieczorek, Agnieszka J

2016-09-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate longissimus muscle quality in lambs fed diets including fish oil (FO), rapeseed oil (RO), carnosic acid (CA) and seleno-compounds. Lambs were fed one of diets: Group I - the basal diet (BD) with 3% RO; Group II - BD with 2% RO and 1% FO; Group III - BD with 2% RO, 1% FO and 0.1% CA; Group IV - BD with 2% RO, 1% FO, 0.1% CA and 0.35ppm Se as selenized-yeast; Group V - BD with 2% RO, 1% FO, 0.1% CA and 0.35ppm Se as selenate. The addition of FO and FO, CA and selenium in the inorganic form was characterized by lowest tenderness and juiciness (P<0.05). The lowest concentration of fatty acids (ΣFAs), atherogenic-FAs (A(SFA)) and thrombogenic-FAs (T(SFA)) in the muscle was found for Group V (P<0.05). Experimental diets decreased indexes of A(SFA) and T(SFA) in muscle. The lowest ratio (P<0.05) of n-6polyunsaturated-FAs to n-3polyunsaturated-FAs was obtained for Group III. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Step size of the rotary proton motor in single FoF1-ATP synthase from a thermoalkaliphilic bacterium by DCO-ALEX FRET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammann, Eva; Zappe, Andrea; Keis, Stefanie; Ernst, Stefan; Matthies, Doreen; Meier, Thomas; Cook, Gregory M.; Börsch, Michael

2012-02-01

Thermophilic enzymes operate at high temperatures but show reduced activities at room temperature. They are in general more stable during preparation and, accordingly, are considered to be more rigid in structure. Crystallization is often easier compared to proteins from bacteria growing at ambient temperatures, especially for membrane proteins. The ATP-producing enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase from thermoalkaliphilic Caldalkalibacillus thermarum strain TA2.A1 is driven by a Fo motor consisting of a ring of 13 c-subunits. We applied a single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach using duty cycle-optimized alternating laser excitation (DCO-ALEX) to monitor the expected 13-stepped rotary Fo motor at work. New FRET transition histograms were developed to identify the smaller step sizes compared to the 10-stepped Fo motor of the Escherichia coli enzyme. Dwell time analysis revealed the temperature and the LDAO dependence of the Fo motor activity on the single molecule level. Back-and-forth stepping of the Fo motor occurs fast indicating a high flexibility in the membrane part of this thermophilic enzyme.

Examination of marine and vegetable oil oxidation data from a multi-year, third-party database.

PubMed

De Boer, Anna A; Ismail, Adam; Marshall, Keri; Bannenberg, Gerard; Yan, Kevin L; Rowe, William J

2018-07-15

Fish oil (FO) products constitute good sources of omega-3 fats. Oxidation data from a large third-party database of 1900 + globally-sourced FO samples were assessed. In FO products, for peroxide value (PV), 13.9% exceeded 5 mEq O 2 /kg (2.2% >10); for acid value (AcV) 2.1% exceeded 3 mg KOH/g, while for p-anisidine value (pAV) in unflavoured oils, 6.1% exceeded 20, (3.8% >30), and 8.8% exceeded TOTOX limits (26). Additionally, we compared FO with other dietary oils. The FO median PV was similar to those of algal and sunflower oils, 4.8-fold greater than krill oil, and 5.2-fold less than extra-virgin olive oil. The median pAV differed non-significantly among oils. The FO median AcV was similar to those of algal and extra-virgin olive oils, 3.4-fold greater than sunflower oil, and 11.9-fold less than krill oil. This study has provided new insight that retail FO products predominantly meet regulatory guidelines and are comparable in oxidative status to other dietary oils. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The utilization of forward osmosis for coal tailings dewatering

EPA Science Inventory

The feasibility of dewatering coal tailings slurry by forward osmosis (FO) membrane process was investigated in this research. A prototype cell was designed and used for the dewatering tests. A cellulosic FO membrane (Hydration Technology Innovations, LLC, Albany, OR) was used fo...

How Fo-ATPase generates rotary torque.

PubMed

Oster, G; Wang, H; Grabe, M

2000-04-29

The F-ATPases synthesize ATP using a transmembrane ionmotive force (IMF) established by the electron transport chain. This transduction involves first converting the IMF to a rotary torque in the transmembrane Fo portion. This torque is communicated from Fo to the F1 portion where the energy is used to release the newly synthesized ATP from the catalytic sites according to Boyer's binding change mechanism. Here we explain the principle by which an IMF generates this rotary torque in the Fo ion engine.

Fear of recurrence in long-term cancer survivors-Do cancer type, sex, time since diagnosis, and social support matter?

PubMed

Koch-Gallenkamp, Lena; Bertram, Heike; Eberle, Andrea; Holleczek, Bernd; Schmid-Höpfner, Sieglinde; Waldmann, Annika; Zeissig, Sylke R; Brenner, Hermann; Arndt, Volker

2016-12-01

Fear of recurrence (FoR) is among the most important concerns for cancer survivors. Studies on potentially influencing variables, like time since diagnosis, cancer type, and sex, have yielded heterogeneous results. Also social support has rarely been examined as an influencing factor. This study aims to increase knowledge on these factors. Analyses are based on cross-sectional data of long-term survivors of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer (5-16 years postdiagnosis), recruited by 6 German population-based cancer registries. Six thousand fifty-seven women and men were included in the analyses. FoR was assessed using the short form of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q-SF). The associations of cancer type, age, sex, time since diagnosis, and social support with moderate/high FoR were identified via multiple logistic regression analyses. The majority of long-term cancer survivors reported experiencing FoR, mostly in low intensity. Female survivors, survivors ≤54 or 55-59 years of age, 5 to 7 years postdiagnosis, with a lower education, with recurrence/metastases, or being socially isolated were at greater risk to experience moderate/high FoR. Cancer type and stage at diagnosis did not reach statistical significance. Our results indicate a potential vulnerability for women to experience FoR in moderate/high severity. Also younger and socially isolated survivors were at greater risk to suffer from moderate/high levels of FoR and should thus be monitored for high levels of FoR and be offered the support needed to manage their fears. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Cyclophilin D Promotes Brain Mitochondrial F1FO ATP Synthase Dysfunction in Aging Mice

PubMed Central

Gauba, Esha; Guo, Lan; Du, Heng

2017-01-01

Brain aging is the known strongest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In recent years, mitochondrial deficits have been proposed to be a common mechanism linking brain aging to AD. Therefore, to elucidate the causative mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging brains is of paramount importance for our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, in particular its sporadic form. Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a specific mitochondrial protein. Recent studies have shown that F1FO ATP synthase oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) is a binding partner of CypD. The interaction of CypD with OSCP modulates F1FO ATP synthase function and mediates mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Here, we have found that increased CypD expression, enhanced CypD/OSCP interaction, and selective loss of OSCP are prominent brain mitochondrial changes in aging mice. Along with these changes, brain mitochondria from the aging mice demonstrated decreased F1FO ATP synthase activity and defective F1FO complex coupling. In contrast, CypD deficient mice exhibited substantially mitigated brain mitochondrial F1FO ATP synthase dysfunction with relatively preserved mitochondrial function during aging. Interestingly, the aging-related OSCP loss was also dramatically attenuated by CypD depletion. Therefore, the simplest interpretation of this study is that CypD promotes F1FO ATP synthase dysfunction and the resultant mitochondrial deficits in aging brains. In addition, in view of CypD and F1FO ATP synthase alterations seen in AD brains, the results further suggest that CypD-mediated F1FO ATP synthase deregulation is a shared mechanism linking mitochondrial deficits in brain aging and AD. PMID:27834780

Cyclophilin D Promotes Brain Mitochondrial F1FO ATP Synthase Dysfunction in Aging Mice.

PubMed

Gauba, Esha; Guo, Lan; Du, Heng

2017-01-01

Brain aging is the known strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, mitochondrial deficits have been proposed to be a common mechanism linking brain aging to AD. Therefore, to elucidate the causative mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging brains is of paramount importance for our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD, in particular its sporadic form. Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a specific mitochondrial protein. Recent studies have shown that F1FO ATP synthase oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) is a binding partner of CypD. The interaction of CypD with OSCP modulates F1FO ATP synthase function and mediates mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Here, we have found that increased CypD expression, enhanced CypD/OSCP interaction, and selective loss of OSCP are prominent brain mitochondrial changes in aging mice. Along with these changes, brain mitochondria from the aging mice demonstrated decreased F1FO ATP synthase activity and defective F1FO complex coupling. In contrast, CypD deficient mice exhibited substantially mitigated brain mitochondrial F1FO ATP synthase dysfunction with relatively preserved mitochondrial function during aging. Interestingly, the aging-related OSCP loss was also dramatically attenuated by CypD depletion. Therefore, the simplest interpretation of this study is that CypD promotes F1FO ATP synthase dysfunction and the resultant mitochondrial deficits in aging brains. In addition, in view of CypD and F1FO ATP synthase alterations seen in AD brains, the results further suggest that CypD-mediated F1FO ATP synthase deregulation is a shared mechanism linking mitochondrial deficits in brain aging and AD.

Influence of cafeteria diet and fish oil in pregnancy and lactation on pups' body weight and fatty acid profiles in rats.

PubMed

Sánchez-Blanco, Clara; Amusquivar, Encarnación; Bispo, Kenia; Herrera, Emilio

2016-06-01

The aim was to determine the effects of cafeteria diet (CD) and fish oil supplements given to pregnant and lactating rats on the birth weight and fatty acid profiles of their offspring. Female rats were given standard diet (STD) or CD for 22 days before pregnancy. After mating, some animals remained on STD or CD; for some CD rats, the diet was supplemented with 8.78 % fish oil (CD-FO). After 12 days, half the CD-FO group returned to CD (CD-FO12) and the others remained on CD-FO. At birth, body weights of pups of the three CD groups were lower than STD, maintained until 21 days in the CD-FO group only. At the end of lactation, dams of the CD groups had increased plasma triacylglycerols (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids, and glycerol concentrations, whereas most n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) were decreased, the effect being greatest in the CD-FO group, where most n-3 LCPUFA were increased and indices of Δ(5) and Δ(6) desaturase activities decreased. The 21-day-old pups of the CD group had increased plasma TAG, not present in the CD-FO group, which had increased 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. In both 2- and 21-day-old CD pups, plasma concentrations of ARA were lower than STD, and even lower in the two CD-FO groups. The effect of CD and CD-FO decreasing pups body weight could be related to decreased concentrations of ARA, caused by the inhibition of the Δ(5) and Δ(6) desaturases in the pathway of n-6 LCPUFA biosynthesis.

The relationship between the parenteral dose of fish oil supplementation and the variation of liver function tests in hospitalized adult patients.

PubMed

Badia-Tahull, Maria B; Leiva-Badosa, Elisabet; Jodar-Masanes, Ramon; Ramon-Torrell, Josep Maria; Llop-Talaveron, Josep

2015-07-02

Hepatic dysfunction is a complication associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). Our primary objective was to study the relationship between doses of intravenous fish oil (FO) emulsion in PN and the variation in the main liver function tests (LFTs) in hospitalized PN-treated adults. As a secondary objective, we studied the safety of FO administration. We conducted a retrospective study in adult patients receiving FO supplementation in PN. Demographic, nutritional and safety variables were collected. Variation of LFTs was defined as the difference between values just before the first administration of FO and values at the end of PN. A multiple linear regression was performed to study the association between PN-lipids (FO or vegetable) and the variation of each LFT; the following variables were used to adjust the effect of lipids: sepsis, length of stay in the intensive care unit and lipids dose. Student t-test was used to study safety variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. Patients (53, median age 68 years (24-90); 62% men) with the principal diagnosis of digestive neoplasm (42%) received PN for a median of 19 (7-75) days. In the multivariate analysis, the amount of FO was related to a decrease in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (B = -2.23;CI95 % = -4.41/-0.05), a decrease in alkaline phosphatase (AP) (B = -1.23;CI95 % = -2.07/-0.37), and a decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (B = -0.82; CI95 % = -1.19/-0.44). No differences were found in safety variables. GGT, AP and ALT improved with FO PN-supplementation. Moreover, the improvement was greater when the doses of FO were higher. FO administration in PN is safe.

Permeability recovery of fouled forward osmosis membranes by chemical cleaning during a long-term operation of anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactors treating low-strength wastewater.

PubMed

Wang, Xinhua; Hu, Taozhan; Wang, Zhiwei; Li, Xiufen; Ren, Yueping

2017-10-15

Anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor (AnOMBR) has gained increasing interests in wastewater treatment owing to its simultaneous recovery of biogas and water. However, the forward osmosis (FO) membrane fouling was severe during a long-term operation of AnOMBRs. Here, we aim to recover the permeability of fouled FO membranes by chemical cleaning. Specifically speaking, an optimal chemical cleaning procedure was searched for fouled thin film composite polyamide FO (TFC-FO) membranes in a novel microfiltration (MF) assisted AnOMBR (AnMF-OMBR). The results indicated that citric acid, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA-2Na), hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) had a low cleaning efficiency of less than 15%, while hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) could effectively remove foulants from the TFC-FO membrane surface (almost 100%) through oxidizing the functional group of the organic foulants and disintegrating the colloids and microbe flocs into fine particles. Nevertheless, the damage of H 2 O 2 to the TFC-FO membrane was observed when a high cleaning concentration and a long duration were applied. In this case, the optimal cleaning conditions including cleaning concentration and time for fouled TFC-FO membranes were selected through confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and the flux recovery rate. The results suggested that the optimal cleaning procedure for fouled TFC-FO membranes was use of 0.5% H 2 O 2 at 25 °C for 6 h, and after that, the cleaned TFC-FO membrane had the same performance as a virgin one including water flux and rejection for organic matters and phosphorus during the operation of AnMF-OMBR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parenteral Lipid Dose Restriction With Soy Oil, Not Fish Oil, Preserves Retinal Function in Neonatal Piglets.

PubMed

Lansing, Marihan; Sauvé, Yves; Dimopoulos, Ioannis; Field, Catherine J; Suh, Miyoung; Wizzard, Pamela; Goruk, Susan; Lim, David; Muto, Mitsuru; Wales, Paul; Turner, Justine

2018-03-13

A dietary supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) is critical for neonatal retinal development. Both are absent/minimal in parenteral nutrition (PN) using soy-oil emulsions ([SO] Intralipid®) traditionally used for neonatal intestinal failure. In contrast, fish-oil emulsions ([FO] Omegaven®) are enriched in DHA/AA. The aim of this study was to compare retinal function and fatty acid content in neonatal piglets fed PN with SO or FO. Two-5-day-old piglets were randomly allocated to SO (n = 4) or FO (n = 4), provided at equivalent doses (5g/kg/d). After 14 days of PN, retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and retinas were harvested for fatty acid content analysis. Sow-fed piglets served as a reference (REF). Light flash-elicited stoppage of cone and rod dark-currents (a-waves) and the ensuing postsynaptic activation of cone and rod ON bipolar cells (b-waves) were comparable between SO and REF. Responses recorded from FO were subnormal (P <0.001) when compared with both SO and REF. Retinal DHA content was similar in both groups (FO, 14.59% vs SO, 12.22%; P = 0.32); while AA was lower in FO (FO, 6.01% vs SO, 8.21%; P = .001). Paradoxically, FO containing more DHA and AA did not preserve retinal function when compared with the same low dose of SO. This may be due to the reduced AA enrichment in the retina with FO treatment. Further investigation into the ideal amounts of DHA and AA for optimal neonatal retinal function is required. © 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Effects of organic plant oils and role of oxidation on nutrient utilization in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Lund, I; Dalsgaard, J; Jacobsen, C; Hansen, J H; Holm, J; Jokumsen, A

2013-03-01

Producing organic fish diets requires that the use of both fishmeal and fish oil (FO) be minimized and replaced by sustainable, organic sources. The purpose of the present study was to replace FO with organic oils and evaluate the effects on feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily specific growth rate (SGR) and nutrient digestibility in diets in which fishmeal protein was partly substituted by organic plant protein concentrates. It is prohibited to add antioxidants to organic oils, and therefore the effects of force-oxidizing the oils (including FO) on feed intake and nutrient digestibility was furthermore examined. Four organic oils with either a relatively high or low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids were considered: linseed oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil and grapeseed oil. Substituting FO with organic oils did not affect feed intake (P > 0.05), FCR or SGR (P > 0.05) despite very different dietary fatty acid profiles. All organic plant oils had a positive effect on apparent lipid digestibility compared with the FO diet (P < 0.05), whereas there were no effects on the apparent digestibility of other macronutrients when compared with the FO diet (P > 0.05). Organic vegetable oils did not undergo auto-oxidation as opposed to the FO, and the FO diet consequently had a significantly negative effect on the apparent lipid digestibility. Feed intake was not affected by oxidation of any oils. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that it is possible to fully substitute FO with plant-based organic oils without negatively affecting nutrient digestibility and growth performance. Furthermore, plant-based organic oils are less likely to oxidize than FOs, prolonging the shelf life of such organic diets.

JPL-20180522-GRACFOf-0001-NASAs GRACE FO Satellite Launches Aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-22

3-2-1 liftoff of Falcon 9 with GRACE-FO! NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on, or GRACE-FO, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on California's Central Coast on May 22, 2018. The twin orbiters shared a ride to space with five Iridium NEXT communications satellites. GRACE-FO will continue a study begun by the original GRACE mission, which proved that water movement can be tracked with high precision by its effect on Earth's gravitational field. GRACE-FO will continue the record of regional variations in gravity, telling us about changes in glaciers, ground water, sea levels and the health of our planet as a whole. For more, visit https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov .

Randolph AFB, San Antonio, Texas. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO)

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-03-19

FoRM ARE oUsoIII ’, " ’ . . . " " -,, ’:,,,:t."," *4 -- ".°" "- . . . " ’ * "- : ; Ir , ( DATA PROCESSING BRANCH EtAC/USAF SURFACE WINDS AIR" WATHER ...FORM ARI OS$Oitlt_ ___ _zT z __ __ ___......- ___ _ _ _ .4. .. . II DATA PROCESSIN G BRASFCH FTAC/USAF SURFACE WINDS AiR WATHER SERVICE/MAC PERCENTAGE...SURFACE WINDS 1 A/R WATHER SERVICE/MAC PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED (FROM HOURLY OBSERVATIONS) ( 12911- RANDOLPH AFBJTEXAS/SAN

Characterization of vacuolar amino acid transporter from Fusarium oxysporum in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Lunprom, Siriporn; Pongcharoen, Pongsanat; Sekito, Takayuki; Kawano-Kawada, Miyuki; Kakinuma, Yoshimi; Akiyama, Koichi

2015-01-01

Fusarium oxysporum causes wilt disease in many plant families, and many genes are involved in its development or growth in host plants. A recent study revealed that vacuolar amino acid transporters play an important role in spore formation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To investigate the role of vacuolar amino acid transporters of this phytopathogenic fungus, the FOXG_11334 (FoAVT3) gene from F. oxysporum was isolated and its function was characterized. Transcription of FoAVT3 was upregulated after rapamycin treatment. A green fluorescent protein fusion of FoAvt3p was localized to vacuolar membranes in both S. cerevisiae and F. oxysporum. Analysis of the amino acid content of the vacuolar fraction and amino acid transport activities using vacuolar membrane vesicles from S. cerevisiae cells heterologously expressing FoAVT3 revealed that FoAvt3p functions as a vacuolar amino acid transporter, exporting neutral amino acids. We conclude that the FoAVT3 gene encodes a vacuolar neutral amino acid transporter.

Water reclamation from shale gas drilling flow-back fluid using a novel forward osmosis-vacuum membrane distillation hybrid system.

PubMed

Li, Xue-Mei; Zhao, Baolong; Wang, Zhouwei; Xie, Ming; Song, Jianfeng; Nghiem, Long D; He, Tao; Yang, Chi; Li, Chunxia; Chen, Gang

2014-01-01

This study examined the performance of a novel hybrid system of forward osmosis (FO) combined with vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) for reclaiming water from shale gas drilling flow-back fluid (SGDF). In the hybrid FO-VMD system, water permeated through the FO membrane into a draw solution reservoir, and the VMD process was used for draw solute recovery and clean water production. Using a SGDF sample obtained from a drilling site in China, the hybrid system could achieve almost 90% water recovery. Quality of the reclaimed water was comparable to that of bottled water. In the hybrid FO-VMD system, FO functions as a pre-treatment step to remove most contaminants and constituents that may foul or scale the membrane distillation (MD) membrane, whereas MD produces high quality water. It is envisioned that the FO-VMD system can recover high quality water not only from SGDF but also other wastewaters with high salinity and complex compositions.

Short-term effects of military fog oil on the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola).

PubMed

Ryan, T A; Kohl, A N; Soucek, D J; Smith, T S; Brandt, T M; Bonner, T H; Cropek, D M

2013-11-01

Toxicity tests evaluated chronic and sublethal effects of fog oil (FO) on a freshwater endangered fish. FO is released during military training as an obscurant smoke that can drift into aquatic habitats. Fountain darters, Etheostoma fonticola, of four distinct life stages were exposed under laboratory conditions to three forms of FO. FO was vaporized into smoke and allowed to settle onto water, violently agitated with water, and dosed onto water followed by photo-oxidization by ultraviolet irradiation. Single smoke exposures of spawning adult fish did not affect egg production, egg viability, or adult fish survival in 21-day tests. Multiple daily smoke exposures induced mortality after 5 days for larvae fish. Larvae and juvenile fish were more sensitive than eggs in 96-h lethal concentration (LC50) tests with FO–water mixtures and photo-oxidized FO. Water-soluble FO components photo-modified by ultraviolet radiation were the most toxic, thus indicating the value of examining weathering and aging of chemicals for the best determination of environmental impact.

Fish Oil Supplementation Alleviates the Altered Lipid Homeostasis in Blood, Liver, and Adipose Tissues in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats.

PubMed

Chiu, Chen-Yuan; Wang, Lou-Pin; Liu, Shing-Hwa; Chiang, Meng-Tsan

2018-04-25

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of fish oil on the signals of lipid metabolism involved in hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride influx and excretion in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. Fish oil (FO) repressed body (HFD, 533 ± 18.2 g; HFD+FO, 488 ± 28.0 g, p < 0.05) and liver weights (HFD, 5.7 ± 0.6 g/100 g of body weight; HFD+FO, 4.8 ± 0.4 g/100 g of body weight, p < 0.05) in HFD-fed rats. Fish oil could also improve HFD-induced imbalance of lipid metabolism in blood, liver, and adipose tissues including the significant decreases in plasma and liver total cholesterol (TC) (plasma-HFD, 113 ± 33.6 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 50.0 ± 5.95 mg/dL, p < 0.05; liver-HFD, 102 ± 13.0 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 86.6 ± 7.81 mg/dL, p < 0.05), blood, liver, and adipose triglyceride (TG) (blood-HFD, 52.5 ± 20.4 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 29.8 ± 4.30 mg/dL, p < 0.05; liver-HFD, 56.2 ± 10.0 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 30.3 ± 5.28 mg/dL, p < 0.05; adipose-HFD, 614 ± 73.2 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 409 ± 334 mg/dL, p < 0.05), and low density (HFD, 79.8 ± 40.9 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 16.6 ± 5.47 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and very-low-density (HFD, 49.7 ± 33.3 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 10.4 ± 3.45 mg/dL, p < 0.05) lipoprotein and the significant increases in fecal TC (HFD, 12.2 ± 0.67 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 16.3 ± 2.04 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and TG (HFD, 2.09 ± 0.10 mg/dL; HFD+FO, 2.38 ± 0.22 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and lipoprotein lipase activity of adipose tissues (HFD, 16.6 ± 3.64 μM p-nitrophenol; HFD+FO, 24.5 ± 4.19 μM p-nitrophenol, p < 0.05). Moreover, fish oil significantly activated the protein expressions of hepatic lipid metabolism regulators (AMPKα and PPARα) and significantly regulated the lipid-transport-related signaling molecules (ApoE, MTTP, ApoB, Angptl4, ApoCIII, ACOX1, and SREBPF1) in blood or liver of HFD-fed rats. These results suggest that fish oil supplementation improves HFD-induced imbalance of lipid homeostasis in blood, liver, and adipose tissues in rats.

Frequency of Spontaneous Resistance to Peptide Deformylase Inhibitor GSK1322322 in Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PubMed

Min, Sharon; Ingraham, Karen; Huang, Jianzhong; McCloskey, Lynn; Rilling, Sarah; Windau, Anne; Pizzollo, Jason; Butler, Deborah; Aubart, Kelly; Miller, Linda A; Zalacain, Magdalena; Holmes, David J; O'Dwyer, Karen

2015-08-01

The continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is compromising the successful treatment of serious microbial infections. GSK1322322, a novel peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitor, shows good in vitro antibacterial activity and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in human proof-of-concept clinical studies. In vitro studies were performed to determine the frequency of resistance (FoR) to this antimicrobial agent in major pathogens that cause respiratory tract and skin infections. Resistance to GSK1322322 occurred at high frequency through loss-of-function mutations in the formyl-methionyl transferase (FMT) protein in Staphylococcus aureus (4/4 strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes (4/4 strains) and via missense mutations in Streptococcus pneumoniae (6/21 strains), but the mutations were associated with severe in vitro and/or in vivo fitness costs. The overall FoR to GSK1322322 was very low in Haemophilus influenzae, with only one PDF mutant being identified in one of four strains. No target-based mutants were identified from S. pyogenes, and only one or no PDF mutants were isolated in three of the four S. aureus strains studied. In S. pneumoniae, PDF mutants were isolated from only six of 21 strains tested; an additional 10 strains did not yield colonies on GSK1322322-containing plates. Most of the PDF mutants characterized from those three organisms (35/37 mutants) carried mutations in residues at or in close proximity to one of three highly conserved motifs that are part of the active site of the PDF protein, with 30 of the 35 mutations occurring at position V71 (using the S. pneumoniae numbering system). Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Frequency of Spontaneous Resistance to Peptide Deformylase Inhibitor GSK1322322 in Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae

PubMed Central

Ingraham, Karen; Huang, Jianzhong; McCloskey, Lynn; Rilling, Sarah; Windau, Anne; Pizzollo, Jason; Butler, Deborah; Aubart, Kelly; Miller, Linda A.; Zalacain, Magdalena; Holmes, David J.; O'Dwyer, Karen

2015-01-01

The continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is compromising the successful treatment of serious microbial infections. GSK1322322, a novel peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitor, shows good in vitro antibacterial activity and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in human proof-of-concept clinical studies. In vitro studies were performed to determine the frequency of resistance (FoR) to this antimicrobial agent in major pathogens that cause respiratory tract and skin infections. Resistance to GSK1322322 occurred at high frequency through loss-of-function mutations in the formyl-methionyl transferase (FMT) protein in Staphylococcus aureus (4/4 strains) and Streptococcus pyogenes (4/4 strains) and via missense mutations in Streptococcus pneumoniae (6/21 strains), but the mutations were associated with severe in vitro and/or in vivo fitness costs. The overall FoR to GSK1322322 was very low in Haemophilus influenzae, with only one PDF mutant being identified in one of four strains. No target-based mutants were identified from S. pyogenes, and only one or no PDF mutants were isolated in three of the four S. aureus strains studied. In S. pneumoniae, PDF mutants were isolated from only six of 21 strains tested; an additional 10 strains did not yield colonies on GSK1322322-containing plates. Most of the PDF mutants characterized from those three organisms (35/37 mutants) carried mutations in residues at or in close proximity to one of three highly conserved motifs that are part of the active site of the PDF protein, with 30 of the 35 mutations occurring at position V71 (using the S. pneumoniae numbering system). PMID:26014938

Two-degree-of-freedom fractional order-PID controllers design for fractional order processes with dead-time.

PubMed

Li, Mingjie; Zhou, Ping; Zhao, Zhicheng; Zhang, Jinggang

2016-03-01

Recently, fractional order (FO) processes with dead-time have attracted more and more attention of many researchers in control field, but FO-PID controllers design techniques available for the FO processes with dead-time suffer from lack of direct systematic approaches. In this paper, a simple design and parameters tuning approach of two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) FO-PID controller based on internal model control (IMC) is proposed for FO processes with dead-time, conventional one-degree-of-freedom control exhibited the shortcoming of coupling of robustness and dynamic response performance. 2-DOF control can overcome the above weakness which means it realizes decoupling of robustness and dynamic performance from each other. The adjustable parameter η2 of FO-PID controller is directly related to the robustness of closed-loop system, and the analytical expression is given between the maximum sensitivity specification Ms and parameters η2. In addition, according to the dynamic performance requirement of the practical system, the parameters η1 can also be selected easily. By approximating the dead-time term of the process model with the first-order Padé or Taylor series, the expressions for 2-DOF FO-PID controller parameters are derived for three classes of FO processes with dead-time. Moreover, compared with other methods, the proposed method is simple and easy to implement. Finally, the simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of this method. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of postural instability/gait difficulty and fear of falling in predicting falls in non-demented older adults.

PubMed

Allali, Gilles; Ayers, Emmeline I; Holtzer, Roee; Verghese, Joe

Postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) and fear of falling (FoF) frequently co-exist, but their individual predictive values for falls have not been compared in aging. This study aims to determine both independent and combined effect of PIGD and FoF to falls in older adults without dementia. PIGD and other extrapyramidal signs were systematically assessed in 449 community-dwelling participants without Parkinson's disease (76.48±6.61 ys; 56.8% female) enrolled in this longitudinal cohort study. Presence of FoF was measured by a single-item question (Do you have a FoF?) and self-confidence by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC scale). One hundred sixty-nine participants (38%) had an incident fall over a mean follow-up of 20.1±12.2months. PIGD was present in 32% and FoF in 23% of the participants. Both PIGD (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.28; p=0.016) and self-confidence (aHR: 0.99; p=0.040) predicted falls when entered simultaneously in the Cox model. However, presence of FoF (aHR: 1.99; p=0.021) and self-confidence (aHR: 0.98; p=0.006) predicted falls only in individuals with PIGD. PIGD and FoF were associated with future falls in older adults without dementia but FoF was a fall's predictor only in individuals with PIGD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fish oil supplementation reduces cachexia and tumor growth while improving renal function in tumor-bearing rats.

PubMed

Coelho, Isabela; Casare, Fernando; Pequito, Danielle C T; Borghetti, Gina; Yamazaki, Ricardo K; Brito, Gleisson A P; Kryczyk, Marcelo; Fernandes, Luiz Claudio; Coimbra, Terezila M; Fernandez, Ricardo

2012-11-01

The objective of the present work was to study the renal function of healthy and tumor-bearing rats chronically supplemented with fish oil (FO), a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Weanling male rats were divided in two groups, one control (C) and another orally supplemented for 70 days with FO (1 g/kg body weight). After this time, half the animals of each group were injected in the right flank with a suspension of Walker 256 tumor cells (W and WFO). The W group had less proteinemia reflecting cachectic proteolysis, FO reversed this fact. Tumor weight gain was also reduced in WFO. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was not different in FO or W compared to C, but was higher in WFO. Renal plasma flow (RPF) was higher in the FO supplemented groups. The W group had lower plasma osmolality than the C group, but FO supplementation resulted in normalization of this parameter. Fractional sodium excretion (FE(Na+)) of FO rats was similar to C. Proximal Na(+) reabsorption, evaluated by lithium clearance, was similar among the groups. Urinary thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) excretion was lower in the supplemented groups. The number of macrophages in renal tissue was higher in W compared to C rats, but was lower in WFO rats compared to W rats. In conclusion, FO supplementation resulted in less tumor growth and cachexia, and appeared to be renoprotective, as suggested by higher RPF and GFR.

Hydroxyl functionalized polytriazole-co-polyoxadiazole as substrates for forward osmosis membranes.

PubMed

Duong, Phuoc H H; Chisca, Stefan; Hong, Pei-Ying; Cheng, Hong; Nunes, Suzana P; Chung, Tai-Shung

2015-02-25

Hydroxyl functionalized polytriazole-co-polyoxadiazole (PTA-POD) copolymers have been synthesized and cast as promising highly thermally stable, chemically resistant, and antiorganic/biological fouling porous substrates for the fabrication of thin-film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes. The roles of PTA/POD ratios in the membrane substrates, TFC layers, and FO membrane performance have been investigated. This study demonstrates that the substrate fabricated from the copolymer containing 40 mol % PTA is optimal for the TFC membranes. Compared to the POD-TFC membrane, the 40 mol % PTA-TFC membrane exhibits a remarkable decrease in structural parameter (S) of more than 3.3 times. In addition, the 40 mol % PTA-TFC membrane is characterized by high water fluxes of 24.9 LMH and 47.2 LMH using 1 M NaCl as the draw solution and DI water as the feed under FO and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) modes, respectively. Compared to a polysulfone (PSU) supported TFC-FO membrane under similar fabrication conditions, the 40% mol PTA-TFC membrane shows better FO performance and enhanced antifouling properties on the support (lower protein binding propensity and improved bacterial inhibition). Moreover, the performance of the 40 mol % PTA supported TFC-FO membrane can be improved to 37.5 LMH (FO mode)/78.4 LMH (PRO mode) and potentially higher by optimizing the support morphology, the TFC formation, and the post-treatment process. Hence, the use of newly developed hydroxyl functionalized polytriazole-co-polyoxadiazole copolymers may open up a new class of material for FO processes.

Space Weathering of Silicates Simulated by Successive Laser Irradiation: in Situ Reflectance Measurements of Fo90, Fo99+, and SiO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeffler, M. J.; Dukes, C. A.; Christoffersen, R.; Baragiola, R. A.

2016-01-01

Pulsed-laser irradiation causes the visible-near-infrared spectral slope of olivine (Fo90 and Fo99+) and SiO2 to increase (redden), while the olivine samples darken and the SiO2 samples brighten slightly. XPS analysis shows that irradiation of Fo90 produces metallic Fe. Analytical SEM and TEM measurements confirm that reddening in the Fo90 olivine samples correlates with the production of "nanophase" metallic Fe (npFe0) grains, 20-50 nm in size. The reddening observed in the SiO2 sample is consistent with the formation of SiO or other SiOx species that absorb in the visible. The weak spectral brightening induced by laser irradiation of SiO2 is consistent with a change in surface topography of the sample. The darkening observed in the olivine samples is likely caused by the formation of larger npFe0 particles, such as the 100-400 nm diameter npFe0 identified during our TEM analysis of Fo90 samples. The Fo90 reflectance spectra are qualitatively similar to those in previous experiments suggesting that in all cases formation of npFe0 is causing the spectral alteration. Finally, we find that the accumulation of successive laser pulses cause continued sample darkening in the Vis-NIR, which suggests that repeated surface impacts are an efficient way to darken airless body surfaces.

Dietary fish oil and curcumin combine to modulate colonic cytokinetics and gene expression in dextran sodium sulphate-treated mice.

PubMed

Jia, Qian; Ivanov, Ivan; Zlatev, Zlatomir Z; Alaniz, Robert C; Weeks, Brad R; Callaway, Evelyn S; Goldsby, Jennifer S; Davidson, Laurie A; Fan, Yang-Yi; Zhou, Lan; Lupton, Joanne R; McMurray, David N; Chapkin, Robert S

2011-08-01

Both fish oil (FO) and curcumin have potential as anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory agents. To further explore their combined effects on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis, C57BL/6 mice were randomised to four diets (2 × 2 design) differing in fatty acid content with or without curcumin supplementation (FO, FO+2 % curcumin, maize oil (control, MO) or MO+2 % curcumin). Mice were exposed to one or two cycles of DSS in the drinking-water to induce either acute or chronic intestinal inflammation, respectively. FO-fed mice exposed to the single-cycle DSS treatment exhibited the highest mortality (40 %, seventeen of forty-three) compared with MO with the lowest mortality (3 %, one of twenty-nine) (P = 0·0008). Addition of curcumin to MO increased (P = 0·003) mortality to 37 % compared with the control. Consistent with animal survival data, following the one- or two-cycle DSS treatment, both dietary FO and curcumin promoted mucosal injury/ulceration compared with MO. In contrast, compared with other diets, combined FO and curcumin feeding enhanced the resolution of chronic inflammation and suppressed (P < 0·05) a key inflammatory mediator, NF-κB, in the colon mucosa. Mucosal microarray analysis revealed that dietary FO, curcumin and FO plus curcumin combination differentially modulated the expression of genes induced by DSS treatment. These results suggest that dietary lipids and curcumin interact to regulate mucosal homeostasis and the resolution of chronic inflammation in the colon.

Life history of the lake herring (Leucichthys artedi Le Sueur) of Lake Huron as revealed by its scales, with a critique of the scale method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John

1928-01-01

This study shows that the structural characters of the scales of the coregonid fishes of Lake Huron are so clearly recognizable as to permit their use by the scale method. It shows, further, that the fundamental assumptions underlying the scale method are warranted in so far as they apply to the lake herring (Leucichthys artedi Le Sueur). The scale method is therefore valid when applied in a study fo the life history of the lake herring. The life history of the lake herring that occur in Lake Huron is described in detail in this paper for the first time.

Family Obligation and the Transition to Young Adulthood.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuligni, Andrew J.; Pedersen, Sara

2002-01-01

Examined changes in sense of family obligation (FO) among an ethnically diverse group of 745 Americans in transition from secondary school into young adulthood. Found that FO increased for all young adults, with slight variations according to ethnic and financial backgrounds. Implications of FO for employment and educational persistence depended…

GRACE-FO Spacecraft (Artist's Rendering)

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-25

Artist's rendering of the twin spacecraft of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, scheduled to launch in May, 2018. GRACE-FO will track the evolution of Earth's water cycle by monitoring changes in the distribution of mass on Earth. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22431

Role of Vertical Larynx Movement and Cervical Lordosis in FO Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Honda, Kiyoshi; Hirai, Hiroyuki; Masaki, Shinobu; Shimada, Yasuhiro

1999-01-01

Functional characteristics of the cervical structures of the larynx are investigated in search of physiological mechanisms of extralaryngeal FO control. Mean Response Time experiments were performed to record the positions of the articulators and the larynx during vowel production with different FO values. (Author/VWL)

High historical values of foEs—Reality or artefact?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laštovička, J.; Boška, J.; Burešová, D.; Kouba, D.

2012-01-01

Very high values of foEs had sometimes been reported in the past. These values, as well as all other ionogram-scaled values, had been derived from ionograms under the assumption of the vertical reflection of ordinary mode of sounding radio waves. In the past it was impossible to check the validity of this assumption. However, modern digisondes determine clearly the oblique or extraordinary mode reflections. To test the assumption of the vertical reflection of ordinary mode for high values of foEs, seven summers (June 2004-August 2010) from a midlatitude station Pruhonice are chosen. All hourly values of foEs≥6.0 MHz are selected from this data set, altogether 282 values. In 90% of cases the “classical” way of evaluation of foEs provides values higher than “true” values from modern digisonde (average difference about 1 MHz). 38% of “classical” foEs are oblique reflections, which however do not occur in direction perpendicular to geomagnetic field. The occurrence of high values of foEs varies very much from year to year between 0 and 130 events per year. As for diurnal variation, a pronounced maximum occurs at ˜10:00LT and 16:00LT (secondary), and a minimum after midnight.

Control and monitoring of oxygen fugacity in piston cylinder experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matjuschkin, Vladimir; Brooker, Richard A.; Tattitch, Brian; Blundy, Jon D.; Stamper, Charlotte C.

2015-01-01

We present a newly developed capsule design that resolves some common problems associated with the monitoring and control of oxygen fugacity ( fO2) in high-pressure piston cylinder experiments. The new fO2 control assembly consists of an AuPd outer capsule enclosing two inner capsules: one of AuPd capsule containing the experimental charge (including some water), and the other of Pt containing a solid oxygen buffer plus water. The inner capsules are separated by crushable alumina. The outer capsule is surrounded by a Pyrex sleeve to simultaneously minimise hydrogen loss from the cell and carbon infiltration from the graphite furnace. Controlled fO2 experiments using this cell design were carried out at 1.0 GPa and 1,000 °C. We used NiPd, CoPd and (Ni, Mg)O fO2 sensors, whose pressure sensitivity is well calibrated, to monitor the redox states achieved in experiments buffered by Re-ReO2, Ni-NiO and Co-CoO, respectively. Results for the fO2 sensors are in good agreement with the intended fO2 established by the buffer, demonstrating excellent control for durations of 24-48 h, with uncertainties less than ± 0.3 log bar units of fO2.

Anharmonic calculations of frequencies and intensities of Osbnd H stretching vibrations of (R)-1,3-butanediol conformers in the fundamentals and first overtones by density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Futami, Yoshisuke; Minamoto, Chihiro; Kudoh, Satoshi

2018-05-01

The frequencies and absorption intensities of the five kinds of conformers of 1,3-butanediol with the same carbon skeleton (GG‧) were calculated by anharmonic calculation for the fundamentals and first overtones of OH stretching vibrations. The four kinds of conformers form intramolecular hydrogen bonds and one conformer did not. Intramolecular hydrogen bond formation shifted the frequency of fundamental and first overtone of H-bonding OH stretching vibration to the lower frequency. The absorption intensities of the fundamentals as well as the vibrational anharmonicities increased upon hydrogen bond formation, while the intensities of first overtones decreased. The differences of conformers were clearly seen in the frequencies of the first overtones of free OH.

Life cycle cost of a hybrid forward osmosis - low pressure reverse osmosis system for seawater desalination and wastewater recovery.

PubMed

Valladares Linares, R; Li, Z; Yangali-Quintanilla, V; Ghaffour, N; Amy, G; Leiknes, T; Vrouwenvelder, J S

2016-01-01

In recent years, forward osmosis (FO) hybrid membrane systems have been investigated as an alternative to conventional high-pressure membrane processes (i.e. reverse osmosis (RO)) for seawater desalination and wastewater treatment and recovery. Nevertheless, their economic advantage in comparison to conventional processes for seawater desalination and municipal wastewater treatment has not been clearly addressed. This work presents a detailed economic analysis on capital and operational expenses (CAPEX and OPEX) for: i) a hybrid forward osmosis - low-pressure reverse osmosis (FO-LPRO) process, ii) a conventional seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination process, and iii) a membrane bioreactor - reverse osmosis - advanced oxidation process (MBR-RO-AOP) for wastewater treatment and reuse. The most important variables affecting economic feasibility are obtained through a sensitivity analysis of a hybrid FO-LPRO system. The main parameters taken into account for the life cycle costs are the water quality characteristics (similar feed water and similar water produced), production capacity of 100,000 m(3) d(-1) of potable water, energy consumption, materials, maintenance, operation, RO and FO module costs, and chemicals. Compared to SWRO, the FO-LPRO systems have a 21% higher CAPEX and a 56% lower OPEX due to savings in energy consumption and fouling control. In terms of the total water cost per cubic meter of water produced, the hybrid FO-LPRO desalination system has a 16% cost reduction compared to the benchmark for desalination, mainly SWRO. Compared to the MBR-RO-AOP, the FO-LPRO systems have a 7% lower CAPEX and 9% higher OPEX, resulting in no significant cost reduction per m(3) produced by FO-LPRO. Hybrid FO-LPRO membrane systems are shown to have an economic advantage compared to current available technology for desalination, and comparable costs with a wastewater treatment and recovery system. Based on development on FO membrane modules, packing density, and water permeability, the total water cost could be further reduced. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intrinsic oxygen fugacity measurements on seven chondrites, a pallasite, and a tektite and the redox state of meteorite parent bodies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brett, R.; Sato, M.

1984-01-01

Intrinsic oxygen-fugacity (fO2) measurements were made on five ordinary chondrites, a carbonaceous chondrite, an enstatite chondrite, a pallasite, and a tektite. Results are of the form of linear log fO2 - 1 T plots. Except for the enstatite chondrite, measured results agree well with calculated estimates by others. The tektite produced fO2 values well below the range measured for terrestrial and lunar rocks. The lowpressure atmospheric regime that is reported to follow large terrestrial explosions, coupled with a very high temperature, could produce glass with fO2 in the range measured. The meteorite Salta (pallasite) has low fO2 and lies close to Hvittis (E6). Unlike the other samples, results for Salta do not parallel the iron-wu??stite buffer, but are close to the fayalite-quartz-iron buffer in slope. Minor reduction by graphite appears to have taken place during metamorphism of ordinary chondrites. fO2 values of unequilibrated chondrites show large scatter during early heating suggesting that the constituent phases were exposed to a range of fO2 conditions. The samples equilibrated with respect to fO2 in relatively short time on heating. Equilibration with respect to fO2 in ordinary chondrites takes place between grades 3 and 4 of metamorphism. Application of P - T - fO2 relations in the system C-CO-CO2 indicates that the ordinary chondrites were metamorphosed at pressures of 3-20 bars, as it appears that they lay on the graphite surface. A steep positive thermal gradient in a meteorite parent body lying at the graphite surface will produce thin reduced exterior, an oxidized near-surface layer, and an interior that is increasingly reduced with depth; a shallow thermal gradient will produce the reverse. A body heated by accretion on the outside will have a reduced exterior and oxidized interior. Meteorites from the same parent body clearly are not required to have similar redox states. ?? 1984.

Stability characterization of two multi-channel GPS receivers for accurate frequency transfer.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taris, F.; Uhrich, P.; Thomas, C.; Petit, G.; Jiang, Z.

In recent years, wide-spread use of the GPS common-view technique has led to major improvements, making it possible to compare remote clocks at their full level of performance. For integration times of 1 to 3 days, their frequency differences are consistently measured to about one part in 1014. Recent developments in atomic frequency standards suggest, however, that this performance may no longer be sufficient. The caesium fountain LPTF FO1, built at the BNM-LPTF, Paris, France, shows a short-term white frequency noise characterized by an Allen deviation σy(τ = 1 s) = 5×10-14 and a type B uncertainty of 2×10-15. To compare the frequencies of such highly stable standards would call for GPS common-view results to be averaged over times far exceeding the intervals of their optimal performance. Previous studies have shown the potential of carrier-phase and code measurements from geodetic GPS receivers for clock frequency comparisons. The experiment related here is an attempt to see the stability limit that could be reached using this technique.

Torque-coupled thermodynamic model for FoF1 -ATPase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ai, Guangkuo; Liu, Pengfei; Ge, Hao

2017-05-01

FoF1 -ATPase is a motor protein complex that utilizes transmembrane ion flow to drive the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate (Pi). While many theoretical models have been proposed to account for its rotary activity, most of them focus on the Fo or F1 portions separately rather than the complex as a whole. Here, we propose a simple but new torque-coupled thermodynamic model of FoF1 -ATPase. Solving this model at steady state, we find that the monotonic variation of each portion's efficiency becomes much more robust over a wide range of parameters when the Fo and F1 portions are coupled together, as compared to cases when they are considered separately. Furthermore, the coupled model predicts the dependence of each portion's kinetic behavior on the parameters of the other. Specifically, the power and efficiency of the F1 portion are quite sensitive to the proton gradient across the membrane, while those of the Fo portion as well as the related Michaelis constants for proton concentrations respond insensitively to concentration changes in the reactants of ATP synthesis. The physiological proton gradient across the membrane in the Fo portion is also shown to be optimal for the Michaelis constants of ADP and phosphate in the F1 portion during ATP synthesis. Together, our coupled model is able to predict key dynamic and thermodynamic features of the FoF1 -ATPase in vivo semiquantitatively, and suggests that such coupling approach could be further applied to other biophysical systems.

Right heart dilatation in a fetus with an abnormal foramen ovale valve: an indicator of interatrial communication restriction.

PubMed

Lei, Wenjia; Fan, Miao; Wang, Meilian; Wang, Yu; Sun, Wei; Sun, Xue; Zhang, Ying

2018-05-02

Foramen ovale (FO) valve with a shape or motion abnormality is frequently detected during routine obstetric ultrasonic examinations. However, the hemodynamics mechanism of this entity remains unclear. The purpose of the study is to determine the relevance of interatrial communication restriction and resultant morphological modifications. We reviewed the echocardiographic records of fetuses with isolated abnormal FO valve evaluated between January of 2010 and december of 2016. The size (DFO) of the FO orifice, opening angle (α) of the FO valve, and dimensions of cardiac chambers, FO channel outlet (DOUT) and inferior vena cava (DIVC) were measured. We evaluated their (DFO, DOUT, α) relationships to the diameters of RA and DIVC. Five hundred and seventy normal fetuses were selected to establish the normal range of the DOUT/DIVC ratio so as to provide a criterion for restriction. An abnormal FO valve was identified in 89 fetuses without congenital heart disease, with restriction noted in 62 fetuses (45 fetuses with RA dilatation, 12 fetuses with RA and RV dilatation, and 5 fetuses with no RA dilatation). There were no significant correlations between RA/LA and DFO/DIVC, RA/ LA and α. RA/LA was negatively correlated with DOUT/DIVC (R2=0.97, p<0.01). For a fetus with an abnormal FO valve, right heart dilatation could be considered as an indicator of interatrial communication restriction, which could be assessed by evaluating the FO channel outlet. The degree of right atrium dilatation indicates the severity of the restriction.

Application of volume-retarded osmosis and low-pressure membrane hybrid process for water reclamation.

PubMed

Im, Sung-Ju; Choi, Jungwon; Lee, Jung-Gil; Jeong, Sanghyun; Jang, Am

2018-03-01

A new concept of volume-retarded osmosis and low-pressure membrane (VRO-LPM) hybrid process was developed and evaluated for the first time in this study. Commercially available forward osmosis (FO) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were employed in a VRO-LPM hybrid process to overcome energy limitations of draw solution (DS) regeneration and production of permeate in the FO process. To evaluate its feasibility as a water reclamation process, and to optimize the operational conditions, cross-flow FO and dead-end mode UF processes were individually evaluated. For the FO process, a DS concentration of 0.15 g mL -1 of polysulfonate styrene (PSS) was determined to be optimal, having a high flux with a low reverse salt flux. The UF membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of 1 kDa was chosen for its high PSS rejection in the LPM process. As a single process, UF (LPM) exhibited a higher flux than FO, but this could be controlled by adjusting the effective membrane area of the FO and UF membranes in the VRO-LPM system. The VRO-LPM hybrid process only required a circulation pump for the FO process. This led to a decrease in the specific energy consumption of the VRO-LPM process for potable water production, that was similar to the single FO process. Therefore, the newly developed VRO-LPM hybrid process, with an appropriate DS selection, can be used as an energy efficient water production method, and can outperform conventional water reclamation processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of flaxseed lignan and oil on bone health of breast-tumor-bearing mice treated with or without tamoxifen.

PubMed

Chen, Jianmin; Saggar, Jasdeep K; Ward, Wendy E; Thompson, Lilian U

2011-01-01

Previous studies showed that flaxseed lignan (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, SDG) and oil (FO) inhibit established breast tumor growth in athymic mice with or without tamoxifen (TAM) treatment. TAM was found to increase bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in breast cancer patients. It is not known whether SDG or FO alone or combined with TAM affects bone health. Hence, the effects of SDG and FO, alone or in combination, on BMC, BMD, and biomechanical bone strength in ovariectomized athymic mice with established human breast tumors (MCF-7) treated with or without TAM were studied. In a factorial design, mice were divided into four non-TAM and four TAM groups. Each group consisted of mice fed a basal diet (BD), SDG (1 g/kg), FO (38.5 g/kg) or SDG + FO (combination) diets. The TAM group had TAM implants that provide a 5-mg TAM dose released over 60 d. TAM exerted an overall significant effect in increasing BMC, BMD, and biomechanical strength in femurs and lumbar vertebra. Without TAM treatment, SDG produced significant lower femur BMD (6%) while FO produced lower vertebrae BMC (8%) and BMD (6%). With TAM treatment, SDG and FO did not exert an effect on BMC and BMD at the femur or vertebra. SDG and FO produced no marked effect on biomechanical bone strength with or without TAM treatment. In conclusion, FS components did not significantly attenuate the positive effects on bone induced by TAM in this model system, indicating no apparent adverse effects on bone health.

Effective As(III) Removal by A Multi-Charged Hydroacid Complex Draw Solute Facilitated Forward Osmosis-Membrane Distillation (FO-MD) Processes.

PubMed

Ge, Qingchun; Han, Gang; Chung, Tai-Shung

2016-03-01

Effective removal of As(III) from water by an oxalic acid complex with the formula of Na3[Cr(C2O4)3] (Na-Cr-OA) is demonstrated via an forward osmosis-membrane distillation (FO-MD) hybrid system in this study. Na-Cr-OA first proved its superiority as a draw solute with high water fluxes and negligible reverse fluxes in FO, then a systematic investigation of the Na-Cr-OA promoted FO process was conducted to ascertain the factors in As(III) removal. Relatively high water fluxes of 28 LMH under the FO mode and 74 LMH under the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode were achieved when using a 1000 ppm As(III) solution as the feed and 1.0 M Na-Cr-OA as the draw solution at 60 °C. As(III) removal with a water recovery up to 21.6% (FO mode) and 48.3% (PRO mode) were also achieved in 2 h. An outstanding As(III) rejection with 30-3000 μg/L As(III) in the permeate was accomplished when As(III) feed solutions varied from 5 × 10(4) to 1 × 10(6) μg/L, superior to the best FO performance reported for As(III) removal. Incorporating MD into FO not only makes As(III) removal sustainable by reconcentrating the Na-Cr-OA solution simultaneously, but also reduces the As(III) concentration below 10 μg/L in the product water, meeting the WHO standard.

Leg lengthening and femoral-offset reduction after total hip arthroplasty: where is the problem - stem or cup positioning?

PubMed

Al-Amiry, Bariq; Mahmood, Sarwar; Krupic, Ferid; Sayed-Noor, Arkan

2017-09-01

Background Restoration of femoral offset (FO) and leg length is an important goal in total hip arthroplasty (THA) as it improves functional outcome. Purpose To analyze whether the problem of postoperative leg lengthening and FO reduction is related to the femoral stem or acetabular cup positioning or both. Material and Methods Between September 2010 and April 2013, 172 patients with unilateral primary osteoarthritis treated with THA were included. Postoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and global FO (summation of cup and FO) were measured by two observers using a standardized protocol for evaluation of antero-posterior plain hip radiographs. Patients with postoperative leg lengthening ≥10 mm (n = 41) or with reduced global FO >5 mm (n = 58) were further studied by comparing the stem and cup length of the operated side with the contralateral side in the lengthening group, and by comparing the stem and cup offset of the operated side with the contralateral side in the FO reduction group. We evaluated also the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the radiological measurements. Results Both observers found that leg lengthening was related to the stem positioning while FO reduction was related to the positioning of both the femoral stem and acetabular cup. Both inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility were moderate to excellent (intra-class correlation co-efficient, ICC ≥0.69). Conclusion Post THA leg lengthening was mainly caused by improper femoral stem positioning while global FO reduction resulted from improper positioning of both the femoral stem and the acetabular cup.

Experimental study of the effects of surface mucus viscosity on the glottic cycle.

PubMed

Ayache, Stéphane; Ouaknine, Maurice; Dejonkere, Philippe; Prindere, Pierre; Giovanni, Antoine

2004-03-01

Numerous clinical findings indicate that viscosity of laryngeal mucosa is a crucial factor in glottal perfomance. Experience using experimental test benches has shown the importance of humidifying air stream used to induce vibration in excised larynges. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge particularly regarding the physicochemical properties of laryngeal mucus. The purpose of this study was to research vocal fold vibration in excised larynges using artificial mucus of precisely known viscosity. Eight freshly harvested porcine larynges were examined. Parameters measured were Fo and vocal fold contact time. Measurements were performed under three conditions: basal (no fluid application on vocal cord surface), after application of a fluid of 60cP viscosity (Visc60), and after application of a fluid of 100cP viscosity (Visc100). Electroglottographic measurements were performed at two different times for each condition: 1 s after airflow onset (T1) and 6 seconds after airflow onset (T2). Statistical analysis consisted of comparing data obtained under each condition at T1 and T2. The results showed a significant decrease in Fo after application of Visc60 and Visc100 fluids and a decrease in Fo at T2. Closure time was significantly higher under Visc60 conditions and under Visc100 conditions than under basal conditions. Application of artificial mucus to the mucosa of the vocal folds lowered vibratory frequency and prolonged the contact phase. Our interpretation of this data is that the presence of mucus on the surface of the vocal folds generated superficial tension and caused adhesion, which is a source of nonlinearity in vocal vibration.

Decreased survival of rainbow trout exposed to no. 2 fuel oil caused by sublethal preexposure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steadman, B. L.; Stubblefield, W. A.; Lapoint, T. W.; Bergman, H.L.; Kaiser, M.S.

1991-01-01

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed for 21 d to sublethal levels of No. 2 fuel oil (2FO). The four exposure concentrations ranged from 12 to 100 mg/L 2FO dispersed in water and resulted in 0 to 12% mortality. Following this exposure period (preexposure) the ability of preexposed trout to survive exposure to acutely lethal levels of 2FO was observed. Preexposure to either 50 or 100 mg/L 2FO consistently resulted in decreased survival and a lower LC50 for a given observation period. Unfortunately, because the LC50 determinations were not obtained independently, they could not be used to test statistically the effects of preexposure on survival. Therefore, two proportional hazard modeling techniques were applied to the data to test for effects due to preexposure. Both modeling techniques indicated that preexposure results in decreased survival of rainbow trout exposed to acutely toxic levels of 2FO. Thus, in contrast to preexposure to metals, which results in acclimation, preexposure to 2FO results in decreased survival.

Fear of Hypoglycemia, Parenting Stress, and Metabolic Control for Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents.

PubMed

Viaene, Ann-Sofie; Van Daele, Tom; Bleys, Dries; Faust, Kelly; Massa, Guy G

2017-03-01

This study sets out to extend current knowledge of parenting stress and fear of hypoglycemia (FoH) in parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We examined if the relationship between parental and children's FoH and metabolic control, as reflected by HbA1c, is mediated by parenting stress. A total of 63 parents and children with T1DM were recruited during their routine physician's appointment. Parents completed questionnaires on parenting stress and FoH. Children eight years and older also completed a questionnaire on FoH. HbA1c values were obtained from all children. Mediation analysis revealed an indirect association between parental FoH and HbA1c values through parenting stress (Sobel's z = 2.42, p = .02), but no indirect association between children's FoH and HbA1c. We concluded that parental FOH has an indirect association with the child's metabolic control that is mediated by parenting stress. More simply, fear of hypoglycemia predicts parent stress, which in turn, predicts metabolic control.

Flaxseed Oil Alleviates Chronic HFD-Induced Insulin Resistance through Remodeling Lipid Homeostasis in Obese Adipose Tissue.

PubMed

Yu, Xiao; Tang, Yuhan; Liu, Peiyi; Xiao, Lin; Liu, Liegang; Shen, Ruiling; Deng, Qianchun; Yao, Ping

2017-11-08

Emerging evidence suggests that higher circulating long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) levels were intimately associated with lower prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance. However, the understanding of bioactivity and potential mechanism of α-linolenic acid-rich flaxseed oil (ALA-FO) against insulin resistance was still limited. This study evaluated the effect of FO on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice focused on adipose tissue lipolysis. Mice after HFD feeding for 16 weeks (60% fat-derived calories) exhibited systemic insulin resistance, which was greatly attenuated by medium dose of FO (M-FO), paralleling with differential accumulation of ALA and its n-3 derivatives across serum lipid fractions. Moreover, M-FO was sufficient to effectively block the metabolic activation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), thereby improving adipose tissue insulin signaling. Importantly, suppression of hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α were involved in FO-mediated modulation of adipose tissue lipolysis, accompanied by specific reconstitution of n-3PUFA within adipose tissue lipid fractions.

Plastic ingestion by a generalist seabird on the coast of Uruguay.

PubMed

Lenzi, Javier; Burgues, María Fernanda; Carrizo, Daniel; Machín, Emanuel; Teixeira-de Mello, Franco

2016-06-15

We analyzed plastic ingestion by Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) from 806 pellets collected between 2011 and 2013. Employing a Raman spectroscopy, we characterized those polymers used to produce the plastics ingested. Debris was recorded in 143 pellets (%FO=17.7%, n=202, 92.58g). Plastic was found in 119 pellets (%FO=83%) and non-plastic occurred in 56 pellets (%FO=39%). The most important debris category was plastic film with 55.3% (n=79). Plastic bags were observed in 19 pellets (%FO=2.4%, weight=25.02g). Glass was the second most important component (%FO=18.9%) followed by plastic fragments (%FO=17.8%). Plastic debris represented the 65.3% of the debris fragments (n=132, weight=58.84g), and was composed by polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (26%), polyamide (12%), polystyrene (6%), polyvinyl chloride (2%), and polyethylene terephthalate (2%). How plastics were obtained by gulls and the effects on individuals are discussed, as well as environmental considerations about plastic pollution on coastal environments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Theoretical characterization of the F(2)O(3) molecule by coupled-cluster methods.

PubMed

Huang, Ming-Ju; Watts, John D

2010-09-23

Coupled-cluster calculations with extended basis sets that include noniterative connected triple excitations (CCSD(T)) have been used to study the FOOOF isomer of F(2)O(3). Second-order Moller-Plessett perturbation theory (MP2) and density-functional theory (B3LYP functional) calculations have also been performed for comparison. Two local minima of similar energy, namely, conformers of C(2) and C(s) symmetry have been located. Structures, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and standard enthalpies and free energies of formation have been calculated. The calculated bond lengths of F(2)O(3) are more characteristic of those in F(2)O and a "normal" peroxide than the unusual bond lengths in F(2)O(2). Both conformers have equal F-O and O-O bond lengths, contrary to a recent suggestion of an unsymmetrical structure. The harmonic vibrational frequencies can aid possible identification of gaseous F(2)O(3). The calculated Δ(f)H° and Δ(f)G° are 110 and 173 kJ mol(-1), respectively. These values are based on extrapolation of CCSD(T) results with augmented triple- and quadruple-ζ basis sets and are expected to be within chemical accuracy (i.e., 1 kcal mol(-1) or 4 kJ mol(-1)). F(2)O(3) is calculated to be stable to decomposition to either FO + FOO or F(2) + O(3), but unstable to decomposition to its elements, to F(2)O(2) + (1)/(2)O(2), and to F(2)O + O(2).

Behavioral risk factors of constipation in palliative care patients.

PubMed

Dzierżanowski, Tomasz; Ciałkowska-Rysz, Aleksandra

2015-06-01

Constipation is frequently encountered in palliative care patients and remains a significant therapeutic problem. The etiology of constipation is multifactorial. Nutritional and behavioral factors are considered common causes of constipation; however, their impact has not yet been assessed precisely. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the frequency of bowel movements (FoBM) and risk factors of constipation in palliative care patients. A cohort retrospective study was performed in three palliative care centers, including outpatient, home, and inpatient care cancer patients using questionnaires on bowel dysfunction symptoms, behavioral risk factors, and opioid use. The inclusion criterion was adult patients examined on the day of admission. The exclusion criterion was Karnofsky performance status score ≤20. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the statistical dependence between two variables and frequency analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. Two hundred thirty-seven valid questionnaires were collected. We found the correlation between FoBM and insufficient food and fluid intake (p < 0.0001), as well as for inadequate conditions of privacy (p = 0.0008), dependency on a caregiver (p = 0.0059), and the patient's overall performance status (p = 0.013). We did not manage to prove bed rest as the independent risk factor of constipation. The main risk factors of constipation in palliative care patients appeared to be insufficient fluid and food intake, inadequate conditions of privacy, dependency on a caregiver, as well as poor general performance status.

Effects of coconut and fish oils on ruminal methanogenesis, fermentation, and abundance and diversity of microbial populations in vitro.

PubMed

Patra, A K; Yu, Z

2013-03-01

Coconut (CO) and fish (FO) oils were previously shown to inhibit rumen methanogenesis and biohydrogenation, which mitigates methane emission and helps improve beneficial fatty acids in meat and milk. This study aimed at investigating the comparative effects of CO and FO on the methanogenesis, fermentation, and microbial abundances and diversity in vitro rumen cultures containing different doses (0, 3.1, and 6.2 mL/L) of each oil and 400mg feed substrate using rumen fluid from lactating dairy cows as inocula. Increasing doses of CO and FO quadratically decreased concentrations of methane, but hydrogen concentrations were only increased quadratically by CO. Both oils linearly decreased dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility of feeds but did not affect the concentration of total volatile fatty acids. However, CO reduced acetate percentage and acetate to propionate ratio and increased the percentages of propionate and butyrate to a greater extent than FO. Ammonia concentration was greater for CO than FO. As determined by quantitative real-time PCR, FO had greater inhibition to methanogens than CO, but the opposite was true for protozoal, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Fibrobacter succinogenes. Ruminococcus albus was not affected by either oil. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles revealed that bacterial and archaeal community composition were changed differently by oil type. Based on Pareto-Lorenz evenness curve analysis of the DGGE profiles, CO noticeably changed the functional organization of archaea compared with FO. In conclusion, although both CO and FO decreased methane concentrations to a similar extent, the mode of reduction and the effect on abundances and diversity of archaeal and bacterial populations differed between the oils. Thus, the use of combination of CO and FO at a low dose may additively lower methanogenesis in the rumen while having little adverse effect on rumen fermentation. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic performance of focused cardiac ultrasound performed by emergency physicians for the assessment of ascending aorta dilation and aneurysm.

PubMed

Nazerian, Peiman; Vanni, Simone; Morello, Fulvio; Castelli, Matteo; Ottaviani, Maddalena; Casula, Claudia; Petrioli, Alessandra; Bartolucci, Maurizio; Grifoni, Stefano

2015-05-01

The diagnostic performance of transthoracic focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) performed by emergency physicians (EP) to estimate ascending aorta dimensions in the acute setting has not been prospectively studied. The diagnostic accuracy and the interobserver variability of EP-performed FoCUS were investigated to estimate thoracic aortic dilation and aneurysm compared with the results of computed tomography angiography (CTA). This was a prospective single-center cohort study of a convenience sample of patients who underwent CTA in the emergency department for suspected aortic pathology. FoCUS was performed before CTA, and the maximum ascending aorta diameter evaluated in parasternal long-axis view. Aorta diameter < 40 mm by visual estimation or by diameter measurement was considered normal. Measurements were recorded in all patients with aorta diameter ≥ 40 mm. Diagnostic accuracy of FoCUS for detection of aortic dilation (diameter ≥ 40 mm) and aneurysm (diameter ≥ 45 mm) were calculated considering the CTA result as reference standard. In a subgroup of patients, a second EP-sonographer performed FoCUS to evaluate interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of ascending aorta dilation. A total of 140 patients were enrolled in the study. Ascending aorta dilation and aneurysm were detected with FoCUS in 50 (35.7%) and in 27 (17.8%) patients, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of FoCUS were 78.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 65.6% to 88.4%) and 92.9% (95% CI = 85.1% to 97.3%), respectively, for ascending aorta dilation and 64.7% (95% CI = 46.5% to 80.2%) and 95.3% (95% CI = 89.3% to 98.4%), respectively, for ascending aorta aneurysm. Interobserver agreement of FoCUS was k = 0.82. FoCUS performed by EP is specific for ascending aorta dilation and aneurysm when compared to CTA and appears a reproducible technique. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

A Psychometric Study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form (FoSI-SF)

PubMed Central

Pruiksma, Kristi E.; Taylor, Daniel J.; Ruggero, Camilo; Boals, Adriel; Davis, Joanne L.; Cranston, Christopher; DeViva, Jason C.; Zayfert, Claudia

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: Fear of sleep may play a significant role in sleep disturbances in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This report describes a psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory (FoSI), which was developed to measure this construct. Methods: The psychometric properties of the FoSI were examined in a non-clinical sample of 292 college students (Study I) and in a clinical sample of 67 trauma-exposed adults experiencing chronic nightmares (Study II). Data on the 23 items of the FoSI were subjected to exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify items uniquely assessing fear of sleep. Next, reliability and validity of a 13-item version of the FoSI was examined in both samples. Results: A 13-item Short-Form version (FoSI-SF) was identified as having a clear 2-factor structure with high internal consistency in both the non-clinical (α = 0.76–0.94) and clinical (α = 0.88-0.91) samples. Both studies demonstrated good convergent validity with measures of PTSD (0.48-0.61) and insomnia (0.39-0.48) and discriminant validity with a measure of sleep hygiene (0.19-0.27). The total score on the FoSI-SF was significantly higher in the clinical sample (mean = 17.90, SD = 12.56) than in the non-clinical sample (mean = 4.80, SD = 7.72); t357 = 8.85 p < 0.001. Conclusions: Although all items are recommended for clinical purposes, the data support the use of the 13-item FoSI-SF for research purposes. Replication of the factor structure in clinical samples is needed. Results are discussed in terms of limitations of this study and directions for further research. Citation: Pruiksma KE, Taylor DJ, Ruggero C, Boals A, Davis JL, Cranston C, DeViva JC, Zayfert C. A psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory-short form (FoSI-SF). J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(5):551-558. PMID:24812541

Metabolic and molecular responses to calcium soap of fish oil fed to ewes during peripartal period.

PubMed

Sheibani, S; Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh, A; Alamouti, A A; Khadem, A A; Norouzian, M A

2017-10-31

It has been shown that n-3 long chain fatty acids (n-3 LCFA) are involved in energy/lipid metabolisms, reproductive parameters, and molecular regulations leading to maintained homeostasis. We hypothesized that supplementation of peripartal diets with fish oil (FO), as a source of n-3 LCFA, could improve energy balance and modulate metabolic pressure in a sheep model. Prepartum ewes (n = 24) were fed control (CON) or calcium soap of fish oil (FO) supplemented-diet from four weeks before until three weeks after parturation. Feed intake, body weight (BW) change, plasma metabolites, colostrums/milk composition, and fatty acids profile of milk along with the expression of core microRNAs in glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated. Prepartal feed intake decreased in FO group (1674 ± 33.26 vs. 1812 ± 35.56) though post-partal intake was similar. Differences in BW were not also significant (55.47 ± 2.07 in CON vs. 53.69 ± 1.94 in FO). No differences were observed in plasma metabolites except for cholesterol that was lower in FO group (56.25 ± 0.71 vs. 53.09 ± 0.61). Milk fat percentage was reduced (8.82 ± 0.49 vs. 7.03 ± 0.45) while the percentage of milk total n-3 LCFA increased in FO group. In accordance, the relative transcript abundance of miR-101 (0.215 ± 0.08) and miR-103 (0.37 ± 0.15) decreased by FO supplementation. Results showed that FO supplementation during peripartal period decreased milk fat, feed intake, plasma cholesterol, milk n-6:n-3 ratio and the expression of miR-101. Although the trend indicated that FO could alter lipid metabolism during transition period, further studies are needed to fully address its effect on energy balance and homeorhetic processes.

Influences of Fundamental Frequency, Formant Frequencies, Aperiodicity, and Spectrum Level on the Perception of Voice Gender

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skuk, Verena G.; Schweinberger, Stefan R.

2014-01-01

Purpose: To determine the relative importance of acoustic parameters (fundamental frequency [F0], formant frequencies [FFs], aperiodicity, and spectrum level [SL]) on voice gender perception, the authors used a novel parameter-morphing approach that, unlike spectral envelope shifting, allows the application of nonuniform scale factors to transform…

Simplified, rapid, and inexpensive estimation of water primary productivity based on chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fo.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Zhou, Wei; Chen, Weixian; Xie, Wei; Jiang, Liping; Liang, Qinlang; Huang, Mingjun; Wu, Zongwen; Wang, Qiang

2017-04-01

Primary productivity in water environment relies on the photosynthetic production of microalgae. Chlorophyll fluorescence is widely used to detect the growth status and photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae. In this study, a method was established to determine the Chl a content, cell density of microalgae, and water primary productivity by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fo. A significant linear relationship between chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fo and Chl a content of microalgae, as well as between Fo and cell density, was observed under pure-culture conditions. Furthermore, water samples collected from natural aquaculture ponds were used to validate the correlation between Fo and water primary productivity, which is closely related to Chl a content in water. Thus, for a given pure culture of microalgae or phytoplankton (mainly microalgae) in aquaculture ponds or other natural ponds for which the relationship between the Fo value and Chl a content or cell density could be established, Chl a content or cell density could be determined by measuring the Fo value, thereby making it possible to calculate the water primary productivity. It is believed that this method can provide a convenient way of efficiently estimating the primary productivity in natural aquaculture ponds and bringing economic value in limnetic ecology assessment, as well as in algal bloom monitoring. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Fear of progression in chronic diseases: psychometric properties of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire.

PubMed

Herschbach, Peter; Berg, Petra; Dankert, Andrea; Duran, Gabriele; Engst-Hastreiter, Ursula; Waadt, Sabine; Keller, Monika; Ukat, Robert; Henrich, Gerhard

2005-06-01

The aim of this study was the development and psychometric testing of a new psychological questionnaire to measure the fear of progression (FoP) in chronically ill patients (cancer, diabetes mellitus and rheumatic diseases). The Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q) was developed in four phases: (1) generation of items (65 interviews); (2) reduction of items--the initial version of the questionnaire (87 items) was presented to 411 patients, to construct subscales and test the reliability; (3) testing the convergent and discriminative validity of the reduced test version (43 items) within a new sample (n=439); (4) translation--German to English. The scale comprised five factors (Cronbach's alpha >.70): affective reactions (13 items), partnership/family (7), occupation (7), loss of autonomy (7) and coping with anxiety (9). The test-retest reliability coefficients varied between .77 and .94. There was only a medium relationship to traditional anxiety scales. This is an indication of the independence of the FoP. Significant relationships between the FoP-Q and the patient's illness behaviour indicate discriminative validity. The FoP-Q is a new and unique questionnaire developed for the chronically ill. A major problem and source of stress for this patient group has been measuring both specifically and economically the FoP of an illness. The FoP-Q was designed to resolve this problem, fulfill this need and reduce this stress.

MR-based field-of-view extension in MR/PET: B0 homogenization using gradient enhancement (HUGE).

PubMed

Blumhagen, Jan O; Ladebeck, Ralf; Fenchel, Matthias; Scheffler, Klaus

2013-10-01

In whole-body MR/PET, the human attenuation correction can be based on the MR data. However, an MR-based field-of-view (FoV) is limited due to physical restrictions such as B0 inhomogeneities and gradient nonlinearities. Therefore, for large patients, the MR image and the attenuation map might be truncated and the attenuation correction might be biased. The aim of this work is to explore extending the MR FoV through B0 homogenization using gradient enhancement in which an optimal readout gradient field is determined to locally compensate B0 inhomogeneities and gradient nonlinearities. A spin-echo-based sequence was developed that computes an optimal gradient for certain regions of interest, for example, the patient's arms. A significant distortion reduction was achieved outside the normal MR-based FoV. This FoV extension was achieved without any hardware modifications. In-plane distortions in a transaxially extended FoV of up to 600 mm were analyzed in phantom studies. In vivo measurements of the patient's arms lying outside the normal specified FoV were compared with and without the use of B0 homogenization using gradient enhancement. In summary, we designed a sequence that provides data for reducing the image distortions due to B0 inhomogeneities and gradient nonlinearities and used the data to extend the MR FoV. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of a nanofibrous composite membrane to the fertilizer-driven forward osmosis process for irrigation water use.

PubMed

An, Hee-Kyung; Lee, Chang-Gu; Park, Seong-Jik

2017-11-01

In this study, we fabricated a nanofibrous composite (NFC) membrane as a substrate to produce forward osmosis (FO) membranes, and we also assessed the use of liquid fertilizer as a draw solution for the FO process in order to produce agricultural irrigation water. Commercial cellulose triacetate (CTA) and thin-film composite (TFC) FO membranes were included in this study. Under FO tests, the NFC, CTA, and TFC membranes achieved initial osmotic water flux values of 35.31, 6.85, and 3.31 L/m 2 ·h and final osmotic water flux values of 12.62, 6.31, and 3.85 L/m 2  h, respectively. The reason for the high osmotic water flux of the NFC membrane is because its nanofiber layer has low tortuosity, high porosity, and a low thickness, resulting in a reduction in the internal concentration polarization phenomenon. When liquid fertilizer was used as the draw solution, the water flux values in the FO experiments for the NFC, CTA, and TFC membranes were 15.54, 5.46, and 2.54 L/m 2  h. Finally, our results revealed that the FO process using liquid fertilizer as a draw solution can be applied to produce agricultural irrigation water from brackish water and the newly fabricated NFC membrane can be applied to the FO process.

[Effectiveness of the HighFO novel oxygen nebulizer for respiratory failure patients with severe hypoxia].

PubMed

Takamatsu, Kazufumi; Sakuramoto, Minoru; Inoue, Daiki; Ishitoko, Manabu; Itotani, Ryo; Suzuki, Shinko; Matsumoto, Masataka; Takemura, Masaya; Fukui, Motonari

2011-04-01

Optimal oxygen delivery is an essential component of therapy for patients with respiratory failure. Reservoir masks or air entrainment nebulizers have often been used for patients who require highly concentrated oxygen, but these may not actually deliver a sufficient fraction of inspired oxygen if there is a marked increase in the patient's ventilatory demands, or if oxygen flow becomes limited due to high resistance in the nebulizer nozzles. The HighFO nebulizer is a novel air entrainment nebulizer equipped with unique structures which reduce nozzle resistance, and as a result, it is possible to supply a sufficient flow of highly concentrated-oxygen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of the HighFO nebulizer in 10 respiratory failure patients with severe hypoxemia who used a reservoir mask and required more than 10 L/min of oxygen supply. In each case, the reservoir mask was replaced with the HighFO nebulizer, and changes in percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored using pulse oximetry. Oxygenation improved promptly after the reservoir mask was substituted for the HighFO nebulizer (SpO2 : 83.7% +/- 8.5%-94.2% +/- 3.2%, p = 0.007). This finding suggests that the HighFO nebulizer was reasonably effective in delivering highly concentrated oxygen, sufficient for patient demands. The HighFO nebulizer may be the beginning of a new strategy for oxygen therapy.

Modeling the Time-dependent Changes in Electrical Conductivity of Basaltic Melts With Redox State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pommier, A.; Gaillard, F.; Pichavant, M.

2008-12-01

The electrical conductivity σ is an efficient probe of mass transfer processes within silicate melts and magmas. Little attention has been given to the influence of redox state (fO2) on the melts conductivity. We present an experimental setup allowing electrical conductivity measurements for basaltic melts under variable fO2. We demonstrate a significant dependence of σ with fO2, allowing to characterize in situ the mechanisms and kinetics of redox changes in the melt. Experiments were conducted on basalts from Pu'u 'O'o, Hawaii, and Mt.Vesuvius, Italy. Measurements were performed cylindrical glass samples (OD: 6mm, ID: 1mm, L: 8mm) using an impedance spectrometer. Experiments were conducted in a 1atm vertical furnace, from 1200°C to 1400°C. Variable gas atmosphere (air, CO2 or CO-CO2 gas mixtures) were used, imposing ΔNNO from -1 to +7. Electrical conductivities were determined for the two melts at constant fO2, different T (constant fO2) and constant T, different fO2 (variable fO2) obtained by changing the gas composition. Isothermal reduction and oxidation cycles were performed. Glasses quenched from different T and fO2 conditions were analyzed by electron microprobe, the FeO concentration was determined by wet chemistry. In constant fO2 experiments, a small but detectable effect of fO2 on σ is evidenced. At 1300°C, the difference in the Kilauea sample conductivity between reduced (ΔNNO=-1) and oxidized (ΔNNO=+7) fO2 is <1(ohm.m)-1, the sample being more conductive when reduced. The temperature dependence of σ was fitted using Arrhenian equations, the activation energy Ea being 100kJ/mol. Sodium was identified as the main charge carrier in the melts. The fO2-effect on σ can thus be attributed to the influence of the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio on sodium mobility. The fO2-dependence of σ was included in the model of Pommier et al.(2008), allowing the conductivity of natural melts to be calculated as a function of T, P, H2O, and fO2. Variable fO2 experiments confirmed the increase in σ when reducing the melt. At 1200°C, for both reduction-oxidation cycles, a stable value of σ following a change in fO2 is reached in 15hours, while 2hours are needed at 1400°C. The real-time changes in σ of basaltic melts following fO2 step changes were monitored. The time-dependent changes in σ are interpreted in terms of kinetics processes due to redox reequilibration between melt and gas. The evolution of σ with time can be fitted using a diffusion-limited process for reduction in CO-CO2 gas mixtures and oxidation in air. However, a reaction at the gas-melt interface probably rate limits oxidation in CO2. Reduction and oxidation rates are similar and increase with T. Oxidation-reduction rates calculated from the analysis of the conductivity evolution with time range from 10-9 to 10-8m2/s for the T range 1200-1400°C. These reaction rates are in agreement with typical alkali diffusion coefficients in basaltic melts. However, the high value of Ea (230kJ/mol) calculated from the T dependence of the oxidation-reduction rates agrees with the Ea for alkali-Earth elements. Furthermore, microprobe analyses document the existence of alkali-Earth cation fluxes during oxidations and reductions. Such cation migration probably occurs to charge-balance electron fluxes in the melt, in agreement with the study of Cooper et al. (1996). Our results suggest that the migration of alkali and alkali-Earth elements rate-limits the redox state changes in basaltic melts, and that redox mechanisms are not restricted to oxygen chemical diffusion. A discussion of chemical vs tracer oxygen diffusion studies is proposed.

Effect of dietary fish oil supplements alone or in combination with sunflower and linseed oil on ruminal lipid metabolism and bacterial populations in lactating cows.

PubMed

Kairenius, P; Leskinen, H; Toivonen, V; Muetzel, S; Ahvenjärvi, S; Vanhatalo, A; Huhtanen, P; Wallace, R J; Shingfield, K J

2018-04-01

Fish oil (FO) alters ruminal biohydrogenation causing trans fatty acid (FA) intermediates to accumulate, but the effects of 18-carbon polyunsaturated FA supply on ruminal long-chain FA metabolism and microbial communities in cattle fed FO are not well established. Four cows fitted with rumen cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square with 21-d experimental periods to evaluate the effects of FO alone or in combination with plant oils high in 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-3 on rumen microbial ecology and flow of FA at the omasum. Treatments comprised a basal grass silage-based diet containing no additional oil (control) or supplements of FO (200 g/d) or FO (200 g/d) plus 500 g/d of sunflower oil (SFO) or linseed oil (LFO). Flow of FA was determined using the omasal sampling technique. The relative abundance of key biohydrogenating bacteria was assessed by quantitative PCR on 16S rRNA genes in omasal digesta. Fish oil-supplemented treatments increased the amounts of trans-18:1, trans-18:2, and 20- to 22-carbon polyunsaturated FA escaping the rumen. Relative to the control, oil supplements had no effect on the amount of 18:0 leaving the rumen, but LFO decreased the flow of 18:0 at the omasum compared with SFO. Both SFO and LFO increased trans-18:1 relative to FO, whereas LFO resulted in the highest trans-18:2 and 20- to 22-carbon FA flow. Supplements of FO plus plant oils shifted biohydrogenation toward trans-10 18:1 formation. Compared with FO alone, the ruminal metabolism of 22:6n-3 in the rumen of lactating cows is more extensive on diets containing higher amounts of 18-carbon polyunsaturated FA. However, the biohydrogenation of 22:5n-3 was less extensive in LFO than SFO, but showed no difference between FO and diets containing plant oils. Ruminal outflow of 20:5n-3 was not altered when plant oils were added to FO. Alterations in the amount of intermediates at the omasum or ruminal biohydrogenation pathways were not accompanied by major changes in analyzed bacterial populations. In conclusion, dietary supplements of FO alone or in combination with plant oils increase the amount of biohydrogenation intermediates containing 1 or more trans double bonds escaping the rumen, which may have implications for host metabolism and the nutritional quality of ruminant foods. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Weight-based determination of fluid overload status and mortality in pediatric intensive care unit patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy

PubMed Central

Selewski, David T.; Cornell, Timothy T.; Lombel, Rebecca M.; Blatt, Neal B.; Han, Yong Y.; Mottes, Theresa; Kommareddi, Mallika; Kershaw, David B.; Shanley, Thomas P.; Heung, Michael

2012-01-01

Purpose In pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients, fluid overload (FO) at initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for mortality. Previous studies have calculated FO based on daily fluid balance during ICU admission, which is labor intensive and error prone. We hypothesized that a weight-based definition of FO at CRRT initiation would correlate with the fluid balance method and prove predictive of outcome. Methods This is a retrospective single-center review of PICU patients requiring CRRT from July 2006 through February 2010 (n = 113). We compared the degree of FO at CRRT initiation using the standard fluid balance method versus methods based on patient weight changes assessed by both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The degree of fluid overload at CRRT initiation was significantly greater in nonsurvivors, irrespective of which method was used. The univariate odds ratio for PICU mortality per 1% increase in FO was 1.056 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.025, 1.087] by the fluid balance method, 1.044 (95% CI 1.019, 1.069) by the weight-based method using PICU admission weight, and 1.045 (95% CI 1.022, 1.07) by the weight-based method using hospital admission weight. On multivariate analyses, all three methods approached significance in predicting PICU survival. Conclusions Our findings suggest that weight-based definitions of FO are useful in defining FO at CRRT initiation and are associated with increased mortality in a broad PICU patient population. This study provides evidence for a more practical weight-based definition of FO that can be used at the bedside. PMID:21533569

Insights into the Molecular Mechanism of Rotation in the Fo Sector of ATP Synthase

PubMed Central

Aksimentiev, Aleksij; Balabin, Ilya A.; Fillingame, Robert H.; Schulten, Klaus

2004-01-01

F1Fo-ATP synthase is a ubiquitous membrane protein complex that efficiently converts a cell's transmembrane proton gradient into chemical energy stored as ATP. The protein is made of two molecular motors, Fo and F1, which are coupled by a central stalk. The membrane unit, Fo, converts the transmembrane electrochemical potential into mechanical rotation of a rotor in Fo and the physically connected central stalk. Based on available data of individual components, we have built an all-atom model of Fo and investigated through molecular dynamics simulations and mathematical modeling the mechanism of torque generation in Fo. The mechanism that emerged generates the torque at the interface of the a- and c-subunits of Fo through side groups aSer-206, aArg-210, and aAsn-214 of the a-subunit and side groups cAsp-61 of the c-subunits. The mechanism couples protonation/deprotonation of two cAsp-61 side groups, juxtaposed to the a-subunit at any moment in time, to rotations of individual c-subunit helices as well as rotation of the entire c-subunit. The aArg-210 side group orients the cAsp-61 side groups and, thereby, establishes proton transfer via aSer-206 and aAsn-214 to proton half-channels, while preventing direct proton transfer between the half-channels. A mathematical model proves the feasibility of torque generation by the stated mechanism against loads typical during ATP synthesis; the essential model characteristics, e.g., helix and subunit rotation and associated friction constants, have been tested and furnished by steered molecular dynamics simulations. PMID:14990464

Fructo-oligosaccharide attenuates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of JNK/Jun pathway in the lungs of D-galactose-treated Balb/cJ mice.

PubMed

Yeh, Shu-Lan; Wu, Tzu-Chin; Chan, Shu-Ting; Hong, Meng-Jun; Chen, Hsiao-Ling

2014-01-01

This study determined the effects of long-term D-galactose (DG) injection on the lung pro-inflammatory and fibrotic status and whether fructo-oligosaccharide (FO) could attenuate such effects. Forty Balb/cJ mice (12 weeks of age) were divided into four groups: control (s.c. saline) (basal diet), DG (s.c. 1.2 g DG/kg body weight) (basal diet), DG + FO (FO diet, 2.5% w/w FO), and DG + E (vitamin E diet, α-tocopherol 0.2% w/w) serving as an antioxidant control group. These animals were killed after 49 day of treatments. Another group of naturally aging (NA) mice without any injection was killed at 64 weeks of age to be an aging control group. D-galactose treatment, generally similar to NA, increased the lung pro-inflammatory status, as shown in the IL-6 and IL-1β levels and the expression of phospho-Jun and phospho-JNK, and the fibrotic status as shown in the hydroxyproline level compared to the vehicle. FO diminished the DG-induced increases in the lung IL-1β level and expressions of total Jun, phospho-JNK, and attenuated DG effects on lung IL-6 and hydroxyproline, while α-tocopherol exerted anti-inflammatory effects on all parameters determined. FO, as well as α-tocopherol, modulated the large bowel ecology by increasing the fecal bifidobacteria and cecal butyrate levels compared with DG. D-galactose treatment mimicked the lung pro-inflammatory status as shown in the NA mice. FO attenuated the DG-induced lung pro-inflammatory status and down-regulated JNK/Jun pathway in the lung, which could be mediated by the prebiotic effects and metabolic products of FO in the large intestine.

Removal of organic micro-pollutants (phenol, aniline and nitrobenzene) via forward osmosis (FO) process: Evaluation of FO as an alternative method to reverse osmosis (RO).

PubMed

Cui, Yue; Liu, Xiang-Yang; Chung, Tai-Shung; Weber, Martin; Staudt, Claudia; Maletzko, Christian

2016-03-15

In this study, we have explored and compared the effectiveness of using (1) lab-fabricated forward osmosis (FO) membranes under both FO and reverse osmosis (RO) modes and (2) commercially available RO membranes under the RO mode for the removal of organic micro-pollutants. The lab-fabricated FO membranes are thin film composite (TFC) membranes consisting of a polyamide layer and a porous substrate cast from three different materials; namely, Matrimid, polyethersulfone (PESU) and sulfonated polyphenylene sulfone (sPPSU). The results show that the FO mode is superior to the RO mode in the removal of phenol, aniline and nitrobenzene from wastewater. The rejections of all three TFC membranes to all the three organic micro-pollutants under the FO processes are higher than 72% and can be even higher than 90% for aniline when a 1000 ppm aromatic aqueous solution and 1 M NaCl are employed as feeds. These performances outperform the results obtained from themselves and commercially available RO membranes under the RO mode. In addition, the rejection can be maintained even when treating a more concentrated feed solution (2000 ppm). The removal performance can be further enhanced by using a more concentrated draw solution (2 M). The water flux is almost doubled, and the rejection increment can reach up to 17%. Moreover, it was observed that annealing as a post-treatment would help compact the membrane selective layer and further enhance the separating efficiency. The obtained organic micro-pollutant rejections and water fluxes under various feasible operating conditions indicate that the FO process has potential to be a viable treatment for wastewater containing organic micro-pollutants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Fear of progression in parents of children with cancer: adaptation of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire and correlates].

PubMed

Schepper, F; Abel, K; Herschbach, P; Christiansen, H; Mehnert, A; Martini, J

2015-05-01

Fear of Progression (FoP), the fear of further disease progression, is one of the most common psychological strains of chronically ill patients and can also be found in healthy partners of cancer patients. Parents of children with cancer are also at risk of developing distinct fears that may persist after medical treatment. This study aimed to assess FoP in parents of children with cancer and to investigate relationships between FoP in parents of children with cancer and disease- and treatment-related issues, the child's current medical condition and parents' quality of life. In this study 76 parents (51 mothers, 25 fathers) whose children were in inpatient treatment or follow-up care were surveyed. The short form of the FoP Questionnaire was adapted by rephrasing the items for the parental perspective (FoP-Q-SF/PR). The FoP-Q-SF/PR is a short questionnaire with adequate psychometric properties (e. g. Cronbach's α=0.90) and satisfying results in terms of construct validity. Significant correlations with FoP are found for the child's current medical condition (r=0.35), time since diagnosis (r=- 0.30), parents' capacity to cope with disease-related fears (r=- 0.45) and parents' quality of life (r=- 0.55). A cut-off value of 46 points is recommended. The FoP-Q-SF/PR offers a feasible and sensitive battery to assess disease-related fears. For clinicians, evaluation of individual results can provide insight into specific problem areas for parents of children with cancer. The questionnaire is thus well suited for use in psychosocial care of families within the field of paediatric oncology. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form (FoSI-SF).

PubMed

Pruiksma, Kristi E; Taylor, Daniel J; Ruggero, Camilo; Boals, Adriel; Davis, Joanne L; Cranston, Christopher; DeViva, Jason C; Zayfert, Claudia

2014-05-15

Fear of sleep may play a significant role in sleep disturbances in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This report describes a psychometric study of the Fear of Sleep Inventory (FoSI), which was developed to measure this construct. The psychometric properties of the FoSI were examined in a non-clinical sample of 292 college students (Study I) and in a clinical sample of 67 trauma-exposed adults experiencing chronic nightmares (Study II). Data on the 23 items of the FoSI were subjected to exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to identify items uniquely assessing fear of sleep. Next, reliability and validity of a 13-item version of the FoSI was examined in both samples. A 13-item Short-Form version (FoSI-SF) was identified as having a clear 2-factor structure with high internal consistency in both the non-clinical (α = 0.76-0.94) and clinical (α = 0.88-0.91) samples. Both studies demonstrated good convergent validity with measures of PTSD (0.48-0.61) and insomnia (0.39-0.48) and discriminant validity with a measure of sleep hygiene (0.19-0.27). The total score on the FoSI-SF was significantly higher in the clinical sample (mean = 17.90, SD = 12.56) than in the non-clinical sample (mean = 4.80, SD = 7.72); t(357) = 8.85 p < 0.001. Although all items are recommended for clinical purposes, the data support the use of the 13-item FoSI-SF for research purposes. Replication of the factor structure in clinical samples is needed. Results are discussed in terms of limitations of this study and directions for further research.

Statistical mapping of zones of focused groundwater/surface-water exchange using fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mwakanyamale, Kisa; Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Slater, Lee D.

2013-01-01

Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) increasingly is used to map zones of focused groundwater/surface-water exchange (GWSWE). Previous studies of GWSWE using FO-DTS involved identification of zones of focused GWSWE based on arbitrary cutoffs of FO-DTS time-series statistics (e.g., variance, cross-correlation between temperature and stage, or spectral power). New approaches are needed to extract more quantitative information from large, complex FO-DTS data sets while concurrently providing an assessment of uncertainty associated with mapping zones of focused GSWSE. Toward this end, we present a strategy combining discriminant analysis (DA) and spectral analysis (SA). We demonstrate the approach using field experimental data from a reach of the Columbia River adjacent to the Hanford 300 Area site. Results of the combined SA/DA approach are shown to be superior to previous results from qualitative interpretation of FO-DTS spectra alone.

The inhibition of the mitochondrial F1FO-ATPase activity when activated by Ca2+ opens new regulatory roles for NAD.

PubMed

Nesci, Salvatore; Trombetti, Fabiana; Ventrella, Vittoria; Pirini, Maurizio; Pagliarani, Alessandra

2018-01-26

The mitochondrial F1FO-ATPase is uncompetitively inhibited by NAD+ only when the natural cofactor Mg2+ is replaced by Ca2+, a mode putatively involved in cell death. The Ca2+-dependent F1FO-ATPase is also inhibited when NAD+ concentration in mitochondria is raised by acetoacetate. The enzyme inhibition by NAD+ cannot be ascribed to any de-ac(et)ylation or ADP-ribosylation by sirtuines, as it is not reversed by nicotinamide. Moreover, the addition of acetyl-CoA or palmitate, which would favor the enzyme ac(et)ylation, does not affect the F1FO-ATPase activity. Consistently, NAD+ may play a new role, not associated with redox and non-redox enzymatic reactions, in the Ca2+-dependent regulation of the F1FO-ATPase activity.

Superposed Epoch Studies of the Response of the High-Latitude Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere System to Solar Wind High-Speed Stream Driving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grandin, M.; Aikio, A. T.; Kozlovsky, A.; Ulich, T.; Raita, T.

2016-12-01

During the declining phase of the solar cycle, the Earth's magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system is mainly disturbed by solar wind high-speed streams (HSSs). Their ionospheric response, especially at high latitudes, is not fully understood yet. The perturbations in the ionosphere last for several days. We have examined the effect of HSS in two studies, which apply the superposed epoch method to data to reveal the statistical response in the ionospheric F, E and D regions to such perturbations. We use ionosonde, geomagnetic and cosmic noise absorption data obtained from Finnish stations during 95 high-speed stream events detected between 2006 and 2008. Results show a long-lasting decrease in the F layer critical frequency foF2 between 12 and 23 MLT in summer and equinox. This depletion of the F layer is interpreted as a result of enhanced electric fields inducing ion-neutral frictional heating in the auroral and subauroral regions. The response near noon is different, since foF2 is increased shortly upon arrival of the co-rotating stream interaction region (CIR), possibly because of precipitation of particles from the dayside plasma sheet provoked by the associated solar wind pressure pulse. In the morning sector, both foF2 and foEs show increases for several days, indicating particle precipitation having a soft component. In the study of cosmic noise absorption (CNA), we observe a different response depending on the L-value of the station. Within the auroral oval (L=5-6), CNA gets maximum values in the morning sector 0-12 MLT during the first and second day following the zero epoch. Values are greater during events with longer-lasting high solar wind speed. The CNA maximum shifts to later MLT at lower L values, and in JYV (L=3.8), the maximum takes place at 14 MLT during day 4. Substorm energization events dominate during the first days at 00-01 MLT. We also address the role of Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations observed in association with CNA events. These results may contribute to improve nowcasting and forecasting of space weather activity during high-speed stream events.

47 CFR 15.33 - Frequency range of radiated measurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... radiator operates at or above 30 GHz: to the fifth harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 200... kHz, up to at least the frequency shown in this paragraph: (1) If the intentional radiator operates below 10 GHz: to the tenth harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 40 GHz, whichever is...

GRACE-FO Prelaunch Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-21

NASA Headquarters Public Affairs Officer Steve Cole moderates a Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission prelaunch media briefing, Monday, May 21, 2018, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The twin GRACE-FO spacecraft will measure changes in how mass is redistributed within and among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, as well as within Earth itself. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Students' Social Media Engagement and Fear of Missing out (FoMO) in a Diverse Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alt, Dorit

2017-01-01

With the growing attention paid to fear of missing out (FoMO) psychological phenomenon in explaining social media engagement (SME), this mixed-method research measured the relative impact of FoMO on students' SME for personal reasons during lectures. The moderating effect of culture (minority vs. non-minority students) on the connection between…

Direct microscopic observation of forward osmosis membrane fouling.

PubMed

Wang, Yining; Wicaksana, Filicia; Tang, Chuyang Y; Fane, Anthony G

2010-09-15

This study describes the application of a noninvasive direct microscopic observation method for characterizing fouling of a forward osmosis (FO) membrane. The effect of the draw solution concentration, membrane orientation, and feed spacer on FO fouling was systematically investigated in a cross-flow setup using latex particles as model foulant in the feedwater. Higher draw solution (DS) concentrations (and thus increased flux levels) resulted in dramatic increase in the surface coverage by latex particles, suggesting that the critical flux concept might be applicable even for the osmotically driven FO process. Under identical draw solution concentrations, the active-layer-facing-the-feed-solution orientation (AL-FS) experienced significantly less fouling compared to the alternative orientation. This may be explained by the lower water flux in AL-FS, which is consistent with the critical flux concept. The use of a feed spacer not only dramatically enhanced the initial flux of the FO membrane, but also significantly improved the flux stability during FO fouling. Despite such beneficial effects of using the feed spacer, a significant amount of particle accumulation was found near the spacer filament, suggesting further opportunities for improved spacer design. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first direct microscopic observation study on FO fouling.

Effects of moderate heart failure and functional overload on rat plantaris muscle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spangenburg, Espen E.; Lees, Simon J.; Otis, Jeff S.; Musch, Timothy I.; Talmadge, Robert J.; Williams, Jay H.

2002-01-01

It is thought that changes in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) of skeletal muscle contribute to alterations in skeletal muscle function during congestive heart failure (CHF). It is well established that exercise training can improve muscle function. However, it is unclear whether similar adaptations will result from exercise training in a CHF patient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether skeletal muscle during moderate CHF adapts to increased activity, utilizing the functional overload (FO) model. Significant increases in plantaris mass of the CHF-FO and sham-FO groups compared with the CHF and control (sham) groups were observed. Ca(2+) uptake rates were significantly elevated in the CHF group compared with all other groups. No differences were detected in Ca(2+) uptake rates between the CHF-FO, sham, and sham-FO groups. Increases in Ca(2+) uptake rates in moderate-CHF rats were not due to changes in SERCA isoform proportions; however, FO may have attenuated the CHF-induced increases through alterations in SERCA isoform expression. Therefore, changes in skeletal muscle Ca(2+) handling during moderate CHF may be due to alterations in regulatory mechanisms, which exercise may override, by possibly altering SERCA isoform expression.

Subunit rotation of ATP synthase embedded in membranes: a or β subunit rotation relative to the c subunit ring

PubMed Central

Nishio, Kazuaki; Iwamoto-Kihara, Atsuko; Yamamoto, Akitsugu; Wada, Yoh; Futai, Masamitsu

2002-01-01

ATP synthase FoF1 (α3β3γδɛab2c10–14) couples an electrochemical proton gradient and a chemical reaction through the rotation of its subunit assembly. In this study, we engineered FoF1 to examine the rotation of the catalytic F1 β or membrane sector Fo a subunit when the Fo c subunit ring was immobilized; a biotin-tag was introduced onto the β or a subunit, and a His-tag onto the c subunit ring. Membrane fragments were obtained from Escherichia coli cells carrying the recombinant plasmid for the engineered FoF1 and were immobilized on a glass surface. An actin filament connected to the β or a subunit rotated counterclockwise on the addition of ATP, and generated essentially the same torque as one connected to the c ring of FoF1 immobilized through a His-tag linked to the α or β subunit. These results established that the γɛc10–14 and α3β3δab2 complexes are mechanical units of the membrane-embedded enzyme involved in rotational catalysis. PMID:12357031

An Implementation Method of the Fractional-Order PID Control System Considering the Memory Constraint and its Application to the Temperature Control of Heat Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasano, Koji; Okajima, Hiroshi; Matsunaga, Nobutomo

Recently, the fractional order PID (FO-PID) control, which is the extension of the PID control, has been focused on. Even though the FO-PID requires the high-order filter, it is difficult to realize the high-order filter due to the memory limitation of digital computer. For implementation of FO-PID, approximation of the fractional integrator and differentiator are required. Short memory principle (SMP) is one of the effective approximation methods. However, there is a disadvantage that the approximated filter with SMP cannot eliminate the steady-state error. For this problem, we introduce the distributed implementation of the integrator and the dynamic quantizer to make the efficient use of permissible memory. The objective of this study is to clarify how to implement the accurate FO-PID with limited memories. In this paper, we propose the implementation method of FO-PID with memory constraint using dynamic quantizer. And the trade off between approximation of fractional elements and quantized data size are examined so as to close to the ideal FO-PID responses. The effectiveness of proposed method is evaluated by numerical example and experiment in the temperature control of heat plate.

Numerical Modeling of Artificial Recharge: Determining Spatial/Temporal Sampling Resolution to Quantify Infiltration Rates and Effective Hydraulic Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glose, T. J.; Hausner, M. B.; Lowry, C.

2016-12-01

The accurate, fine scale quantification of groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) interactions over large expanses in hydrologic systems is a fundamental need in order to accurately characterize critical zones of biogeochemical transformation and fluxes, as well as to provide insight into near-surface geologic heterogeneity. Paired fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) is a tool that is capable of synoptically sampling hydrologic systems, allowing GW-SW interactions to be examined at a fine scale over large distances. Within managed aquifer recharge (MAR) sites, differential recharge dynamics controlled by bed clogging and subsurface heterogeneity dictate the effectiveness of these sites at infiltrating water. Numerical modeling indicates that the use of paired FO-DTS in an MAR site can provide accurate quantification of flux at the GW-SW interface, as well as provide insight to the areal extent of geologic heterogeneity in the subsurface. However, the lateral and vertical separation of the fiber-optic cables is of vital importance. Here we present a 2-D, fully coupled groundwater flow and heat transport model with prescribed heterogeneity. Following a forward modeling approach, realizations simulating varying fiber-optic cable positioning, differential bed clogging, and hydraulic conductivity variability were analyzed over a suite of scenarios. The results from the model were then used as observations to calculate groundwater recharge rates and calibration targets for an inverse model to estimate subsurface heterogeneity.

A 2D Electron Density and Plasma Current Density Diagnostic for Opening Switches

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

x, y)) can be recovered by taking the inverse transform of C(f - f,, y), and calculating the inverse tangent of the ratio of its real and imaginary...parts, 27rfox + (x,y) = tan-1 [Re(IT)/Im(IT)], (7) where IT represents the inverse transform of C(f - fo, y). There are a number of options available...notch filtering around f, before the inverse transform is taken. However, since frequency space is discrete due to the discrete nature of the FFT, we

Indirect observation of unobservable interstellar molecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herbst, E.; Green, S.; Thaddeus, P.; Klemperer, W.

1977-01-01

It is suggested that the abundances of neutral non-polar interstellar molecules unobservable by radio astronomy can be systematically determined by radio observation of the protonated ions. As an example, observed N2H(+) column densities are analyzed to infer molecular nitrogen abundances in dense interstellar clouds. The chemistries and expected densities of the protonated ions of O2, C2, CO2, C2H2 and CH4 are then discussed. Microwave transition frequencies fo HCO2(+) and C2H3(+) are estimated, and a preliminary astronomical search for HCO2(+) is described.

Glottal open quotient in singing: Measurements and correlation with laryngeal mechanisms, vocal intensity, and fundamental frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henrich, Nathalie; D'Alessandro, Christophe; Doval, Boris; Castellengo, Michèle

2005-03-01

This article presents the results of glottal open-quotient measurements in the case of singing voice production. It explores the relationship between open quotient and laryngeal mechanisms, vocal intensity, and fundamental frequency. The audio and electroglottographic signals of 18 classically trained male and female singers were recorded and analyzed with regard to vocal intensity, fundamental frequency, and open quotient. Fundamental frequency and open quotient are derived from the differentiated electroglottographic signal, using the DECOM (DEgg Correlation-based Open quotient Measurement) method. As male and female phonation may differ in respect to vocal-fold vibratory properties, a distinction is made between two different glottal configurations, which are called laryngeal mechanisms: mechanism 1 (related to chest, modal, and male head register) and mechanism 2 (related to falsetto for male and head register for female). The results show that open quotient depends on the laryngeal mechanisms. It ranges from 0.3 to 0.8 in mechanism 1 and from 0.5 to 0.95 in mechanism 2. The open quotient is strongly related to vocal intensity in mechanism 1 and to fundamental frequency in mechanism 2. .

Fear of Progression in Parents of Children with Cancer: Results of An Online Expert Survey in Pediatric Oncology.

PubMed

Clever, Katharina; Schepper, Florian; Küpper, Luise; Christiansen, Holger; Martini, Julia

2018-04-01

Fear of Progression (FoP) is a commonly reported psychological strain in parents of children with cancer. This expert survey investigates how professionals in pediatric oncology estimate the burden and consequences of FoP in parents and how they assess and treat parental FoP. N=77 professionals in pediatric oncology (members and associates of the Psychosocial Association in Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, PSAPOH) were examined in an online survey with a self-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Three of four experts in clinical practice were (very) often confronted with parental FoP which was associated with more negative (e. g., psychosomatic reactions, reduced family functioning) than positive (e. g., active illness processing) consequences. N=40 experts indicated that they mainly assess parents' anxiety via clinical judgment (72.5%) and/or according to ICD-10/DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (37.5%), whereas standardized methods such as psycho-oncological questionnaires (12.5%) were applied less often. Only n=6 experts named a specific diagnostic approach to assess parental FoP. The most common treatment approaches for FoP were supportive counseling (74.0%), psychotherapy (59.7%) and/or relaxation techniques (55.8%). Parental FoP is frequently perceived by experts in clinical practice. A standardized diagnostic procedure would increase comparability of diagnostic judgments and harmonize treatment indications. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effects of alpha lipoic acid, ascorbic acid-6-palmitate, and fish oil on the glutathione, malonaldehyde, and fatty acids levels in erythrocytes of streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Okkeş; Ozkan, Yusuf; Yildirim, Mehmet; Oztürk, A Ihsan; Erşan, Yasemin

2002-01-01

In this research, it has been aimed to evaluate the improvement effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA), ascorbic acid-6-palmitate (AA6P), fish oil (FO), and their combination (COM) on some biochemical properties in erythrocytes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. According to experimental results, glutathione (GSH) level in erythrocytes decreased in diabetes (P < 0.01), D + ALA, and D + AA6P groups (P < 0.001). Malonaldehyde (MA) level increased in diabetes (P < 0.05), D + FO, and D + COM groups (P < 0.001), but its level in D + AA6P and D + ALA groups was lower in diabetes group (P < 0.01). Total lipid level in diabetes and diabetes plus antioxidant administered groups were higher than control. Total cholesterol level was high in diabetes and D + ALA groups (P < 0.05), but its level reduced in D + FO compared to control and diabetes groups, P < 0.05, < 0.001, respectively. Total triglyceride (TTG) level was high in the D + ALA (P < 0.05) and D + COM (P < 0.001) groups. In contrast, TTG level in blood of diabetes group was higher than diabetes plus antioxidant and FO administered groups (P < 0.001). According to gas chromatography analysis results, while the palmitic acid raised in diabetes group (P < 0.05), stearic acid in D + FO, D + ALA, and diabetes groups was lower than control (P < 0.05), oleic acid reduced in D + COM and D + FO groups, but its level raised in D + AA6P and D + ALA groups (P < 0.01). As the linoleic acid (LA) elevated in ALA + D, D + AA6P, and diabetes groups, linolenic acid level in diabetes, D + AA6P, and D + FO groups was lower than control (P < 0.001). Arachidonic acid (AA) decreased in D + ALA, D+ AA6P, and diabetes groups (P < 0.01), but its level in D + COM and D + FO was higher than control (P < 0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased in D + AA6P and D + COM (P < 0.05). While the total saturated fatty acid level raised in diabetes group, its level reduced in D + ALA and D + FO groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, total unsaturated fatty acid level in D + ALA and D + FO groups was higher than control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, present data have confirmed that the combination of the ALA, AA6P, and FO have improvement effects on the recycling of GSSG to reduced GSH in erythrocytes of diabetic rats, and in addition to this, oxidative stress was suppressed by ALA and AA6P, and unsaturated fatty acid degree was raised by the effects of ALA and FO. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Observations concerning the generation and propagation of Type III solar bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, P. J.

1986-01-01

A number of Type III bursts were observed during the Helios missions in which the burst exciter passed over the spacecraft, as evidenced by strong electric field fluctuations near the plasma frequency. Six of these were suitable for detailed study. Of the six events, one was ambiguous, one showed what is interpreted as a switchover from harmonic to fundamental, and the rest all generated fundamental at onset. This would be expected if both fundamental and harmonic are generated, as, at a fixed frequency, the fundamental will be generated earlier. For the event which seems to show both fundamental and harmonic emission, the frequency ratio is not exactly 2. This is explained in terms of a time delay of the fundamental, due to scattering and diffusion in the source region. A time delay of the order of 600 seconds at 1 AU and 20 kHz, and inversely proportional to frequency, is required to explain the observations. Crude estimates show that delay times at least this long may be attributed to trapping and scattering.

Quantum-mechanical analysis of amino acid residues function in the proton transport during F0F1-ATP synthase catalytic cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivontsin, L. A.; Mashkovtseva, E. V.; Nartsissov, Ya R.

2017-11-01

Implications of quantum-mechanical approach to the description of proton transport in biological systems are a tempting subject for an overlapping of fundamental physics and biology. The model of proton transport through the integrated membrane enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase responsible for ATP synthesis was developed. The estimation of the mathematical expectation of the proton transfer time through the half-channel was performed. Observed set of proton pathways through the inlet half-channel showed the nanosecond timescale highly dependable of some amino acid residues. There were proposed two types of crucial amino acids: critically localized (His245) and being a part of energy conserving system (Asp119).

Pattern masking: the importance of remote spatial frequencies and their phase alignment.

PubMed

Huang, Pi-Chun; Maehara, Goro; May, Keith A; Hess, Robert F

2012-02-16

To assess the effects of spatial frequency and phase alignment of mask components in pattern masking, target threshold vs. mask contrast (TvC) functions for a sine-wave grating (S) target were measured for five types of mask: a sine-wave grating (S), a square-wave grating (Q), a missing fundamental square-wave grating (M), harmonic complexes consisting of phase-scrambled harmonics of a square wave (Qp), and harmonic complexes consisting of phase-scrambled harmonics of a missing fundamental square wave (Mp). Target and masks had the same fundamental frequency (0.46 cpd) and the target was added in phase with the fundamental frequency component of the mask. Under monocular viewing conditions, the strength of masking depends on phase relationships among mask spatial frequencies far removed from that of the target, at least 3 times the target frequency, only when there are common target and mask spatial frequencies. Under dichoptic viewing conditions, S and Q masks produced similar masking to each other and the phase-scrambled masks (Qp and Mp) produced less masking. The results suggest that pattern masking is spatial frequency broadband in nature and sensitive to the phase alignments of spatial components.

Multifrequency synthesis and extraction using square wave projection patterns for quantitative tissue imaging.

PubMed

Nadeau, Kyle P; Rice, Tyler B; Durkin, Anthony J; Tromberg, Bruce J

2015-11-01

We present a method for spatial frequency domain data acquisition utilizing a multifrequency synthesis and extraction (MSE) method and binary square wave projection patterns. By illuminating a sample with square wave patterns, multiple spatial frequency components are simultaneously attenuated and can be extracted to determine optical property and depth information. Additionally, binary patterns are projected faster than sinusoids typically used in spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), allowing for short (millisecond or less) camera exposure times, and data acquisition speeds an order of magnitude or more greater than conventional SFDI. In cases where sensitivity to superficial layers or scattering is important, the fundamental component from higher frequency square wave patterns can be used. When probing deeper layers, the fundamental and harmonic components from lower frequency square wave patterns can be used. We compared optical property and depth penetration results extracted using square waves to those obtained using sinusoidal patterns on an in vivo human forearm and absorbing tube phantom, respectively. Absorption and reduced scattering coefficient values agree with conventional SFDI to within 1% using both high frequency (fundamental) and low frequency (fundamental and harmonic) spatial frequencies. Depth penetration reflectance values also agree to within 1% of conventional SFDI.

Multifrequency synthesis and extraction using square wave projection patterns for quantitative tissue imaging

PubMed Central

Nadeau, Kyle P.; Rice, Tyler B.; Durkin, Anthony J.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. We present a method for spatial frequency domain data acquisition utilizing a multifrequency synthesis and extraction (MSE) method and binary square wave projection patterns. By illuminating a sample with square wave patterns, multiple spatial frequency components are simultaneously attenuated and can be extracted to determine optical property and depth information. Additionally, binary patterns are projected faster than sinusoids typically used in spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), allowing for short (millisecond or less) camera exposure times, and data acquisition speeds an order of magnitude or more greater than conventional SFDI. In cases where sensitivity to superficial layers or scattering is important, the fundamental component from higher frequency square wave patterns can be used. When probing deeper layers, the fundamental and harmonic components from lower frequency square wave patterns can be used. We compared optical property and depth penetration results extracted using square waves to those obtained using sinusoidal patterns on an in vivo human forearm and absorbing tube phantom, respectively. Absorption and reduced scattering coefficient values agree with conventional SFDI to within 1% using both high frequency (fundamental) and low frequency (fundamental and harmonic) spatial frequencies. Depth penetration reflectance values also agree to within 1% of conventional SFDI. PMID:26524682

FoSSI: the family of simplified solver interfaces for the rapid development of parallel numerical atmosphere and ocean models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frickenhaus, Stephan; Hiller, Wolfgang; Best, Meike

The portable software FoSSI is introduced that—in combination with additional free solver software packages—allows for an efficient and scalable parallel solution of large sparse linear equations systems arising in finite element model codes. FoSSI is intended to support rapid model code development, completely hiding the complexity of the underlying solver packages. In particular, the model developer need not be an expert in parallelization and is yet free to switch between different solver packages by simple modifications of the interface call. FoSSI offers an efficient and easy, yet flexible interface to several parallel solvers, most of them available on the web, such as PETSC, AZTEC, MUMPS, PILUT and HYPRE. FoSSI makes use of the concept of handles for vectors, matrices, preconditioners and solvers, that is frequently used in solver libraries. Hence, FoSSI allows for a flexible treatment of several linear equations systems and associated preconditioners at the same time, even in parallel on separate MPI-communicators. The second special feature in FoSSI is the task specifier, being a combination of keywords, each configuring a certain phase in the solver setup. This enables the user to control a solver over one unique subroutine. Furthermore, FoSSI has rather similar features for all solvers, making a fast solver intercomparison or exchange an easy task. FoSSI is a community software, proven in an adaptive 2D-atmosphere model and a 3D-primitive equation ocean model, both formulated in finite elements. The present paper discusses perspectives of an OpenMP-implementation of parallel iterative solvers based on domain decomposition methods. This approach to OpenMP solvers is rather attractive, as the code for domain-local operations of factorization, preconditioning and matrix-vector product can be readily taken from a sequential implementation that is also suitable to be used in an MPI-variant. Code development in this direction is in an advanced state under the name ScOPES: the Scalable Open Parallel sparse linear Equations Solver.

The ionosphere of Europe and North America before the magnetic storm of October 28, 2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagoveshchensky, D. V.; Macdugall, J. W.; Pyatkova, A. V.

2006-05-01

The X17 solar flare occurred on October 28, 2003, and was followed by the X10 flare on October 29. These flares caused very strong geomagnetic storms (Halloween storms). The aim of the present study is to compare the variations in two main ionospheric parameters ( foF2 and hmF2) at two chains of ionosondes located in Europe and North America for the period October 23-28, 2003. This interval began immediately before the storm of October 28 and includes its commencement. Another task of the work is to detect ionospheric precursors of the storm or substorm expansion phase. An analysis is based on SPIDR data. The main results are as follows. The positive peak of δ foF2 (where δ is the difference between disturbed and quiet values) is observed several hours before the magnetic storm or substorm commencement. This peak can serve as a disturbance precursor. The amplitude of δ foF2 values varies from 20 to 100% of the foF2 values. The elements of similarity in the variations in the δ foF2 values at two chains are as follows: (a) the above δ foF2 peak is as a rule observed simultaneously at two chains before the disturbance; (b) the δ foF2 variations are similar at all midlatitude (or, correspondingly, high-latitude) ionosondes of the chain. The differences in the δ foF2 values are as follows: (a) the effect of the main phase and the phase of strong storm recovery at one chain differs from such an effect at another chain; (b) the manifestation of disturbances at high-latitude stations of the chain differ from the manifestations at midlatitude stations. The δ hmF2 variations are approximately opposite to the δ foF2 variations, and the δ hmF2 values lie in the interval 15-25% of the hmF2 values. The performed study is useful and significant in studying the problems of the space weather, especially in a short-term prediction of ionospheric disturbances caused by magnetospheric storms or substorms.

'I've Changed My Mind', Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) for pregnant women with a high level of fear of childbirth and their partners: study protocol of the quasi-experimental controlled trial.

PubMed

Veringa, Irena K; de Bruin, Esther I; Bardacke, Nancy; Duncan, Larissa G; van Steensel, Francisca J A; Dirksen, Carmen D; Bögels, Susan M

2016-11-07

Approximately 25 % of pregnant women suffer from a high level of Fear of Childbirth (FoC), as assessed by the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A, score ≥66). FoC negatively affects pregnant women's mental health and adaptation to the perinatal period. Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) seems to be potentially effective in decreasing pregnancy-related anxiety and stress. We propose a theoretical model of Avoidance and Participation in Pregnancy, Birth and the Postpartum Period in order to explore FoC and to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of change of MBCP. The 'I've Changed My Mind' study is a quasi-experimental controlled trial among 128 pregnant women (week 16-26) with a high level of FoC, and their partners. Women will be allocated to MBCP (intervention group) or to Fear of Childbirth Consultation (FoCC; comparison group). Primary outcomes are FoC, labour pain, and willingness to accept obstetrical interventions. Secondary outcomes are anxiety, depression, general stress, parental stress, quality of life, sleep quality, fatigue, satisfaction with childbirth, birth outcome, breastfeeding self-efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The total study duration for women is six months with four assessment waves: pre- and post-intervention, following the birth and closing the maternity leave period. Given the high prevalence and severe negative impact of FoC this study can be of major importance if statistically and clinically meaningful benefits are found. Among the strengths of this study are the clinical-based experimental design, the extensive cognitive-emotional and behavioural measurements in pregnant women and their partners during the entire perinatal period, and the representativeness of study sample as well as generalizability of the study's results. The complex and innovative measurements of FoC in this study are an important strength in clinical research on FoC not only in pregnant women but also in their partners. Dutch Trial Register (NTR): NTR4302 , registration date the 3rd of December 2013.

A novel online Food Recall Checklist for use in an undergraduate student population: a comparison with diet diaries

PubMed Central

Comrie, Fiona; Masson, Lindsey F; McNeill, Geraldine

2009-01-01

Background University students are commonly overlooked when diet of populations is measured and there is a lack of comprehensive dietary assessment in whole university student populations. To measure diet of undergraduate students, a new online 121-item Food Recall Checklist (FoRC) was designed as an alternative to a non-weighed record (food diary). This article reports the comparison between the new dietary assessment method (FoRC) and the food diary as a measure of energy (kJ), fat (g), Non-Starch Polysaccharide (NSP) (g), fruit and vegetables (g), breakfast cereal (g) and bread (g) and alcohol (units) intake. Methods Fifty-three students at the University of Aberdeen completed four days of FoRC then four days food diary. Median agreement and correlation between the two methods was assessed for foods and nutrients using the Spearman's rank correlation co-efficient and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Agreement between FoRC and food diary was assessed using the Bland-Altman method. Results The mean time taken to complete FoRC for one day was 7.4 minutes. Intakes of fat (g and % food energy), NSP and bread were similar between FoRC and the food diary. Median energy intake was 8185 kJ in the food diary and 8007 kJ in FoRC. However, FoRC recorded significantly lower intakes of energy and alcohol and significantly higher intakes of fruit and vegetables and breakfast cereal compared with the food diary. There was considerable variation in agreement between methods at the individual level. For all variables except alcohol and percentage energy from fat, correlation co-efficients were statistically significant and greater than 0.5. Conclusion At the group level, four days of FoRC showed good median agreement with the food diary and there was high correlation between methods for most foods and nutrients. This suggests that this novel method of assessing diet can provide a useful alternative for assessing group mean intakes but that individual intakes may need to be interpreted with care. PMID:19228392

A critical review of the literature on fear of hypoglycemia in diabetes: Implications for diabetes management and patient education.

PubMed

Wild, Diane; von Maltzahn, Robyn; Brohan, Elaine; Christensen, Torsten; Clauson, Per; Gonder-Frederick, Linda

2007-09-01

In many individuals with diabetes, the unpleasant symptoms and negative consequences associated with hypoglycemia may result in significant anxiety or even a fear of hypoglycemia (FoH). This fear may have significant clinical implications for diabetes management. The aim of this review is to integrate existing research on FoH (its measurement, predictors, correlates, impact and treatment) and discuss its implications for diabetes management and patient education. A literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase. The search was limited to journal articles published in English from 1985 to 2007 inclusive. Three hundred and one abstracts were reviewed and 273 were rejected on the basis of non-relevance. In addition to the 28 papers included, six additional papers were identified by further searches and were added to this review. FoH appears to be a widespread phenomenon. It is measured primarily through the use of a specific scale, the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey (HFS). There are a number of factors that relate to whether an individual is likely to develop FoH including whether there is a history of hypoglycemia in an individual, length of time since first insulin treatment, and a higher level of variability in blood glucose level. FoH has been linked to both state and trait anxiety although the relationship is complex. There is evidence that FoH may have a significant negative impact on diabetes management, metabolic control and subsequent health outcomes. There is evidence that blood glucose (BG) awareness training and CBT can reduce levels of fear and improve disease management. More research is needed on how FoH arises and the individual variables which predict its development. In addition, well designed research is required to better understand the behavioral and medical impact of FoH, and interventions to reduce it. There is some evidence to suggest that interventions including BG awareness training and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce levels of fear and improve disease management. While many aspects of FoH require further well-designed research, it is evident that this phenomenon can have a major impact on diabetes management and needs to be specifically addressed in patient education programs.

DHA-rich Fish Oil Increases the Omega-3 Index and Lowers the Oxygen Cost of Physiologically Stressful Cycling in Trained Individuals.

PubMed

Hingley, Lachlan; Macartney, Michael J; Brown, Marc A; McLennan, Peter L; Peoples, Gregory E

2017-08-01

Dietary fish oil, providing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) modulates oxygen consumption and fatigue in animal models. However, in humans predominately supplemented with high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), there is no evidence of endurance performance enhancement. Therefore, this study examined if DHA-rich fish oil could improve repeated bouts of physiologically stressful cycling and a subsequent time trial in a state of fatigue. Twenty-six trained males took part in a double-blind study and were supplemented with either 2 × 1g/day soy oil, Control) or DHA-rich tuna fish oil (Nu-Mega) (FO) (560mg DHA / 140mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for 8 weeks. Maximal cycling power (3 × 6s), isometric quadriceps strength (MVC), Wingate cycling protocol (6 × 30s) and a 5min cycling time-trial were assessed at baseline and eight weeks. The Omega-3 Index was not different at baseline (Control: 4.2 ± 0.2; FO: 4.7 ± 0.2%) and increased in the FO group after eight weeks (Control: 3.9 ± 0.2; FO: 6.3 ± 0.3%, p < .01). There was no effect of DHA-rich fish oil on power output of maximal 6s cycle sprinting (Control: Pre 1100 ± 49 Post 1067 ± 51; FO: Pre 1070 ± 46 Post 1042 ± 46W), during 5min time trail (Control: Pre 267 ± 19 Post 278 ± 20; FO: Pre 253 ± 16 Post 265 ± 16 W) or maximal voluntary contraction force (Control: Pre 273 ± 19 Post 251 ± 19; FO: Pre 287 ± 17 Post 283 ± 16 Nm). Nevertheless, relative oxygen consumption was reduced the FO group during the cycling time trial (Control: -23 ± 26; FO: -154 ± 59ml O2/min/100W p < .05) suggesting improved economy of cycling. We conclude that DHA-rich fish oil, successful at elevating the Omega-3 Index, and reflective of skeletal muscle membrane incorporation, can modulate oxygen consumption during intense exercise.

The association between fear of falling and motor imagery abilities in older community-dwelling individuals.

PubMed

Grenier, Sébastien; Richard-Devantoy, Stéphane; Nadeau, Alexandra; Payette, Marie-Christine; Benyebdri, Fethia; Duhaime, Marie-Michelle B; Gunther, Bruno; Beauchet, Olivier

2018-04-01

We investigated the association between fear of falling (FoF) and motor imagery (MI) abilities in older people. Cross-sectional data from 3552 French older adults were used to conduct a multiple linear regression analysis looking at the association between FoF and MI abilities after controlling for several factors (e.g. gender, age, history of falls). MI abilities were significantly lower in older adults reporting a FoF compared with those without this fear. The presence of lower MI abilities, reflecting deficits in gait control, may explain why older people with a FoF are at higher risk of falling. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of interplanetary solar wind sector polarity on the ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

liu, jing

2014-05-01

Knowledge of solar sector polarity effects on the ionosphere may provide some clues in understanding of the ionospheric day-to-day variability. A solar-terrestrial connection ranging from solar sector boundary (SB) crossings, geomagnetic disturbance and ionospheric perturbations has been demonstrated. The increases in interplanetary solar wind speed within three days are seen after SB crossings, while the decreases in solar wind dynamic pressure and magnetic field intensity immediately after SB crossings are confirmed by the superposed epoch analysis results. Furthermore, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component turns from northward to southward in March equinox and June solstice as the Earth passes from a solar sector of outward to inward directed magnetic fields, whereas the reverse situation occurs for the transition from toward to away sectors. The F2 region critical frequency (foF2) covering about four solar cycles and total electron content (TEC) during 1998-2011 are utilized to extract the related information, revealing that they are not modified significantly and vary within the range of 15% on average. The responses of the ionospheric TEC to SB crossings exhibit complex temporal and spatial variations and have strong dependencies on season, latitude, and solar cycle. This effect is more appreciable in equinoctial months than in solstitial months, which is mainly caused by larger southward Bz components in equinox. In September equinox, latitudinal profile of relative variations of foF2 at noon is featured by depressions at high latitudes and enhancements in low-equatorial latitudes during IMF away sectors. The negative phase of foF2 is delayed at solar minimum relative to it during other parts of solar cycle, which might be associated with the difference in longevity of major interplanetary solar wind drivers perturbing the Earth's environment in different phases of solar cycle.

Equatorial Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI) Response to Severe Cyclonic Storm `Aila' and `Ward' observed over North Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

G J, B.

2016-12-01

The present work investigates the Equatorial Mesosphere Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI) response to severe cyclonic storm `Aila (23-26 May 2009)' and `Ward (10-16 December 2009)' which were observed over north Indian Ocean during the extended solar minimum of the year 2009. This report reveals the coupling between Tropical Cyclone and MLTI region. Tropical cyclone track and data can be obtained from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi. Mesospheric and Ionospheric variation can be examined with the help of ground based Mesosphere Lower Thermosphere (MLT) radar and Digisonde located at equatorial low latitude station, Tirunelveli (8.7oN, 77.8oE). The Outgoing Long wave Radiation (OLR) data is used as a proxy for identifying the convective activity, which are retrieved from NOAA Climate Data Centre. It is observed that the tropical cyclone induced convection as the driving agent for the increased gravity wave activity in the lower atmosphere. These upward propagating gravity waves deposit their energy and momentum into the upper region of atmosphere as `Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs). During the cyclonic storm periods, we found increased gravity wave amplitude with upward propagation in the MLT region. Ionospheric response to severe cyclonic storm is examined with the dynamical parameters, foF2, hmF2, h'F2 and Total Election Content (TEC). Significant increase of foF2 frequency is observed during `Ward' cyclonic storm. Drastic variation in foF2 and h'F2 is observed during Aila cyclonic storm than ward event. More statistical analysis has been done for finding the correlation between cyclonic storm and Ionospheric parameters. Detailed results will be presented in the meeting.

PET attenuation correction for flexible MRI surface coils in hybrid PET/MRI using a 3D depth camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frohwein, Lynn J.; Heß, Mirco; Schlicher, Dominik; Bolwin, Konstantin; Büther, Florian; Jiang, Xiaoyi; Schäfers, Klaus P.

2018-01-01

PET attenuation correction for flexible MRI radio frequency surface coils in hybrid PET/MRI is still a challenging task, as position and shape of these coils conform to large inter-patient variabilities. The purpose of this feasibility study is to develop a novel method for the incorporation of attenuation information about flexible surface coils in PET reconstruction using the Microsoft Kinect V2 depth camera. The depth information is used to determine a dense point cloud of the coil’s surface representing the shape of the coil. From a CT template—acquired once in advance—surface information of the coil is extracted likewise and converted into a point cloud. The two point clouds are then registered using a combination of an iterative-closest-point (ICP) method and a partially rigid registration step. Using the transformation derived through the point clouds, the CT template is warped and thereby adapted to the PET/MRI scan setup. The transformed CT template is converted into an attenuation map from Hounsfield units into linear attenuation coefficients. The resulting fitted attenuation map is then integrated into the MRI-based patient-specific DIXON-based attenuation map of the actual PET/MRI scan. A reconstruction of phantom PET data acquired with the coil present in the field-of-view (FoV), but without the corresponding coil attenuation map, shows large artifacts in regions close to the coil. The overall count loss is determined to be around 13% compared to a PET scan without the coil present in the FoV. A reconstruction using the new μ-map resulted in strongly reduced artifacts as well as increased overall PET intensities with a remaining relative difference of about 1% to a PET scan without the coil in the FoV.

Word Frequency Analysis. MOS: 26Q. Skill Levels 1 & 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

L! 2 9 Ll- 236 t /G 2 Pi 2 3’,F/G z PU-332jS/l Z z *.I PjkPig5E 2 P :3 IZ/’ 2 wA I A 1i 2 QvA 1 . T ITy 2 .3il.-rss 2 RTZEIVEC Z .F, 11~ k 11:8E R 2 K...ADA0?U ARMY TRAINING DEVELOPMENTS INST FORT MONdROE VA /5/ADWORD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS. MOSI 24. SKILL LEVELS 1 6 2.1U) / MAY 81 A A LONGO UNCLASSIFIED...1qR1 ATTN: ATTG;-DOR 13. NUQBER OF PAGES 14 OIOMlGAEC AEaAOESI dilt.,,.l 1 - ContIrMA OfII..) 15. SECURITY CLASS. fo1 VdI. ftw.f) Unclassified 150

Coda Q Attenuation and Source Parameters Analysis in North East India Using Local Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, A. K.; Mohanty, W. K.; Earthquake Seismology

2010-12-01

Alok Kumar Mohapatra1* and William Kumar Mohanty1 *Corresponding author: alokgpiitkgp@gmail.com 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. Pin-721302 ABSTRACT In the present study, the quality factor of coda waves (Qc) and the source parameters has been estimated for the Northeastern India, using the digital data of ten local earthquakes from April 2001 to November 2002. Earthquakes with magnitude range from 3.8 to 4.9 have been taken into account. The time domain coda decay method of a single back scattering model is used to calculate frequency dependent values of Coda Q (Qc) where as, the source parameters like seismic moment(Mo), stress drop, source radius(r), radiant energy(Wo),and strain drop are estimated using displacement amplitude spectrum of body wave using Brune's model. The earthquakes with magnitude range 3.8 to 4.9 have been used for estimation Qc at six central frequencies 1.5 Hz, 3.0 Hz, 6.0 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 12.0 Hz, and 18.0 Hz. In the present work, the Qc value of local earthquakes are estimated to understand the attenuation characteristic, source parameters and tectonic activity of the region. Based on a criteria of homogeneity in the geological characteristics and the constrains imposed by the distribution of available events the study region has been classified into three zones such as the Tibetan Plateau Zone (TPZ), Bengal Alluvium and Arakan-Yuma Zone (BAZ), Shillong Plateau Zone (SPZ). It follows the power law Qc= Qo (f/fo)n where, Qo is the quality factor at the reference frequency (1Hz) fo and n is the frequency parameter which varies from region to region. The mean values of Qc reveals a dependence on frequency, varying from 292.9 at 1.5 Hz to 4880.1 at 18 Hz. Average frequency dependent relationship Qc values obtained of the Northeastern India is 198 f 1.035, while this relationship varies from the region to region such as, Tibetan Plateau Zone (TPZ): Qc= 226 f 1.11, Bengal Alluvium and Arakan-Yuma Zone (BAZ) : Qc= 301 f 0.87, Shillong Plateau Zone (SPZ): Qc=126 fo 0.85. It indicates Northeastern India is seismically active but comparing of all zones in the study region the Shillong Plateau Zone (SPZ): Qc= 126 f 0.85 is seismically most active. Where as the Bengal Alluvium and Arakan-Yuma Zone (BAZ) are less active and out of three the Tibetan Plateau Zone (TPZ)is intermediate active. This study may be useful for the seismic hazard assessment. The estimated seismic moments (Mo), range from 5.98×1020 to 3.88×1023 dyne-cm. The source radii(r) are confined between 152 to 1750 meter, the stress drop ranges between 0.0003×103 bar to 1.04×103 bar, the average radiant energy is 82.57×1018 ergs and the strain drop for the earthquake ranges from 0.00602×10-9 to 2.48×10-9 respectively. The estimated stress drop values for NE India depicts scattered nature of the larger seismic moment value whereas, they show a more systematic nature for smaller seismic moment values. The estimated source parameters are in agreement to previous works in this type of tectonic set up. Key words: Coda wave, Seismic source parameters, Lapse time, single back scattering model, Brune's model, Stress drop and North East India.

Vanadium Partitioning and Mantle Oxidation State: New Experimental Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallmann, G.; O'Neill, H. S.

2007-12-01

Vanadium exists in multiple valences in natural basaltic melts, namely V2+, V3+, V4+ and V5+. Because most crystalline phases prefer to incorporate V3+ rather than V4+ and V5+, the crystal/silicate-melt partitioning of vanadium (DVcry/melt) tends to decrease with increasing oxygen fugacity (fO2). Such dependence has been experimentally demonstrated and used to estimate the fO2 of mantle and mantle-derived rocks. Recent modelling of V and V/Sc systematics in basalts has lead to the view that the relative fO2 of the upper mantle is constant, both through time and among the sources of different types of basaltic magmas (i.e. MORB, OIB and IAB). This is contrary to the notion given by other oxygen barometric methods on peridotites and basalts, which indicate an upper mantle heterogeneous in relative fO2. To explore further the potential of V abundances and V/Sc ratios to estimate the relative fO2 of mantle peridotites and basalts, and in particular to understand variations in mantle oxidation state better, we carried out an experimental campaign aimed at measuring DVcry/melt for all the relevant phases of the upper mantle (i.e. olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, garnet and spinel) over a range of fO2 conditions large enough to pin down not only the behaviour of V3+ and V4+ but also V2+ and V5+. Experiments were done in 1-atm vertical tube furnaces (1300°C) and piston-cylinder apparatus (1275-1450°C and 1.5-3.2 GPa). For the high-pressure experiments, fO2 was controlled by the Re-ReOx/2 equilibrium (10-9 to 10-0.7 bar), whereas for the 1-atm experiments, fO2 was controlled by Ar-CO-CO2- O2 gas mixes (10-18 to 10-0.7 bar). Five starting compositions were used to ensure the presence of all the desired phases. Experimental products were analysed for major elements by electron microprobe and for trace elements by laser-ablation ICP-MS, which enables V to be measured precisely even at very low concentrations. Partition coefficients for all phases plot as approximately sigmoid-shaped curves in log D-log fO2 space. Details of the shape of the curve are controlled by the relative preference of each crystalline phase for a specific valence of V. For instance, orthopyroxene appears to particularly like V4+, so that the log DVopx/melt-log fO2 and log DVcpx/melt-log fO2 curves converge in the region of the diagram dominated by V4+, diverging in the regions dominated by V3+ and V5+. Contrary to previous studies, our results do not suggest a systematic increase in DVcpx/opx with decreasing fO2. Olivine and spinel, on the other hand, strongly prefer V3+ relative to V4+ and V5+ and hence for olivine and spinel the difference in partition coefficients between reducing and oxidizing conditions are more pronounced than that for pyroxenes. At high-pressure, DVgrt/melt and DVcpx/melt are very similar to each other, but the values of DVcpx/melt are about one order of magnitude higher than those obtained at 1 atm at comparable fO2. The cause of this discrepancy is being investigated.

Advanced, Energy-Efficient Hybrid Membrane System for Industrial Water Reuse

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

Toy, Lora; Choi, Young Chul; Hendren, Zachary

In the U.S. manufacturing sector, current industrial water use practices are energy-intensive and utilize and discharge high volumes of waters, rendering them not sustainable especially in light of the growing scarcity of suitable water supplies. To help address this problem, the goal of this project was to develop an advanced, cost-effective, hybrid membrane-based water treatment system that can improve the energy efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment while allowing at least 50% water reuse efficiency. This hybrid process would combine emerging Forward Osmosis (FO) and Membrane Distillation (MD) technology components into an integrated FO-MD system that can beneficially utilize low-grade wastemore » heat (i.e., T < 450 °F) in industrial facilities to produce distilled-quality product water for reuse. In this project, laboratory-, bench-, and pilot-scale experiments on the hybrid FO-MD system were conducted for industrial wastewater treatment. It was demonstrated at laboratory, bench, and pilot scales that FO-MD membrane technology can concentrate brine to very high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels (>200,000 ppm) that are at least 2.5 times higher than the TDS level to which RO can achieve. In laboratory testing, currently available FO and MD membranes were tested to select for high-performing membranes with high salt rejection and high water flux. Multiple FO membrane/draw-salt solution combinations that gave high water flux with higher than 98% salt rejection were also identified. Reverse draw-salt fluxes were observed to be much lower for divalent salts than for monovalent salts. MD membranes were identified that had 99.9+% salt rejection and water flux as high as 50-90 L/(m 2·h) for flat-sheet membranes and >20 L/(m 2·h) for hollow fibers. In bench-scale testing, a single unit of commercially available FO and MD membrane modules were evaluated for continuous, integrated operation. Using the laboratory- and bench-scale test data, numerical modeling was performed on the FO and MD processes to estimate engineering parameters for a larger-scale pilot unit. Based on the experimental studies and modeling results, a pilot-scale, integrated FO-MD prototype unit was designed and built for trailer-mounted operation. This prototype system was fed real industrial wastewater, which could not be further treated by conventional technologies, from an oil production facility and was successfully operated for over 15 weeks without major stoppage. About 90% water recovery was possible, while concentrating the TDS from 12,000 ppm up to 190,500 ppm. The FO-MD prototype rejected most wastewater contaminants while producing water with <300 ppm TDS, even when the feed TDS was higher than 150,000 ppm. No chemical cleaning was necessary during the pilot testing period. Flushing the system with dechlorinated tap water was sufficient to reset the membranes for the next set of test conditions. Pilot performance and membrane autopsy showed that, even though the feed was concentrated more than 10 times, membrane fouling was unnoticeable and no defects were detected on the FO and MD membrane surfaces. This project demonstrated the technical feasibility of the hybrid FO-MD process by taking water already treated to the limit with the highest level of current technologies and further concentrating it 10-fold by using mostly low-cost materials. Because no membranes suitable for full-scale plant applications are available at present, economical feasibility of the hybrid technology is still uncertain, but it is expected that broader industry participation can further reduce FO-MD process costs.« less

Effect of fructo-oligosaccharide and isomalto-oligosaccharide addition on baking quality of frozen dough.

PubMed

Park, Eun Young; Jang, Sung-Bum; Lim, Seung-Taik

2016-12-15

The baking quality of frozen doughs containing different levels of fructo-oligosaccharides (FO) or isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) (3-9%, w/w flour), and stored for 0-8weeks at -18°C, was examined. The addition of FO or IMO increased the proof volume of the dough and the loaf volume of bread prepared from frozen dough. A 6% addition of FO or IMO was optimum, giving the highest proof volume and bread loaf volume, but a higher concentration than 6% induced low baking quality including lower proof volume and bread loaf volume. The bread crumb was moister and softer after the addition of FO or IMO before, and even after, frozen storage. Darker crumb colour was observed in the bread after the addition of FO or IMO. The oligosaccharides added to the frozen dough were effective in improving the quality of bread made from frozen dough, except for resulting in a darker bread crumb. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Advanced oxidation of biorefractory organics in aqueous solution together with bioelectricity generation by microbial fuel cells with composite FO/GPEs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Bao-rong; Shen, Chao; Ren, Jing; Chen, Jia-yi; Zhao, Lin

2018-03-01

In this study, ferric oxide loading graphite particle electrodes (FO/GPEs) were prepared as cathode of a three-dimensional electrode MFC-Fenton system. The properties of the composite cathode were examined with higher surface area and more mesopores. FO/GPEs could work as both cathode and Fenton iron reagents, contributing to high oxidation activity and better performance of electricity generation. The application of FO/GPEs MFC-Fenton system on degrading p-nitrophenol presented high catalytic efficiency in a wide range of pH value. The removal of p-nitrophenol and TOC attained to about 85 % within 8 and 64 h at neutral pH, respectively. A neutral FO/GPEs MFC-Fenton oxidation mechanism was also proposed. Specifically, both the surface iron sites and dissolved iron ions catalyzed the decomposition of H2O2. As results, the generated hydroxyl radicals were used for p-nitrophenol degradation and the iron oxide was recycled.

The effects of surface-charged submicron polystyrene particles on the structure and performance of PSF forward osmosis membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Hao-Ran; Fu, Jia-Bei; Cao, Gui-Ping; Hu, Nian; Lu, Hui; Liu, Hui-Qing; Chen, Peng-Peng; Yu, Jie

2018-04-01

Monodisperse surface-charged submicron polystyrene particles were designed, synthesized, and blended into polysulfone (PSF) support layer to prepare forward osmosis (FO) membrane with high performance. The membrane incorporated with particles were characterized with respect to morphology, porosity, and internal osmotic pressure (IOP). Results showed that the polymer particles not only increased the hydrophilicity and porosity of support layer, but also generated considerable IOP, which helped markedly decreasing the structure parameter from 1550 to 670 μm. The measured mass transfer parameters further confirmed the beneficial effects of the surface-charged submicron polymer particles on the performance of FO membrane. For instance, the water permeability coefficient (5.37 L m-2 h-1 bar-1) and water flux (49.7 L m-2 h-1) of the FO membrane incorporated with 5 wt% particles were almost twice as much as that of FO membrane without incorporation. This study suggests that monodisperse surface-charged submicron polymer particles are potential modifiers for improving the performance of FO membranes.

Recovery of nitrogen and water from landfill leachate by a microbial electrolysis cell-forward osmosis system.

PubMed

Qin, Mohan; Molitor, Hannah; Brazil, Brian; Novak, John T; He, Zhen

2016-01-01

A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC)-forward osmosis (FO) system was previously reported for recovering ammonium and water from synthetic solutions, and here it has been advanced with treating landfill leachate. In the MEC, 65.7±9.1% of ammonium could be recovered in the presence of cathode aeration. Without aeration, the MEC could remove 54.1±10.9% of ammonium from the leachate, but little ammonia was recovered. With 2M NH4HCO3 as the draw solution, the FO process achieved 51% water recovery from the MEC anode effluent in 3.5-h operation, higher than that from the raw leachate. The recovered ammonia was used as a draw solute in the FO for successful water recovery from the treated leachate. Despite the challenges with treating returning solution from the FO, this MEC-FO system has demonstrated the potential for resource recovery from wastes, and provide a new solution for sustainable leachate management. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microalgae dewatering based on forward osmosis employing proton exchange membrane.

PubMed

Son, Jieun; Sung, Mina; Ryu, Hoyoung; Oh, You-Kwan; Han, Jong-In

2017-11-01

In this study, electrically-facilitated forward osmosis (FO) employing proton exchange membrane (PEM) was established for the purpose of microalgae dewatering. An increase in water flux was observed when an external voltage was applied to the FO equipped with the PEM; as expected, the trend became more dramatic with both concentration of draw solution and applied voltage raised. With this FO used for microalgae dewatering, 247% of increase in flux and 86% in final biomass concentration were observed. In addition to the effect on flux improvement, the electrically-facilitated FO exhibited the ability to remove chlorophyll from the dewatered biomass, down to 0.021±0015mg/g cell. All these suggest that the newly suggested electrically-facilitated FO, one particularly employed PEM, can indeed offer a workable way of dewatering of microalgae; it appeared to be so because it can also remove the ever-problematic chlorophyll from extracted lipids in a simultaneous fashion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fo-perturbation and Fo/loudness dynamics in voices of normal children, with and without education in singing.

PubMed

Dejonckere, P H; Wieneke, G H; Bloemenkamp, D; Lebacq, J

1996-04-01

Sustained phonations were compared in two groups of children (aged 7-12), one with special artistic voice education and one from a normal school, without voice complaints or problems. The hypothesis of specific (better) biomechanical vocal fold properties in the first group is confronted with the hypothesis of differences solely related to training of voice control. In both groups, Fo-aperiodicity was measured in a sustained phonation at 3 different SPL levels. As a general rule, aperiodicity clearly decreases when the voice becomes louder. Aperiodicity is highly significantly lower, at all SPL-levels, in children with trained singing voices: this implies better mechanical properties of the vocal oscillator. The Fo/SPL relation on a sustained /a:/ does not differ in trained and untrained children's voices: out of singing context, trained children do not spontaneously control the Fo/SPL dynamics differently from untrained children. The higher regularity of vocal fold pulses is not related to the duration of training.

Vowel selection and its effects on perturbation and nonlinear dynamic measures.

PubMed

Maccallum, Julia K; Zhang, Yu; Jiang, Jack J

2011-01-01

Acoustic analysis of voice is typically conducted on recordings of sustained vowel phonation. This study applied perturbation and nonlinear dynamic analyses to the vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/ in order to determine vowel selection effects on analysis. Forty subjects (20 males and 20 females) with normal voices participated in recording. Traditional parameters of fundamental frequency, signal-to-noise ratio, percent jitter, and percent shimmer were calculated for the signals using CSpeech. Nonlinear dynamic parameters of correlation dimension and second-order entropy were also calculated. Perturbation analysis results were largely incongruous in this study and in previous research. Fundamental frequency results corroborated previous work, indicating higher fundamental frequency for /i/ and /u/ and lower fundamental frequency for /a/. Signal-to-noise ratio results showed that /i/ and /u/ have greater harmonic levels than /a/. Results of nonlinear dynamic analysis suggested that more complex activity may be evident in /a/ than in /i/ or /u/. Percent jitter and percent shimmer may not be useful for description of acoustic differences between vowels. Fundamental frequency, signal-to-noise ratio, and nonlinear dynamic parameters may be applied to characterize /a/ as having lower frequency, higher noise, and greater nonlinear components than /i/ and /u/. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

JPL-20180410-GRACEFOf-0001-Facebook

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-10

GRACE-Follow On (GRACE-FO) is a satellite mission scheduled for launch in May 2018. GRACE-FO will continue the work of the GRACE satellite mission tracking Earth's water movement around the globe. These discoveries provide a unique view of Earth's climate and have far-reaching benefits to society and the world's population. For more information about this mission, visit https://www.nasa.gov/missions/grace-fo and https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/

40 CFR 721.1550 - Benzenediazonium, 4-(di-methyl-amino)-, salt with 2-hy-droxy-5-sul-fo-benzoic acid (1:1).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-amino)-, salt with 2-hy-droxy-5-sul-fo-benzoic acid (1:1). (a) Chemical substance and significant new... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Benzenediazonium, 4-(di-methyl-amino)-, salt with 2-hy-droxy-5-sul-fo-benzoic acid (1:1). 721.1550 Section 721.1550 Protection of Environment...

Pilot study of atomoxetine in patients with Parkinson's disease and dopa-unresponsive Freezing of Gait.

PubMed

Revuelta, Gonzalo J; Embry, Aaron; Elm, Jordan J; Gregory, Chris; Delambo, Amy; Kautz, Steve; Hinson, Vanessa K

2015-01-01

Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common and debilitating condition in Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with executive dysfunction. A subtype of FoG does not respond to dopaminergic therapy and may be related to noradrenergic deficiency. This pilot study explores the effects of atomoxetine on gait in PD patients with dopa-unresponsive FoG using a novel paradigm for objective gait assessment. Ten patients with PD and dopa-unresponsive FoG were enrolled in this eight-week open label pilot study. Assessments included an exploratory gait analysis protocol that quantified spatiotemporal parameters during straight-away walking and turning, while performing a dual task. Clinical, and subjective assessments of gait, quality of life, and safety were also administered. The primary outcome was a validated subjective assessment for FoG (FOG-Q). Atomoxetine was well tolerated, however, no significant change was observed in the primary outcome. The gait analysis protocol correlated well with clinical scales, but not with subjective assessments. DBS patients were more likely to increase gait velocity (p = 0.033), and improved in other clinical assessments. Objective gait analysis protocols assessing gait while dual tasking are feasible and useful for this patient population, and may be superior correlates of FoG severity than subjective measures. These findings can inform future trials in this population.

Analysis of the Agger nasi cell and frontal sinus ostium sizes using computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses.

PubMed

Angélico, Fernando Veiga; Rapoport, Priscila Bogar

2013-01-01

The Agger nasi cell (ANC) and the frontal sinus ostium (FO) are important structures that can influence the anatomy and physiology of the frontal recess. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and size of ANC and the FO and correlate them according to gender, race and among themselves. A prospective study with 40 patients who underwent CT of the paranasal sinuses with sagittal reconstruction. ANC (APAN) anteroposterior diameter, ANC (CCAN) craniocaudal diameter, ANC (LLAN) side-to-side diameter, anteroposterior diameter of the FO (APFO) and side-to-side diameter of the FO (LLFO). Twenty-two patients were male and 18 females, mean age 33.7 years. Most patients were white (45%), followed by browns (32.5%), blacks (20%) and asians (2.5%). The ANC was present in 98.7% of patients. There was statistical difference for APAN on females and LLAN on females and on the total sample. There were no differences for all measurements regarding gender, as well as the race. ANC and FO measurements showed positive correlation, but poor or very poor. The prevalence of ANC in our sample was high and did not show a statistically significant difference for most measurements. The correlation between measurements of ANC and the FO was poor or very poor.

A new nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane custom-designed for treating shale gas wastewater

PubMed Central

Qin, Detao; Liu, Zhaoyang; Delai Sun, Darren; Song, Xiaoxiao; Bai, Hongwei

2015-01-01

Managing the wastewater discharged from oil and shale gas fields is a big challenge, because this kind of wastewater is normally polluted by high contents of both oils and salts. Conventional pressure-driven membranes experience little success for treating this wastewater because of either severe membrane fouling or incapability of desalination. In this study, we designed a new nanocomposite forward osmosis (FO) membrane for accomplishing simultaneous oil/water separation and desalination. This nanocomposite FO membrane is composed of an oil-repelling and salt-rejecting hydrogel selective layer on top of a graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets infused polymeric support layer. The hydrogel selective layer demonstrates strong underwater oleophobicity that leads to superior anti-fouling capability under various oil/water emulsions, and the infused GO in support layer can significantly mitigate internal concentration polarization (ICP) through reducing FO membrane structural parameter by as much as 20%. Compared with commercial FO membrane, this new FO membrane demonstrates more than three times higher water flux, higher removals for oil and salts (>99.9% for oil and >99.7% for multivalent ions) and significantly lower fouling tendency when investigated with simulated shale gas wastewater. These combined merits will endorse this new FO membrane with wide applications in treating highly saline and oily wastewaters. PMID:26416014

Fouling and long-term durability of an integrated forward osmosis and membrane distillation system.

PubMed

Husnain, T; Mi, B; Riffat, R

2015-01-01

An integrated forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD) system has great potential for sustainable wastewater reuse. However, the fouling and long-term durability of the system remains largely unknown. This study investigates the fouling behaviour and efficiency of cleaning procedures of FO and MD membranes used for treating domestic wastewater. Results showed that a significant decline in flux of both FO and MD membranes were observed during treatment of wastewater with organic foulants. However, shear force generated by the increased cross-flow physically removed the loosely attached foulants from the FO membrane surface and resulted in 86-88% recovery of flux by cleaning with tap water. For the MD membrane, almost no flux recovery was achieved due to adsorption of organic foulants on the hydrophobic membrane surface, thus indicating significant irreversible fouling/wetting, which may not be effectively cleaned even with chemical reagents. Long-term (10 d) tests showed consistent performance of the FO membrane by rejecting the contaminants. However, organic foulants reduced the hydrophobicity of the MD membrane, caused wetting problems and allowed contaminants to pass through. The results demonstrate that combination of the FO and MD processes can effectively reduce irreversible membrane fouling and solve the wetting problem of the MD membrane.

Controlling the morphology and performance of FO membrane via adjusting the atmosphere humidity during casting procedure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Hao-Ran; Cao, Gui-Ping; Wang, Meng; Zhang, Huan-Huan; Song, Chen-Chen; Fang, Xu; Wang, Tao

2018-03-01

Forward osmosis (FO) has received great interest for its considerable potential in a wide range of fields. In this work, the morphology and performance of FO membrane were regulated by adjusting the atmosphere humidity (HC) of casting procedure. The polysulfone support layer was casted under various atmosphere humidity levels ranging from 40% to 80%. By multi-techniques such as SEM, AFM, and XPS, it was proved that the atmosphere humidity had modified the surface morphology and thickness of the skin layer in support layer, which contributed up to 90% of the structure parameter, resulting in distinct morphology, thickness, and cross-linking degree of active layer. The active layer with sparse bead-like wrinkles on the smooth surface of support layer casted at HC = 65% showed the highest water permeability [26.9 (L/m2 h MPa)] and considerable low salt permeability [0.0390 (L/m2 h)]. It was found that the water flux of FO-65 was 27% and 46% higher than that of FO-80 in AL-DS and AL-FS mode, respectively, and the salt rejection was as high as 98%. Our work highlighted the importance of considering the effect of atmosphere humidity during casting when design an FO membrane for appropriate performance.

The innovative osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) for reuse of wastewater.

PubMed

Cornelissen, E R; Harmsen, D; Beerendonk, E F; Qin, J J; Oo, H; de Korte, K F; Kappelhof, J W M N

2011-01-01

An innovative osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) is currently under development for the reclamation of wastewater, which combines activated sludge treatment and forward osmosis (FO) membrane separation with a RO post-treatment. The research focus is FO membrane fouling and performance using different activated sludge investigated both at laboratory scale (membrane area of 112cm2) and at on-site bench scale (flat sheet membrane area of 0.1 m2). FO performance on laboratory-scale (i) increased with temperature due to a decrease in viscosity and (ii) was independent of the type of activated sludge. Draw solution leakage increased with temperature and varied for different activated sludge. FO performance on bench-scale (i) increased with osmotic driving force, (ii) depended on the membrane orientation due to internal concentration polarization and (iii) was invariant to feed flow decrease and air injection at the feed and draw side. Draw solution leakage could not be evaluated on bench-scale due to experimental limitation. Membrane fouling was not found on laboratory scale and bench-scale, however, partially reversible fouling was found on laboratory scale for FO membranes facing the draw solution. Economic assessment indicated a minimum flux of 15L.m-2 h-1 at 0.5M NaCl for OMBR-RO to be cost effective, depending on the FO membrane price.

Formation of ethyl ferulate from feruloylated oligosaccharide by transesterification of rice koji enzyme under sake mash conditions.

PubMed

Suzuki, Nobukazu; Ito, Toshihiko; Hiroshima, Kai; Tokiwano, Tetsuo; Hashizume, Katsumi

2016-03-01

Formation of ethyl ferulate (EF) and ferulic acid (FA) under sake mash conditions was studied using feruloylated oligosaccharide (FO), prepared from rice grains, as the substrate for rice koji enzyme. EF and FA were produced from FO over six times faster than from alkyl ferulates however, under the same ethanol concentration, only small differences were observed between the EF/FA ratios when either FO or methyl ferulate were used as substrates. Esterification and hydrolysis of FO or methyl ferulate showed similar pH dependencies and similar EF/FA ratios for each substrate in all of the pH ranges tested. Ethanol concentration clearly affected the EF/FA ratio; the ratio increased as ethanol concentration increased. Formation of EF and FA in the sake mash simulated rice digest was accelerated by addition of exogenous FO. These results indicated that supply of FO to sake mash is a crucial step for EF and FA formation, and ethanol is an influencing factor in the EF/FA ratio. The rice koji enzyme reaction suggested that EF and FA are formed through a common feruloylated enzyme intermediate complex by transesterification or hydrolysis, and these reactions occur competitively. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of extra virgin olive oil and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the oxidative stability of fish oil emulsions and spray-dried microcapsules stabilized by sugar beet pectin.

PubMed

Polavarapu, Sudheera; Oliver, Christine M; Ajlouni, Said; Augustin, Mary Ann

2012-01-11

The influence of EDTA on lipid oxidation in sugar beet pectin-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions (pH 6, 15% oil, wet basis), prepared from fish oil (FO) and fish oil-extra virgin olive oil (FO-EVOO) (1:1 w/w), as well as the spray-dried microcapsules (50% oil, dry basis) prepared from these emulsions, was investigated. Under accelerated conditions (80 °C, 5 bar oxygen pressure) the oxidative stability was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for FO and FO-EVOO formulated with EDTA, in comparison to corresponding emulsions and spray-dried microcapsules formulated without EDTA. The EDTA effect was greater in emulsions than in spray-dried microcapsules, with the greatest protective effect obtained in FO-EVOO emulsions. EDTA enhanced the oxidative stability of the spray-dried microcapsules during ambient storage (~25 °C, a(w) = 0.5), as demonstrated by their lower concentration of headspace volatile oxidation products, propanal and hexanal. These results show that the addition of EDTA is an effective strategy to maximize the oxidative stability of both FO emulsions and spray-dried microcapsules in which sugar beet pectin is used as the encapsulant material.

Fish oil improves anxiety-like, depressive-like and cognitive behaviors in olfactory bulbectomised rats.

PubMed

Pudell, Claudia; Vicente, Bianca A; Delattre, Ana M; Carabelli, Bruno; Mori, Marco A; Suchecki, Deborah; Machado, Ricardo B; Zanata, Sílvio M; Visentainer, Jesuí V; de Oliveira Santos Junior, Oscar; Lima, Marcelo M S; Ferraz, Anete C

2014-01-01

Depression is increasingly present in the population, and its pathophysiology and treatment have been investigated with several animal models, including olfactory bulbectomy (Obx). Fish oil (FO) supplementation during the prenatal and postnatal periods decreases depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. The present study evaluated the effect of FO supplementation on Obx-induced depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment. Female rats received supplementation with FO during habituation, mating, gestation, and lactation, and their pups were subjected to Obx in adulthood; after the recovery period, the adult offspring were subjected to behavioral tests, and the hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin (5-HT) and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA) were determined. Obx led to increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, and impairment in the object location task. All behavioral changes were reversed by FO supplementation. Obx caused reductions in the levels of hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT, whereas FO supplementation restored these levels to normal values. In control rats, FO increased the hippocampal level of 5-HT and reduced that of 5-HIAA, indicating low 5-HT metabolism in this brain region. The present results indicate that FO supplementation during critical periods of brain development attenuated anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction induced by Obx. These results may be explained by increased levels of hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT, two major regulators of neuronal survival and long-term plasticity in this brain structure. © 2013 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Benign outcome of pulmonary hypertension in neonates with a restrictive patent foramen ovale versus result for neonates with an unrestrictive patent foramen ovale.

PubMed

Gupta, Umang; Abdulla, Ra-id; Bokowski, John

2011-10-01

Premature closure or restriction of foramen ovale (FO) is a rare but known entity. FO diameter <2 mm and Doppler velocity >120 cm/s, diameter <3 mm with Doppler velocity measured gradient >5 mmHg have all being used by various authors to describe this entity. Some neonates with restrictive FO have been noted to have severe pulmonary hypertension with no clinical signs or symptoms and with spontaneous resolution without any intervention. Seven consecutive neonates were indentified in the database between 01/01/2003 and 06/30/2010 with diagnosis of restrictive PFO (diameter <2 mm) with structurally normal heart and their initial and follow-up echocardiogram as well as hospital medical records were reviewed. As a control, seven neonates with diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress syndrome or meconium aspiration syndrome were randomly selected. Eighty-six percent of the patients in the control group were symptomatic and required treatment as compared to 14% in the restrictive FO group (p = 0.03). Further, the fall in the peak instantaneous pulmonary artery pressure on follow-up echocardiogram was greater in the restrictive FO group compared with the non-restrictive group (p = 0.03). Patients with pulmonary hypertension and a restrictive FO with no other associated congenital heart disease and/or lung pathology behave differently when compared to neonates with non-restrictive FO and pulmonary hypertension with associated lung disease. They seldom manifest symptoms requiring intervention and tend to show a faster drop in their pulmonary artery pressure toward the normal.

Increasing the field of view of adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

PubMed

Laslandes, Marie; Salas, Matthias; Hitzenberger, Christoph K; Pircher, Michael

2017-11-01

An adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO) set-up with two deformable mirrors (DM) is presented. It allows high resolution imaging of the retina on a 4°×4° field of view (FoV), considering a 7 mm pupil diameter at the entrance of the eye. Imaging on such a FoV, which is larger compared to classical AO-SLO instruments, is allowed by the use of the two DMs. The first DM is located in a plane that is conjugated to the pupil of the eye and corrects for aberrations that are constant in the FoV. The second DM is conjugated to a plane that is located ∼0.7 mm anterior to the retina. This DM corrects for anisoplanatism effects within the FoV. The control of the DMs is performed by combining the classical AO technique, using a Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor, and sensorless AO, which uses a criterion characterizing the image quality. The retinas of four healthy volunteers were imaged in-vivo with the developed instrument. In order to assess the performance of the set-up and to demonstrate the benefits of the 2 DM configuration, the acquired images were compared with images taken in conventional conditions, on a smaller FoV and with only one DM. Moreover, an image of a larger patch of the retina was obtained by stitching of 9 images acquired with a 4°×4° FoV, resulting in a total FoV of 10°×10°. Finally, different retinal layers were imaged by shifting the focal plane.

Internal medicine point-of-care ultrasound assessment of left ventricular function correlates with formal echocardiography.

PubMed

Johnson, Benjamin K; Tierney, David M; Rosborough, Terry K; Harris, Kevin M; Newell, Marc C

2016-02-01

Although focused cardiac ultrasonographic (FoCUS) examination has been evaluated in emergency departments and intensive care units with good correlation to formal echocardiography, accuracy for the assessment of left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) when performed by internal medicine physicians still needs independent evaluation. This prospective observational study in a 640-bed, academic, quaternary care center, included 178 inpatients examined by 10 internal medicine physicians who had completed our internal medicine bedside ultrasound training program. The ability to estimate LVSF with FoCUS as "normal," "mild to moderately decreased," or "severely decreased" was compared with left ventricular ejection fraction (>50%, 31-49%, and <31%, respectively) from formal echocardiography interpreted by a cardiologist. Sensitivity and specificity of FoCUS for any degree of LVSF impairment were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 0.97) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.81, 0.93), respectively. The interrater agreement between internal medicine physician-performed FoCUS and formal echocardiography for any LVSF impairment was "good/substantial" with κ = 0.77 (p < 0.001), 95% CI (0.67, 0.87). Formal echocardiography was classified as "technically limited due to patient factors" in 20% of patients; however, echogenicity was sufficient in 100% of FoCUS exams to classify LVSF. Internal medicine physicians using FoCUS identify normal versus decreased LVSF with high sensitivity, specificity, and "good/substantial" interrater agreement when compared with formal echocardiography. These results support the role of cardiac FoCUS by properly trained internal medicine physicians for discriminating normal from reduced LVSF. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of textured foot orthotics on static and dynamic postural stability in middle-aged females.

PubMed

Wilson, Marjorie L; Rome, Keith; Hodgson, David; Ball, Peter

2008-01-01

Foot orthotics (FO) may be prescribed for a range of lower limb and foot conditions. Prior studies report use of FO in enhancing postural stability in healthy younger adults, and do not control for footwear type. Currently, interest in the effects of FO on postural stability in older adults has increased. Limited reports exist of the effects on postural stability of FO made of combinations of materials, thicknesses and surface textures. In this study 40 healthy females (51.1+/-5.8 years) recruited into a within subject test-retest randomised clinical trial were provided with identical footwear and randomised into four FO conditions (control, grid, dimple and plain, n=10 for each condition). Participants wore the footwear for 4 weeks, a minimum of 6h/day. A Kistler force plate was used to determine postural stability variables (anterior-posterior displacements and medial-lateral displacements) for each participant in a static position, with eyes open and eyes closed. Base of support was evaluated using the GAITRite system. Each outcome measure was measured at baseline and 4 weeks. Postural stability variables demonstrated no significant differences between the four FO conditions. No significant differences were observed with base of support between the four conditions. We have demonstrated no detrimental effects on postural stability in older females after 4 weeks. This is regardless of orthotic texture and is independent of footwear. Biomechanical or sensory effects of FO on postural stability are still to be determined. These may be dependent on the geometry and texture of the orthotic.

Temporal and spatial deviation in F2 peak parameters derived from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sanjay; Singh, R. P.; Tan, Eng Leong; Singh, A. K.; Ghodpage, R. N.; Siingh, Devendraa

2016-06-01

The plasma frequency profiles derived from the Constellation of Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation measurements are compared with ground-based ionosonde data during the year 2013. Equatorial and midlatitude five stations located in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere are considered: Jicamarca, Jeju, Darwin, Learmonth, and Juliusruh. The aim is to validate the COSMIC-derived data with ground-based measurements and to estimate the difference in plasma frequency (which represents electron density) and height of F2 layer peak during the daytime/nighttime and during different seasons by comparing the two data sets. Analysis showed that the nighttime data are better correlated than the daytime, and the maximum difference occurs at the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA) station as compared to lower and midlatitude stations during the equinox months. The difference between daytime and nighttime correlations becomes insignificant at midlatitude stations. The statistical analysis of computed errors in foF2 (hmF2) showed Gaussian nature with the most probable error range of ±15% (±10%) at the equatorial and EIA stations, ±9% (±7%) outside the EIA region which reduced to ±8% (±6%) at midlatitude stations. The reduction in error at midlatitudes is attributed to the decrease in latitudinal electron density gradients. Comparing the analyzed data during the three geomagnetic storms and quiet days of the same months, it is observed that the differences are significantly enhanced during storm periods and the magnitude of difference in foF2 increases with the intensity of geomagnetic storm.

The FOAM study: is Hysterosalpingo foam sonography (HyFoSy) a cost-effective alternative for hysterosalpingography (HSG) in assessing tubal patency in subfertile women? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

van Rijswijk, Joukje; van Welie, Nienke; Dreyer, Kim; van Hooff, Machiel H A; de Bruin, Jan Peter; Verhoeve, Harold R; Mol, Femke; Kleiman-Broeze, Kimiko A; Traas, Maaike A F; Muijsers, Guido J J M; Manger, Arentje P; Gianotten, Judith; de Koning, Cornelia H; Koning, Aafke M H; Bayram, Neriman; van der Ham, David P; Vrouenraets, Francisca P J M; Kalafusova, Michaela; van de Laar, Bob I G; Kaijser, Jeroen; van Oostwaard, Miriam F; Meijer, Wouter J; Broekmans, Frank J M; Valkenburg, Olivier; van der Voet, Lucy F; van Disseldorp, Jeroen; Lambers, Marieke J; Peters, Henrike E; Lier, Marit C I; Lambalk, Cornelis B; van Wely, Madelon; Bossuyt, Patrick M M; Stoker, Jaap; van der Veen, Fulco; Mol, Ben W J; Mijatovic, Velja

2018-05-09

Tubal pathology is a causative factor in 20% of subfertile couples. Traditionally, tubal testing during fertility work-up is performed by hysterosalpingography (HSG). Hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) is a new technique that is thought to have comparable accuracy as HSG, while it is less expensive and more patient friendly. HyFoSy would be an acceptable alternative for HSG, provided it has similar effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes. We aim to compare the effectiveness and costs of management guided by HyFoSy or by HSG. Consenting women will undergo tubal testing by both HyFoSy and HSG in a randomized order during fertility work-up. The study group will consist of 1163 subfertile women between 18 and 41 years old who are scheduled for tubal patency testing during their fertility work-up. Women with anovulatory cycles not responding to ovulation induction, endometriosis, severe male subfertility or a known contrast (iodine) allergy will be excluded. We anticipate that 7 % (N = 82) of the participants will have discordant test results for HyFoSy and HSG. These participants will be randomly allocated to either a management strategy based on HyFoSy or a management strategy based on HSG, resulting in either a diagnostic laparoscopy with chromopertubation or a strategy that assumes tubal patency (intrauterine insemination or expectant management). The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth within 12 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes are patient pain scores, time to pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, preterm birth rate and number of additional treatments. Costs will be estimated by counting resource use and calculating unit prices. This trial will compare the effectiveness and costs of HyFoSy versus HSG in assessing tubal patency in subfertile women. Dutch Trial Register (NTR 4746, http://www.trialregister.nl ). Date of registration: 19 August 2014.

Electrolysis-assisted mitigation of reverse solute flux in a three-chamber forward osmosis system.

PubMed

Zou, Shiqiang; He, Zhen

2017-05-15

Forward osmosis (FO) has been widely studied for desalination or water recovery from wastewater, and one of its key challenges for practical applications is reverse solute flux (RSF). RSF can cause loss of draw solutes, salinity build-up and undesired contamination at the feed side. In this study, in-situ electrolysis was employed to mitigate RSF in a three-chamber FO system ("e-FO") with Na 2 SO 4 as a draw solute and deionized (DI) water as a feed. Operation parameters including applied voltage, membrane orientation and initial draw concentrations were systematically investigated to optimize the e-FO performance and reduce RSF. Applying a voltage of 1.5 V achieved a RSF of 6.78 ± 0.55 mmol m -2  h -1 and a specific RSF of 0.138 ± 0.011 g L -1 in the FO mode and with 1 M Na 2 SO 4 as the draw, rendering ∼57% reduction of solute leakage compared to the control without the applied voltage. The reduced RSF should be attributed to constrained ion migration induced by the coactions of electric dragging force (≥1.5 V) and high solute rejection of the FO membrane. Reducing the intensity of the solution recirculation from 60 to 10 mL min -1 significantly reduced specific energy consumption of the e-FO system from 0.693 ± 0.127 to 0.022 ± 0.004 kWh m -3 extracted water or from 1.103 ± 0.059 to 0.044 ± 0.002 kWh kg -1 reduced reversed solute. These results have demonstrated that the electrolysis-assisted RSF mitigation could be an energy-efficient method for controlling RSF towards sustainable FO applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advances in Using Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing to Identify the Mixing of Waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briggs, M. A.; Day-Lewis, F. D.; Rosenberry, D. O.; Harvey, J. W.; Lane, J. W., Jr.; Hare, D. K.; Boutt, D. F.; Voytek, E. B.; Buckley, S.

2014-12-01

Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) provides thermal data through space and time along linear cables. When installed along a streambed, FO-DTS can capture the influence of upwelling groundwater (GW) as thermal anomalies. The planning of labor-intensive physical measurements can make use of FO-DTS data to target areas of focused GW discharge that can disproportionately affect surface-water (SW) quality and temperature. Typical longitudinal FO-DTS spatial resolution ranges 0.25 to1.0 m, and cannot resolve small-scale water-column mixing or sub-surface diurnal fluctuations. However, configurations where the cable is wrapped around rods can improve the effective vertical resolution to sub-centimeter scales, and the pipes can be actively heated to induce a thermal tracer. Longitudinal streambed and high-resolution vertical arrays were deployed at the upper Delaware River (PA, USA) and the Quashnet River (MA, USA) for aquatic habitat studies. The resultant datasets exemplify the varied uses of FO-DTS. Cold anomalies found along the Delaware River steambed coincide with zones of known mussel populations, and high-resolution vertical array data showed relatively stable in-channel thermal refugia. Cold anomalies at the Quashnet River identified in 2013 were found to persist in 2014, and seepage measurements and water samples at these locations showed high GW flux with distinctive chemistry. Cable location is paramount to seepage identification, particularly in faster flowing deep streams such as the Quashnet and Delaware Rivers where steambed FO-DTS identified many seepage zones with no surface expression. The temporal characterization of seepage dynamics are unique to FO-DTS. However, data from Tidmarsh Farms, a cranberry bog restoration site in MA, USA indicate that in slower flowing shallow steams GW inflow affects surface temperature; therefore infrared imaging can provide seepage location information similar to FO-DTS with substantially less effort.

Chemopreventive effect of different ratios of fish oil and corn oil on prognostic markers, DNA damage and cell cycle in colon carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Sarotra, Pooja; Kansal, Shevali; Sandhir, Rajat; Agnihotri, Navneet

2012-03-01

Fish oil (FO) rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a protective role in autoimmune disorders, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, whereas corn oil (CO) rich in n-6 PUFAs has a proinflammatory and procarcinogenic effect. A balanced n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in diet rather than absolute intake of either may be responsible for decreasing cancer incidence. This study was designed to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of different ratios of FO and CO on prognostic markers, DNA damage, and cell cycle distribution in colon carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, N,N'-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) treated, FO+CO(1 : 1)+DMH, and FO+CO(2.5 : 1)+DMH. All the groups, except control, received a weekly injection of DMH for 4 weeks. The animals were given modified AIN-76A diets and killed either 48 h later (initiation phase) or kept for 16 weeks (postinitiation phase). The animals treated with DMH in both the phases showed an increase in multiple plaque lesions, total sialic acid, lipid associated sialic acid, DNA damage and cell proliferation. However, levels of p53 in the postinitiation and cyclin D1 in both the phases were significantly elevated. FO+CO(2.5 : 1)+DMH treatment in both the phases led to a decrease in multiple plaque lesions, DNA damage, total sialic acid, lipid associated sialic acid as compared with the DMH treated group. There was a G1 arrest with a decrease in p53 and cyclin D1 levels in FO+CO(2.5 : 1) in both the phases whereas treatment with FO+CO(1 : 1)+DMH led to same results in the postinitiation phase only. This study suggests that FO+CO(2.5 : 1) is more effective in chemoprevention of experimental colon carcinogenesis.

Dictionary-based fiber orientation estimation with improved spatial consistency.

PubMed

Ye, Chuyang; Prince, Jerry L

2018-02-01

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has enabled in vivo investigation of white matter tracts. Fiber orientation (FO) estimation is a key step in tract reconstruction and has been a popular research topic in dMRI analysis. In particular, the sparsity assumption has been used in conjunction with a dictionary-based framework to achieve reliable FO estimation with a reduced number of gradient directions. Because image noise can have a deleterious effect on the accuracy of FO estimation, previous works have incorporated spatial consistency of FOs in the dictionary-based framework to improve the estimation. However, because FOs are only indirectly determined from the mixture fractions of dictionary atoms and not modeled as variables in the objective function, these methods do not incorporate FO smoothness directly, and their ability to produce smooth FOs could be limited. In this work, we propose an improvement to Fiber Orientation Reconstruction using Neighborhood Information (FORNI), which we call FORNI+; this method estimates FOs in a dictionary-based framework where FO smoothness is better enforced than in FORNI alone. We describe an objective function that explicitly models the actual FOs and the mixture fractions of dictionary atoms. Specifically, it consists of data fidelity between the observed signals and the signals represented by the dictionary, pairwise FO dissimilarity that encourages FO smoothness, and weighted ℓ 1 -norm terms that ensure the consistency between the actual FOs and the FO configuration suggested by the dictionary representation. The FOs and mixture fractions are then jointly estimated by minimizing the objective function using an iterative alternating optimization strategy. FORNI+ was evaluated on a simulation phantom, a physical phantom, and real brain dMRI data. In particular, in the real brain dMRI experiment, we have qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated the reproducibility of the proposed method. Results demonstrate that FORNI+ produces FOs with better quality compared with competing methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Freezing of Gait Detection in Parkinson's Disease: A Subject-Independent Detector Using Anomaly Scores.

PubMed

Pham, Thuy T; Moore, Steven T; Lewis, Simon John Geoffrey; Nguyen, Diep N; Dutkiewicz, Eryk; Fuglevand, Andrew J; McEwan, Alistair L; Leong, Philip H W

2017-11-01

Freezing of gait (FoG) is common in Parkinsonian gait and strongly relates to falls. Current clinical FoG assessments are patients' self-report diaries and experts' manual video analysis. Both are subjective and yield moderate reliability. Existing detection algorithms have been predominantly designed in subject-dependent settings. In this paper, we aim to develop an automated FoG detector for subject independent. After extracting highly relevant features, we apply anomaly detection techniques to detect FoG events. Specifically, feature selection is performed using correlation and clusterability metrics. From a list of 244 feature candidates, 36 candidates were selected using saliency and robustness criteria. We develop an anomaly score detector with adaptive thresholding to identify FoG events. Then, using accuracy metrics, we reduce the feature list to seven candidates. Our novel multichannel freezing index was the most selective across all window sizes, achieving sensitivity (specificity) of (). On the other hand, freezing index from the vertical axis was the best choice for a single input, achieving sensitivity (specificity) of () for ankle and () for back sensors. Our subject-independent method is not only significantly more accurate than those previously reported, but also uses a much smaller window (e.g., versus ) and/or lower tolerance (e.g., versus ).Freezing of gait (FoG) is common in Parkinsonian gait and strongly relates to falls. Current clinical FoG assessments are patients' self-report diaries and experts' manual video analysis. Both are subjective and yield moderate reliability. Existing detection algorithms have been predominantly designed in subject-dependent settings. In this paper, we aim to develop an automated FoG detector for subject independent. After extracting highly relevant features, we apply anomaly detection techniques to detect FoG events. Specifically, feature selection is performed using correlation and clusterability metrics. From a list of 244 feature candidates, 36 candidates were selected using saliency and robustness criteria. We develop an anomaly score detector with adaptive thresholding to identify FoG events. Then, using accuracy metrics, we reduce the feature list to seven candidates. Our novel multichannel freezing index was the most selective across all window sizes, achieving sensitivity (specificity) of (). On the other hand, freezing index from the vertical axis was the best choice for a single input, achieving sensitivity (specificity) of () for ankle and () for back sensors. Our subject-independent method is not only significantly more accurate than those previously reported, but also uses a much smaller window (e.g., versus ) and/or lower tolerance (e.g., versus ).

The Cr Redox Record of fO2 Variation in Angrites. Evidence for Redox Conditions of Angrite Petrogenesis and Parent Body

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shearer, Charles K.; Bell, Aaron S.; Burger, Paul V.; Papike, James J.; Jones, John; Le, Loan

2016-01-01

Angrites represent some of the earliest stages of planetesimal differentiation. Not surprisingly, there is no simple petrogenetic model for their origin. Petrogenesis has been linked to both magmatic and impact processes. Studies demonstrated that melting of chondritic material (e.g. CM, CV) at redox conditions where pure iron metal is unstable (e.g., IW+1 to IW+2) produced angrite-like melts. Alternatively, angrites were produced at more reducing conditions (

Vocal fundamental and formant frequencies are honest signals of threat potential in peripubertal males.

PubMed

Hodges-Simeon, Carolyn R; Gurven, Michael; Puts, David A; Gaulin, Steven J C

2014-07-01

Fundamental and formant frequencies influence perceived pitch and are sexually dimorphic in humans. The information content of these acoustic parameters can illuminate the forces of sexual selection shaping vocal sex differences as well as the mechanisms that ensure signal reliability. We use multiple regression to examine the relationships between somatic (height, adiposity, and strength) and acoustic (fundamental frequency [ F 0 ], formant position [ P f ], and fundamental frequency variation [ F 0 -SD]) characteristics in a sample of peripubertal Bolivian Tsimane. Results indicate that among males-but not females-strength is the strongest predictor of F 0 and P f and that F 0 and P f are independent predictors of strength when height and adiposity are controlled. These findings suggest that listeners may attend to vocal frequencies because they signal honest, nonredundant information about male strength and threat potential, which are strongly related to physical maturity and which cannot be ascertained from visual or other indicators of height or adiposity alone.

Oxygen fugacities directly measured in magmatic gases.

PubMed

Sato, M; Wright, T L

1966-09-02

An electrochemical device was used to measure the fugacity of oxygen (fo(o2)) in holes drilled through the crust of Makaopuhi lava lake, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Results obtained within 6 months of the lake formation show that log fo(o2) normally varies linearly with the reciprocal of the absolute temperature, and that chemical changes occurring in the cooling tholeiitic basalt are reflected in the fo(o2) values measured in the holes.

A Short Review of Membrane Fouling in Forward Osmosis Processes

PubMed Central

Chun, Youngpil; Mulcahy, Dennis; Zou, Linda; Kim, In S.

2017-01-01

Interest in forward osmosis (FO) research has rapidly increased in the last decade due to problems of water and energy scarcity. FO processes have been used in many applications, including wastewater reclamation, desalination, energy production, fertigation, and food and pharmaceutical processing. However, the inherent disadvantages of FO, such as lower permeate water flux compared to pressure driven membrane processes, concentration polarisation (CP), reverse salt diffusion, the energy consumption of draw solution recovery and issues of membrane fouling have restricted its industrial applications. This paper focuses on the fouling phenomena of FO processes in different areas, including organic, inorganic and biological categories, for better understanding of this long-standing issue in membrane processes. Furthermore, membrane fouling monitoring and mitigation strategies are reviewed. PMID:28604649

Grace-Fo satellites

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-09

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on (GRACE-FO) mission is a partnership between NASA and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). GRACE-FO is a successor to the original GRACE mission, which began orbiting Earth on March 17, 2002. GRACE-FO will carry on the extremely successful work of its predecessor while testing a new technology designed to dramatically improve the already remarkable precision of its measurement system. The GRACE missions measure variations in gravity over Earth's surface, producing a new map of the gravity field every 30 days. Thus, GRACE shows how the planet's gravity differs not only from one location to another, but also from one period of time to another. Airbus Defence and Space (Friedrichshafen/Germany) is the industrial prime contractor to build the satellites.

Fundamentals of Acoustics. Psychoacoustics and Hearing. Acoustical Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begault, Durand R.; Ahumada, Al (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

These are 3 chapters that will appear in a book titled "Building Acoustical Design", edited by Charles Salter. They are designed to introduce the reader to fundamental concepts of acoustics, particularly as they relate to the built environment. "Fundamentals of Acoustics" reviews basic concepts of sound waveform frequency, pressure, and phase. "Psychoacoustics and Hearing" discusses the human interpretation sound pressure as loudness, particularly as a function of frequency. "Acoustic Measurements" gives a simple overview of the time and frequency weightings for sound pressure measurements that are used in acoustical work.

Approximate method for calculating free vibrations of a large-wind-turbine tower structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Das, S. C.; Linscott, B. S.

1977-01-01

A set of ordinary differential equations were derived for a simplified structural dynamic lumped-mass model of a typical large-wind-turbine tower structure. Dunkerley's equation was used to arrive at a solution for the fundamental natural frequencies of the tower in bending and torsion. The ERDA-NASA 100-kW wind turbine tower structure was modeled, and the fundamental frequencies were determined by the simplified method described. The approximate fundamental natural frequencies for the tower agree within 18 percent with test data and predictions analyzed.

Comparison of fundamental, second harmonic, and superharmonic imaging: a simulation study.

PubMed

van Neer, Paul L M J; Danilouchkine, Mikhail G; Verweij, Martin D; Demi, Libertario; Voormolen, Marco M; van der Steen, Anton F W; de Jong, Nico

2011-11-01

In medical ultrasound, fundamental imaging (FI) uses the reflected echoes from the same spectral band as that of the emitted pulse. The transmission frequency determines the trade-off between penetration depth and spatial resolution. Tissue harmonic imaging (THI) employs the second harmonic of the emitted frequency band to construct images. Recently, superharmonic imaging (SHI) has been introduced, which uses the third to the fifth (super) harmonics. The harmonic level is determined by two competing phenomena: nonlinear propagation and frequency dependent attenuation. Thus, the transmission frequency yielding the optimal trade-off between the spatial resolution and the penetration depth differs for THI and SHI. This paper quantitatively compares the concepts of fundamental, second harmonic, and superharmonic echocardiography at their optimal transmission frequencies. Forward propagation is modeled using a 3D-KZK implementation and the iterative nonlinear contrast source (INCS) method. Backpropagation is assumed to be linear. Results show that the fundamental lateral beamwidth is the narrowest at focus, while the superharmonic one is narrower outside the focus. The lateral superharmonic roll-off exceeds the fundamental and second harmonic roll-off. Also, the axial resolution of SHI exceeds that of FI and THI. The far-field pulse-echo superharmonic pressure is lower than that of the fundamental and second harmonic. SHI appears suited for echocardiography and is expected to improve its image quality at the cost of a slight reduction in depth-of-field.

Effects of differential supplementation of fatty acids during the peripartum and breeding periods of Holstein cows: I. Uterine and metabolic responses, reproduction, and lactation.

PubMed

Silvestre, F T; Carvalho, T S M; Francisco, N; Santos, J E P; Staples, C R; Jenkins, T C; Thatcher, W W

2011-01-01

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of differential timing of supplementation of different Ca salts (CS) of fatty acids (FA) on FA profiles of cotyledonary-caruncular tissues, metabolic status, uterine health, pregnancy, pregnancy losses after 2 artificial inseminations (AI), and milk yield. Holstein cows (n=1,380) were assigned randomly to be fed either CS of palm oil (PO) or safflower oil (SO) from 30 d prepartum until 30 d postpartum (dpp) and further randomized to receive either CS of PO or fish oil (FO) from 30 to 160 dpp. Supplementation of CS of FA was at 1.5% of dietary dry matter. Tissues (n=23) and blood (n=32) were collected from a subsample of cows. Blood was collected daily from parturition to 10 dpp and three times weekly thereafter until 30 dpp for analyses of PGF2α metabolite, nonesterified FA, β-hydroxybutyric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose. Cows were evaluated once between 8 to 10 dpp for cervical discharge type. At 43 dpp, cows received 2 injections of PGF2α 14 d apart, followed 14 d later by injections of GnRH at 7 d before and 56 h after an injection of PGF2α with AI at 16 h after the second GnRH injection. All cows received intravaginally a controlled internal drug-releasing device, containing 1.38 g of progesterone, at 18 d after the first AI followed 7 d later by removal of the device and injection of GnRH. Nonpregnant cows at 32 d after AI were injected with PGF2α, followed 56 h later with a GnRH injection and second AI 16 h thereafter. Cows diagnosed pregnant after both AI were re-examined at 60 d of pregnancy to determine pregnancy losses. Milk weights were recorded monthly for all cows. Caruncular n-6:n-3 FA ratio was greater in cows fed SO. Plasma concentrations of metabolites and frequency of cervical discharge type did not differ between PO- and SO-fed cows. Plasma PGF2α metabolite was greater in SO-fed cows at 4 and 7 dpp. Pregnancy per AI at 32 and 60 d post first AI was not affected by diets, but pregnancy loss was less in FO-fed cows. At second AI, pregnancy was greater in FO-fed cows at 32 d and in SO-FO-fed cows at 60 d post AI. Pregnancy loss after second AI was not affected by diets. Overall pregnancy per AI was greater in cows fed SO followed by FO at 60 d of pregnancy and pregnancy loss was reduced in FO-fed cows. Monthly milk yield was greater (0.7 kg/d) in SO-fed cows. In conclusion, strategic feeding of CS of FA during transition and breeding periods can benefit fertility and milk production of lactating dairy cows. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Communications Medium on the Fundamental Frequency of Speech.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noll, A. Michael

1978-01-01

Describes the results of preliminary experiments to investigate the effects of communications medium (face-to-face and two-way closed circuit television) on the fundamental frequency of speakers in a dyadic communications situation. (JMF)

Optimal lay-up design of variable stiffness laminated composite plates by a layer-wise optimization technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houmat, A.

2018-02-01

The optimal lay-up design for the maximum fundamental frequency of variable stiffness laminated composite plates is investigated using a layer-wise optimization technique. The design variables are two fibre orientation angles per ply. Thin plate theory is used in conjunction with a p-element to calculate the fundamental frequencies of symmetrically and antisymmetrically laminated composite plates. Comparisons with existing optimal solutions for constant stiffness symmetrically laminated composite plates show excellent agreement. It is observed that the maximum fundamental frequency can be increased considerably using variable stiffness design as compared to constant stiffness design. In addition, optimal lay-ups for the maximum fundamental frequency of variable stiffness symmetrically and antisymmetrically laminated composite plates with different aspect ratios and various combinations of free, simply supported and clamped edge conditions are presented. These should prove a useful benchmark for optimal lay-ups of variable stiffness laminated composite plates.

Intensive Variables in Primary Kimberlite Magmas (Lac de Gras, N.W.T., Canada) and Application for Diamond Preservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedortchouk, Y.; Canil, D.; Carlson, J. A.

2002-12-01

Crystallization temperatures (T) and oxygen fugacity (fO2) are not well constrained for kimberlites. Knowledge of these intensive variables of kimberlite melt is important for understanding the origin and evolution of kimberlites and prediction of diamond preservation in the magma. Difficulties in interpreting the equilibrium mineral assemblages in kimberlites and the high degree of secondary alteration usually complicate use of mineral geothermometers and oxygen barometers. Some of Lac de Gras (N.W.T., Canada) kimberlites are extremely fresh and provide opportunity to apply mineral thermobarometers. The presence of numerous chromite inclusions in the rims of olivine phenocrysts allows application of the olivine-spinel thermometer and oxygen barometer to constrain T and fO2 of the melt. We performed T and fO2 calculations on samples from three kimberlite pipes - the Leslie, Aaron and Grizzly. The T obtained from olivine - chromite pairs for crystallization of olivine phenocryst rims are 1050° to 1100°C +/- 50°C (calculated at 1 GPa). Few olivine - chromite pairs from Leslie and Grizzly record higher temperatures of 1250° - 1350°C. The cores of olivine phenocrysts usually lack chromite inclusions and their crystallization T and fO2 could not be estimated. The fO2 recorded by coexisting olivine and chromite are +0.3 to 1.0 +/- 0.4 log units more oxidized than the nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) buffer. The established fO2 of kimberlites would require fO2 in their mantle source to be higher than that of cratonic mantle and oceanic lithosphere producing MORB's but comparable to the source of subduction-related magmas. The T and fO2 for the Lac de Gras kimberlites constrain the path of any mantle material entrained in these magmas in fO2-T-P space and provide limits on diamond destructive processes. Diamonds are not stable in kimberlite magma and are oxidized to CO2 or converted into graphite. The former process is more favorable for their preservation. The results of out thermo-barometric calculations show that at any pressure the Lac de Gras kimberlites were above the Graphite (Diamond)-CCO buffer. Diamonds entrained in these kimberlites were moved into stability field of CO2 without graphitization, favoring better preservation of diamonds.

Protective Role of Flaxseed Oil and Flaxseed Lignan Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Against Oxidative Stress in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Pilar, Bruna; Güllich, Angélica; Oliveira, Patrícia; Ströher, Deise; Piccoli, Jacqueline; Manfredini, Vanusa

2017-12-01

This study evaluated the protective effect of flaxseed oil (FO) and flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) against oxidative stress in rats with metabolic syndrome (MS). 48 rats were allocated into the following 6 groups: Groups 1 (control), 5 (FO), and 6 (SDG) received water and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. Groups 2 (MS), 3 (MS+FO), and 4 (MS+SDG) received 30% fructose in drinking water for MS induction and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. After 30 d, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected for biochemical and oxidative analysis. Body weight was recorded weekly. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured before and after treatment. Fructose could produce MS and oxidative stress. FO and SDG prevented changes in SBP, lipids, and glucose. FO and SDG prevented oxidative damage to lipids, and only FO prevented oxidative damage to proteins associated to MS. FO and SDG improved enzymatic antioxidants defenses and reduced glutathione levels, which was greater with SDG. Total polyphenol levels were enhanced in groups that received SDG. Thus, the results of this study demonstrated that treatment with a 30% fructose solution for 30 d is effective for MS induction and the oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of MS induced by fructose-rich diets. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content especially that of SDG, suggesting that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS. We report that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content, especially that of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. This is significant because suggests that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS. Furthermore, this study was the only one to perform a comparison of the abilities of 2 components of flaxseed to protect against oxidative stress in an MS model, which brings a great advance in the medicine's field, since it indicates another alternative for improve the health and the quality of life of patients with this disorder. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Effects of parenteral infusion with fish-oil or safflower-oil emulsion on hepatic lipids, plasma amino acids, and inflammatory mediators in septic rats.

PubMed

Chao, C Y; Yeh, S L; Lin, M T; Chen, W J

2000-04-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of preinfusion with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) using fish-oil (FO) versus safflower-oil (SO) emulsion as fat sources on hepatic lipids, plasma amino-acid profiles, and inflammatory-related mediators in septic rats. Normal rats, with internal jugular catheters, were assigned to two different groups and received TPN. TPN provided 300 kcal. kg(-1). d(-1), with 40% of the non-protein energy as fat. All TPN solutions were isonitrogenous and identical in nutrient composition except for the fat emulsion, which was made of SO or FO. After receiving TPN for 6 d, each group of rats was further divided into control and sepsis subgroups. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture; control rats received sham operation. All rats were classified into four groups as follows: FO control group (FOC; n = 7), FO sepsis group (FOS; n = 8), SO control group (SOC; n = 8), and SO sepsis group (SOS; n = 9). The results of the study demonstrated that plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids did not differ between the FO and SO groups, regardless of whether the animals were septic. SOS had significantly higher total lipids and cholesterol content in the liver than did the SOC group. The FOS group, however, showed no difference from the FOC group. Plasma leucine and isoleucine levels were significantly lower in the SOS group than in the SOC group, whereas no difference in these two amino acids was observed between the FOC and FOS groups. Plasma arginine levels were significantly lower in both septic groups than in the groups without sepsis when either FO or SO was infused. Plasma glutamine levels, however, did not differ across groups. No differences in interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or leukotriene B(4) concentrations in peritoneal lavage fluid were observed between the two septic groups. These results suggest that catabolic reaction in septic rats preinfused with FO is not as obvious as those preinfused with SO. Compared with SO emulsion, TPN with FO emulsion prevents liver fat accumulation associated with sepsis. However, parenterally administered FO had no beneficial effect in lowering cytokines and LTB(4) levels in peritoneal lavage fluid in septic rats induced by cecal ligation and puncture.

Low-Molecular-Weight Peptides from Salmon Protein Prevent Obesity-Linked Glucose Intolerance, Inflammation, and Dyslipidemia in LDLR-/-/ApoB100/100 Mice.

PubMed

Chevrier, Geneviève; Mitchell, Patricia L; Rioux, Laurie-Eve; Hasan, Fida; Jin, Tianyi; Roblet, Cyril Roland; Doyen, Alain; Pilon, Geneviève; St-Pierre, Philippe; Lavigne, Charles; Bazinet, Laurent; Jacques, Hélène; Gill, Tom; McLeod, Roger S; Marette, André

2015-07-01

We previously reported that fish proteins can alleviate metabolic syndrome (MetS) in obese animals and human subjects. We tested whether a salmon peptide fraction (SPF) could improve MetS in mice and explored potential mechanisms of action. ApoB(100) only, LDL receptor knockout male mice (LDLR(-/-)/ApoB(100/100)) were fed a high-fat and -sucrose (HFS) diet (25 g/kg sucrose). Two groups were fed 10 g/kg casein hydrolysate (HFS), and 1 group was additionally fed 4.35 g/kg fish oil (FO; HFS+FO). Two other groups were fed 10 g SPF/kg (HFS+SPF), and 1 group was additionally fed 4.35 g FO/kg (HFS+SPF+FO). A fifth (reference) group was fed a standard feed pellet diet. We assessed the impact of dietary treatments on glucose tolerance, adipose tissue inflammation, lipid homeostasis, and hepatic insulin signaling. The effects of SPF on glucose uptake, hepatic glucose production, and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity were further studied in vitro with the use of L6 myocytes, FAO hepatocytes, and J774 macrophages. Mice fed HFS+SPF or HFS+SPF+FO diets had lower body weight (protein effect, P = 0.024), feed efficiency (protein effect, P = 0.018), and liver weight (protein effect, P = 0.003) as well as lower concentrations of adipose tissue cytokines and chemokines (protein effect, P ≤ 0.003) compared with HFS and HFS+FO groups. They also had greater glucose tolerance (protein effect, P < 0.001), lower activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/S6 kinase 1/insulin receptor substrate 1 (mTORC1/S6K1/IRS1) pathway, and increased insulin signaling in liver compared with the HFS and HFS+FO groups. The HFS+FO, HFS+SPF, and HFS+SPF+FO groups had lower plasma triglycerides (protein effect, P = 0.003; lipid effect, P = 0.002) than did the HFS group. SPF increased glucose uptake and decreased HGP and iNOS activation in vitro. SPF reduces obesity-linked MetS features in LDLR(-/-)/ApoB(100/100) mice. The anti-inflammatory and glucoregulatory properties of SPF were confirmed in L6 myocytes, FAO hepatocytes, and J774 macrophages. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Subglottal pressure and fundamental frequency control in contact calls of juvenile Alligator mississippiensis

PubMed Central

Riede, Tobias; Tokuda, Isao T.; Farmer, C. G.

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Vocalization is rare among non-avian reptiles, with the exception of the crocodilians, the sister taxon of birds. Crocodilians have a complex vocal repertoire. Their vocal and respiratory system is not well understood but appears to consist of a combination of features that are also found in the extremely vocal avian and mammalian taxa. Anatomical studies suggest that the alligator larynx is able to abduct and adduct the vocal folds, but not to elongate or shorten them, and is therefore lacking a key regulator of frequency, yet alligators can modulate fundamental frequency remarkably well. We investigated the morphological and physiological features of sound production in alligators. Vocal fold length scales isometrically across a wide range of alligator body sizes. The relationship between fundamental frequency and subglottal pressure is significant in some individuals at some isolated points, such as call onset and position of maximum fundamental frequency. The relationship is not consistent over large segments of the call. Fundamental frequency can change faster than expected by pressure changes alone, suggesting an active motor pattern controls frequency and is intrinsic to the larynx. We utilized a two-mass vocal fold model to test whether abduction and adduction could generate this motor pattern. The fine-tuned interplay between subglottal pressure and glottal adduction can achieve frequency modulations much larger than those resulting from subglottal pressure variations alone and of similar magnitude, as observed in alligator calls. We conclude that the alligator larynx represents a sound source with only two control parameters (subglottal pressure and vocal fold adduction) in contrast to the mammalian larynx in which three parameters can be altered to modulate frequency (subglottal pressure, vocal fold adduction and length/tension). PMID:21865521

Effects of fish oils on ex vivo B-cell responses of obese subjects upon BCR/TLR stimulation: a pilot study.

PubMed

Guesdon, William; Kosaraju, Rasagna; Brophy, Patricia; Clark, Angela; Dillingham, Steve; Aziz, Shahnaz; Moyer, Fiona; Willson, Kate; Dick, James R; Patil, Shivajirao Prakash; Balestrieri, Nicholas; Armstrong, Michael; Reisdroph, Nichole; Shaikh, Saame Raza

2018-03-01

The long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil have immunomodulatory properties. B cells are a poorly studied target of EPA/DHA in humans. Therefore, in this pilot study, we tested how n-3 LC-PUFAs influence B-cell responses of obese humans. Obese men and women were assigned to consume four 1-g capsules per day of olive oil (OO, n=12), fish oil (FO, n=12) concentrate or high-DHA-FO concentrate (n=10) for 12 weeks in a parallel design. Relative to baseline, FO (n=9) lowered the percentage of circulating memory and plasma B cells, whereas the other supplements had no effect. There were no postintervention differences between the three supplements. Next, ex vivo B-cell cytokines were assayed after stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and/or the B-cell receptor (BCR) to determine if the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs were pathway-dependent. B-cell IL-10 and TNFα secretion was respectively increased with high DHA-FO (n=10), relative to baseline, with respective TLR9 and TLR9+BCR stimulation. OO (n=12) and FO (n=12) had no influence on B-cell cytokines compared to baseline, and there were no differences in postintervention cytokine levels between treatment groups. Finally, ex vivo antibody levels were assayed with FO (n=7) after TLR9+BCR stimulation. Compared to baseline, FO lowered IgM but not IgG levels accompanied by select modifications to the plasma lipidome. Altogether, the results suggest that n-3 LC-PUFAs could modulate B-cell activity in humans, which will require further testing in a larger cohort. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in the axial orientation of the zygapophyseal joint in the subaxial cervical spine from childhood to middle-age, and the biomechanical implications of these changes.

PubMed

Chen, Mao-Yu; Liu, Yu-Tse; Hsu, Wen-Hsing

2017-10-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age on facet orientation (FO) of the cervical spine during development, maturation, and degeneration. Computed tomography (CT) data of the cervical spine of 131 subjects without pathology of the cervical spine were analyzed. Subjects were categorized as: pediatric (n=36, 8-16years old), young adult (n=33, 18-24years old), and middle-age (n=62, 40-59years old). Serial CT scans were reconstructed by image processing. The FO in the axial plane was measured bilaterally at each vertebral level from C3/4 to C6/7. Differences in FO were analyzed between the 3 groups. The degree of external rotation of FO significantly decreased at C3/4 and C4/5 with increasing in age, and maximum external rotation was observed at C5/6. The external rotation at C6/7 increased from pediatric to young adulthood, but decreased from young adults to middle-aged adults. The dominant external rotation was seen in C4/5 and C5/6 in the pediatric age group, C5/6 and C6/7 in young adults, and C4/5 and C5/6 in middle-aged adults. These results lead us to conclude that FO in the axial plane exhibits significant differences with age. The degree of external rotation with respect to FO at each vertebral level is comparable to changes in cervical spinal dynamics with age. Hence, FO in the axial plane is a biomechanical parameter that can be used to assess changes in the cervical spinal during maturation and degeneration. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

DHA- Rich Fish Oil Improves Complex Reaction Time in Female Elite Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Guzmán, José F.; Esteve, Hector; Pablos, Carlos; Pablos, Ana; Blasco, Cristina; Villegas, José A.

2011-01-01

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) has shown to improve neuromotor function. This study examined the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on complex reaction time, precision and efficiency, in female elite soccer players. 24 players from two Spanish female soccer Super League teams were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups, then administered, in a double-blind manner, 3.5 g·day-1 of either DHA-rich fish oil (FO =12) or olive oil (OO = 12) over 4 weeks of training. Two measurements (pre- and post-treatment) of complex reaction time and precision were taken. Participants had to press different buttons and pedals with left and right hands and feet, or stop responding, according to visual and auditory stimuli. Multivariate analysis of variance displayed an interaction between supplement administration (pre/post) and experimental group (FO/OO) on complex reaction time (FO pre = 0.713 ± 0.142 ms, FO post = 0.623 ± 0.109 ms, OO pre = 0.682 ± 1.132 ms, OO post = 0.715 ± 0.159 ms; p = 0.004) and efficiency (FO pre = 40.88 ± 17.41, FO post = 57.12 ± 11.05, OO pre = 49.52 ± 14.63, OO post = 49. 50 ± 11.01; p = 0.003). It was concluded that after 4 weeks of supplementation with FO, there was a significant improvement in the neuromotor function of female elite soccer players. Key points The results obtained from the study suggest that supplementation with DHA produced perceptual-motor benefits in female elite athletes. DHA could be a beneficial supplement in sports where decision making and reaction time efficiency are of importance. PMID:24149875

Parenteral Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions in the Critically Ill: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Manzanares, William; Dhaliwal, Rupinder; Jurewitsch, Brian; Stapleton, Renee D.; Jeejeebhoy, Khursheed N.; Heyland, Daren K.

2015-01-01

Introduction Polyunsaturated series-3 fatty acids (PUFAs n-3) contained in fish oils (FO) posess major anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunological properties which could be beneficial during critical illness. We hypothesized that parenteral FO containing emulsions may improve clinical outcomes in the critically ill. Methods We searched computerized databases from 1980 to 2012. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in critically ill adults patients that evaluated FO containing emulsions, either in the context of parenteral nutrition (PN) or enteral nutrition (EN) fed patients. Results A total of 6 RCTs (n=390 patients) were included; the mean methodological score of all trials was 10 (range: 6–13). When the results of these studies were aggregated, FO containing emulsions were associated with with a trend towards a reduction in mortality (risk ratio RR= 0.71, 95% confidence intervals CI 0.49, 1.04, P=0.08, heterogeneity I2=0%) and a tendency to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation (weighted mean difference in days [WMD] −1.41, 95% CI −3.43, 0.61, P=0.17). However, this strategy had no effect on infections (RR= 0.76, 95% CI 0.42, 1.36, P= 0.35) and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (WMD −0.46, 95% CI −4.87, 3.95, P=0.84, heterogeneity I2=75%). Conclusion FO containing lipid emulsions may be able to decrease mortality and ventilation days in the critically ill. However, because of the paucity of clinical data, there is inadequate evidence to recommend the routine use of parenteral FO. Large, rigorously designed, RCTs are required to elucidate the efficacy of parenteral FO in the critically ill. PMID:23609773

Comparison of the removal of hydrophobic trace organic contaminants by forward osmosis and reverse osmosis.

PubMed

Xie, Ming; Nghiem, Long D; Price, William E; Elimelech, Menachem

2012-05-15

We compared the rejection behaviours of three hydrophobic trace organic contaminants, bisphenol A, triclosan and diclofenac, in forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO). Using erythritol, xylose and glucose as inert reference organic solutes and the membrane pore transport model, the mean effective pore size of a commercial cellulose-based FO membrane was estimated to be 0.74 nm. When NaCl was used as the draw solute, at the same water permeate flux of 5.4 L/m(2) h (or 1.5 μm/s), the adsorption of all three compounds to the membrane in the FO mode was consistently lower than that in the RO mode. Rejection of bisphenol A and diclofenac were higher in the FO mode compared to that in the RO mode. Because the molecular width of triclosan was larger than the estimated mean effective membrane pore size, triclosan was completely rejected by the membrane and negligent difference between the FO and RO modes could be observed. The difference in the separation behaviour of these hydrophobic trace organics in the FO (using NaCl the draw solute) and RO modes could be explained by the phenomenon of retarded forward diffusion of solutes. The reverse salt flux of NaCl hinders the pore diffusion and subsequent adsorption of the trace organic compounds within the membrane. The retarded forward diffusion effect was not observed when MgSO(4) and glucose were used as the draw solutes. The reverse flux of both MgSO(4) and glucose was negligible and thus both adsorption and rejection of BPA in the FO mode were identical to those in the RO mode. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and Characterization of Thin-Film Composite Membrane with Nanowire-Modified Support for Forward Osmosis Process

PubMed Central

Low, Ze-Xian; Liu, Qi; Shamsaei, Ezzatollah; Zhang, Xiwang; Wang, Huanting

2015-01-01

Internal concentration polarization (ICP) in forward osmosis (FO) process is a characteristic problem for asymmetric thin-film composite (TFC) FO membrane which leads to lower water flux. To mitigate the ICP effect, modification of the substrates’ properties has been one of the most effective methods. A new polyethersulfone-based ultrafiltration membrane with increased surface porosity and high water flux was recently produced by incorporating Zn2GeO4 nanowires. The composite membrane was used as a substrate for the fabrication of TFC FO membrane, by coating a thin layer of polyamide on top of the substrate. The substrate and the nanowires were characterized by a range of techniques such as SEM, XRD, and contact angle goniometry. The water permeability and molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) of the substrate; and the FO performance of the TFC membrane were also determined. The Zn2GeO4-modified membrane showed ~45% increase in water permeability and NaCl salt rejection of 80% under RO mode. In FO mode, the ratio of water flux to reverse solute flux was also improved. However, lower FO flux was obtained which could be due to ICP. The result shows that Zn2GO4 nanowire may be used as a modifier to the substrate to improve the quality of the polyamide layer on the substrate to improve the flux and selectivity, but not as effective in reducing ICP. This work demonstrates that the incorporation of nanomaterials to the membrane substrate may be an alternative approach to improve the formation of polyamide skin layer to achieve better FO performance. PMID:25803239

Antagonistic Effect of Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Fo47 and Pseudobactin 358 upon Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi

PubMed Central

Lemanceau, Philippe; Bakker, Peter A. H. M.; De Kogel, Willem Jan; Alabouvette, Claude; Schippers, Bob

1993-01-01

Pseudobactin production by Pseudomonas putida WCS358 significantly improves biological control of fusarium wilt caused by nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Fo47b10 (P. Lemanceau, P. A. H. M. Bakker, W. J. de Kogel, C. Alabouvette, and B. Schippers, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 58:2978-2982, 1992). The antagonistic effect of Fo47b10 and purified pseudobactin 358 was studied by using an in vitro bioassay. This bioassay allows studies on interactions among nonpathogenic F. oxysporum Fo47b10, pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. dianthi WCS816, and purified pseudobactin 358, the fluorescent siderophore produced by P. putida WCS358. Both nonpathogenic and pathogenic F. oxysporum reduced each other's growth when grown together. However, in these coinoculation experiments, pathogenic F. oxysporum WCS816 was relatively more inhibited in its growth than nonpathogenic F. oxysporum Fo47b10. The antagonism of nonpathogenic F. oxysporum against pathogenic F. oxysporum strongly depends on the ratio of nonpathogenic to pathogenic F. oxysporum densities: the higher this ratio, the stronger the antagonism. This fungal antagonism appears to be mainly associated with the competition for glucose. Pseudobactin 358 reduced the growth of both F. oxysporum strains, whereas ferric pseudobactin 358 did not; antagonism by pseudobactin 358 was then related to competition for iron. However, the pathogenic F. oxysporum strain was more sensitive to this antagonism than the nonpathogenic strain. Pseudobactin 358 reduced the efficiency of glucose metabolism by the fungi. These results suggest that pseudobactin 358 increases the intensity of the antagonism of nonpathogenic F. oxysporum Fo47b10 against pathogenic F. oxysporum WCS816 by making WCS816 more sensitive to the glucose competition by Fo47b10. PMID:16348860

The Clinical Significance Of Freezing While Turning in Parkinson’s Disease

PubMed Central

Mancini, Martina; Smulders, Katrijn; Cohen, Rajal G.; Horak, Fay B.; Giladi, Nir; Nutt, John G

2016-01-01

Freezing of gait (FoG) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an environmentally sensitive, intermittent problem that occurs most often during turning. FoG is difficult for clinicians to evaluate and treat because it can be difficult to elicit during a clinical visit. Here, we aimedto develop a clinically valid objective measure of freezing severity during a 2-minute 360 degrees turning-in-place. Twenty-eight subjects with PD (16 freezers, FoG+, and 12 nonfreezers, FoG−) in the “off” state and 14 healthy control subjects were tested. Subjects wore 3 inertial sensors (one on each shin and one on the waist) while 1) turning in place for 2 minutes (alternating 360 degrees to the right with 360 degrees to the left) and 2) performing an Instrumented 7m Timed Up and Go test (ITUG). Performance was videotaped, and clinical severity of FoG was independently rated by two movement disorders specialists (co-authors). Turning in place consistently resulted in FoG (13 out of 16 subjects with PD) while FoG was clinically observed in only 2 subjects with PD during the ITUG test. The Freezing Ratio during the turning test was significantly correlated with the clinical ratings (ρ=0.7, p=0.003) and with score on the new freezing of gait questionnaire (ρ=0.5, p=0.03). After correcting for symptom severity (UPDRS-III), out of the 4 objective measures of the turning test (total number of turns, average turn peak speed and average turn smoothness), only the Freezing Ratio was significantly different across groups (p=0.04). Freezing can be well quantified with body-worn inertial sensors during a 2-minute turning-in-place protocol. PMID:27956066

Oral omega-3 fatty acids promote resolution in chemical peritonitis.

PubMed

Chacon, Alexander C; Phillips, Brett E; Chacon, Miranda A; Brunke-Reese, Deborah; Kelleher, Shannon L; Soybel, David I

2016-11-01

Recent studies suggest that purified omega-3 fatty acids may attenuate acute inflammation and hasten the transition to healing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with omega-3-rich fish oil (FO) would promote resolution of peritoneal inflammation through production of specific lipid mediators. C57/BL6 mice were given a daily 200-μL oral gavage of saline (CTL) or FO (1.0-1.5 g/kg/d docosahexaenoic acid and 1.3-2.0 g/kg/d eicosapentaenoic acid) for 7 d before chemical peritonitis was induced with thioglycollate. Peritoneal lavage fluid was collected before induction and at days 2 and 4 after peritonitis onset. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), Resolvin D1 (RvD1), and the composition of immune cell populations were examined in peritoneal lavage exudates. Cells harvested from the peritoneum were assessed for macrophage differentiation markers, phagocytosis, and lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine secretion profiles (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNFα). The ratio of RvD1 to pro-inflammatory PGE2 and LTB4 was increased in the peritoneal cavity of FO-supplemented animals. FO induced a decrease in the number of monocytes in the lavage fluid, with no change in the number of macrophages, neutrophils, or lymphocytes. Macrophage phagocytosis and M1/M2 messenger RNA markers were unchanged by FO with the exception of decreased PPARγ expression. FO increased ex vivo TNFα secretion after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Our findings provide evidence that nutraceutically relevant doses of FO supplements given before and during chemical peritonitis shift the balance of lipid mediators towards a proresolution, anti-inflammatory state without drastically altering the number or phenotype of local innate immune cell populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary inclusion of fish oil changes the semen lipid composition but does not improve the post-thaw semen quality of ram spermatozoa.

PubMed

Díaz, Rommy; Torres, Mariana A; Paz, Erwin; Quiñones, John; Bravo, Silvana; Farías, Jorge G; Sepúlveda, Néstor

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) time-response on the fatty acid profile, cholesterol levels and sperm cryosurvival in ram semen. Criollo Araucano rams were randomly assigned to two groups (n=4) according to the type of supplementation: a control group without FO and a supplemented group fed a diet with 3% FO for 8 weeks. The semen lipid profile and post-thaw sperm quality were analyzed at weeks 0 (pre-supplementation), 4, 8, 12 and 16 (post-supplementation) to evaluate the effects of FO supplementation by time interaction. Post-thaw sperm quality was determined by CASA and flow cytometry. In spermatozoa, the supplemented group increased the linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3) with levels higher at week 16 (P<0.05). The effect of FO on cholesterol concentration in sperm was significant at the end of the experiment (week 16). In seminal plasma, statistical differences of butyric acid (C4:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n3) and DHA were observed at week 12. The cholesterol concentration was not affected by dietary treatments (P>0.05). However, the post-thaw sperm quality of the FO treatment group decreased. Motility percentage decreased 50% and spermatozoa with permeable plasma membrane and reacted acrosome were higher (63%) at week 16 than the control group. These results showed that DHA was effectively incorporated into semen through dietary supplementation with FO, but evaluations of post-thaw sperm quality confirm alteration specificity related to the structure of the lipid bilayer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fish oil supplementation suppresses resistance exercise and feeding-induced increases in anabolic signaling without affecting myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men.

PubMed

McGlory, Chris; Wardle, Sophie L; Macnaughton, Lindsay S; Witard, Oliver C; Scott, Fraser; Dick, James; Bell, J Gordon; Phillips, Stuart M; Galloway, Stuart D R; Hamilton, D Lee; Tipton, Kevin D

2016-03-01

Fish oil (FO) supplementation potentiates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in response to a hyperaminoacidemic-hyperinsulinemic infusion. Whether FO supplementation potentiates MPS in response to protein ingestion or when protein ingestion is combined with resistance exercise (RE) remains unknown. In a randomized, parallel group design, 20 healthy males were randomized to receive 5 g/day of either FO or coconut oil control (CO) for 8 weeks. After supplementation, participants performed a bout of unilateral RE followed by ingestion of 30 g of whey protein. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained before and after supplementation for assessment of muscle lipid composition and relevant protein kinase activities. Infusion of L-[ring-(13)C6] phenylalanine was used to measure basal myofibrillar MP Sat rest (REST), in a nonexercised leg following protein ingestion (FED) and following RE and protein ingestion (FEDEX).MPS was significantly elevated above REST during FEDEX in both the FO and CO groups, but there was no effect of supplementation. There was a significant increase in MPS in both groups above REST during FED but no effect of supplementation. Supplementation significantly decreased pan PKB activity at RESTin the FO group but not the CO group. There was a significant increase from REST at post-RE for PKB and AMPKα2 activity in the CO group but not in the FO group. In FEDEX, there was a significant increase in p70S6K1 activity from REST at 3 h in the CO group only. These data highlight that 8 weeks of FO supplementation alters kinase signaling activity in response to RE plus protein ingestion without influencing MPS. © 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

Fiber Optic Rosette Strain Gauge Development and Application on a Large-Scale Composite Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Jason P.; Przekop, Adam; Juarez, Peter D.; Roth, Mark C.

2015-01-01

A detailed description of the construction, application, and measurement of 196 FO rosette strain gauges that measured multi-axis strain across the outside upper surface of the forward bulkhead component of a multibay composite fuselage test article is presented. A background of the FO strain gauge and the FO measurement system as utilized in this application is given and results for the higher load cases of the testing sequence are shown.

Hugoniot and properties of diesel fuel used in ANFO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robbins, David L.; Sheffield, S. A.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.; Stahl, David B.

2012-03-01

One of the more common ammonium nitrate(AN)-based explosives is ANFO, which is a mixture of AN prills and diesel fuel oil (FO) in a 94:6 ratio by weight. Since there are no available shock data on FO, a series of shock compression experiments have been completed using a two-stage light gas gun with a sealed liquid target cell. The FO studied was diesel #2 which has been used in a number of ANFO explosive shots. Density and sound speed data were measured and used to predict and compare the data to a universal liquid Hugoniot (ULH). In-situ magnetic gauges in the target cell were used to measure the particle velocity, shock velocity, and shock wave profiles. Projectile impact velocities ranged from 1.5 to 3.2 km/s, generating input pressures to the FO between 3 and 17 GPa (depending on the impactor material being used). No shock-induced reaction was observed in the FO in any of the experiments. Since the ULH was found to slightly under predict the FO Hugoniot states, a linear Hugoniot was fit to the data - Us = 1.775 + 1.725 up - in mm/μs. A Helmholtz EOS based on the Murnaghan isotherm was developed so the temperature on the Hugoniot could be estimated. At 12 GPa the shock temperature is expected to be 1500K.

Audiovisual focus of attention and its application to Ultra High Definition video compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rerabek, Martin; Nemoto, Hiromi; Lee, Jong-Seok; Ebrahimi, Touradj

2014-02-01

Using Focus of Attention (FoA) as a perceptual process in image and video compression belongs to well-known approaches to increase coding efficiency. It has been shown that foveated coding, when compression quality varies across the image according to region of interest, is more efficient than the alternative coding, when all region are compressed in a similar way. However, widespread use of such foveated compression has been prevented due to two main conflicting causes, namely, the complexity and the efficiency of algorithms for FoA detection. One way around these is to use as much information as possible from the scene. Since most video sequences have an associated audio, and moreover, in many cases there is a correlation between the audio and the visual content, audiovisual FoA can improve efficiency of the detection algorithm while remaining of low complexity. This paper discusses a simple yet efficient audiovisual FoA algorithm based on correlation of dynamics between audio and video signal components. Results of audiovisual FoA detection algorithm are subsequently taken into account for foveated coding and compression. This approach is implemented into H.265/HEVC encoder producing a bitstream which is fully compliant to any H.265/HEVC decoder. The influence of audiovisual FoA in the perceived quality of high and ultra-high definition audiovisual sequences is explored and the amount of gain in compression efficiency is analyzed.

Single session intermittent theta-burst stimulation on the left premotor cortex does not alleviate freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Tard, Céline; Devanne, Hervé; Defebvre, Luc; Delval, Arnaud

2016-08-15

To investigate the efficiency of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) to alleviate the symptoms of freezing of gait (FoG) in Parkinson's disease (PD). We performed a cross-over, sham-controlled study of patients with severe PD, bilateral motor signs and debilitating, severe FoG, that was levodopa-sensitive but not controlled by optimal dopatherapy. We applied iTBS to the left premotor cortex and measured FoG, gait initiation and continuous gait, before and immediately after the iTBS session. All patients received sham and true iTBS with a one-week interval and in randomized order. 15 patients were included in the study. Recordings were performed under usual medication and all patients always showed unresponsive freezing. The pre- and post-stimulation gait trajectories did not differ in terms of the mean trajectory completion time or the percent time with FoG. The percent time with FoG was 6% greater after sham stimulation and 3% lower after iTBS (p>0.05). Visual cueing modified gait initiation and continuous gait but these latter were not influenced by rTMS. The present study provides Class I evidence that iTBS of the left premotor cortex does not alleviate FoG in PD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of spacer thickness on biofouling in forward osmosis.

PubMed

Valladares Linares, R; Bucs, Sz S; Li, Z; AbuGhdeeb, M; Amy, G; Vrouwenvelder, J S

2014-06-15

Forward osmosis (FO) indirect desalination systems integrate wastewater recovery with seawater desalination. Niche applications for FO systems have been reported recently, due to the demonstrated advantages compared to conventional high-pressure membrane processes such as nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). Among them, wastewater recovery has been identified to be particularly suitable for practical applications. However, biofouling in FO membranes has rarely been studied in applications involving wastewater effluents. Feed spacers separating the membrane sheets in cross-flow systems play an important role in biofilm formation. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of feed spacer thickness (28, 31 and 46 mil) on biofouling development and membrane performance in a FO system, using identical cross-flow cells in parallel studies. Flux development, biomass accumulation, fouling localization and composition were determined and analyzed. For all spacer thicknesses, operated at the same feed flow and the same run time, the same amount of biomass was found, while the flux reduction decreased with thicker spacers. These observations are in good agreement with biofouling studies for RO systems, considering the key differences between FO and RO. Our findings contradict previous cross-flow studies on particulate/colloidal fouling, where higher cross-flow velocities improved system performance. Thicker spacers reduced the impact of biofouling on FO membrane flux. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

N-body dark matter haloes with simple hierarchical histories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lilian; Helly, John C.; Cole, Shaun; Frenk, Carlos S.

2014-05-01

We present a new algorithm which groups the subhaloes found in cosmological N-body simulations by structure finders such as SUBFIND into dark matter haloes whose formation histories are strictly hierarchical. One advantage of these `Dhaloes' over the commonly used friends-of-friends (FoF) haloes is that they retain their individual identity in the cases when FoF haloes are artificially merged by tenuous bridges of particles or by an overlap of their outer diffuse haloes. Dhaloes are thus well suited for modelling galaxy formation and their merger trees form the basis of the Durham semi-analytic galaxy formation model, GALFORM. Applying the Dhalo construction to the Λ cold dark matter Millennium II Simulation, we find that approximately 90 per cent of Dhaloes have a one-to-one, bijective match with a corresponding FoF halo. The remaining 10 per cent are typically secondary components of large FoF haloes. Although the mass functions of both types of haloes are similar, the mass of Dhaloes correlates much more tightly with the virial mass, M200, than FoF haloes. Approximately 80 per cent of FoF and bijective and non-bijective Dhaloes are relaxed according to standard criteria. For these relaxed haloes, all three types have similar concentration-M200 relations and, at fixed mass, the concentration distributions are described accurately by log-normal distributions.

Generation of protective T cell-independent antiviral antibody responses in SCID mice reconstituted with follicular or marginal zone B cells.

PubMed

Guay, Heath M; Mishra, Rabinarayan; Garcea, Robert L; Welsh, Raymond M; Szomolanyi-Tsuda, Eva

2009-07-01

B cells generated in the bone marrow of adult mice enter the periphery as transitional B cells and subsequently differentiate into one of two phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets, marginal zone (MZ) or follicular (Fo) B cells. Recent reports indicate, however, that in response to environmental cues, such as lymphopenia, mature Fo B cells can change to display phenotypic markers characteristic of MZ B cells. Previously, we found that splenic B cells transferred to SCID mice responded to polyoma virus (PyV) infection with T cell-independent (TI) IgM and IgG secretion, reducing the viral load and protecting mice from the lethal effect of the infection. The contribution of MZ and Fo B cell subsets to this antiviral TI-2 response, however, has not been addressed. In this study, we show that both sort-purified MZ and Fo B cells generate protective TI Ab responses to PyV infection when transferred into SCID mice. Moreover, the transferred Fo B cells in the spleens of the PyV-infected SCID mice change phenotype, with many of them displaying MZ B cell characteristics. These findings demonstrate the plasticity of the B cell subsets in virus-infected hosts and show for the first time that B cells derived exclusively from Fo B cells can effectively function in antiviral TI-2 responses.

Description of the Main Ionospheric Trough by the SM-MIT Model. European Longitudinal Sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leshchinskaya, T. Yu.; Pustovalova, L. V.

2018-05-01

Due to the selection of exsisting ionospheric models for incorporation into the created System of Ionospheric Monotoring and Prediction of the Russian Federation, the model of the main ionospheric trough (SM-MIT) is tested with the data from ground-based ionospheric observations in the European longitudinal sector. It is shown that the SM-MIT model does not give an increase in accuracy in comparison to the foF2 monthly median upon a description of the equatorial wall of the MIT. The model describes the foF2 values in the MIT minimum with higher accuracy than the foF2 monthly median or the median IRI model; however, at the same time, the deviations of the model foF2 values from the observed values are high enough: 20-30%. In the MIT minimum, the decrease in the model foF2 values relative to the median values is on average only 10%, which is substantially less than the observed depth of MIT in the evening sector. The verification results have shown that the available SM-MIT model must be completed for practical use.

Evaluation of hydrogen production and internal resistance in forward osmosis membrane integrated microbial electrolysis cells.

PubMed

Lee, Mi-Young; Kim, Kyoung-Yeol; Yang, Euntae; Kim, In S

2015-01-01

In order to enhance hydrogen production by facilitated proton transport through a forward osmosis (FO) membrane, the FO membrane was integrated into microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). An improved hydrogen production rate was obtained in the FO-MEC (12.5±1.84×10(-3)m(3)H2/m(3)/d) compared to that of the cation exchange membrane (CEM) - MEC (4.42±0.04×10(-3)m(3)H2/m(3)/d) during batch tests (72h). After an internal resistance analysis, it was confirmed that the enhanced hydrogen production in FO-MEC was attributed to the smaller charge transfer resistance than in the CEM-MEC (90.3Ω and 133.4Ω respectively). The calculation of partial internal resistance concluded that the transport resistance can be substantially reduced by replacing a CEM with a FO membrane; decrease of the resistance from 0.069Ωm(2) to 5.99×10(-4)Ωm(2). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large field-of-view tiled grating structures for X-ray phase-contrast imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schröter, Tobias J.; Koch, Frieder J.; Meyer, Pascal; Kunka, Danays; Meiser, Jan; Willer, Konstantin; Gromann, Lukas; Marco, Fabio D.; Herzen, Julia; Noel, Peter; Yaroshenko, Andre; Hofmann, Andreas; Pfeiffer, Franz; Mohr, Jürgen

2017-01-01

X-ray grating-based interferometry promises unique new diagnostic possibilities in medical imaging and materials analysis. To transfer this method from scientific laboratories or small-animal applications to clinical radiography applications, compact setups with a large field of view (FoV) are required. Currently the FoV is limited by the grating area, which is restricted due to the complex manufacturing process. One possibility to increase the FoV is tiling individual grating tiles to create one large area grating mounted on a carrier substrate. We investigate theoretically the accuracy needed for a tiling process in all degrees of freedom by applying a simulation approach. We show how the resulting precision requirements can be met using a custom-built frame for exact positioning. Precise alignment is achieved by comparing the fringe patterns of two neighboring grating tiles in a grating interferometer. With this method, the FoV can be extended to practically any desired length in one dimension. First results of a phase-contrast scanning setup with a full FoV of 384 mm × 24 mm show the suitability of this method.

Water treatment capacity of forward osmosis systems utilizing power plant waste heat

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

Zhou, Xingshi; Gingerich, Daniel B.; Mauter, Meagan S.

Forward osmosis (FO) has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of membrane-based water treatment by leveraging waste heat from steam electric power generation as the primary driving force for separation. In this study, we develop a comprehensive FO process model, consisting of membrane separation, heat recovery, and draw solute regeneration (DSR) models. We quantitatively characterize three alternative processes for DSR: distillation, steam stripping, and air stripping. We then construct a mathematical model of the distillation process for DSR that incorporates hydrodynamics, mass and heat transport resistances, and reaction kinetics, and we integrate this into a model for the fullmore » FO process. Finally, we utilize this FO process model to derive a first-order approximation of the water production capacity given the rejected heat quantity and quality available at U.S. electric power facilities. We find that the upper bound of FO water treatment capacity using low-grade heat sources at electric power facilities exceeds process water treatment demand for boiler water make-up and flue gas desulfurization wastewater systems.« less

Enhanced Production of Two Bioactive Isoflavone Aglycones in Astragalus membranaceus Hairy Root Cultures by Combining Deglycosylation and Elicitation of Immobilized Edible Aspergillus niger.

PubMed

Jiao, Jiao; Gai, Qing-Yan; Niu, Li-Li; Wang, Xi-Qing; Guo, Na; Zang, Yu-Ping; Fu, Yu-Jie

2017-10-18

A cocultivation system of Astragalus membranaceus hairy root cultures (AMHRCs) and immobilized food-grade fungi was established for the enhanced production of calycosin (CA) and formononetin (FO). The highest accumulations of CA (730.88 ± 63.72 μg/g DW) and FO (1119.42 ± 95.85 μg/g DW) were achieved in 34 day-old AMHRCs cocultured with immobilized A. niger (IAN) for 54 h, which were 7.72- and 18.78-fold higher than CA and FO in nontreated control, respectively. IAN deglycosylation could promote the formation of CA and FO by conversion of their glycoside precursors. IAN elicitation could intensify the generation of endogenous signal molecules involved in plant defense response, which contributed to the significantly up-regulated expression of genes in CA and FO biosynthetic pathway. Overall, the coupled culture of IAN and AMHRCs offered a promising and effective in vitro approach to enhance the production of two health-promoting isoflavone aglycones for possible nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses.

Using Vanadium in Spinel as a Sensor of Oxygen Fugacity in Meteorites: Applications to Mars, Vesta, and Other Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Sutton, S.; Danielson, L.; Le, L.; Newville, M.; Pando, K.

2009-01-01

Igneous and metamorphic rocks commonly contain a mineral assemblage that allows oxygen fugacity to be calculated or constrained such as FeTi oxides, olivine-opx-spinel, or some other oxybarometer [1]. Some rocks, however, contain a limited mineral assemblage and do not provide constraints on fO2 using mineral equilibria. Good examples of the latter are orthopyroxenites or dunites, such as diogenites, ALH 84001, chassignites, or brachinites. In fact it is no surprise that the fO2 of many of these samples is not well known, other than being "reduced" and below the metal saturation value. In order to bridge this gap in our understanding, we have initiated a study of V in chromites in natural meteorite samples. Because the V pre-edge peak intensity and energy in chromites varies with fO2 (Fig. 1) [2], and this has been calibrated over a large fO 2 range, we can apply this relation to rocks for which we otherwise have no fO2 constraints.

Water treatment capacity of forward osmosis systems utilizing power plant waste heat

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Xingshi; Gingerich, Daniel B.; Mauter, Meagan S.

2015-06-11

Forward osmosis (FO) has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of membrane-based water treatment by leveraging waste heat from steam electric power generation as the primary driving force for separation. In this study, we develop a comprehensive FO process model, consisting of membrane separation, heat recovery, and draw solute regeneration (DSR) models. We quantitatively characterize three alternative processes for DSR: distillation, steam stripping, and air stripping. We then construct a mathematical model of the distillation process for DSR that incorporates hydrodynamics, mass and heat transport resistances, and reaction kinetics, and we integrate this into a model for the fullmore » FO process. Finally, we utilize this FO process model to derive a first-order approximation of the water production capacity given the rejected heat quantity and quality available at U.S. electric power facilities. We find that the upper bound of FO water treatment capacity using low-grade heat sources at electric power facilities exceeds process water treatment demand for boiler water make-up and flue gas desulfurization wastewater systems.« less

Effect of dietary alternative lipid sources on haematological parameters and serum constituents of Heterobranchus longifilis fingerlings.

PubMed

Babalola, T O O; Adebayo, M A; Apata, D F; Omotosho, J S

2009-03-01

The worldwide increase in aquaculture production and the decrease of wild fish stocks has made the replacement of fish oil (FO) in aquafeed industry a priority. Therefore, the use of terrestrial animal fats and vegetable oils, which has lower cost and larger supplies, may be good as substitute for FO. This study investigate the effects of total replacement of FO by two terrestrial animal fats (pork lard and poultry fat) and three vegetable oils (palm kernel oil, sheabutter oil and sunflower oil) on haematological and serum biochemical profile of Heterobranchus longifilis over 70 days. FO-diet was used as the control. The haematological parameters were significantly affected by dietary lipid sources. Serum total protein was not influenced by the dietary lipids. However, serum cholesterol was significantly higher in fish fed diet containing sunflower oil. Glucose and activities of liver enzymes in blood serum were significantly reduced in fish fed alternative lipids when compared with the control. These results indicate that FO can be replaced completely with alternative lipids without any serious negative health impacts.

Inversion of high frequency surface waves with fundamental and higher modes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Xia, J.; Miller, R.D.; Park, C.B.; Tian, G.

2003-01-01

The phase velocity of Rayleigh-waves of a layered earth model is a function of frequency and four groups of earth parameters: compressional (P)-wave velocity, shear (S)-wave velocity, density, and thickness of layers. For the fundamental mode of Rayleigh waves, analysis of the Jacobian matrix for high frequencies (2-40 Hz) provides a measure of dispersion curve sensitivity to earth model parameters. S-wave velocities are the dominant influence of the four earth model parameters. This thesis is true for higher modes of high frequency Rayleigh waves as well. Our numerical modeling by analysis of the Jacobian matrix supports at least two quite exciting higher mode properties. First, for fundamental and higher mode Rayleigh wave data with the same wavelength, higher modes can "see" deeper than the fundamental mode. Second, higher mode data can increase the resolution of the inverted S-wave velocities. Real world examples show that the inversion process can be stabilized and resolution of the S-wave velocity model can be improved when simultaneously inverting the fundamental and higher mode data. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

A THEORETICAL TREATMENT OF THE STEADY-FLOW, LINEAR, CROSSED-FIELD, DIRECT- CURRENT PLASMA ACCELERATOR FOR INVISCID, ADIABATIC, ISOTHERMAL, CONSTANTAREA FLOW

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

Wood, G.P.; Carter, A.F.; Lintz, H.K.

1961-01-01

The theory is developed from the individual equations fo motion of the three componenets of the plasma. The effect of the ion cyclotron angle omega tau, which is the product of the ion cyclotron frequency and the ion mean free time between collisions with neutral particles and which is proportional to the axial component of the ion slip velocity, on both Joule heating rate and accelerator length is included in the results and is shown to be small only for values of about 10/sup -3/ radian or less. (auth)

Wavenumber - Frequency Structure of Turbulent Flow in a Channel from a Direct Simulation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-30

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The Effects of Sand Sediment Volume Heterogeneities on Sound Propagation and Scattering

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-19

power law exponent is larger then the value found for the exponential correlation function. With the correlation function given by Eq. (76) or the...summation approximation given by Eq. (84), it is possible to model the frequency dependence of the attenuation for a broad range of exponents , beyond...2 −1 0 1 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 m Ex po ne nt fo r s ca tte rin g co nt rib ut io n to a tte nu at io n FIG. 5. Exponent for the scattering

A High Frequency Inverse Scattering Model to Recover the Specular Point Curvature from Polarimetric Scattering Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-21

MAY A2 B FO0 N00014-80-C0708 UNCLASSIFIED EMID-CL-1982-05-21-Ol NL12fflllllfl I Eh|hEEEE| h |hEE EEEE|hEEEEE|hI EEllllEEEEEEEE EEEEmnhEmhEEEE m|hEE...hEE| h |hE EEEEEEEEEEnllI COMMUNICATN LABORATOR Y Oeprtment of information E ngineering University of Illinois at Chicago Circle Box 4348. Chicago IL...Recommendation concurred irDr. Wolfpan-M. Boornor AA4 -’, : Dr. Bruc H ..M ~ ri kC m it- Dr. Wai-Kai Chen on Dr. Piergiorgio L. E. Uslengh

Surface and pseudo surface acoustic waves in langatate: predictions and measurements.

PubMed

Pereira da Cunha, Maurício; Malocha, Donald C; Adler, Eric L; Casey, Kevin J

2002-09-01

Langatate (LGT, La3Ga(5.5)Ta(0.5)O14) is a recent addition to materials of the trigonal crystal class 32, which is the same crystal class as quartz, langasite, langanite, and gallium phosphate. Langatate has several attractive acoustical properties, in particular: a measured bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator quality factor frequency product (Qf) of 16 million, comparable to that of AT cut quartz; high-piezoelectric coupling orientations, up to 0.5% for surface acoustic waves (SAWs), about five times larger than that of ST-X quartz; low power flow angle orientations in the vicinity of high coupling orientations; phase velocities about 20% smaller than those of ST-X quartz, facilitating the production of smaller, lower frequency devices; the existence of pseudo SAW modes for higher frequency applications. In this paper SAW contour plots of the phase velocity (vp), the electromechanical coupling coefficient (K2), the temperature coefficient of delay (TCD), and the power flow angle (PFA), are given showing the orientations in space in which high coupling is obtained, with the corresponding TCD, PFA, and vp characteristics for these orientations. This work reports experimental results on the SAW temperature fractional frequency variation (delta f/fo) and the TCD for several LGT orientations on the plane with Euler angles: (0 degrees, 132 degrees, psi). The temperature behavior has been measured directly on SAW wafers from 10 to 200 degrees C, and the results are compared with numerical predictions using our recently measured temperature coefficients for LGT material constants. This research also has uncovered temperature compensated orientations, which we have experimentally verified with parabolic behavior, turnover temperatures in the 130 to 160 degrees C range, and delta f/fo within 1000 ppm variation from 10 to 260 degrees C, appropriate for higher temperature device applications. Regarding the pseudo surface acoustic waves (PSAWs), results of calculations are presented for both the PSAW and the high velocity PSAW (HVPSAW) for some selected, rotated cuts. This study shows that propagation losses for the PSAWs of about 0.01 dB/wavelength, and phase velocities approximately 20% higher than that of the SAW, exist along specific orientations for the PSAW, thus showing the potential for somewhat higher frequency SAW device applications on this material, if required.

GRACE-FO Spacecraft Artist Rendering

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-04

This artist's rendering shows the twin spacecraft of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, a partnership between NASA and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). GRACE-FO is a successor to the original GRACE mission, which began orbiting Earth on March 17, 2002. GRACE-FO will carry on the extremely successful work of its predecessor while testing a new technology designed to dramatically improve the already remarkable precision of its measurement system. The GRACE missions measure variations in gravity over Earth's surface, producing a new map of the gravity field every 30 days. Thus, GRACE shows how the planet's gravity differs not only from one location to another, but also from one period of time to another. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21607

Ionospheric modifications in high frequency heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Spencer P.

2015-01-01

Featured observations in high-frequency (HF) heating experiments conducted at Arecibo, EISCAT, and high frequency active auroral research program are discussed. These phenomena appearing in the F region of the ionosphere include high-frequency heater enhanced plasma lines, airglow enhancement, energetic electron flux, artificial ionization layers, artificial spread-F, ionization enhancement, artificial cusp, wideband absorption, short-scale (meters) density irregularities, and stimulated electromagnetic emissions, which were observed when the O-mode HF heater waves with frequencies below foF2 were applied. The implication and associated physical mechanism of each observation are discussed and explained. It is shown that these phenomena caused by the HF heating are all ascribed directly or indirectly to the excitation of parametric instabilities which instigate anomalous heating. Formulation and analysis of parametric instabilities are presented. The results show that oscillating two stream instability and parametric decay instability can be excited by the O-mode HF heater waves, transmitted from all three heating facilities, in the regions near the HF reflection height and near the upper hybrid resonance layer. The excited Langmuir waves, upper hybrid waves, ion acoustic waves, lower hybrid waves, and field-aligned density irregularities set off subsequent wave-wave and wave-electron interactions, giving rise to the observed phenomena.

Assessment of an ensemble seasonal streamflow forecasting system for Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, James C.; Wang, Quan J.; Robertson, David E.; Schepen, Andrew; Li, Ming; Michael, Kelvin

2017-11-01

Despite an increasing availability of skilful long-range streamflow forecasts, many water agencies still rely on simple resampled historical inflow sequences (stochastic scenarios) to plan operations over the coming year. We assess a recently developed forecasting system called forecast guided stochastic scenarios (FoGSS) as a skilful alternative to standard stochastic scenarios for the Australian continent. FoGSS uses climate forecasts from a coupled ocean-land-atmosphere prediction system, post-processed with the method of calibration, bridging and merging. Ensemble rainfall forecasts force a monthly rainfall-runoff model, while a staged hydrological error model quantifies and propagates hydrological forecast uncertainty through forecast lead times. FoGSS is able to generate ensemble streamflow forecasts in the form of monthly time series to a 12-month forecast horizon. FoGSS is tested on 63 Australian catchments that cover a wide range of climates, including 21 ephemeral rivers. In all perennial and many ephemeral catchments, FoGSS provides an effective alternative to resampled historical inflow sequences. FoGSS generally produces skilful forecasts at shorter lead times ( < 4 months), and transits to climatology-like forecasts at longer lead times. Forecasts are generally reliable and unbiased. However, FoGSS does not perform well in very dry catchments (catchments that experience zero flows more than half the time in some months), sometimes producing strongly negative forecast skill and poor reliability. We attempt to improve forecasts through the use of (i) ESP rainfall forcings, (ii) different rainfall-runoff models, and (iii) a Bayesian prior to encourage the error model to return climatology forecasts in months when the rainfall-runoff model performs poorly. Of these, the use of the prior offers the clearest benefit in very dry catchments, where it moderates strongly negative forecast skill and reduces bias in some instances. However, the prior does not remedy poor reliability in very dry catchments. Overall, FoGSS is an attractive alternative to historical inflow sequences in all but the driest catchments. We discuss ways in which forecast reliability in very dry catchments could be improved in future work.

Is Eruption Style Linked to Magma Residence Time at Kilauea Volcano? Results from Chemical Zoning in Olivine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynn, K. J.; Costa Rodriguez, F.; Shea, T.; Garcia, M. O.

2015-12-01

Kilauea is generally characterized by its modern effusive activity, but the past 2500 years were dominated by cycles of explosive and effusive eruptions lasting 100's of years (Swanson et al. 2012). These different eruption styles may reflect variable volatile contents in the source that control magma ascent rate and storage durations (e.g., Sides et al. 2014). A detailed petrological study of the dominantly explosive Keanakako'i tephras (1500-1820 CE) was undertaken to better understand the storage and transport conditions preceding high-energy eruptions. Here, we focus on preliminary results for olivine from the 1500 CE Basal Reticulite (>600 m fountain; May et al. 2015). Olivine major (Fe, Mg), minor (Mn, Ca, Ni) and trace (Li, Na, Al, P, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Co, Zn) element traverses and 2D maps were collected for 10 crystals and reveal two major populations. The dominant population has homogeneous Fo89 and Fo87 cores with thin (3-12 μm) rims of intermediate composition (Fo87.5-88.5). Normal, reverse, and complex trace element zoning (Al, P, Ti, Cr) is prominent in these otherwise homogenous (Fo, Ni, Ca, Mn) crystals. 2D maps reveal early skeletal growth and the progressive decrease of Cr from core to rim suggests olivine and Cr-spinel crystallization, which should produce significant Fo zoning. Absence of Fo zoning could imply significant storage time in a reservoir allowing homogenization. The majority of rim compositions are out of equilibrium with adhering glass, and Fe-Mg modeling indicates that their residence within the carrier melt was of a few days. A second population consists of strongly zoned (normal and reverse) crystals with a wide range of core Fo (78 to 89) and Fo82-84 rims. Timescales from Fe-Mg zoning are up to 1 year, and may record storage histories before interaction with the carrier melt. The diversity in olivine zoning suggests at least two stages of magma mixing, and a more complex evolution for the magmas that fed the reticulite eruptions than a simple closed-system and fast transport of a volatile-rich magma from the source to the surface.

Subsolidus cooling of mid-ocean ridge peridotites and implications for the oxygen fugacity of the oceanic upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birner, S.; Davis, F. A.; Cottrell, E.; Warren, J. M.; Kelley, K. A.

2017-12-01

Peridotites dredged from mid-ocean ridges provide a window into the chemistry of Earth's upper mantle. At equilibrium, mineral assemblages within peridotite record intrinsic properties, including oxygen fugacity (fO2). During cooling below the solidus, however, reactions affect the chemical compositions and modal abundances of minerals, directly affecting the fO2 recorded by these mineral assemblages. The slow kinetics of subsolidus diffusion also prevent full re-equilibration of peridotite during cooling, and different reactions have different closure temperatures. As a result, peridotites measured at the surface record neither equilibrium nor asthenospheric conditions. In order to quantify the effect of subsolidus diffusion on fO2, we analyzed minerals from abyssal peridotites dredged from the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR), which we then used as a basis for modeling potential subsolidus reactions. We first examined exchange reactions where no modal changes occur. We considered both Fe-Mg exchange between olivine and spinel [1] and Al-Cr exchange between orthopyroxene and spinel [2], and combined these models with spinel oxybarometry [3] to determine the effect of these reactions on fO2. Our results indicate that as peridotites cool from 1300°C to 900°C, these exchange processes together increase recorded fO2 by 0.3 log units relative to the approach in which compositional changes are not considered. Some reactions additionally change mineral modal abundances during cooling, in particular the Tschermak exchange in orthopyroxene [2], which consumes olivine and Al-rich orthopyroxene and produces spinel and Al-poor orthopyroxene as temperature decreases. Depending on partitioning of Fe3+ between phases, this reaction may dilute the concentration of Fe3+ in spinel and decrease recorded fO2 as temperature decreases. Preliminary results suggest that the magnitude of this effect is strongly sensitive to both initial spinel mode and partitioning of Fe3+ between orthopyroxene and spinel. Finally, we compare the fO2 recorded by SWIR peridotites to the fO2 recorded by basalts, projected to source conditions. [1] Li et al., 1995; [2] Voigt and von der Handt, 2011; [3] Davis et al., 2017

A novel Multi-Fiber Optode sensor system (MuFO) for monitoring oxygen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koop-Jakobsen, K.; Fischer, J.; Wenzhöfer, F.

2012-04-01

In the marine environment, dissolved oxygen concentrations often vary significantly spatially as well as temporally. Monitoring these variations is essential for our understanding of the biological and chemical processes controlling the oxygen dynamics in water columns and sediments. Such investigations require a high number of measuring points and a high temporal resolution. A Multi-Fiber Optode sensor system (MuFO) was designed to assess these requirements. The MuFO system simultaneously controls 100 fiber optodes enabling continuous monitoring of oxygen in 100 positions within a 5-10m radius. The measurements are based on quenching of an oxygen sensitive luminophore, which is immobilised at the end of each fiber optode. The optical oxygen measurements are based on lifetime-imaging, which are converted into oxygen concentrations using a multipoint calibration. At a constant temperature of 21C, the system overall had a mean accuracy of 1.3%, a precision of 0.2% air saturation, the average 90% response time was 16 seconds and the detection limit was 0.1% air saturation. The MuFO set-up was build into a waterproof titanium casing for marine field applications. The system is battery-powered and has a maximum operational capacity of 15 hours for continuous measurements. The MuFO system was recently used for various research tasks in the marine environment: Mounted on a lander, the in situ MuFO system was used for investigations of oxygen dynamics in marine water columns placing the fiber optodes in a vertical line on a 7m high pole. For studies of oxygen dynamics in marine wetland rhizospheres, the sensing ends of the fiber optodes were covered with a 50cm protective sleeve made from stainless steel tubing, and the sensors were manually pushed into the rhizosphere. For laboratory measurements of sediment oxygen demand, the MuFO system was used to simultaneously monitor the oxygen consumption in multiple sediment slurry incubations. The MuFO system proved to be a useful tool for field studies as well as in the laboratory and the system has multiple applications in marine research. This work was supported by the 7th framework EU-projects SENSEnet and HYPOX.

Nanoscale Subsurface Imaging via Resonant Difference-Frequency Atomic Force Ultrasonic Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, Sean A.; Cantrell, John H.; Lilehei, Peter T.

2007-01-01

A novel scanning probe microscope methodology has been developed that employs an ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope, driven at a frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by the fundamental resonance frequency of the cantilever, engages the sample top surface. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and the ultrasonic wave in the region defined by the cantilever tip-sample surface interaction force generates difference-frequency oscillations at the cantilever fundamental resonance. The resonance-enhanced difference-frequency signals are used to create images of embedded nanoscale features.

The Ionosphere Real-Time Assimilative Model, IRTAM - A Status Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinisch, Bodo; Galkin, Ivan; Huang, Xueqin; Vesnin, Artem; Bilitza, Dieter

2014-05-01

Ionospheric models are generally unable to correctly predict the effects of space weather events on the ionosphere. Taking advantage of today's real-time availability of measured electron density profiles of the bottomside ionosphere, we have developed a technique "IRTAM" to specify real-time foF2 and hmF2 global maps. The measured data arrive at the Lowell GIRO Data Center (LGDC) from some ~70 ionosonde stations of the Global Ionosphere Radio Observatory (GIRO) [Reinisch and Galkin, 2011], usually at a 15 min cadence, and are ingested in LGDC's databases (http://ulcar.uml.edu/DIDBase/). We use the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) electron density model [Bilitza et al., 2011] as the background model. It is an empirical monthly median model that critically depends on the correct values of the F2 layer peak height hmF2 and density NmF2 (or critical frequency foF2). The IRI model uses the so-called CCIR (or URSI) coefficients for the specification of the median foF2 and hmF2 maps. IRTAM assimilates the measured GIRO data in IRI by "adjusting" the CCIR coefficients on-the-fly. The updated maps of foF2 and hmF2 for the last 24 hours before now-time are continuously displayed on http://giro.uml.edu/RTAM [Galkin et al., 2012]. The "adjusted" bottomside profiles can be extended to the topside by using the new Vary-Chap topside profile model [Nsumei et al., 2012] which extends the profile from hmF2 to the plasmasphere. References Bilitza D., L.-A. McKinnell, B. Reinisch, and T. Fuller-Rowell (2011), The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) today and in the future, J. Geodesy, 85:909-920, DOI 10.1007/s00190-010-0427-x Galkin, I. A., B. W. Reinisch, X. Huang, and D. Bilitza (2012), Assimilation of GIRO Data into a Real-Time IRI, Radio Sci., 47, RS0L07, doi:10.1029/2011RS004952. Nsumei, P., B. W. Reinisch, X. Huang, and D. Bilitza (2012), New Vary-Chap profile of the topside ionosphere electron density distribution for use with the IRI Model and the GIRO real time data, Radio Sci., doi:10.1029/2012RS004989. Reinisch, B. W. and I. A. Galkin (2011), Global Ionospheric Radio Observatory (GIRO), Earth, Planets and Space, 63(4), 377-381.

Dual-wavelength green laser with a 4.5 THz frequency difference based on self-frequency- doubling in Nd3+ -doped aperiodically poled lithium niobate.

PubMed

Maestre, H; Torregrosa, A J; Fernández-Pousa, C R; Rico, M L; Capmany, J

2008-05-01

We report a dual-wavelength continuous-wave laser at 542.4 and 546.8 nm based on an Nd(3+)-doped aperiodically poled lithium niobate crystal. Two fundamental infrared (IR) wavelengths at 1084.8 and 1093.6 nm are simultaneously oscillated and self-frequency-doubled to green. The aperiodic domain distribution patterned in the crystal allows for quasi-phase matched self-frequency-doubling of both IR fundamentals while avoiding their sum-frequency mixing.

Lunar Regolith Figures of Merit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rickman, Doug; Scjrader. Cjrostoam; Jpe (zer. Jams); Fourroux, Kathy

2009-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the lunar regolith figures of merit. The contents include: 1) A quick review of Figures-of-Merit (FoM); 2) Software Implementation of FoM Algorithms; and 3) Demonstration of the Software.

Design and implementation of grid multi-scroll fractional-order chaotic attractors

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

Chen, Liping, E-mail: lip-chenhut@126.com; Pan, Wei; Wu, Ranchao

2016-08-15

This paper proposes a novel approach for generating multi-scroll chaotic attractors in multi-directions for fractional-order (FO) systems. The stair nonlinear function series and the saturated nonlinear function are combined to extend equilibrium points with index 2 in a new FO linear system. With the help of stability theory of FO systems, stability of its equilibrium points is analyzed, and the chaotic behaviors are validated through phase portraits, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré section. Choosing the order 0.96 as an example, a circuit for generating 2-D grid multiscroll chaotic attractors is designed, and 2-D 9 × 9 grid FO attractors are observed at most.more » Numerical simulations and circuit experimental results show that the method is feasible and the designed circuit is correct.« less

Fayal dans l'Atlantique et Rapa dans le Pacifique: deux séries faiblement alcalines évoluant sous conditions anhydres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brousse, R.; Bizouard, H.; Metrich, N.

1981-09-01

Though in two different geodynamic sites, the Isles of Fayal (Azores, North Atlantic) and Rapa (Australes, Pacific) show large similitudes. The two series differentiated under dry conditions by a process of crystal fractionation with low oxygen fugacity. Olivine is present in both series and evolves from Fo83 to Fo5 (Rapa) and from Fo77 to Fo22 (Fayal). The two series present some features of the tholeiitic series, even though their high contents in incompatible elements (K2O, TiO2, etc.) and normative Ne (0.30 in basalt) would assimilate them to alkaline series. These apparent conflicting datas are explained by an anhydrous melting (<15%) under high pressure (>15kb) of an undepleted pyrolitic mantle, according to a recent proposal by Jaques and Green (1980).

Combined fish oil and astaxanthin supplementation modulates rat lymphocyte function.

PubMed

Otton, Rosemari; Marin, Douglas Popp; Bolin, Anaysa Paola; de Cássia Santos Macedo, Rita; Campoio, Thais Regina; Fineto, Claudio; Guerra, Beatriz Alves; Leite, José Roberto; Barros, Marcelo Paes; Mattei, Rita

2012-09-01

Higher intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are abundant in marine fishes have been long described as a "good nutritional intervention" with increasing clinical benefits to cardiovascular health, inflammation, mental, and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of daily fish oil (FO-10 mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) intake by oral gavage associated with the antioxidant astaxanthin (ASTA-1 mg/kg BW) on the redox metabolism and the functional properties of lymphocytes from rat lymph nodes. This study was conducted by measurements of lymphocyte proliferation capacity, ROS production [superoxide (O₂(•-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)], nitric oxide (NO(•)) generation, intracellular calcium release, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activities of major antioxidant enzymes, GSH/GSSG content, and cytokines release. After 45 days of FO + ASTA supplementation, the proliferation capacity of activated T- and B-lymphocytes was significantly diminished followed by lower levels of O₂(•-), H₂O₂ and NO(•) production, and increased activities of total/SOD, GR and GPx, and calcium release in cytosol. ASTA was able to prevent oxidative modification in cell structures through the suppression of the oxidative stress condition imposed by FO. L: -selectin was increased by FO, and IL-1β was decreased only by ASTA supplementation. We can propose that association of ASTA with FO could be a good strategy to prevent oxidative stress induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids and also to potentiate immuno-modulatory effects of FO.

Functional characterization of the gene FoOCH1 encoding a putative α-1,6-mannosyltransferase in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

PubMed

Li, Min-Hui; Xie, Xiao-Ling; Lin, Xian-Feng; Shi, Jin-Xiu; Ding, Zhao-Jian; Ling, Jin-Feng; Xi, Ping-Gen; Zhou, Jia-Nuan; Leng, Yueqiang; Zhong, Shaobin; Jiang, Zi-De

2014-04-01

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC) is the causal agent of banana Fusarium wilt and has become one of the most destructive pathogens threatening the banana production worldwide. However, few genes related to morphogenesis and pathogenicity of this fungal pathogen have been functionally characterized. In this study, we identified and characterized the disrupted gene in a T-DNA insertional mutant (L953) of FOC with significantly reduced virulence on banana plants. The gene disrupted by T-DNA insertion in L953 harbors an open reading frame, which encodes a protein with homology to α-1,6-mannosyltransferase (OCH1) in fungi. The deletion mutants (ΔFoOCH1) of the OCH1 orthologue (FoOCH1) in FOC were impaired in fungal growth, exhibited brighter staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Concanavalin A, had less cell wall proteins and secreted more proteins into liquid media than the wild type. Furthermore, the mutation or deletion of FoOCH1 led to loss of ability to penetrate cellophane membrane and decline in hyphal attachment and colonization as well as virulence to the banana host. The mutant phenotypes were fully restored by complementation with the wild type FoOCH1 gene. Our data provide a first evidence for the critical role of FoOCH1 in maintenance of cell wall integrity and virulence of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of fear of falling on anticipatory postural control of medio-lateral stability during rapid leg flexion.

PubMed

Yiou, E; Deroche, T; Do, M C; Woodman, T

2011-04-01

During leg flexion from erect posture, postural stability is organized in advance during "anticipatory postural adjustments" (APA). During these APA, inertial forces are generated that propel the centre of gravity (CoG) laterally towards stance leg side. This study examined how fear of falling (FoF) may influence this anticipatory postural control of medio-lateral (ML) stability. Ten young healthy participants performed a series of leg flexions at maximal velocity from low and high surface heights (6 and 66 cm above ground, respectively). In this latter condition with increased FoF, stance foot was placed at the lateral edge of the support surface to induce maximal postural threat. Results showed that the amplitude of ML inertial forces generated during APA decreased with FoF; this decrease was compensated by an increase in APA duration so that the CoG position at time of swing foot-off was located further towards stance leg side. With these changes in ML APA, the CoG was propelled in the same final (unipodal) position above stance foot as in condition with low FoF. These results contrast with those obtained in the literature during quiet standing which showed that FoF did not have any influence on the ML component of postural control. It is proposed that ML APA are modified with increased FoF, in such a way that the risk of a sideway fall induced by the large CoG motion is attenuated.

Constraining Particle Variation in Lunar Regolith for Simulant Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schrader, Christian M.; Rickman, Doug; Stoeser, Douglas; Hoelzer, Hans

2008-01-01

Simulants are used by the lunar engineering community to develop and test technologies for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), excavation and drilling, and for mitigation of hazards to machinery and human health. Working with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), other NASA centers, private industry and academia, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is leading NASA s lunar regolith simulant program. There are two main efforts: simulant production and simulant evaluation. This work requires a highly detailed understanding of regolith particle type, size, and shape distribution, and of bulk density. The project has developed Figure of Merit (FoM) algorithms to quantitatively compare these characteristics between two materials. The FoM can be used to compare two lunar regolith samples, regolith to simulant, or two parcels of simulant. In work presented here, we use the FoM algorithm to examine the variance of particle type in Apollo 16 highlands regolith core and surface samples. For this analysis we have used internally consistent particle type data for the 90-150 m fraction of Apollo core 64001/64002 from station 4, core 60009/60010 from station 10, and surface samples from various Apollo 16 stations. We calculate mean modal compositions for each core and for the group of surface samples and quantitatively compare samples of each group to its mean as a measurement of within-group variance; we also calculate an FoM for every sample against the mean composition of 64001/64002. This gives variation with depth at two locations and between Apollo 16 stations. Of the tested groups, core 60009/60010 has the highest internal variance with an average FoM score of 0.76 and core 64001/64002 has the lowest with an average FoM of 0.92. The surface samples have a low but intermediate internal variance with an average FoM of 0.79. FoM s calculated against the 64001/64002 mean reference composition range from 0.79-0.97 for 64001/64002, from 0.41-0.91 for 60009/60010, and from 0.54-0.93 for the surface samples. Six samples fall below 0.70, and they are also the least mature (i.e., have the lowest I(sub s)/FeO). Because agglutinates are the dominant particle type and the agglutinate population increases with sample maturity (I(sub s)/FeO), the maturity of the sample relative to the reference is a prime determinant of the particle type FoM score within these highland samples.

The Effect of fO2 on Partition Coefficients of U and Th between Garnet and Silicate Melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, F.; He, Z.; Schmidt, M. W.; Li, Q.

2014-12-01

Garnet is one of the most important minerals controlling partitioning of U and Th in the upper mantle. U is redox sensitive, while Th is tetra-valent at redox conditions of the silicate Earth. U-series disequilibria have provided a unique tool to constrain the time-scales and processes of magmatism at convergent margins. Variation of garnet/meltDU/Th with fO2 is critical to understand U-series disequilibria in arc lavas. However, there is still no systematic experimental study about the effect of fO2 on partitioning of U and Th between garnet and melt. Here we present experiments on partitioning of U, Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and REE between garnet and silicate melts at various fO2. The starting material was hydrous haplo-basalt. The piston cylinder experiments were performed with Pt double capsules with C-CO, MnO-Mn3O4 (MM), and hematite-magnetite (HM) buffers at 3 GPa and 1185-1230 oC. The experiments produced garnets with diameters > 50μm and quenched melt. Major elements were measured by EMPA at ETH Zurich. Trace elements were determined using LA-ICP-MS at Northwestern University (Xi'an, China) and SIMS (Cameca1280 at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Beijing, China), producing consistent partition coefficient data for U and Th. With fO2 increasing from CCO to MM and HM, garnet/meltDU decreases from 0.041 to 0.005, while garnet/meltDTh ranges from 0.003 to 0.007 without correlation with fO2. Notably, garnet/meltDTh/U increases from 0.136 at CCO to 0.41 at HM. Our results indicate that U is still more compatible than Th in garnet even at the highest fO2 considered for the subarc mantle wedge (~NNO). Therefore, we predict that if garnet is the dominant phase controlling U-Th partitioning during melting of the mantle wedge, melts would still have 230Th excess over 238U. This explains why most young continental arc lavas have 230Th excess. If clinopyroxene is the dominant residual phase during mantle melting, U could be more incompatible than Th at high fO2 because increasing fO2 can increase clinopyroxene/meltDTh/U by more than two magnitudes (Lundstrom et al. 1994). In this case, in-growth melting of the mantle can produce 238U excess over 230Th observed in the oceanic arc lavas.

Position and Orientation Tracking in a Ubiquitous Monitoring System for Parkinson Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait Symptom

PubMed Central

Català, Andreu; Rodríguez Martín, Daniel; van der Aa, Nico; Chen, Wei; Rauterberg, Matthias

2013-01-01

Background Freezing of gait (FoG) is one of the most disturbing and least understood symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD). Although the majority of existing assistive systems assume accurate detections of FoG episodes, the detection itself is still an open problem. The specificity of FoG is its dependency on the context of a patient, such as the current location or activity. Knowing the patient's context might improve FoG detection. One of the main technical challenges that needs to be solved in order to start using contextual information for FoG detection is accurate estimation of the patient's position and orientation toward key elements of his or her indoor environment. Objective The objectives of this paper are to (1) present the concept of the monitoring system, based on wearable and ambient sensors, which is designed to detect FoG using the spatial context of the user, (2) establish a set of requirements for the application of position and orientation tracking in FoG detection, (3) evaluate the accuracy of the position estimation for the tracking system, and (4) evaluate two different methods for human orientation estimation. Methods We developed a prototype system to localize humans and track their orientation, as an important prerequisite for a context-based FoG monitoring system. To setup the system for experiments with real PD patients, the accuracy of the position and orientation tracking was assessed under laboratory conditions in 12 participants. To collect the data, the participants were asked to wear a smartphone, with and without known orientation around the waist, while walking over a predefined path in the marked area captured by two Kinect cameras with non-overlapping fields of view. Results We used the root mean square error (RMSE) as the main performance measure. The vision based position tracking algorithm achieved RMSE = 0.16 m in position estimation for upright standing people. The experimental results for the proposed human orientation estimation methods demonstrated the adaptivity and robustness to changes in the smartphone attachment position, when the fusion of both vision and inertial information was used. Conclusions The system achieves satisfactory accuracy on indoor position tracking for the use in the FoG detection application with spatial context. The combination of inertial and vision information has the potential for correct patient heading estimation even when the inertial wearable sensor device is put into an a priori unknown position. PMID:25098265

Position and orientation tracking in a ubiquitous monitoring system for Parkinson disease patients with freezing of gait symptom.

PubMed

Takač, Boris; Català, Andreu; Rodríguez Martín, Daniel; van der Aa, Nico; Chen, Wei; Rauterberg, Matthias

2013-07-15

Freezing of gait (FoG) is one of the most disturbing and least understood symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD). Although the majority of existing assistive systems assume accurate detections of FoG episodes, the detection itself is still an open problem. The specificity of FoG is its dependency on the context of a patient, such as the current location or activity. Knowing the patient's context might improve FoG detection. One of the main technical challenges that needs to be solved in order to start using contextual information for FoG detection is accurate estimation of the patient's position and orientation toward key elements of his or her indoor environment. The objectives of this paper are to (1) present the concept of the monitoring system, based on wearable and ambient sensors, which is designed to detect FoG using the spatial context of the user, (2) establish a set of requirements for the application of position and orientation tracking in FoG detection, (3) evaluate the accuracy of the position estimation for the tracking system, and (4) evaluate two different methods for human orientation estimation. We developed a prototype system to localize humans and track their orientation, as an important prerequisite for a context-based FoG monitoring system. To setup the system for experiments with real PD patients, the accuracy of the position and orientation tracking was assessed under laboratory conditions in 12 participants. To collect the data, the participants were asked to wear a smartphone, with and without known orientation around the waist, while walking over a predefined path in the marked area captured by two Kinect cameras with non-overlapping fields of view. We used the root mean square error (RMSE) as the main performance measure. The vision based position tracking algorithm achieved RMSE = 0.16 m in position estimation for upright standing people. The experimental results for the proposed human orientation estimation methods demonstrated the adaptivity and robustness to changes in the smartphone attachment position, when the fusion of both vision and inertial information was used. The system achieves satisfactory accuracy on indoor position tracking for the use in the FoG detection application with spatial context. The combination of inertial and vision information has the potential for correct patient heading estimation even when the inertial wearable sensor device is put into an a priori unknown position.

Fe3+ partitioning during basalt differentiation on Mars: insights into the oxygen fugacity of the shergottite mantle source(s).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medard, E.; Martin, A. M.; Collinet, M.; Righter, K.; Grove, T. L.; Newville, M.; Lanzirotti, A.

2014-12-01

The partitioning of Fe3+ between silicate melts and minerals is a key parameter to understand magmatic processes, as it is directly linked to oxygen fugacity (fO2). fO2 is, a priori, not a constant during magmatic processes, and its evolution depends on the compatibility of Fe3+. We have experimentally determined the partition coefficients of Fe3+ between augite, pigeonite, and silicate melt, and use them to constrain the fO2of the martian mantle and of differentiated martian basalts. A series of experiments on various martian basaltic compositions were performed under controlled fO2 in one-atmosphere gas-mixing furnaces. Fe3+/Fetotal ratios in silicate melts and pyroxenes were determined using synchrotron Fe K-edge XANES on the 13 IDE beamline at APS (Argonne). Fe3+ mineral/melt partition coefficients (DFe3+) for augite and pigeonite were obtained with a relative uncertainty of 10-15 %. Both are constant over a wide range of oxygen fugacity (FMQ-2.5 to FMQ+2.0). DFe3+ for augite and pigeonite are broadly consistent with previous data by [1], but DFe3+ for augite is significantly higher (by a factor of 2) than the indirect determinations of [2]. Since augites in [2] are extremely poor in iron compared to ours (0.18 wt% vs 13 wt% FeO), this strongly suggests that DFe3+ varies with Mg#, indicating that Fe3+is more compatible than previously thought in terrestrial mantle pyroxenes (3 wt% FeO) as well. Crystallization paths for shergottite parental melts have been calculated using the MELTS software, combined with our partition coefficients. fO2 in the residual melts is calculated from the models of [3] and [4]. It stays relatively constant at high temperatures, but increases very strongly during the latest stages of crystallization. These results explain the large range of fO2 determined in enriched shergottites. In order to estimate the fO2 of the martian mantle, only the highest temperature phases in the most primitive martian samples should be used. The most primitive shergottites record a mantle fO2 around FMQ-2.5, consistent with the lowest fO2estimated for surface basalts [5]. [1] McCanta et al. (2004) Am Min 89:1685-1693; [2] Mallmann and O'Neill (2009) J Petrol 50:1765-1794; [3] Righter et al. (2013) Am Min 98:616-628; [4] Kress and Carmichael (1991) CMP 108:82-92; [5] Schmidt ME et al. (2014) EPSL 384:198-208.

Somma-Vesuvius Plinian Eruptions fed by mafic magma: insights from bubbles in melt inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, R.; Redi, D.; Cannatelli, C.; Danyushevsky, L. V.; Lima, A.; Bodnar, R. J.; De Vivo, B.

2014-12-01

Mt. Somma-Vesuvius Plinian eruptions were first described by Pliny the younger in 79 AD during the infamous eruption that destroyed Pompeii. Today, such eruptions are still a concern to the nearly 3 million people living in the Naples metropolitan area. Understanding the source for Mt. Somma-Vesuvius magma and the coexisting volatile phase is vital to better constrain the long-term eruptive behavior of this volcano. In the present study, ~ 50 olivine phenocrysts were selected from lavas and pumices produced during mild effusive events referred to as inter-Plinian eruptions, and from highly explosive Plinian eruptions that occurred at Mt. Somma-Vesuvius between 33000 ka and 1631 AD. Selected olivine phenocrysts containing MI were examined petrographically and analyzed for Fo content. Fo varies from 69 to 73 mole% for inter-Plinian olivine crystals and from 84 to 90 mole% with one zoned olivine containing 76-81 mole% Fo, for Plinian olivine crystals. Investigated MI vary from slightly crystallized to highly crystallized. Selected crystallized MI were reheated using the Vernadsky stage, and quenched to a homogeneous glass (Group 1) or glass plus a vapor bubble (Group 2). On one hand, MI of Group 1 are hosted in olivine ranging from Fo72 to Fo76 and were all erupted from the Pompeii eruption (white pumice deposit). On the other hand, MI of Group 2 are trapped in olivine ranging from Fo69 to Fo81 and from Fo84 to Fo90, and the hosts are representative of both Plinian and inter-Plinian events. The only eruption where Group-1 and Group-2 MI coexist is the Pompeii eruption. Group 2 MIs were further analyzed by Raman to test for the presence of volatiles (CO2 or H2O) in the vapor bubbles. CO2 was detected in all MI analyzed. CO2 density was determined using the distance between the two Fermi-diad peaks, and ranges between 0.14 and 0.55 g/cm3. Six MI also showed evidence for H2O in the vapor bubble. In addition, carbonates were detected at the glass-vapor interface of five MI. This study shows that the CO2-rich fluid phase, which might exsolve from Plinian melts contain a significant amount of H2O. In addition, the first melting temperature of the fluids in the vapor bubble (~ -58ºC) suggests that volatile components, other than CO2, are included in the vapor bubbles.

Rapid reduction of MORB glass in piston cylinder experiments with graphite capsule - a XANES study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, P.; Zhang, Y.; Fiege, A.; Newville, M.; Lanzirotti, A.

2017-12-01

Graphite capsules have been widely used in high-pressure, high-temperature experiments to prevent iron loss from iron-bearing samples. One common uncertainty with this experimental setup is the oxygen fugacity (fO2) inside the capsule imposed by the presence of graphite. As Holloway et al. (1992) pointed out, the use of graphite capsule places an upper limit on the fO2 in the experiment to be below CCO (graphite-CO-CO2 buffer). More recently, Medard et al. (2015) estimated the fO2 for their experiments using Pt-graphite or graphite-only capsules to be CCO-0.8. Despite the improved understanding on the fO2 using graphite capsule, the mechanism and kinetics of fO2 control in graphite capsule is still poorly understood. Such knowledge is especially important to understand whether equilibrium fO2 is reached in the sample when short experiment durations are needed (e.g. for kinetic experiments). In this study, MORB glasses after olivine dissolution (Chen and Zhang 2008) and plagioclase dissolution (Yu et al. 2016) experiments at 0.5 GPa and 1300 ºC with durations ranging from 10 s to 30 min are analyzed by XANES to obtain Fe3+/Fetotal profiles from their contact with the graphite capsule. The results show rapid Fe reduction away from the graphite-melt interface, causing a decrease of Fe3+/Fetotal from 12% to 3%. In a duration of 30 min, the 1200-µm-thick and 2000-µm-diameter basaltic glass reached near equilibrium in its iron oxidation state, with Fe3+/Fetotal ranging from 3% to 4% throughout the run product. The equilibrium Fe3+/Fetotal ratio corresponds to an fO2 of CCO-1.4, which is within error compared to the result in Medard et al. (2015). Even in the shortest experiment with an effective duration of only 10 s, a 60 µm long reduction profile was detected. Such a rapid fO2 change can be explained by rapid H2 diffusion in melt and its reaction with ferric iron: H2+Fe2O3=2FeO+H2O, which is also supported by the H2O concentration profiles measured along the reduction profile. Our results indicate rapid fO2 equilibration in MORB-glass-composition samples during nominally anhydrous graphite capsule experiments at 1300°C, and can be used to guide experimental designs.

Using resolvent analysis for the design of separation control on a NACA 0012 airfoil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chi-An; Taira, Kunihiko

2017-11-01

A combined effort based on large-eddy simulation and resolvent analysis on the separated flow over a NACA 0012 airfoil is conducted to design active flow control for suppression of separation. This study considers the the airfoil at 6 deg. angle-of-attack and Reynolds number of 23000. The response mode obtained from the resolvent analysis about the baseline turbulent mean flow reveals modal structures that can be categorized into three families when sweeping through the resonant frequency: (1) von Karman wake structure for low frequency; (2) Kelvin-Helmholtz structure in the separation bubble for high frequency; (3) blended structure of (1) and (2) for the intermediate frequency. Leveraging the insights from resolvent analysis, unsteady thermal actuation is introduced to the flow near the leading-edge to examine the use of the frequencies from three families for separation control in LES. As indicated by the resolvent response modes, we find that the use of intermediate frequencies are most effective in suppressing the flow separation, since the shear layer over the separation bubble and the wake are both receptive to the perturbation at the these frequencies. The resolvent-analysis-based control strategy achieves 35% drag reduction and 9% lift increase with effective frequency. This work was supported by Office of Naval Research (N00014-15-R-FO13) and Army Research Office (W911NF-14-1-0224).

Spectrum-averaged Harmonic Path (SHAPA) algorithm for non-contact vital sign monitoring with ultra-wideband (UWB) radar.

PubMed

Van Nguyen; Javaid, Abdul Q; Weitnauer, Mary Ann

2014-01-01

We introduce the Spectrum-averaged Harmonic Path (SHAPA) algorithm for estimation of heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR) with Impulse Radio Ultrawideband (IR-UWB) radar. Periodic movement of human torso caused by respiration and heart beat induces fundamental frequencies and their harmonics at the respiration and heart rates. IR-UWB enables capture of these spectral components and frequency domain processing enables a low cost implementation. Most existing methods of identifying the fundamental component either in frequency or time domain to estimate the HR and/or RR lead to significant error if the fundamental is distorted or cancelled by interference. The SHAPA algorithm (1) takes advantage of the HR harmonics, where there is less interference, and (2) exploits the information in previous spectra to achieve more reliable and robust estimation of the fundamental frequency in the spectrum under consideration. Example experimental results for HR estimation demonstrate how our algorithm eliminates errors caused by interference and produces 16% to 60% more valid estimates.

Do Health Claims and Front-of-Pack Labels Lead to a Positivity Bias in Unhealthy Foods?

PubMed Central

Talati, Zenobia; Pettigrew, Simone; Dixon, Helen; Neal, Bruce; Ball, Kylie; Hughes, Clare

2016-01-01

Health claims and front-of-pack labels (FoPLs) may lead consumers to hold more positive attitudes and show a greater willingness to buy food products, regardless of their actual healthiness. A potential negative consequence of this positivity bias is the increased consumption of unhealthy foods. This study investigated whether a positivity bias would occur in unhealthy variations of four products (cookies, corn flakes, pizzas and yoghurts) that featured different health claim conditions (no claim, nutrient claim, general level health claim, and higher level health claim) and FoPL conditions (no FoPL, the Daily Intake Guide (DIG), Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL), and the Health Star Rating (HSR)). Positivity bias was assessed via measures of perceived healthiness, global evaluations (incorporating taste, quality, convenience, etc.) and willingness to buy. On the whole, health claims did not produce a positivity bias, while FoPLs did, with the DIG being the most likely to elicit this bias. The HSR most frequently led to lower ratings of unhealthy foods than the DIG and MTL, suggesting that this FoPL has the lowest risk of creating an inaccurate positivity bias in unhealthy foods. PMID:27918426

V Xanes in Spinels as an Oxy-Barometer in Meteorites with Implications for Redox Variations in the Inner Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Sutton, S.; Danielson, L.; Pando, K.; Le, L.; Newville, M.

2015-01-01

The variation of oxygen fugacity within inner solar system materials spans a range of nearly 15 orders of magnitude. Igneous and metamorphic rocks commonly contain a mineral assemblage that allows oxygen fugacity to be calculated or con-strained such as FeTi oxides, olivine-opx-spinel, or some other oxy-barometer. Some rocks, however, contain a limited mineral assemblage and do not provide constraints on fO2 using mineral equilibria. Good examples of the latter are orthopyroxenites or dunites, such as diogenites, ALH 84001, chassignites, or brachinites. In fact it is no surprise that the fO2 of many of these achondrites is not well known, other than being "reduced" and below the metal saturation value. In order to bridge this gap in our understanding, we have initiated a study of V in chromites in achondrite. Because the V pre-edge peak intensity and energy in chromites varies with fO2, and this has been calibrated over a large fO2 range, we can apply this relation to rocks for which we otherwise have no fO2 constraints.

Hg removal and the effects of coexisting metals in forward osmosis and membrane distillation.

PubMed

Wu, Chia-Yu; Chen, Shiao-Shing; Zhang, Dai-Zhou; Kobayashi, Jun

2017-06-01

In this study, we investigate the rejection of Hg, Cd, and Pb and the effect of coexisting metals on Hg removal through forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD) in order to establish a more effective water treatment process. The results of our laboratory experiment indicate that more than 97% of the rejection for each metal is achieved through the FO system, and this rejection is the highest among previous studies using membrane filtrations. Moreover, we examine the matrix effect of the coexisting Cd and Pb on the rejection of Hg in the FO system. Hg 2+ rejection increases with increase in the concentration of the coexisting metals. Furthermore, we study the effect of the Hg concentration and the water temperature on rejection of Hg 2+ . Indeed, the rejection of Hg 2+ is achieved above 95% under any condition. However, approximately 1-10 ppb Hg from the feed solution remains in the draw solution due to permeation. Therefore, we use a FO-MD hybrid system. Approximately 100% rejection of Hg 2+ and a stable water flux are achieved. Thus, the FO-MD hybrid system is considered an important alternative to previous studies using membrane filtration for heavy metals removal.

Degassing of reduced carbon from planetary basalts.

PubMed

Wetzel, Diane T; Rutherford, Malcolm J; Jacobsen, Steven D; Hauri, Erik H; Saal, Alberto E

2013-05-14

Degassing of planetary interiors through surface volcanism plays an important role in the evolution of planetary bodies and atmospheres. On Earth, carbon dioxide and water are the primary volatile species in magmas. However, little is known about the speciation and degassing of carbon in magmas formed on other planets (i.e., Moon, Mars, Mercury), where the mantle oxidation state [oxygen fugacity (fO2)] is different from that of the Earth. Using experiments on a lunar basalt composition, we confirm that carbon dissolves as carbonate at an fO2 higher than -0.55 relative to the iron wustite oxygen buffer (IW-0.55), whereas at a lower fO2, we discover that carbon is present mainly as iron pentacarbonyl and in smaller amounts as methane in the melt. The transition of carbon speciation in mantle-derived melts at fO2 less than IW-0.55 is associated with a decrease in carbon solubility by a factor of 2. Thus, the fO2 controls carbon speciation and solubility in mantle-derived melts even more than previous data indicate, and the degassing of reduced carbon from Fe-rich basalts on planetary bodies would produce methane-bearing, CO-rich early atmospheres with a strong greenhouse potential.

Simultaneous monitoring of the two coupled motors of a single FoF1-ATP synthase by three-color FRET using duty cycle-optimized triple-ALEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarrabi, N.; Ernst, S.; Düser, M. G.; Golovina-Leiker, A.; Becker, W.; Erdmann, R.; Dunn, S. D.; Börsch, M.

2009-02-01

FoF1-ATP synthase is the enzyme that provides the 'chemical energy currency' adenosine triphosphate, ATP, for living cells. The formation of ATP is accomplished by a stepwise internal rotation of subunits within the enzyme. Briefly, proton translocation through the membrane-bound Fo part of ATP synthase drives a 10-step rotary motion of the ring of c subunits with respect to the non-rotating subunits a and b. This rotation is transmitted to the γ and ɛ subunits of the F1 sector resulting in 120° steps. In order to unravel this symmetry mismatch we monitor subunit rotation by a single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach using three fluorophores specifically attached to the enzyme: one attached to the F1 motor, another one to the Fo motor, and the third one to a non-rotating subunit. To reduce photophysical artifacts due to spectral fluctuations of the single fluorophores, a duty cycle-optimized alternating three-laser scheme (DCO-ALEX) has been developed. Simultaneous observation of the stepsizes for both motors allows the detection of reversible elastic deformations between the rotor parts of Fo and F1.

Monitoring transient elastic energy storage within the rotary motors of single FoF1-ATP synthase by DCO-ALEX FRET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernst, Stefan; Düser, Monika G.; Zarrabi, Nawid; Börsch, Michael

2012-03-01

The enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase provides the 'chemical energy currency' adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for living cells. Catalysis is driven by mechanochemical coupling of subunit rotation within the enzyme with conformational changes in the three ATP binding sites. Proton translocation through the membrane-bound Fo part of ATP synthase powers a 10-step rotary motion of the ring of c subunits. This rotation is transmitted to the γ and ɛ subunits of the F1 part. Because γ and ɛ subunits rotate in 120° steps, we aim to unravel this symmetry mismatch by real time monitoring subunit rotation using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). One fluorophore is attached specifically to the F1 motor, another one to the Fo motor of the liposome-reconstituted enzyme. Photophysical artifacts due to spectral fluctuations of the single fluorophores are minimized by a previously developed duty cycle-optimized alternating laser excitation scheme (DCO-ALEX). We report the detection of reversible elastic deformations between the rotor parts of Fo and F1 and estimate the maximum angular displacement during the load-free rotation using Monte Carlo simulations.

The siren song of vocal fundamental frequency for romantic relationships.

PubMed

Weusthoff, Sarah; Baucom, Brian R; Hahlweg, Kurt

2013-01-01

A multitude of factors contribute to why and how romantic relationships are formed as well as whether they ultimately succeed or fail. Drawing on evolutionary models of attraction and speech production as well as integrative models of relationship functioning, this review argues that paralinguistic cues (more specifically the fundamental frequency of the voice) that are initially a strong source of attraction also increase couples' risk for relationship failure. Conceptual similarities and differences between the multiple operationalizations and interpretations of vocal fundamental frequency are discussed and guidelines are presented for understanding both convergent and non-convergent findings. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Children's Use of the Prosodic Characteristics of Infant-Directed Speech.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weppelman, Tammy L.; Bostow, Angela; Schiffer, Ryan; Elbert-Perez, Evelyn; Newman, Rochelle S.

2003-01-01

Examined whether young children (4 years of age) show prosodic changes when speaking to infants. Measured children's word duration in infant-directed speech compared to adult-directed speech, examined amplitude variability, and examined both average fundamental frequency and fundamental frequency standard deviation. Results indicate that…

Postprandial kinetics of gene expression of proteins involved in the digestive process in rainbow trout (O. mykiss) and impact of diet composition.

PubMed

Borey, Marion; Panserat, Stephane; Surget, Anne; Cluzeaud, Marianne; Plagnes-Juan, Elisabeth; Herman, Alexandre; Lazzarotto, Viviana; Corraze, Geneviève; Médale, Françoise; Lauga, Beatrice; Burel, Christine

2016-08-01

The impact of increased incorporation of plant ingredients on diets for rainbow trout was evaluated in terms of gene expression of gastric (gastric lipase, pepsinogen) and intestinal (prolidase, maltase, phospholipase A2) digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters (peptide and glucose transporters), as well as of postprandial levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides and total free amino acids. For that purpose, trout alevins were fed from the start of exogenous feeding one of three different experimental diets: a diet rich in fish meal and fish oil (FM-FO), a plant-based diet (noFM-noFO) totally free from fish meal and fish oil, but containing plant ingredients and a Mixed diet (Mixed) intermediate between the FM-FO and noFM-noFO diets. After 16 months of rearing, all fish were left unfed for 72 h and then given a single meal to satiation. Blood, stomach and anterior intestine were sampled before the meal and at 2, 6 and 12 h after this meal. The postprandial kinetics of gene expression of gastric and intestinal digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters were then followed in trout fed the FM-FO diet. The postprandial profiles showed that the expression of almost all genes studied was stimulated by the presence of nutrients in the digestive tract of trout, but the timing (appearance of peaks) varied between genes. Based on these data, we have focused on the molecular response to dietary factors in the stomach and the intestine at 6 and 12 h after feeding, respectively. The reduction in FM and FO levels of dietary incorporation induced a significant decrease in the gene expression of gastric lipase, GLUT2 and PEPT1. The plasma glucose and triglycerides levels were also reduced in trout fed the noFM-noFO diet. Consequently, the present study suggests a decrease in digestive capacities in trout fed a diet rich in plant ingredients.

Turn around to have a look? Spatial referencing in dorsal vs. frontal settings in cross-linguistic comparison

PubMed Central

Beller, Sieghard; Singmann, Henrik; Hüther, Lisa; Bender, Andrea

2015-01-01

When referring to an object in relation to another, speakers of many languages can adopt a relative frame of reference (FoR). Following Levinson (2003), this kind of FoR can be established by projecting an observer's perspective onto the ground object either by translation, reflection, or rotation. So far, research on spatial FoRs has largely ignored the extent of variation in which of these projections are preferred generally, and specifically what kind of FoR is established for spatial arrays in one's back. This may seem justified by assumptions on “natural” preferences: for reflection in frontal settings (Canonical Encounter Hypothesis), and for converting dorsal into frontal situations by a turn of the observer before a reference is made (Turn Hypothesis). We scrutinize these assumptions by comparing the FoRs adopted for small-scale, static spatial arrays by speakers of four languages (German, US-English, Mandarin Chinese, and Tongan). Addressing the problem of inherent ambiguities on the item level when assessing FoRs from spatial prepositions, we use a multinomial processing tree (MPT) model for estimating probabilities of referencing strategies across sets of items. Substantial differences in frontal settings, both between and within languages, disprove the Canonical Encounter Hypothesis—translation occurs as frequently as reflection across samples. In dorsal settings, in contrast, the same type of response dominates in all samples. We suggest that this response is produced by a backward projection of the observer's coordinate system in correspondence with the two main FoR preferences for frontal settings. However, none of these strategies involves a turn of the observer, thus also disproving the Turn Hypothesis. In conclusion, we discuss possible causes of the observed variability, explore links between the domains of space and time, and reflect the relation between language, communication, and culture. PMID:26388802

Effects of olive and fish oil Ca soaps in ewe diets on milk fat and muscle and subcutaneous tissue fatty-acid profiles of suckling lambs.

PubMed

Gallardo, B; Gómez-Cortés, P; Mantecón, A R; Juárez, M; Manso, T; de la Fuente, M A

2014-07-01

Enhancing healthy fatty acids (FAs) in ewe milk fat and suckling lamb tissues is an important objective in terms of improving the nutritional value of these foods for the consumer. The present study examined the effects of feeding-protected lipid supplements rich in unsaturated FAs on the lipid composition of ewe milk, and subsequently in the muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissues of lambs suckling such milk. Thirty-six pregnant Churra ewes with their new-born lambs were assigned to one of three experimental diets (forage/concentrate ratio 50 : 50), each supplemented with either 3% Ca soap FAs of palm (Control), olive (OLI) or fish (FO) oil. The lambs were nourished exclusively by suckling for the whole experimental period. When the lambs reached 11 kg BW, they were slaughtered and samples were taken from the Longissimus dorsi and subcutaneous fat depots. Although milk production was not affected by lipid supplementation, the FO diet decreased fat content (P0.05) and other trans-FAs between Control and FO treatments would indicate that FO treatment does not alter rumen biohydrogenation pathways under the assayed conditions. Changes in dam milk FA composition induced differences in the FA profiles of meat and fat depots of lambs, preferentially incorporated polyunsaturated FAs into the muscle rather than storing them in the adipose tissue. In the intramuscular fat of the FO treatment, all the n-3 FAs reached their highest concentrations: 0.97 (18:3 n-3), 2.72 (20:5 n-3), 2.21 (22:5 n-3) and 1.53% (22:6 n-3). In addition, not only did FO intramuscular fat have the most cis-9, trans-11 18:2 (1.66%) and trans-11 18:1 (3.75%), but also the lowest n-6/n-3 ratio (1.80) and saturated FA content were not affected. Therefore, FO exhibited the best FA profile from a nutritional point of view.

Identification, genomic organization and expression profiles of four heat shock protein genes in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis.

PubMed

Lu, Ming-Xing; Li, Hong-Bo; Zheng, Yu-Tao; Shi, Liang; Du, Yu-Zhou

2016-04-01

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is an important invasive pest with a strong tolerance for extreme temperatures; however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate thermotolerance in this insect remain unclear. In this study, four heat shock protein genes were cloned from F. occidentalis and named Fohsp90, Fohsc701, Fohsc702 and Fohsp60. These four Hsps exhibited typical characteristics of heat shock proteins. Subcellular localization signals and phylogenetic analysis indicated that FoHsp90 and FoHsc701 localize to the cytosol, whereas FoHsc702 and FoHsp60 were located in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, respectively. Analysis of genomic sequences revealed the presence of introns in the four genes (three, four, seven, and five introns for Fohsp90, Fohsc701, Fohsc702 and Fohsp60, respectively). Both the number and position of introns in these four genes were quite different from analogous genes in other species. qRT-PCR indicated that the four Fohsps were detected in second-stage larvae, one-day-old pupae, and one-day-old adults, and mRNA expression levels were lowest in larvae and highest in pupae. Fohsc701 and Fohsc702 possessed similar expression patterns and were not induced by cold or heat stress. Expression of Fohsp60 was significantly elevated by heat, and Fohsp90 was rapidly up-regulated after exposure to both cold and heat stress. Exposure to -8°C had no effect on expression of the four Fohsps; however, expression of Fohsp90 and Fohsp60 was highest after a 2-h incubation at 39°C. Furthermore, cold and heat hardening led to significant up-regulation of the four Fohsps compared to their respective controls. Collectively, our results indicate that the four FoHsps contribute to insect development and also function in rapid cold or heat hardening; furthermore, FoHsp90 and FoHsp60 contribute to thermotolerance in F. occidentalis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ability of Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Strain Fo47 To Induce Resistance against Pythium ultimum Infection in Cucumber

PubMed Central

Benhamou, Nicole; Garand, Chantal; Goulet, Alain

2002-01-01

The influence exerted by nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 in triggering cucumber protection against infection by Pythium ultimum was investigated ultrastructurally. Macroscopic and microscopic observations of the pathogen colony in dual cultures revealed that reduction of Pythium growth was associated with marked disorders, including generalized disorganization of the host cytoplasm, retraction of the plasmalemma, and complete loss of the protoplasm. Cytochemical labeling of cellulose with an exoglucanase-gold complex showed that the cellulose component of the host cell walls was structurally preserved at a time when the host cytoplasm had undergone complete disorganization. A similar antagonistic process was observed at the root cell surface. Most striking and interesting was the finding that mycoparasitism, as evidenced by the frequent occurrence of Fo47 hyphae within nearly empty cells of the pathogen, occurred not only at the root surface but also within the invaded root tissues. The specific labeling pattern obtained with the exoglucanase-gold complex confirmed that Fo47 successfully penetrated cells of the pathogen, both in the rhizosphere and inside the root tissues. Pythium cells that could evade the first defensive line in the rhizosphere could penetrate the root epidermis, but their growth was restricted to the outermost tissues. Positive correlations between Fo47 treatment and induced resistance to infection by P. ultimum in cucumber were confirmed by (i) the reduction of pathogen viability; (ii) the elaboration of newly formed barriers, a phenomenon which was not seen in Fo47-free plants, where the pathogen proliferated in all root tissues within a few days; and (iii) the occlusion of intercellular spaces with a dense material likely enriched in phenolics. Taken together, our observations provide the first convincing evidence that Fo47 exerts a direct inhibitory effect on P. ultimum through a combination of antibiosis and mycoparasitism, in addition to being a strong inducer of plant defense reactions. PMID:12147506

Effect of dietary seaweed extracts and fish oil supplementation in sows on performance, intestinal microflora, intestinal morphology, volatile fatty acid concentrations and immune status of weaned pigs.

PubMed

Leonard, S G; Sweeney, T; Bahar, B; Lynch, B P; O'Doherty, J V

2011-02-01

A 2x2 factorial experiment (ten sows per treatment) was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal dietary supplementation with a seaweed extract (SWE; 0 v. 10·0 g/d) and fish oil (FO; 0 v. 100 g/d) inclusion from day 109 of gestation until weaning (day 26) on pig performance post-weaning (PW) and intestinal morphology, selected microflora and immune status of pigs 9 d PW. The SWE contained laminarin (10 %), fucoidan (8 %) and ash (82 %) and the FO contained 40 % EPA and 25 % DHA. Pigs weaned from SWE-supplemented sows had higher daily gain (P=0·063) between days 0 and 21 PW and pigs weaned from FO-supplemented sows had higher daily gain (P<0·05) and gain to feed ratio (P<0·01) between days 7 and 14 PW. There was an interaction between maternal SWE and FO supplementation on caecal Escherichia coli numbers (P<0·05) and the villous height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum (P<0·01) and jejunum (P<0·05) in pigs 9 d PW. Pigs weaned from SWE-supplemented sows had lower caecal E. coli and a higher villous height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum and jejunum compared with non-SWE-supplemented sows (P<0·05). There was no effect of SWE on E. coli numbers and villous height to crypt depth ratio with FO inclusion. Maternal FO supplementation induced an increase in colonic mRNA abundance of IL-1α and IL-6 (P<0·05), while SWE supplementation induced an increase in ileal TNF-α (P<0·01) and colonic TFF3 mRNA expression (P<0·05). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SWE and FO supplementation to the maternal diet influenced the gastrointestinal environment and performance of the weaned pig.

An acoustical assessment of pitch-matching accuracy in relation to speech frequency, speech frequency range, age and gender in preschool children

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trollinger, Valerie L.

This study investigated the relationship between acoustical measurement of singing accuracy in relationship to speech fundamental frequency, speech fundamental frequency range, age and gender in preschool-aged children. Seventy subjects from Southeastern Pennsylvania; the San Francisco Bay Area, California; and Terre Haute, Indiana, participated in the study. Speech frequency was measured by having the subjects participate in spontaneous and guided speech activities with the researcher, with 18 diverse samples extracted from each subject's recording for acoustical analysis for fundamental frequency in Hz with the CSpeech computer program. The fundamental frequencies were averaged together to derive a mean speech frequency score for each subject. Speech range was calculated by subtracting the lowest fundamental frequency produced from the highest fundamental frequency produced, resulting in a speech range measured in increments of Hz. Singing accuracy was measured by having the subjects each echo-sing six randomized patterns using the pitches Middle C, D, E, F♯, G and A (440), using the solfege syllables of Do and Re, which were recorded by a 5-year-old female model. For each subject, 18 samples of singing were recorded. All samples were analyzed by the CSpeech for fundamental frequency. For each subject, deviation scores in Hz were derived by calculating the difference between what the model sang in Hz and what the subject sang in response in Hz. Individual scores for each child consisted of an overall mean total deviation frequency, mean frequency deviations for each pattern, and mean frequency deviation for each pitch. Pearson correlations, MANOVA and ANOVA analyses, Multiple Regressions and Discriminant Analysis revealed the following findings: (1) moderate but significant (p < .001) relationships emerged between mean speech frequency and the ability to sing the pitches E, F♯, G and A in the study; (2) mean speech frequency also emerged as the strongest predictor of subjects' ability to sing the notes E and F♯; (3) mean speech frequency correlated moderately and significantly (p < .001) with sharpness and flatness of singing response accuracy in Hz; (4) speech range was the strongest predictor of singing accuracy for the pitches G and A in the study (p < .001); (5) gender emerged as a significant, but not the strongest, predictor for ability to sing the pitches in the study above C and D; (6) gender did not correlate with mean speech frequency and speech range; (7) age in months emerged as a low but significant predictor of ability to sing the lower notes (C and D) in the study; (8) age correlated significantly but negatively low (r = -.23, p < .05, two-tailed) with mean speech frequency; and (9) age did not emerge as a significant predictor of overall singing accuracy. Ancillary findings indicated that there were significant differences in singing accuracy based on geographic location by gender, and that siblings and fraternal twins in the study generally performed similarly. In addition, reliability for using the CSpeech for acoustical analysis revealed test/retest correlations of .99, with one exception at .94. Based on these results, suggestions were made concerning future research concerned with studying the use of voice in speech and how it may affect singing development, overall use in singing, and pitch-matching accuracy.

Strong Sporadic E Occurrence Detected by Ground-Based GNSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wenjie; Ning, Baiqi; Yue, Xinan; Li, Guozhu; Hu, Lianhuan; Chang, Shoumin; Lan, Jiaping; Zhu, Zhengping; Zhao, Biqiang; Lin, Jian

2018-04-01

The ionospheric sporadic E (Es) layer has significant impact on radio wave propagation. The traditional techniques employed for Es layer observation, for example, ionosondes, are not dense enough to resolve the morphology and dynamics of Es layer in spatial distribution. The ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technique is expected to shed light on the understanding of regional strong Es occurrence, owing to the facts that the critical frequency (foEs) of strong Es structure is usually high enough to cause pulse-like disturbances in GNSS total electron content (TEC), and a large number of GNSS receivers have been deployed all over the world. Based on the Chinese ground-based GNSS networks, including the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China and the Beidou Ionospheric Observation Network, a large-scale strong Es event was observed in the middle latitude of China. The strong Es shown as a band-like structure in the southwest-northeast direction extended more than 1,000 km. By making a comparative analysis of Es occurrences identified from the simultaneous observations by ionosondes and GNSS TEC receivers over China middle latitude statistically, we found that GNSS TEC can be well employed to observe strong Es occurrence with a threshold value of foEs, 14 MHz.

Survey of minor-to-moderate magnetic storm effects on ionosphere: American sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buresova, Dalia; Lastovicka, Jan; Chum, Jaroslav; Pezzopane, Michael; Staciarini Batista, Inez; Gularte, Erika; Novotna, Dagmar

2014-05-01

The paper is focused on ionospheric reaction to occasional minor-to-moderate magnetic storms above selected ionospheric stations located across the Northern and Southern America. Most of the storms analysed occurred under extremely low solar activity conditions of 2007-2009. We analysed variability of the F2 layer critical frequency foF2 and the F2 layer peak height hmF2 obtained for different latitudinal and longitudinal sectors of both hemispheres for the entire period of selected magnetic storms. Observations were compared with the effects of strong magnetic storms and with the IRI2000 outputs when STORM model option is activated. We analysed ionospheric reaction during each storm phase with main emphasis paid on the recovery phase. In general, storm recovery phase is characterized by an abatement of perturbations and a gradual return to the "ground state" of ionosphere. Magnetospheric substorms, typical for the main phase, as a rule cease during the storm recovery phase. However, observations of stormy ionosphere show significant departures from the climatology also within this phase, which are comparable with those usually observed during the storm main phase. Both positive and negative deviations of foF2 and hmF2 have been observed independent on season and location.