The VISTA spacecraft: Advantages of ICF (Inertial Confinement Fusion) for interplanetary fusions propulsion applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orth, Charles D.; Klein, Gail; Sercel, Joel; Hoffman, Nate; Murray, Kathy; Chang-Diaz, Franklin

1987-01-01

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is an attractive engine power source for interplanetary manned spacecraft, especially for near-term missions requiring minimum flight duration, because ICF has inherent high power-to-mass ratios and high specific impulses. We have developed a new vehicle concept called VISTA that uses ICF and is capable of round-trip manned missions to Mars in 100 days using A.D. 2020 technology. We describe VISTA's engine operation, discuss associated plasma issues, and describe the advantages of DT fuel for near-term applications. Although ICF is potentially superior to non-fusion technologies for near-term interplanetary transport, the performance capabilities of VISTA cannot be meaningfully compared with those of magnetic-fusion systems because of the lack of a comparable study of the magnetic-fusion systems. We urge that such a study be conducted.

Frontiers in propulsion research: Laser, matter-antimatter, excited helium, energy exchange thermonuclear fusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papailiou, D. D. (Editor)

1975-01-01

Concepts are described that presently appear to have the potential for propulsion applications in the post-1990 era of space technology. The studies are still in progress, and only the current status of investigation is presented. The topics for possible propulsion application are lasers, nuclear fusion, matter-antimatter annihilation, electronically excited helium, energy exchange through the interaction of various fields, laser propagation, and thermonuclear fusion technology.

Design of a multisensor data fusion system for target detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomopoulos, Stelios C.; Okello, Nickens N.; Kadar, Ivan; Lovas, Louis A.

1993-09-01

The objective of this paper is to discuss the issues that are involved in the design of a multisensor fusion system and provide a systematic analysis and synthesis methodology for the design of the fusion system. The system under consideration consists of multifrequency (similar) radar sensors. However, the fusion design must be flexible to accommodate additional dissimilar sensors such as IR, EO, ESM, and Ladar. The motivation for the system design is the proof of the fusion concept for enhancing the detectability of small targets in clutter. In the context of down-selecting the proper configuration for multisensor (similar and dissimilar, and centralized vs. distributed) data fusion, the issues of data modeling, fusion approaches, and fusion architectures need to be addressed for the particular application being considered. Although the study of different approaches may proceed in parallel, the interplay among them is crucial in selecting a fusion configuration for a given application. The natural sequence for addressing the three different issues is to begin from the data modeling, in order to determine the information content of the data. This information will dictate the appropriate fusion approach. This, in turn, will lead to a global fusion architecture. Both distributed and centralized fusion architectures are used to illustrate the design issues along with Monte-Carlo simulation performance comparison of a single sensor versus a multisensor centrally fused system.

A New Approach to Image Fusion Based on Cokriging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Memarsadeghi, Nargess; LeMoigne, Jacqueline; Mount, David M.; Morisette, Jeffrey T.

2005-01-01

We consider the image fusion problem involving remotely sensed data. We introduce cokriging as a method to perform fusion. We investigate the advantages of fusing Hyperion with ALI. The evaluation is performed by comparing the classification of the fused data with that of input images and by calculating well-chosen quantitative fusion quality metrics. We consider the Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) project as our fusion application. The fusion of ALI with Hyperion data is studies using PCA and wavelet-based fusion. We then propose utilizing a geostatistical based interpolation method called cokriging as a new approach for image fusion.

[Research progress of multi-model medical image fusion and recognition].

PubMed

Zhou, Tao; Lu, Huiling; Chen, Zhiqiang; Ma, Jingxian

2013-10-01

Medical image fusion and recognition has a wide range of applications, such as focal location, cancer staging and treatment effect assessment. Multi-model medical image fusion and recognition are analyzed and summarized in this paper. Firstly, the question of multi-model medical image fusion and recognition is discussed, and its advantage and key steps are discussed. Secondly, three fusion strategies are reviewed from the point of algorithm, and four fusion recognition structures are discussed. Thirdly, difficulties, challenges and possible future research direction are discussed.

Robotics and local fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emmerman, Philip J.

2005-05-01

Teams of robots or mixed teams of warfighters and robots on reconnaissance and other missions can benefit greatly from a local fusion station. A local fusion station is defined here as a small mobile processor with interfaces to enable the ingestion of multiple heterogeneous sensor data and information streams, including blue force tracking data. These data streams are fused and integrated with contextual information (terrain features, weather, maps, dynamic background features, etc.), and displayed or processed to provide real time situational awareness to the robot controller or to the robots themselves. These blue and red force fusion applications remove redundancies, lessen ambiguities, correlate, aggregate, and integrate sensor information with context such as high resolution terrain. Applications such as safety, team behavior, asset control, training, pattern analysis, etc. can be generated or enhanced by these fusion stations. This local fusion station should also enable the interaction between these local units and a global information world.

Real-time sensor validation and fusion for distributed autonomous sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xiaojing; Li, Xiangshang; Buckles, Bill P.

2004-04-01

Multi-sensor data fusion has found widespread applications in industrial and research sectors. The purpose of real time multi-sensor data fusion is to dynamically estimate an improved system model from a set of different data sources, i.e., sensors. This paper presented a systematic and unified real time sensor validation and fusion framework (RTSVFF) based on distributed autonomous sensors. The RTSVFF is an open architecture which consists of four layers - the transaction layer, the process fusion layer, the control layer, and the planning layer. This paradigm facilitates distribution of intelligence to the sensor level and sharing of information among sensors, controllers, and other devices in the system. The openness of the architecture also provides a platform to test different sensor validation and fusion algorithms and thus facilitates the selection of near optimal algorithms for specific sensor fusion application. In the version of the model presented in this paper, confidence weighted averaging is employed to address the dynamic system state issue noted above. The state is computed using an adaptive estimator and dynamic validation curve for numeric data fusion and a robust diagnostic map for decision level qualitative fusion. The framework is then applied to automatic monitoring of a gas-turbine engine, including a performance comparison of the proposed real-time sensor fusion algorithms and a traditional numerical weighted average.

Spatial resolution enhancement of satellite image data using fusion approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestiana, H.; Sukristiyanti

2018-02-01

Object identification using remote sensing data has a problem when the spatial resolution is not in accordance with the object. The fusion approach is one of methods to solve the problem, to improve the object recognition and to increase the objects information by combining data from multiple sensors. The application of fusion image can be used to estimate the environmental component that is needed to monitor in multiple views, such as evapotranspiration estimation, 3D ground-based characterisation, smart city application, urban environments, terrestrial mapping, and water vegetation. Based on fusion application method, the visible object in land area has been easily recognized using the method. The variety of object information in land area has increased the variation of environmental component estimation. The difficulties in recognizing the invisible object like Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD), especially in tropical area, might be decreased by the fusion method. The less variation of the object in the sea surface temperature is a challenge to be solved.

Information Fusion - Methods and Aggregation Operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torra, Vicenç

Information fusion techniques are commonly applied in Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery. In this chapter, we will give an overview of such applications considering their three main uses. This is, we consider fusion methods for data preprocessing, model building and information extraction. Some aggregation operators (i.e. particular fusion methods) and their properties are briefly described as well.

Magnetized target fusion: An ultra high energy approach in an unexplored parameter space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindemuth, I. R.

Magnetized target fusion is a concept that may lead to practical fusion applications in a variety of settings. However, the crucial first step is to demonstrate that it works as advertised. Among the possibilities for doing this is an ultrahigh energy approach to magnetized target fusion, one powered by explosive pulsed power generators that have become available for application to thermonuclear fusion research. In a collaborative effort between Los Alamos and the All-Russian Scientific Institute for Experimental Physics (VNIIEF) a very powerful helical generator with explosive power switching has been used to produce an energetic magnetized plasma. Several diagnostics have been fielded to ascertain the properties of this plasma. We are intensively studying the results of the experiments and calculationally analyzing the performance of this experiment.

HEDP and new directions for fusion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirkpatrick, Ronald C.

2010-06-01

Magnetic-confinement fusion energy and inertia-confinement fusion energy (IFE) represent two extreme approaches to the quest for the application of thermonuclear fusion to electrical energy generation. Blind pursuit of these extreme approaches has long delayed the achievement of their common goal. We point out the possibility of an intermediate approach that promises cheaper, and consequently more rapid development of fusion energy. For example, magneto-inertial fusion appears to be possible over a broad range of parameter space. It is further argued that imposition of artificial constraints impedes the discovery of physics solutions for the fusion energy problem.

Beryllium for fusion application - recent results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khomutov, A.; Barabash, V.; Chakin, V.; Chernov, V.; Davydov, D.; Gorokhov, V.; Kawamura, H.; Kolbasov, B.; Kupriyanov, I.; Longhurst, G.; Scaffidi-Argentina, F.; Shestakov, V.

2002-12-01

The main issues for the application of beryllium in fusion reactors are analyzed taking into account the latest results since the ICFRM-9 (Colorado, USA, October 1999) and presented at 5th IEA Be Workshop (10-12 October 2001, Moscow Russia). Considerable progress has been made recently in understanding the problems connected with the selection of the beryllium grades for different applications, characterization of the beryllium at relevant operational conditions (irradiation effects, thermal fatigue, etc.), and development of required manufacturing technologies. The key remaining problems related to the application of beryllium as an armour in near-term fusion reactors (e.g. ITER) are discussed. The features of the application of beryllium and beryllides as a neutron multiplier in the breeder blanket for power reactors (e.g. DEMO) in pebble-bed form are described.

[Research Progress of Multi-Model Medical Image Fusion at Feature Level].

PubMed

Zhang, Junjie; Zhou, Tao; Lu, Huiling; Wang, Huiqun

2016-04-01

Medical image fusion realizes advantage integration of functional images and anatomical images.This article discusses the research progress of multi-model medical image fusion at feature level.We firstly describe the principle of medical image fusion at feature level.Then we analyze and summarize fuzzy sets,rough sets,D-S evidence theory,artificial neural network,principal component analysis and other fusion methods’ applications in medical image fusion and get summery.Lastly,we in this article indicate present problems and the research direction of multi-model medical images in the future.

Enhanced image capture through fusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, Peter J.; Hanna, Keith; Kolczynski, Raymond J.

1993-01-01

Image fusion may be used to combine images from different sensors, such as IR and visible cameras, to obtain a single composite with extended information content. Fusion may also be used to combine multiple images from a given sensor to form a composite image in which information of interest is enhanced. We present a general method for performing image fusion and show that this method is effective for diverse fusion applications. We suggest that fusion may provide a powerful tool for enhanced image capture with broad utility in image processing and computer vision.

NASA Mars rover: a testbed for evaluating applications of covariance intersection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlmann, Jeffrey K.; Julier, Simon J.; Kamgar-Parsi, Behzad; Lanzagorta, Marco O.; Shyu, Haw-Jye S.

1999-07-01

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has spearheaded the development and application of Covariance Intersection (CI) for a variety of decentralized data fusion problems. Such problems include distributed control, onboard sensor fusion, and dynamic map building and localization. In this paper we describe NRL's development of a CI-based navigation system for the NASA Mars rover that stresses almost all aspects of decentralized data fusion. We also describe how this project relates to NRL's augmented reality, advanced visualization, and REBOT projects.

Embedding the results of focussed Bayesian fusion into a global context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, Jennifer; Heizmann, Michael

2014-05-01

Bayesian statistics offers a well-founded and powerful fusion methodology also for the fusion of heterogeneous information sources. However, except in special cases, the needed posterior distribution is not analytically derivable. As consequence, Bayesian fusion may cause unacceptably high computational and storage costs in practice. Local Bayesian fusion approaches aim at reducing the complexity of the Bayesian fusion methodology significantly. This is done by concentrating the actual Bayesian fusion on the potentially most task relevant parts of the domain of the Properties of Interest. Our research on these approaches is motivated by an analogy to criminal investigations where criminalists pursue clues also only locally. This publication follows previous publications on a special local Bayesian fusion technique called focussed Bayesian fusion. Here, the actual calculation of the posterior distribution gets completely restricted to a suitably chosen local context. By this, the global posterior distribution is not completely determined. Strategies for using the results of a focussed Bayesian analysis appropriately are needed. In this publication, we primarily contrast different ways of embedding the results of focussed Bayesian fusion explicitly into a global context. To obtain a unique global posterior distribution, we analyze the application of the Maximum Entropy Principle that has been shown to be successfully applicable in metrology and in different other areas. To address the special need for making further decisions subsequently to the actual fusion task, we further analyze criteria for decision making under partial information.

A testbed for architecture and fidelity trade studies in the Bayesian decision-level fusion of ATR products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erickson, Kyle J.; Ross, Timothy D.

2007-04-01

Decision-level fusion is an appealing extension to automatic/assisted target recognition (ATR) as it is a low-bandwidth technique bolstered by a strong theoretical foundation that requires no modification of the source algorithms. Despite the relative simplicity of decision-level fusion, there are many options for fusion application and fusion algorithm specifications. This paper describes a tool that allows trade studies and optimizations across these many options, by feeding an actual fusion algorithm via models of the system environment. Models and fusion algorithms can be specified and then exercised many times, with accumulated results used to compute performance metrics such as probability of correct identification. Performance differences between the best of the contributing sources and the fused result constitute examples of "gain." The tool, constructed as part of the Fusion for Identifying Targets Experiment (FITE) within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensors Directorate ATR Thrust, finds its main use in examining the relationships among conditions affecting the target, prior information, fusion algorithm complexity, and fusion gain. ATR as an unsolved problem provides the main challenges to fusion in its high cost and relative scarcity of training data, its variability in application, the inability to produce truly random samples, and its sensitivity to context. This paper summarizes the mathematics underlying decision-level fusion in the ATR domain and describes a MATLAB-based architecture for exploring the trade space thus defined. Specific dimensions within this trade space are delineated, providing the raw material necessary to define experiments suitable for multi-look and multi-sensor ATR systems.

Data fusion: principles and applications in air defense

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltese, Dominique; Lucas, Andre

1998-07-01

Within a Surveillance and Reconnaissance System, the Fusion Process is an essential part of the software package since the different sensors measurements are combined by this process; each sensor sends its data to a fusion center whose task is to elaborate the best tactical situation. In this paper, a practical algorithm of data fusion applied to a military application context is presented; the case studied here is a medium-range surveillance situation featuring a dual-sensor platform which combines a surveillance Radar and an IRST; both sensors are collocated. The presented performances were obtained on validation scenarios via simulations performed by SAGEM with the ESSOR ('Environnement de Simulation de Senseurs Optroniques et Radar') multisensor simulation test bench.

IEC fusion: The future power and propulsion system for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Walter E.; Coventry, Matt; Hanson, John; Hrbud, Ivana; Miley, George H.; Nadler, Jon

2000-01-01

Rapid access to any point in the solar system requires advanced propulsion concepts that will provide extremely high specific impulse, low specific power, and a high thrust-to-power ratio. Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion is one of many exciting concepts emerging through propulsion and power research in laboratories across the nation which will determine the future direction of space exploration. This is part of a series of papers that discuss different applications of the Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion concept for both in-space and terrestrial use. IEC will enable tremendous advances in faster travel times within the solar system. The technology is currently under investigation for proof of concept and transitioning into the first prototype units for commercial applications. In addition to use in propulsion for space applications, terrestrial applications include desalinization plants, high energy neutron sources for radioisotope generation, high flux sources for medical applications, proton sources for specialized medical applications, and tritium production. .

Scalloped Hibachi and Vacuum-Pressure Foil for Electra: Electron Beam Pumped KrF Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

confinement fusion energy (IFE) applications [1-8]. The foils are a critical part of this durability and efficiency. The electron beam, generated in a high...and A. W. Maschke, “Design descriptions of the Prometheus- L and -H inertial fusion energy drivers,” Fusion Engineering and Design, vol. 25, pp...inertial fusion energy ,” Fusion Engineering and Design, vol. 44, pp. 371-375, March 1999. [4] I. Okuda, e. Takahashi, and Y. Owadano, “A

Conference report on the 3rd International Symposium on Lithium Application for Fusion Devices

DOE PAGES

Mazzitelli, Guiseppe; Hirooka, Y.; Hu, J. S.; ...

2015-01-14

The third International Symposium on Lithium Application for Fusion Device (ISLA-2013) was held on 9-11 October 2013 at ENEA Frascati Centre with growing participation and interest from the community working on more general aspect of liquid metal research for fusion energy development. ISLA-2013 has been confirmed to be the largest and the most important meeting dedicated to liquid metal application for the magnetic fusion research. Overall, 45 presentation plus 5 posters were given, representing 28 institutions from 11 countries. The latest experimental results from nine magnetic fusion devices were presented in 16 presentations from NSTX (PPPL, USA), FTU (ENEA, Italy),more » T-11M (Trinity, RF), T-10 (Kurchatov Institute, RF), TJ-II (CIEMAT, Spain), EAST(ASIPP, China), HT-7 (ASIPP, China), RFX (Padova, Italy), KTM (NNC RK, Kazakhstan). Sessions were devoted to the following: (I) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (facility overviews), (II) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (topical issues), (III) special session on liquid lithium technology, (IV) lithium laboratory test stands, (V) Lithium theory/modelling/comments, (VI) innovative lithium applications and (VII) special Session on lithium-safety and lithium handling. There was a wide participation from the fusion technology communities, including IFMIF and TBM communities providing productive exchange with the physics oriented magnetic confinement liquid metal research groups. Furthermore, this international workshop will continue on a biennial basis (alternating with the Plasma-Surface Interactions (PSI) Conference) and the next workshop will be held at CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain, in 2015.« less

Conference Report on the 3rd International Symposium on Lithium Application for Fusion Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzitelli, G.; Hirooka, Y.; Hu, J. S.; Mirnov, S. V.; Nygren, R.; Shimada, M.; Ono, M.; Tabares, F. L.

2015-02-01

The third International Symposium on Lithium Application for Fusion Device (ISLA-2013) was held on 9-11 October 2013 at ENEA Frascati Centre with growing participation and interest from the community working on more general aspect of liquid metal research for fusion energy development. ISLA-2013 has been confirmed to be the largest and the most important meeting dedicated to liquid metal application for the magnetic fusion research. Overall, 45 presentation plus 5 posters were given, representing 28 institutions from 11 countries. The latest experimental results from nine magnetic fusion devices were presented in 16 presentations from NSTX (PPPL, USA), FTU (ENEA, Italy), T-11M (Trinity, RF), T-10 (Kurchatov Institute, RF), TJ-II (CIEMAT, Spain), EAST(ASIPP, China), HT-7 (ASIPP, China), RFX (Padova, Italy), KTM (NNC RK, Kazakhstan). Sessions were devoted to the following: (I) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (facility overviews), (II) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (topical issues), (III) special session on liquid lithium technology, (IV) lithium laboratory test stands, (V) Lithium theory/modelling/comments, (VI) innovative lithium applications and (VII) special Session on lithium-safety and lithium handling. There was a wide participation from the fusion technology communities, including IFMIF and TBM communities providing productive exchange with the physics oriented magnetic confinement liquid metal research groups. This international workshop will continue on a biennial basis (alternating with the Plasma-Surface Interactions (PSI) Conference) and the next workshop will be held at CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain, in 2015.

The Quest for Fusion at the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartouni, Edward

2017-01-01

Arthur Eddington speculated in 1920 on the internal constitution of stars and described the possibility of nuclear fusion based on the then new results from special relativity and measurements of light nuclei masses. By 1929 Atkinson and Houtermans worked out the calculations for nuclear fusion in stars and initiating nuclear astrophysics. All of these sciences were pressed into service during the World War II, and the applications developed, particularly under the auspices of the Manhattan Project provided both weapons with which to wage and win that conflict, but also the possibilities to harness these applications of the nuclear processes of fission and fusion for peaceful purposes. 32 years after Eddington's speculation the United States demonstrated the application of fusion in a famous nuclear weapons test. In the following years many ideas for producing ``controlled'' fusion through inertial confinement were pursued. The invention of the laser opened up new avenues which have culminated in the National Ignition Facility, NIF. I will attempt to cover the ground between Eddington, through the Manhattan Project and provide a current status of this quest at NIF. LLNL-ABS-704367-DRAFT. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Application of Magnetized Target Fusion to High-Energy Space Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y. C. F.; Schmidt, G. R.; Kirkpatrick, R. C.; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Most fusion propulsion concepts that have been investigated in the past employ some form of inertial or magnetic confinement. Although the prospective performance of these concepts is excellent, the fusion processes on which these concepts are based still require considerable development before they can be seriously considered for actual applications. Furthermore, these processes are encumbered by the need for sophisticated plasma and power handling systems that are generally quite inefficient and have historically resulted in large, massive spacecraft designs. Here we present a comparatively new approach, Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), which offers a nearer-term avenue for realizing the tremendous performance benefits of fusion propulsion'. The key advantage of MTF is its less demanding requirements for driver energy and power processing. Additional features include: 1) very low system masses and volumes, 2) high gain and relatively low waste heat, 3) substantial utilization of energy from product neutrons, 4) efficient, low peak-power drivers based on existing pulsed power technology, and 5) very high Isp, specific power and thrust. MTF overcomes many of the problems associated with traditional fusion techniques, thus making it particularly attractive for space applications. Isp greater than 50,000 seconds and specific powers greater than 50 kilowatts/kilogram appear feasible using relatively near-term pulse power and plasma gun technology.

Fusion for Space Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y. C. Francis; Schafer, Charles (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

There is little doubt that humans will attempt to explore and develop the solar system in this century. A large amount of energy will be required for accomplishing this. The need for fusion propulsion is discussed. For a propulsion system, there are three important thermodynamical attributes: (1) The absolute amount of energy available, (2) the propellant exhaust velocity, and (3) the jet power per unit mass of the propulsion system (specific power). For human exploration and development of the solar system, propellant exhaust velocity in excess of 100 km/s and specific power in excess of 10 kW/kg are required. Chemical combustion can produce exhaust velocity up to about 5 km/s. Nuclear fission processes typically result in producing energy in the form of heat that needs to be manipulated at temperatures limited by materials to about 2,800 K. Using the energy to heat a hydrogen propellant increases the exhaust velocity by only a factor of about two. Alternatively the energy can be converted into electricity which is then used to accelerate particles to high exhaust velocity. The necessary power conversion and conditioning equipment, however, increases the mass of the propulsion system for the same jet power by more than two orders of magnitude over chemical system, thus greatly limits the thrust-to-weight ratio attainable. The principal advantage of the fission process is that its development is relatively mature and is available right now. If fusion can be developed, fusion appears to have the best of all worlds in terms of propulsion - it can provide the absolute amount, the propellant exhaust velocity, and the high specific jet power. An intermediate step towards pure fusion propulsion is a bimodal system in which a fission reactor is used to provide some of the energy to drive a fusion propulsion unit. The technical issues related to fusion for space propulsion are discussed. The technical priorities for developing and applying fusion for propulsion are somewhat different from those for terrestrial electrical power generation. Thus fusion schemes that are initially attractive for electrical power generation might not necessarily be attractive also for propulsion and vice versa, though the underlying fusion science and engineering enjoy much overlap. Parallel efforts to develop these qualitatively differently fusion schemes for the two applications could benefit greatly from each other due to the synergy in the underlying physics and engineering. Pulsed approaches to fusion have not been explored to the same degree as steady-state or long-pulse approaches to fusion in the fusion power research program. The concerns early on were several. One was that the pulsed power components might not have the service lifetimes meeting the requirements of a practical power generating plant. Another was that, for many pulsed fusion schemes, it was not clear whether the destruction of hardware per pulse could be minimized or eliminated or recycled to such an extent as to make economical electrical power generation feasible, Significant development of the underlying pulsed power component technologies have occurred in the last two decades because of defense and other energy requirements. The state of development of the pulsed power technologies are sufficiently advanced now to make it compelling to visit or re-visit pulsed fusion approaches for application to propulsion where the cost of energy is not so demanding a factor as in the case of terrestrial power application. For propulsion application, the overall mass of the fusion system is the critical factor. Producing fusion reactions require extreme states of matter. Conceptually, these extreme states of matter are more readily realizable in the pulsed states, at least within appropriate bounds, than in the steady states. Significant saving in system mass may result in such systems. Magnetic fields are effective in confining plasma energy, whereas inertial compression is an effective way of heating and containing the plasma. Intensive research in developing magnetic energy containment and inertial plasma compression are being pursued in distinctively different fusion experiments in the terrestrial fusion power program. Fusion schemes that attempt to combine the favorable attributes of these two aspects into one single integrated fusion scheme appear to have benefits that are worth exploring for propulsion application.

High-energy krypton fluoride lasers for inertial fusion.

PubMed

Obenschain, Stephen; Lehmberg, Robert; Kehne, David; Hegeler, Frank; Wolford, Matthew; Sethian, John; Weaver, James; Karasik, Max

2015-11-01

Laser fusion researchers have realized since the 1970s that the deep UV light from excimer lasers would be an advantage as a driver for robust high-performance capsule implosions for inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Most of this research has centered on the krypton-fluoride (KrF) laser. In this article we review the advantages of the KrF laser for direct-drive ICF, the history of high-energy KrF laser development, and the present state of the art and describe a development path to the performance needed for laser fusion and its energy application. We include descriptions of the architecture and performance of the multi-kilojoule Nike KrF laser-target facility and the 700 J Electra high-repetition-rate KrF laser that were developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Nike and Electra are the most advanced KrF lasers for inertial fusion research and energy applications.

A survey of infrared and visual image fusion methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xin; Jiang, Qian; Yao, Shaowen; Zhou, Dongming; Nie, Rencan; Hai, Jinjin; He, Kangjian

2017-09-01

Infrared (IR) and visual (VI) image fusion is designed to fuse multiple source images into a comprehensive image to boost imaging quality and reduce redundancy information, which is widely used in various imaging equipment to improve the visual ability of human and robot. The accurate, reliable and complementary descriptions of the scene in fused images make these techniques be widely used in various fields. In recent years, a large number of fusion methods for IR and VI images have been proposed due to the ever-growing demands and the progress of image representation methods; however, there has not been published an integrated survey paper about this field in last several years. Therefore, we make a survey to report the algorithmic developments of IR and VI image fusion. In this paper, we first characterize the IR and VI image fusion based applications to represent an overview of the research status. Then we present a synthesize survey of the state of the art. Thirdly, the frequently-used image fusion quality measures are introduced. Fourthly, we perform some experiments of typical methods and make corresponding analysis. At last, we summarize the corresponding tendencies and challenges in IR and VI image fusion. This survey concludes that although various IR and VI image fusion methods have been proposed, there still exist further improvements or potential research directions in different applications of IR and VI image fusion.

Development of a fusion approach selection tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, C.; Zeng, Y.

2015-06-01

During the last decades number and quality of available remote sensing satellite sensors for Earth observation has grown significantly. The amount of available multi-sensor images along with their increased spatial and spectral resolution provides new challenges to Earth scientists. With a Fusion Approach Selection Tool (FAST) the remote sensing community would obtain access to an optimized and improved image processing technology. Remote sensing image fusion is a mean to produce images containing information that is not inherent in the single image alone. In the meantime the user has access to sophisticated commercialized image fusion techniques plus the option to tune the parameters of each individual technique to match the anticipated application. This leaves the operator with an uncountable number of options to combine remote sensing images, not talking about the selection of the appropriate images, resolution and bands. Image fusion can be a machine and time-consuming endeavour. In addition it requires knowledge about remote sensing, image fusion, digital image processing and the application. FAST shall provide the user with a quick overview of processing flows to choose from to reach the target. FAST will ask for available images, application parameters and desired information to process this input to come out with a workflow to quickly obtain the best results. It will optimize data and image fusion techniques. It provides an overview on the possible results from which the user can choose the best. FAST will enable even inexperienced users to use advanced processing methods to maximize the benefit of multi-sensor image exploitation.

Multimodality imaging of reporter gene expression using a novel fusion vector in living cells and animals

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

Gambhir, Sanjiv; Pritha, Ray

Novel double and triple fusion reporter gene constructs harboring distinct imagable reporter genes are provided, as well as applications for the use of such double and triple fusion constructs in living cells and in living animals using distinct imaging technologies.

Multimodality imaging of reporter gene expression using a novel fusion vector in living cells and animals

DOEpatents

Gambhir, Sanjiv; Pritha, Ray

2015-07-14

Novel double and triple fusion reporter gene constructs harboring distinct imagable reporter genes are provided, as well as applications for the use of such double and triple fusion constructs in living cells and in living animals using distinct imaging technologies.

Modeling Cyber Situational Awareness Through Data Fusion

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

following table: Table 3.10: Example Vulnerable Hosts for Criticality Assessment Experiment Example Id OS Applications/Services Version 1 Mac OS X VLC ...linux.org/. [4] Blasch, E., I. Kadar, J. Salerno, M. Kokar, S. Das, G. Powell, D. Corkill, and E. Ruspini. “Issues and challenges of knowledge representation...Holsopple. “Issues and challenges in higher level fusion: Threat/impact assessment and intent modeling (a panel summary)”. Information Fusion (FUSION

Energy Logic (EL): a novel fusion engine of multi-modality multi-agent data/information fusion for intelligent surveillance systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rababaah, Haroun; Shirkhodaie, Amir

2009-04-01

The rapidly advancing hardware technology, smart sensors and sensor networks are advancing environment sensing. One major potential of this technology is Large-Scale Surveillance Systems (LS3) especially for, homeland security, battlefield intelligence, facility guarding and other civilian applications. The efficient and effective deployment of LS3 requires addressing number of aspects impacting the scalability of such systems. The scalability factors are related to: computation and memory utilization efficiency, communication bandwidth utilization, network topology (e.g., centralized, ad-hoc, hierarchical or hybrid), network communication protocol and data routing schemes; and local and global data/information fusion scheme for situational awareness. Although, many models have been proposed to address one aspect or another of these issues but, few have addressed the need for a multi-modality multi-agent data/information fusion that has characteristics satisfying the requirements of current and future intelligent sensors and sensor networks. In this paper, we have presented a novel scalable fusion engine for multi-modality multi-agent information fusion for LS3. The new fusion engine is based on a concept we call: Energy Logic. Experimental results of this work as compared to a Fuzzy logic model strongly supported the validity of the new model and inspired future directions for different levels of fusion and different applications.

Sensor Fusion and Smart Sensor in Sports and Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Mendes, José Jair Alves; Vieira, Mário Elias Marinho; Pires, Marcelo Bissi; Stevan, Sergio Luiz

2016-09-23

The following work presents an overview of smart sensors and sensor fusion targeted at biomedical applications and sports areas. In this work, the integration of these areas is demonstrated, promoting a reflection about techniques and applications to collect, quantify and qualify some physical variables associated with the human body. These techniques are presented in various biomedical and sports applications, which cover areas related to diagnostics, rehabilitation, physical monitoring, and the development of performance in athletes, among others. Although some applications are described in only one of two fields of study (biomedicine and sports), it is very likely that the same application fits in both, with small peculiarities or adaptations. To illustrate the contemporaneity of applications, an analysis of specialized papers published in the last six years has been made. In this context, the main characteristic of this review is to present the largest quantity of relevant examples of sensor fusion and smart sensors focusing on their utilization and proposals, without deeply addressing one specific system or technique, to the detriment of the others.

Magnetized Target Fusion Driven by Plasma Liners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y. C. Francis; Kirkpatrick, Ronald C.; Knapp, Charles E.; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Magnetized target fusion is an emerging, relatively unexplored approach to fusion for electrical power and propulsion application. The physical principles of the concept are founded upon both inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and magnetic confinement fusion (MCF). It attempts to combine the favorable attributes of both these orthogonal approaches to fusion, but at the same time, avoiding the extreme technical challenges of both by exploiting a fusion regime intermediate between them. It uses a material liner to compress, heat and contain the fusion reacting plasma (the target plasma) mentally. By doing so, the fusion burn could be made to occur at plasma densities as high as six orders of magnitude higher than conventional MCF such as tokamak, thus leading to an approximately three orders of magnitude reduction in the plasma energy required for ignition. It also uses a transient magnetic field, compressed to extremely high intensity (100's T to 1000T) in the target plasma, to slow down the heat transport to the liner and to increase the energy deposition of charged-particle fusion products. This has several compounding beneficial effects. It leads to longer energy confinement time compared with conventional ICF without magnetized target, and thus permits the use of much lower plasma density to produce reasonable burn-up fraction. The compounding effects of lower plasma density and the magneto-insulation of the target lead to greatly reduced compressional heating power on the target. The increased energy deposition rate of charged-particle fusion products also helps to lower the energy threshold required for ignition and increasing the burn-up fraction. The reduction in ignition energy and the compressional power compound to lead to reduced system size, mass and R&D cost. It is a fusion approach that has an affordable R&D pathway, and appears attractive for propulsion application in the nearer term.

Log-Gabor Energy Based Multimodal Medical Image Fusion in NSCT Domain

PubMed Central

Yang, Yong; Tong, Song; Huang, Shuying; Lin, Pan

2014-01-01

Multimodal medical image fusion is a powerful tool in clinical applications such as noninvasive diagnosis, image-guided radiotherapy, and treatment planning. In this paper, a novel nonsubsampled Contourlet transform (NSCT) based method for multimodal medical image fusion is presented, which is approximately shift invariant and can effectively suppress the pseudo-Gibbs phenomena. The source medical images are initially transformed by NSCT followed by fusing low- and high-frequency components. The phase congruency that can provide a contrast and brightness-invariant representation is applied to fuse low-frequency coefficients, whereas the Log-Gabor energy that can efficiently determine the frequency coefficients from the clear and detail parts is employed to fuse the high-frequency coefficients. The proposed fusion method has been compared with the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), the fast discrete curvelet transform (FDCT), and the dual tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) based image fusion methods and other NSCT-based methods. Visually and quantitatively experimental results indicate that the proposed fusion method can obtain more effective and accurate fusion results of multimodal medical images than other algorithms. Further, the applicability of the proposed method has been testified by carrying out a clinical example on a woman affected with recurrent tumor images. PMID:25214889

Current status and recent research achievements in SiC/SiC composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katoh, Y.; Snead, L. L.; Henager, C. H.; Nozawa, T.; Hinoki, T.; Iveković, A.; Novak, S.; Gonzalez de Vicente, S. M.

2014-12-01

The silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) composite system for fusion applications has seen a continual evolution from development a fundamental understanding of the material system and its behavior in a hostile irradiation environment to the current effort which is directed at a broad-based program of technology maturation program. In essence, over the past few decades this material system has steadily moved from a laboratory curiosity to an engineering material, both for fusion structural applications and other high performance application such as aerospace. This paper outlines the recent international scientific and technological achievements towards the development of SiC/SiC composite material technologies for fusion application and discusses future research directions. It also reviews the materials system in the larger context of progress to maturity as an engineering material for both the larger nuclear community and broader engineering applications.

Non-electric applications for magneto-inertial fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slough, John

2016-10-01

In addition to the generation of commercial electric power, there are several other applications for an intense pulse of neutrons that would be produced by magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) systems. Many of these applications can be achieved without the need for a fully developed reactor at high gain, and could thus be pursued at a much earlier stage of development which would dramatically reduce the risk of the long-term development and concern for the expense of an all-encompassing, single use system such as the tokamak or stellerator. A short list of applications well suited for MIF would include: (1) production of radioisotopes for medical applications and research, (2) efficient, high power propulsion through direct fusion heating of lithium propellants (3) Noninvasive interrogation of objects for homeland security (4) neutron radiography and tomography (5) destruction of long-lived radioactive waste, and (6) breeding of proliferation proof fissile fuel for existing nuclear reactors. These applications could all be pursued at lower neutron yield, but clearly the energy goals are by far the most significant and far reaching such as applying fusion energy as a hybrid to enable thorium cycle reactors which produce very little waste compared to the current uranium reactors. A discussion of how MIF could be configured and utilized to realize several of these uses will be discussed.

Enhancing radiological volumes with symbolic anatomy using image fusion and collaborative virtual reality.

PubMed

Silverstein, Jonathan C; Dech, Fred; Kouchoukos, Philip L

2004-01-01

Radiological volumes are typically reviewed by surgeons using cross-sections and iso-surface reconstructions. Applications that combine collaborative stereo volume visualization with symbolic anatomic information and data fusions would expand surgeons' capabilities in interpretation of data and in planning treatment. Such an application has not been seen clinically. We are developing methods to systematically combine symbolic anatomy (term hierarchies and iso-surface atlases) with patient data using data fusion. We describe our progress toward integrating these methods into our collaborative virtual reality application. The fully combined application will be a feature-rich stereo collaborative volume visualization environment for use by surgeons in which DICOM datasets will self-report underlying anatomy with visual feedback. Using hierarchical navigation of SNOMED-CT anatomic terms integrated with our existing Tele-immersive DICOM-based volumetric rendering application, we will display polygonal representations of anatomic systems on the fly from menus that query a database. The methods and tools involved in this application development are SNOMED-CT, DICOM, VISIBLE HUMAN, volumetric fusion and C++ on a Tele-immersive platform. This application will allow us to identify structures and display polygonal representations from atlas data overlaid with the volume rendering. First, atlas data is automatically translated, rotated, and scaled to the patient data during loading using a public domain volumetric fusion algorithm. This generates a modified symbolic representation of the underlying canonical anatomy. Then, through the use of collision detection or intersection testing of various transparent polygonal representations, the polygonal structures are highlighted into the volumetric representation while the SNOMED names are displayed. Thus, structural names and polygonal models are associated with the visualized DICOM data. This novel juxtaposition of information promises to expand surgeons' abilities to interpret images and plan treatment.

The status of the federal magnetic fusion program, or fusion in transition: from science to technology

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

Kane, J.S.

1983-06-01

The current status of magnetic fusion is summarized. The science is in place; the application must be made. Government will have to underwrite the risk of the program, but the private sector must manage it. Government officials must be convinced fusion is in the interest of the taxpayer, private sector decision makers that it is commercial. Questions concerning reliability, availability, first cost, safety, environment, and sociology must be asked. Fusion energy is essentially inexhaustible, appears environmentally acceptable, and is one of a very short list of alternatives.

Present status and trends of image fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Dachao; Fu, Sheng; Cai, Yiheng

2009-10-01

Image fusion information extracted from multiple images which is more accurate and reliable than that from just a single image. Since various images contain different information aspects of the measured parts, and comprehensive information can be obtained by integrating them together. Image fusion is a main branch of the application of data fusion technology. At present, it was widely used in computer vision technology, remote sensing, robot vision, medical image processing and military field. This paper mainly presents image fusion's contents, research methods, and the status quo at home and abroad, and analyzes the development trend.

Fusion and quality analysis for remote sensing images using contourlet transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Yoonsuk; Sharifahmadian, Ershad; Latifi, Shahram

2013-05-01

Recent developments in remote sensing technologies have provided various images with high spatial and spectral resolutions. However, multispectral images have low spatial resolution and panchromatic images have low spectral resolution. Therefore, image fusion techniques are necessary to improve the spatial resolution of spectral images by injecting spatial details of high-resolution panchromatic images. The objective of image fusion is to provide useful information by improving the spatial resolution and the spectral information of the original images. The fusion results can be utilized in various applications, such as military, medical imaging, and remote sensing. This paper addresses two issues in image fusion: i) image fusion method and ii) quality analysis of fusion results. First, a new contourlet-based image fusion method is presented, which is an improvement over the wavelet-based fusion. This fusion method is then applied to a case study to demonstrate its fusion performance. Fusion framework and scheme used in the study are discussed in detail. Second, quality analysis for the fusion results is discussed. We employed various quality metrics in order to analyze the fusion results both spatially and spectrally. Our results indicate that the proposed contourlet-based fusion method performs better than the conventional wavelet-based fusion methods.

Preparation of GST Fusion Proteins.

PubMed

Einarson, Margret B; Pugacheva, Elena N; Orlinick, Jason R

2007-04-01

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes the preparation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, which have had a wide range of applications since their introduction as tools for synthesis of recombinant proteins in bacteria. GST was originally selected as a fusion moiety because of several desirable properties. First and foremost, when expressed in bacteria alone, or as a fusion, GST is not sequestered in inclusion bodies (in contrast to previous fusion protein systems). Second, GST can be affinity-purified without denaturation because it binds to immobilized glutathione, which provides the basis for simple purification. Consequently, GST fusion proteins are routinely used for antibody generation and purification, protein-protein interaction studies, and biochemical analysis.

Strategy for D/He-3 fusion development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santarius, John F.

1988-01-01

It is concluded that Deuterium/Helium-3 fusion faces a more difficult physics development path but an easier technology development path than does Deuterium/Tritium. Early D/He-3 tests in next generation D/T fusion experiments might provide a valuable D/He-3 proof-of-principle at modest cost. At least one high leverage alternate concept should be vigorously pursued. Space applications of D/He-3 fusion are critically important to large scale development.

Materials Studies for Magnetic Fusion Energy Applications at Low Temperatures - 6.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

structures for the superconducting magnets of magnetic fusion energy power plants and prototypes. The program was conceived and developed jointly by the...staffs of the National Bureau of Standards and the Office of Fusion Energy of the Department of Energy; it is managed by NBS and sponsored by DoE

Recent Advances in Registration, Integration and Fusion of Remotely Sensed Data: Redundant Representations and Frames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Czaja, Wojciech; Le Moigne-Stewart, Jacqueline

2014-01-01

In recent years, sophisticated mathematical techniques have been successfully applied to the field of remote sensing to produce significant advances in applications such as registration, integration and fusion of remotely sensed data. Registration, integration and fusion of multiple source imagery are the most important issues when dealing with Earth Science remote sensing data where information from multiple sensors, exhibiting various resolutions, must be integrated. Issues ranging from different sensor geometries, different spectral responses, differing illumination conditions, different seasons, and various amounts of noise need to be dealt with when designing an image registration, integration or fusion method. This tutorial will first define the problems and challenges associated with these applications and then will review some mathematical techniques that have been successfully utilized to solve them. In particular, we will cover topics on geometric multiscale representations, redundant representations and fusion frames, graph operators, diffusion wavelets, as well as spatial-spectral and operator-based data fusion. All the algorithms will be illustrated using remotely sensed data, with an emphasis on current and operational instruments.

Research on the Fusion of Dependent Evidence Based on Rank Correlation Coefficient.

PubMed

Shi, Fengjian; Su, Xiaoyan; Qian, Hong; Yang, Ning; Han, Wenhua

2017-10-16

In order to meet the higher accuracy and system reliability requirements, the information fusion for multi-sensor systems is an increasing concern. Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (D-S theory) has been investigated for many applications in multi-sensor information fusion due to its flexibility in uncertainty modeling. However, classical evidence theory assumes that the evidence is independent of each other, which is often unrealistic. Ignoring the relationship between the evidence may lead to unreasonable fusion results, and even lead to wrong decisions. This assumption severely prevents D-S evidence theory from practical application and further development. In this paper, an innovative evidence fusion model to deal with dependent evidence based on rank correlation coefficient is proposed. The model first uses rank correlation coefficient to measure the dependence degree between different evidence. Then, total discount coefficient is obtained based on the dependence degree, which also considers the impact of the reliability of evidence. Finally, the discount evidence fusion model is presented. An example is illustrated to show the use and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Research on the Fusion of Dependent Evidence Based on Rank Correlation Coefficient

PubMed Central

Su, Xiaoyan; Qian, Hong; Yang, Ning; Han, Wenhua

2017-01-01

In order to meet the higher accuracy and system reliability requirements, the information fusion for multi-sensor systems is an increasing concern. Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (D–S theory) has been investigated for many applications in multi-sensor information fusion due to its flexibility in uncertainty modeling. However, classical evidence theory assumes that the evidence is independent of each other, which is often unrealistic. Ignoring the relationship between the evidence may lead to unreasonable fusion results, and even lead to wrong decisions. This assumption severely prevents D–S evidence theory from practical application and further development. In this paper, an innovative evidence fusion model to deal with dependent evidence based on rank correlation coefficient is proposed. The model first uses rank correlation coefficient to measure the dependence degree between different evidence. Then, total discount coefficient is obtained based on the dependence degree, which also considers the impact of the reliability of evidence. Finally, the discount evidence fusion model is presented. An example is illustrated to show the use and effectiveness of the proposed method. PMID:29035341

A comparative study of multi-focus image fusion validation metrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giansiracusa, Michael; Lutz, Adam; Messer, Neal; Ezekiel, Soundararajan; Alford, Mark; Blasch, Erik; Bubalo, Adnan; Manno, Michael

2016-05-01

Fusion of visual information from multiple sources is relevant for applications security, transportation, and safety applications. One way that image fusion can be particularly useful is when fusing imagery data from multiple levels of focus. Different focus levels can create different visual qualities for different regions in the imagery, which can provide much more visual information to analysts when fused. Multi-focus image fusion would benefit a user through automation, which requires the evaluation of the fused images to determine whether they have properly fused the focused regions of each image. Many no-reference metrics, such as information theory based, image feature based and structural similarity-based have been developed to accomplish comparisons. However, it is hard to scale an accurate assessment of visual quality which requires the validation of these metrics for different types of applications. In order to do this, human perception based validation methods have been developed, particularly dealing with the use of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the area under them (AUC). Our study uses these to analyze the effectiveness of no-reference image fusion metrics applied to multi-resolution fusion methods in order to determine which should be used when dealing with multi-focus data. Preliminary results show that the Tsallis, SF, and spatial frequency metrics are consistent with the image quality and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR).

Identification of Protein-Protein Interactions with Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) Fusion Proteins.

PubMed

Einarson, Margret B; Pugacheva, Elena N; Orlinick, Jason R

2007-08-01

INTRODUCTIONGlutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins have had a wide range of applications since their introduction as tools for synthesis of recombinant proteins in bacteria. GST was originally selected as a fusion moiety because of several desirable properties. First and foremost, when expressed in bacteria alone, or as a fusion, GST is not sequestered in inclusion bodies (in contrast to previous fusion protein systems). Second, GST can be affinity-purified without denaturation because it binds to immobilized glutathione, which provides the basis for simple purification. Consequently, GST fusion proteins are routinely used for antibody generation and purification, protein-protein interaction studies, and biochemical analysis. This article describes the use of GST fusion proteins as probes for the identification of protein-protein interactions.

Strength and Persistence of Energy-Based Vessel Seals Rely on Tissue Water and Glycosaminoglycan Content.

PubMed

Kramer, Eric A; Cezo, James D; Fankell, Douglas P; Taylor, Kenneth D; Rentschler, Mark E; Ferguson, Virginia L

2016-11-01

Vessel ligation using energy-based surgical devices is steadily replacing conventional closure methods during minimally invasive and open procedures. In exploring the molecular nature of thermally-induced tissue bonds, novel applications for surgical resection and repair may be revealed. This work presents an analysis of the influence of unbound water and hydrophilic glycosaminoglycans on the formation and resilience of vascular seals via: (a) changes in pre-fusion tissue hydration, (b) the enzymatic digestion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) prior to fusion and (c) the rehydration of vascular seals following fusion. An 11% increase in pre-fusion unbound water led to an 84% rise in vascular seal strength. The digestion of GAGs prior to fusion led to increases of up to 82% in seal strength, while the rehydration of native and GAG-digested vascular seals decreased strengths by 41 and 44%, respectively. The effects of increased unbound water content prior to fusion combined with the effects of seal rehydration after fusion suggest that the heat-induced displacement of tissue water is a major contributor to tissue adhesion during energy-based vessel sealing. The effects of pre-fusion GAG-digestion on seal integrity indicate that GAGs are inhibitory to the bond formation process during thermal ligation. GAG digestion may allow for increased water transport and protein interaction during the fusion process, leading to the formation of stronger bonds. These findings provide insight into the physiochemical nature of the fusion bond, its potential for optimization in vascular closure and its application to novel strategies for vascular resection and repair.

Sensor fusion III: 3-D perception and recognition; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Nov. 5-8, 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenker, Paul S. (Editor)

1991-01-01

The volume on data fusion from multiple sources discusses fusing multiple views, temporal analysis and 3D motion interpretation, sensor fusion and eye-to-hand coordination, and integration in human shape perception. Attention is given to surface reconstruction, statistical methods in sensor fusion, fusing sensor data with environmental knowledge, computational models for sensor fusion, and evaluation and selection of sensor fusion techniques. Topics addressed include the structure of a scene from two and three projections, optical flow techniques for moving target detection, tactical sensor-based exploration in a robotic environment, and the fusion of human and machine skills for remote robotic operations. Also discussed are K-nearest-neighbor concepts for sensor fusion, surface reconstruction with discontinuities, a sensor-knowledge-command fusion paradigm for man-machine systems, coordinating sensing and local navigation, and terrain map matching using multisensing techniques for applications to autonomous vehicle navigation.

The effect of multispectral image fusion enhancement on human efficiency.

PubMed

Bittner, Jennifer L; Schill, M Trent; Mohd-Zaid, Fairul; Blaha, Leslie M

2017-01-01

The visual system can be highly influenced by changes to visual presentation. Thus, numerous techniques have been developed to augment imagery in an attempt to improve human perception. The current paper examines the potential impact of one such enhancement, multispectral image fusion, where imagery captured in varying spectral bands (e.g., visible, thermal, night vision) is algorithmically combined to produce an output to strengthen visual perception. We employ ideal observer analysis over a series of experimental conditions to (1) establish a framework for testing the impact of image fusion over the varying aspects surrounding its implementation (e.g., stimulus content, task) and (2) examine the effectiveness of fusion on human information processing efficiency in a basic application. We used a set of rotated Landolt C images captured with a number of individual sensor cameras and combined across seven traditional fusion algorithms (e.g., Laplacian pyramid, principal component analysis, averaging) in a 1-of-8 orientation task. We found that, contrary to the idea of fused imagery always producing a greater impact on perception, single-band imagery can be just as influential. Additionally, efficiency data were shown to fluctuate based on sensor combination instead of fusion algorithm, suggesting the need for examining multiple factors to determine the success of image fusion. Our use of ideal observer analysis, a popular technique from the vision sciences, provides not only a standard for testing fusion in direct relation to the visual system but also allows for comparable examination of fusion across its associated problem space of application.

Development of Sintered Si3N4 for High Performance Thermomechanical Applications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

noted( 17) that final grain size of sintered Si3 N4 is quite sensitive to both temperature and time at temperature. The sintering of Si NI containing...Characterization of Ube-SN-E0 Si3 N4 Chemical Analysis Lot A-10 Lot A-18 N (alkali fusion) wt . % 38 38 0 (inert gas fusion) wt . % 1.2 1.4 C (inert gas fusion) wt ...temperature stutral applications except for the high creep rate, Which is of the ame order a NC-13. The sintering of -qfiN4ontaning 5 wt % LiAIq0 1and

Biometric image enhancement using decision rule based image fusion techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagayee, G. Mary Amirtha; Arumugam, S.

2010-02-01

Introducing biometrics into information systems may result in considerable benefits. Most of the researchers confirmed that the finger print is widely used than the iris or face and more over it is the primary choice for most privacy concerned applications. For finger prints applications, choosing proper sensor is at risk. The proposed work deals about, how the image quality can be improved by introducing image fusion technique at sensor levels. The results of the images after introducing the decision rule based image fusion technique are evaluated and analyzed with its entropy levels and root mean square error.

Membrane Fusion Involved in Neurotransmission: Glimpse from Electron Microscope and Molecular Simulation

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhiwei; Gou, Lu; Chen, Shuyu; Li, Na; Zhang, Shengli; Zhang, Lei

2017-01-01

Membrane fusion is one of the most fundamental physiological processes in eukaryotes for triggering the fusion of lipid and content, as well as the neurotransmission. However, the architecture features of neurotransmitter release machinery and interdependent mechanism of synaptic membrane fusion have not been extensively studied. This review article expounds the neuronal membrane fusion processes, discusses the fundamental steps in all fusion reactions (membrane aggregation, membrane association, lipid rearrangement and lipid and content mixing) and the probable mechanism coupling to the delivery of neurotransmitters. Subsequently, this work summarizes the research on the fusion process in synaptic transmission, using electron microscopy (EM) and molecular simulation approaches. Finally, we propose the future outlook for more exciting applications of membrane fusion involved in synaptic transmission, with the aid of stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), cryo-EM (cryo-EM), and molecular simulations. PMID:28638320

Cellulose binding domain fusion proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded; Shpiegl, Itai; Goldstein, Marc A.; Doi, Roy H.

1998-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Remotely controlled fusion of selected vesicles and living cells: a key issue review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadori, Azra; Moreno-Pescador, Guillermo; Oddershede, Lene B.; Bendix, Poul M.

2018-03-01

Remote control over fusion of single cells and vesicles has a great potential in biological and chemical research allowing both transfer of genetic material between cells and transfer of molecular content between vesicles. Membrane fusion is a critical process in biology that facilitates molecular transport and mixing of cellular cytoplasms with potential formation of hybrid cells. Cells precisely regulate internal membrane fusions with the aid of specialized fusion complexes that physically provide the energy necessary for mediating fusion. Physical factors like membrane curvature, tension and temperature, affect biological membrane fusion by lowering the associated energy barrier. This has inspired the development of physical approaches to harness the fusion process at a single cell level by using remotely controlled electromagnetic fields to trigger membrane fusion. Here, we critically review various approaches, based on lasers or electric pulses, to control fusion between individual cells or between individual lipid vesicles and discuss their potential and limitations for present and future applications within biochemistry, biology and soft matter.

FuzzyFusion: an application architecture for multisource information fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, Kevin L.; Henning, Ronda R.

2009-04-01

The correlation of information from disparate sources has long been an issue in data fusion research. Traditional data fusion addresses the correlation of information from sources as diverse as single-purpose sensors to all-source multi-media information. Information system vulnerability information is similar in its diversity of sources and content, and in the desire to draw a meaningful conclusion, namely, the security posture of the system under inspection. FuzzyFusionTM, A data fusion model that is being applied to the computer network operations domain is presented. This model has been successfully prototyped in an applied research environment and represents a next generation assurance tool for system and network security.

Entropy-functional-based online adaptive decision fusion framework with application to wildfire detection in video.

PubMed

Gunay, Osman; Toreyin, Behçet Ugur; Kose, Kivanc; Cetin, A Enis

2012-05-01

In this paper, an entropy-functional-based online adaptive decision fusion (EADF) framework is developed for image analysis and computer vision applications. In this framework, it is assumed that the compound algorithm consists of several subalgorithms, each of which yields its own decision as a real number centered around zero, representing the confidence level of that particular subalgorithm. Decision values are linearly combined with weights that are updated online according to an active fusion method based on performing entropic projections onto convex sets describing subalgorithms. It is assumed that there is an oracle, who is usually a human operator, providing feedback to the decision fusion method. A video-based wildfire detection system was developed to evaluate the performance of the decision fusion algorithm. In this case, image data arrive sequentially, and the oracle is the security guard of the forest lookout tower, verifying the decision of the combined algorithm. The simulation results are presented.

Fusion gamma diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medley, S. S.; Cecil, F. E.; Cole, D.; Conway, M. A.; Wilkinson, F. J., III

1985-05-01

Nuclear reactions of interest in fusion research often possess a branch yielding prompt emission of gamma radiation in excess of 15 MeV which can be exploited to provide a new fusion reaction diagnostic having applications similar to conventional neutron emission measurements. Conceptual aspects of fusion gamma diagnostics are discussed with emphasis on application to the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) during deuterium neutral beam heating of D-T and D-3He plasmas. Recent measurements of the D (T, γ)5He, D(3He, γ)5Li, and D(D, γ)4He branching ratios at low center-of-mass energy (30-100 keV) and of the response of a large volume Ne226 detector for gamma detection in high neutron backgrounds are presented. Using a well-shielded Ne226 detector during 20 MW-120 kV deuterium beam heating of a tritium plasma in TFTR, the D(T, γ)5He gamma signal level is estimated to be 3.5×105 cps.

Impact of fluorescent protein fusions on the bacterial flagellar motor.

PubMed

Heo, M; Nord, A L; Chamousset, D; van Rijn, E; Beaumont, H J E; Pedaci, F

2017-10-03

Fluorescent fusion proteins open a direct and unique window onto protein function. However, they also introduce the risk of perturbation of the function of the native protein. Successful applications of fluorescent fusions therefore rely on a careful assessment and minimization of the side effects, but such insight is still lacking for many applications. This is particularly relevant in the study of the internal dynamics of motor proteins, where both the chemical and mechanical reaction coordinates can be affected. Fluorescent proteins fused to the stator of the Bacterial Flagellar Motor (BFM) have previously been used to unveil the motor subunit dynamics. Here we report the effects on single motors of three fluorescent proteins fused to the stators, all of which altered BFM behavior. The torque generated by individual stators was reduced while their stoichiometry remained unaffected. MotB fusions decreased the switching frequency and induced a novel bias-dependent asymmetry in the speed in the two directions. These effects could be mitigated by inserting a linker at the fusion point. These findings provide a quantitative account of the effects of fluorescent fusions to the stator on BFM dynamics and their alleviation- new insights that advance the use of fluorescent fusions to probe the dynamics of protein complexes.

Information Fusion of Conflicting Input Data.

PubMed

Mönks, Uwe; Dörksen, Helene; Lohweg, Volker; Hübner, Michael

2016-10-29

Sensors, and also actuators or external sources such as databases, serve as data sources in order to realise condition monitoring of industrial applications or the acquisition of characteristic parameters like production speed or reject rate. Modern facilities create such a large amount of complex data that a machine operator is unable to comprehend and process the information contained in the data. Thus, information fusion mechanisms gain increasing importance. Besides the management of large amounts of data, further challenges towards the fusion algorithms arise from epistemic uncertainties (incomplete knowledge) in the input signals as well as conflicts between them. These aspects must be considered during information processing to obtain reliable results, which are in accordance with the real world. The analysis of the scientific state of the art shows that current solutions fulfil said requirements at most only partly. This article proposes the multilayered information fusion system MACRO (multilayer attribute-based conflict-reducing observation) employing the μ BalTLCS (fuzzified balanced two-layer conflict solving) fusion algorithm to reduce the impact of conflicts on the fusion result. The performance of the contribution is shown by its evaluation in the scope of a machine condition monitoring application under laboratory conditions. Here, the MACRO system yields the best results compared to state-of-the-art fusion mechanisms. The utilised data is published and freely accessible.

Information Fusion of Conflicting Input Data

PubMed Central

Mönks, Uwe; Dörksen, Helene; Lohweg, Volker; Hübner, Michael

2016-01-01

Sensors, and also actuators or external sources such as databases, serve as data sources in order to realise condition monitoring of industrial applications or the acquisition of characteristic parameters like production speed or reject rate. Modern facilities create such a large amount of complex data that a machine operator is unable to comprehend and process the information contained in the data. Thus, information fusion mechanisms gain increasing importance. Besides the management of large amounts of data, further challenges towards the fusion algorithms arise from epistemic uncertainties (incomplete knowledge) in the input signals as well as conflicts between them. These aspects must be considered during information processing to obtain reliable results, which are in accordance with the real world. The analysis of the scientific state of the art shows that current solutions fulfil said requirements at most only partly. This article proposes the multilayered information fusion system MACRO (multilayer attribute-based conflict-reducing observation) employing the μBalTLCS (fuzzified balanced two-layer conflict solving) fusion algorithm to reduce the impact of conflicts on the fusion result. The performance of the contribution is shown by its evaluation in the scope of a machine condition monitoring application under laboratory conditions. Here, the MACRO system yields the best results compared to state-of-the-art fusion mechanisms. The utilised data is published and freely accessible. PMID:27801874

Local effect of zoledronic acid on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion with demineralized bone matrix in a murine model.

PubMed

Zwolak, Pawel; Farei-Campagna, Jan; Jentzsch, Thorsten; von Rechenberg, Brigitte; Werner, Clément M

2018-01-01

Posterolateral spinal fusion is a common orthopaedic surgery performed to treat degenerative and traumatic deformities of the spinal column. In posteriolateral spinal fusion, different osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix products have been previously investigated. We evaluated the effect of locally applied zoledronic acid in combination with commercially available demineralized bone matrix putty on new bone formation in posterolateral spinal fusion in a murine in vivo model. A posterolateral sacral spine fusion in murine model was used to evaluate the new bone formation. We used the sacral spine fusion model to model the clinical situation in which a bone graft or demineralized bone matrix is applied after dorsal instrumentation of the spine. In our study, group 1 received decortications only (n = 10), group 2 received decortication, and absorbable collagen sponge carrier, group 3 received decortication and absorbable collagen sponge carrier with zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg, group 4 received demineralized bone matrix putty (DBM putty) plus decortication (n = 10), and group 5 received DBM putty, decortication and locally applied zoledronic acid in dose 10 µg. Imaging was performed using MicroCT for new bone formation assessment. Also, murine spines were harvested for histopathological analysis 10 weeks after surgery. The surgery performed through midline posterior approach was reproducible. In group with decortication alone there was no new bone formation. Application of demineralized bone matrix putty alone produced new bone formation which bridged the S1-S4 laminae. Local application of zoledronic acid to demineralized bone matrix putty resulted in significant increase of new bone formation as compared to demineralized bone matrix putty group alone. A single local application of zoledronic acid with DBM putty during posterolateral fusion in sacral murine spine model increased significantly new bone formation in situ in our model. Therefore, our results justify further investigations to potentially use local application of zoledronic acid in future clinical studies.

Sensor Fusion and Smart Sensor in Sports and Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Mendes, José Jair Alves; Vieira, Mário Elias Marinho; Pires, Marcelo Bissi; Stevan, Sergio Luiz

2016-01-01

The following work presents an overview of smart sensors and sensor fusion targeted at biomedical applications and sports areas. In this work, the integration of these areas is demonstrated, promoting a reflection about techniques and applications to collect, quantify and qualify some physical variables associated with the human body. These techniques are presented in various biomedical and sports applications, which cover areas related to diagnostics, rehabilitation, physical monitoring, and the development of performance in athletes, among others. Although some applications are described in only one of two fields of study (biomedicine and sports), it is very likely that the same application fits in both, with small peculiarities or adaptations. To illustrate the contemporaneity of applications, an analysis of specialized papers published in the last six years has been made. In this context, the main characteristic of this review is to present the largest quantity of relevant examples of sensor fusion and smart sensors focusing on their utilization and proposals, without deeply addressing one specific system or technique, to the detriment of the others. PMID:27669260

Method for the controlled liberation of fusion nuclear energy (in French)

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

None

1972-08-18

L'invention concerne des reactions thermonucleaires. Elle se rapporte a un procede de fusion dans lequel de l'energie laser est concentree sur de minuscules spheres de combustible forme de deuterium et de tritium, de maniere a creer d'une part un plasma superficiel assurant un transfert efficace d'energie et d'autre part des ondes de choc convergeant au centre et assurant la fusion nucleaire de la matiere centrale. Ceci est applicable a la production d'energie thermique par fusion nucleaire. (FR)

Safety and environmental constraints on space applications of fusion energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, J. Reece

1990-01-01

Some of the constraints are examined on fusion reactions, plasma confinement systems, and fusion reactors that are intended for such space related missions as manned or unmanned operations in near earth orbit, interplanetary missions, or requirements of the SDI program. Of the many constraints on space power and propulsion systems, those arising from safety and environmental considerations are emphasized since these considerations place severe constraints on some fusion systems and have not been adequately treated in previous studies.

Fc-fusion Proteins in Therapy: An Updated View.

PubMed

Jafari, Reza; Zolbanin, Naime M; Rafatpanah, Houshang; Majidi, Jafar; Kazemi, Tohid

2017-01-01

Fc-fusion proteins are composed of Fc region of IgG antibody (Hinge-CH2-CH3) and a desired linked protein. Fc region of Fc-fusion proteins can bind to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) thereby rescuing it from degradation. The first therapeutic Fc-fusion protein was introduced for the treatment of AIDS. The molecular designing is the first stage in production of Fc-fusion proteins. The amino acid residues in the Fc region and linked protein are very important in the bioactivity and affinity of the fusion proteins. Although, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are the top selling biologics but the application of therapeutic Fc-fusion proteins in clinic is in progress and among these medications Etanercept is the most effective in therapy. At present, eleven Fc-fusion proteins have been approved by FDA. There are novel Fc-fusion proteins which are in pre-clinical and clinical development. In this article, we review the molecular and biological characteristics of Fc-fusion proteins and then further discuss the features of novel therapeutic Fc-fusion proteins. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Application of Gelatin Sponge Impregnated with a Mixture of 3 Drugs to Intraoperative Nerve Root Block Combined with Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery in the Treatment of Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: A Clinical Observation Including 96 Patients.

PubMed

Du, Jin Peng; Fan, Yong; Liu, Ji Jun; Zhang, Jia Nan; Chang Liu, Shi; Hao, Dingjun

2017-12-01

Application of nerve root block is mainly for diagnosis with less application in intraoperative treatment. The aim of this study was to observe clinical and imaging outcomes of application of gelatin sponge impregnated with a mixture of 3 drugs to intraoperative nerve root block combined with robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery in to treat adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis. From January 2012 to November 2014, 108 patients with adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis were treated with robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery combined with intraoperative gelatin sponge impregnated with a mixture of 3 drugs. Visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores were used to evaluate postoperative improvement of back and leg pain, and clinical effects were assessed according to the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Imaging was obtained preoperatively, 1 week and 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Fusion status, complications, and other outcomes were assessed. Follow-up was complete for 96 patients. Visual analog scale scores of leg and back pain on postoperative days 1-7 were decreased compared with preoperatively. At 1 week postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and last follow-up, visual analog scale score, Oswestry Disability Index score, coronal Cobb angle, and coronal and sagittal deviated distance decreased significantly (P = 0.000) and lumbar lordosis angle increased (P = 0.000) compared with preoperatively. Improvement rate of Oswestry Disability Index was 81.8% ± 7.4. Fusion rate between vertebral bodies was 92.7%. Application of gelatin sponge impregnated with 3 drugs combined with robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis is safe and feasible with advantages of good short-term analgesia effect, minimal invasiveness, short length of stay, and good long-term clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multimodality Image Fusion-Guided Procedures: Technique, Accuracy, and Applications

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

Abi-Jaoudeh, Nadine, E-mail: naj@mail.nih.gov; Kruecker, Jochen, E-mail: jochen.kruecker@philips.com; Kadoury, Samuel, E-mail: samuel.kadoury@polymtl.ca

2012-10-15

Personalized therapies play an increasingly critical role in cancer care: Image guidance with multimodality image fusion facilitates the targeting of specific tissue for tissue characterization and plays a role in drug discovery and optimization of tailored therapies. Positron-emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) may offer additional information not otherwise available to the operator during minimally invasive image-guided procedures, such as biopsy and ablation. With use of multimodality image fusion for image-guided interventions, navigation with advanced modalities does not require the physical presence of the PET, MRI, or CT imaging system. Several commercially available methodsmore » of image-fusion and device navigation are reviewed along with an explanation of common tracking hardware and software. An overview of current clinical applications for multimodality navigation is provided.« less

[Analysis of EML4-ALK gene fusion mutation in patients 
with non-small cell lung cancer].

PubMed

Wang, Xuzhou; Chen, Weisheng; Yu, Yinghao

2015-02-01

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main type of lung cancer, and the related locus mutation detection research has become a hot direction of molecular targeted therapy, studying on gene mutation status of echinodem microtubule associated protein like 4-Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), detecting the sensitivity of EML4-ALK gene fusion and gene mutation of EGFR. EML4-ALK gene fusion in 85 cases of paraffin embedded tumor tissue and adjacent lung tissue was detected with the application of immunohistochemistry (IHC), Scorpions amplification refractory mutation system (Scorpions ARMS) fluorescence quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology, and EGFR gene in 18, 19, 20 and 21 exon mutation status was detected with the application of ARMS method. In 115 cases of NSCLC, IHC showed 32 cases with ALK (D5F3) expression, the expression rate was 27.8%; ARMS showed 27 cases with EML4-ALK fusion gene mutation, the mutation detection rate was 23.5%; 53 cases were detected with EGFR mutation, the mutation rate was 46%. While FISH showed 23 cases with EML4-ALK fusion gene mutation, the detection rate was 20%, slightly lower than the ARMS detection results, suggesting that ARMS more sensitive. The application of IHC, ARMS fluorescence quantitative PCR and FISH technology can make a rapid and accurate evaluation of EML4-ALK gene fusion.

Cellulose binding domain fusion proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Yosef, K.; Shpiegl, I.; Goldstein, M.A.; Doi, R.H.

1998-02-17

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 16 figs.

Cyst-Like Osteolytic Formations in Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) Augmented Sheep Spinal Fusion.

PubMed

Pan, Hsin Chuan; Lee, Soonchul; Ting, Kang; Shen, Jia; Wang, Chenchao; Nguyen, Alan; Berthiaume, Emily A; Zara, Janette N; Turner, A Simon; Seim, Howard B; Kwak, Jin Hee; Zhang, Xinli; Soo, Chia

2017-07-01

Multiple case reports using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) have reported complications. However, the local adverse effects of rhBMP-2 application are not well documented. In this report we show that, in addition to promoting lumbar spinal fusion through potent osteogenic effects, rhBMP-2 augmentation promotes local cyst-like osteolytic formations in sheep trabecular bones that have undergone anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Three months after operation, conventional computed tomography showed that the trabecular bones of the rhBMP-2 application groups could fuse, whereas no fusion was observed in the control group. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that the core implant area's bone volume fraction and bone mineral density increased proportionately with rhBMP-2 dose. Multiple cyst-like bone voids were observed in peri-implant areas when using rhBMP-2 applications, and these sites showed significant bone mineral density decreases in relation to the unaffected regions. Biomechanically, these areas decreased in strength by 32% in comparison with noncystic areas. Histologically, rhBMP-2-affected void sites had an increased amount of fatty marrow, thinner trabecular bones, and significantly more adiponectin- and cathepsin K-positive cells. Despite promoting successful fusion, rhBMP-2 use in clinical applications may result in local adverse structural alterations and compromised biomechanical changes to the bone. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

AAAIC '88 - Aerospace Applications of Artificial Intelligence; Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Conference, Dayton, OH, Oct. 25-27, 1988. Volumes 1 2

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

Johnson, J.R.; Netrologic, Inc., San Diego, CA)

1988-01-01

Topics presented include integrating neural networks and expert systems, neural networks and signal processing, machine learning, cognition and avionics applications, artificial intelligence and man-machine interface issues, real time expert systems, artificial intelligence, and engineering applications. Also considered are advanced problem solving techniques, combinational optimization for scheduling and resource control, data fusion/sensor fusion, back propagation with momentum, shared weights and recurrency, automatic target recognition, cybernetics, optical neural networks.

Applicability of common measures in multifocus image fusion comparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vajgl, Marek

2017-11-01

Image fusion is an image processing area aimed at fusion of multiple input images to achieve an output image somehow better then each of the input ones. In the case of "multifocus fusion", input images are capturing the same scene differing ina focus distance. The aim is to obtain an image, which is sharp in all its areas. The are several different approaches and methods used to solve this problem. However, it is common question which one is the best. This work describes a research covering the field of common measures with a question, if some of them can be used as a quality measure of the fusion result evaluation.

SU-F-T-140: Assessment of the Proton Boron Fusion Reaction for Practical Radiation Therapy Applications Using MCNP6

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

Adam, D; Bednarz, B

Purpose: The proton boron fusion reaction is a reaction that describes the creation of three alpha particles as the result of the interaction of a proton incident upon a 11B target. Theoretically, the proton boron fusion reaction is a desirable reaction for radiation therapy applications in that, with the appropriate boron delivery agent, it could potentially combine the localized dose delivery protons exhibit (Bragg peak) and the local deposition of high LET alpha particles in cancerous sites. Previous efforts have shown significant dose enhancement using the proton boron fusion reaction; the overarching purpose of this work is an attempt tomore » validate previous Monte Carlo results of the proton boron fusion reaction. Methods: The proton boron fusion reaction, 11B(p, 3α), is investigated using MCNP6 to assess the viability for potential use in radiation therapy. Simple simulations of a proton pencil beam incident upon both a water phantom and a water phantom with an axial region containing 100ppm boron were modeled using MCNP6 in order to determine the extent of the impact boron had upon the calculated energy deposition. Results: The maximum dose increase calculated was 0.026% for the incident 250 MeV proton beam scenario. The MCNP simulations performed demonstrated that the proton boron fusion reaction rate at clinically relevant boron concentrations was too small in order to have any measurable impact on the absorbed dose. Conclusion: For all MCNP6 simulations conducted, the increase of absorbed dose of a simple water phantom due to the 11B(p, 3α) reaction was found to be inconsequential. In addition, it was determined that there are no good evaluations of the 11B(p, 3α) reaction for use in MCNPX/6 and further work should be conducted in cross section evaluations in order to definitively evaluate the feasibility of the proton boron fusion reaction for use in radiation therapy applications.« less

First AC loss test and analysis of a Bi2212 cable-in-conduit conductor for fusion application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Jinggang; Shi, Yi; Wu, Yu; Li, Jiangang; Wang, Qiuliang; He, Yuxiang; Dai, Chao; Liu, Fang; Liu, Huajun; Mao, Zhehua; Nijhuis, Arend; Zhou, Chao; Devred, Arnaud

2018-01-01

The main goal of the Chinese fusion engineering test reactor (CFETR) is to build a fusion engineering tokamak reactor with a fusion power of 50-200 MW, and plan to test the breeding tritium during the fusion reaction. This may require a maximum magnetic field of the central solenoid and toroidal field coils up to 15 T. New magnet technologies should be developed for the next generation of fusion reactors with higher requirements. Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (Bi2212) is considered as a potential and promising superconductor for the magnets in the CFETR. R&D activities are ongoing at the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences for demonstration of the feasibility of a CICC based on Bi2212 round wire. One sub-size conductor cabled with 42 wires was designed, manufactured and tested with limited strand indentation during cabling and good transport performance. In this paper, the first test results and analysis on the AC loss of Bi2212 round wires and cabled conductor samples are presented. Furthermore, the impact of mechanical load on the AC loss of the sub-size conductor is investigated to represent the operation conditions with electromagnetic loads. The first tests provide an essential basis for the validation of Bi2212 CICC and its application in fusion magnets.

Increases thermal stability and cellulose-binding capacity of Cryptococcus sp. S-2 lipase by fusion of cellulose binding domain derived from Trichoderma reesei

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

Thongekkaew, Jantaporn, E-mail: jantaporn_25@yahoo.com; Ikeda, Hiroko; Iefuji, Haruyuki

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The CSLP and fusion enzyme were successfully expressed in the Pichia pastoris. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The fusion enzyme was stable at 80 Degree-Sign C for 120-min. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The fusion enzyme was responsible for cellulose-binding capacity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The fusion enzyme has an attractive applicant for enzyme immobilization. -- Abstract: To improve the thermal stability and cellulose-binding capacity of Cryptococcus sp. S-2 lipase (CSLP), the cellulose-binding domain originates from Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I was engineered into C-terminal region of the CSLP (CSLP-CBD). The CSLP and CSLP-CBD were successfully expressed in the Pichia pastoris using the strong methanol inducible alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1)more » promoter and the secretion signal sequence from Saccharomyces cerevisiae ({alpha} factor). The recombinant CSLP and CSLP-CBD were secreted into culture medium and estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 22 and 27 kDa, respectively. The fusion enzyme was stable at 80 Degree-Sign C and retained more than 80% of its activity after 120-min incubation at this temperature. Our results also found that the fusion of fungal exoglucanase cellulose-binding domain to CSLP is responsible for cellulose-binding capacity. This attribute should make it an attractive applicant for enzyme immobilization.« less

Methods of detection using a cellulose binding domain fusion product

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Shpiegl, I.; Goldstein, M.A.; Doi, R.H.

1999-01-05

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 34 figs.

Kits and methods of detection using cellulose binding domain fusion proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Yosef, K.

1998-04-14

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 16 figs.

Kits and methods of detection using cellulose binding domain fusion proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded

1998-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Methods of detection using a cellulose binding domain fusion product

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded; Shpiegl, Itai; Goldstein, Marc A.; Doi, Roy H.

1999-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Sensor Fusion of Gaussian Mixtures for Ballistic Target Tracking in the Re-Entry Phase

PubMed Central

Lu, Kelin; Zhou, Rui

2016-01-01

A sensor fusion methodology for the Gaussian mixtures model is proposed for ballistic target tracking with unknown ballistic coefficients. To improve the estimation accuracy, a track-to-track fusion architecture is proposed to fuse tracks provided by the local interacting multiple model filters. During the fusion process, the duplicate information is removed by considering the first order redundant information between the local tracks. With extensive simulations, we show that the proposed algorithm improves the tracking accuracy in ballistic target tracking in the re-entry phase applications. PMID:27537883

Spatial Statistical Data Fusion for Remote Sensing Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Hai

2010-01-01

Data fusion is the process of combining information from heterogeneous sources into a single composite picture of the relevant process, such that the composite picture is generally more accurate and complete than that derived from any single source alone. Data collection is often incomplete, sparse, and yields incompatible information. Fusion techniques can make optimal use of such data. When investment in data collection is high, fusion gives the best return. Our study uses data from two satellites: (1) Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), (2) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS).

Sensor Fusion of Gaussian Mixtures for Ballistic Target Tracking in the Re-Entry Phase.

PubMed

Lu, Kelin; Zhou, Rui

2016-08-15

A sensor fusion methodology for the Gaussian mixtures model is proposed for ballistic target tracking with unknown ballistic coefficients. To improve the estimation accuracy, a track-to-track fusion architecture is proposed to fuse tracks provided by the local interacting multiple model filters. During the fusion process, the duplicate information is removed by considering the first order redundant information between the local tracks. With extensive simulations, we show that the proposed algorithm improves the tracking accuracy in ballistic target tracking in the re-entry phase applications.

Graphite for the nuclear industry

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

Burchell, T.D.; Fuller, E.L.; Romanoski, G.R.

Graphite finds applications in both fission and fusion reactors. Fission reactors harness the energy liberated when heavy elements, such as uranium or plutonium, fragment or fission''. Reactors of this type have existed for nearly 50 years. The first nuclear fission reactor, Chicago Pile No. 1, was constructed of graphite under a football stand at Stagg Field, University of Chicago. Fusion energy devices will produce power by utilizing the energy produced when isotopes of the element hydrogen are fused together to form helium, the same reaction that powers our sun. The role of graphite is very different in these two reactormore » systems. Here we summarize the function of the graphite in fission and fusion reactors, detailing the reasons for their selection and discussing some of the challenges associated with their application in nuclear fission and fusion reactors. 10 refs., 15 figs., 1 tab.« less

Multiple beam induction accelerators for heavy ion fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidl, Peter A.; Barnard, John J.; Faltens, Andris; Friedman, Alex; Waldron, William L.

2014-01-01

Induction accelerators are appealing for heavy-ion driven inertial fusion energy (HIF) because of their high efficiency and their demonstrated capability to accelerate high beam current (≥10 kA in some applications). For the HIF application, accomplishments and challenges are summarized. HIF research and development has demonstrated the production of single ion beams with the required emittance, current, and energy suitable for injection into an induction linear accelerator. Driver scale beams have been transported in quadrupole channels of the order of 10% of the number of quadrupoles of a driver. We review the design and operation of induction accelerators and the relevant aspects of their use as drivers for HIF. We describe intermediate research steps that would provide the basis for a heavy-ion research facility capable of heating matter to fusion relevant temperatures and densities, and also to test and demonstrate an accelerator architecture that scales well to a fusion power plant.

Advanced low-activation materials. Fibre-reinforced ceramic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenici, P.; Scholz, H. W.

1994-09-01

A serious safety and environmental concern for thermonuclear fusion reactor development regards the induced radioactivity of the first wall and structural components. The use of low-activation materials (LAM) in a demonstration reactor would reduce considerably its potential risk and facilitate its maintenance. Moreover, decommissioning and waste management including disposal or even recycling of structural materials would be simplified. Ceramic fibre-reinforced SiC materials offer highly appreciable low activation characteristics in combination with good thermomechanical properties. This class of materials is now under experimental investigation for structural application in future fusion reactors. An overview on the recent results is given, covering coolant leak rates, thermophysical properties, compatibility with tritium breeder materials, irradiation effects, and LAM-consistent purity. SiC/SiC materials present characteristics likely to be optimised in order to meet the fusion application challenge. The scope is to put into practice the enormous potential of inherent safety with fusion energy.

Peaceful Uses of Fusion

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Teller, E.

1958-07-03

Applications of thermonuclear energy for peaceful and constructive purposes are surveyed. Developments and problems in the release and control of fusion energy are reviewed. It is pointed out that the future of thermonuclear power reactors will depend upon the construction of a machine that produces more electric energy than it consumes. The fuel for thermonuclear reactors is cheap and practically inexhaustible. Thermonuclear reactors produce less dangerous radioactive materials than fission reactors and, when once brought under control, are not as likely to be subject to dangerous excursions. The interaction of the hot plasma with magnetic fields opens the way for the direct production of electricity. It is possible that explosive fusion energy released underground may be harnessed for the production of electricity before the same feat is accomplished in controlled fusion processes. Applications of underground detonations of fission devices in mining and for the enhancement of oil flow in large low-specific-yield formations are also suggested.

Issues and challenges in resource management and its interaction with levels 2/3 fusion with applications to real-world problems: an annotated perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blasch, Erik; Kadar, Ivan; Hintz, Kenneth; Biermann, Joachim; Chong, Chee-Yee; Salerno, John; Das, Subrata

2007-04-01

Resource management (or process refinement) is critical for information fusion operations in that users, sensors, and platforms need to be informed, based on mission needs, on how to collect, process, and exploit data. To meet these growing concerns, a panel session was conducted at the International Society of Information Fusion Conference in 2006 to discuss the various issues surrounding the interaction of Resource Management with Level 2/3 Situation and Threat Assessment. This paper briefly consolidates the discussion of the invited panel panelists. The common themes include: (1) Addressing the user in system management, sensor control, and knowledge based information collection (2) Determining a standard set of fusion metrics for optimization and evaluation based on the application (3) Allowing dynamic and adaptive updating to deliver timely information needs and information rates (4) Optimizing the joint objective functions at all information fusion levels based on decision-theoretic analysis (5) Providing constraints from distributed resource mission planning and scheduling; and (6) Defining L2/3 situation entity definitions for knowledge discovery, modeling, and information projection

Presentation Stations of the General Atomics Fusion Educational Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, R. L.; Fusion Group Education Outreach Team

1996-11-01

The General Atomics Fusion Group's Educational Program has been actively promoting fusion science and applications throughout San Diego County's secondary school systems for over three years. The educational program allows many students to learn more about nuclear fusion science, its applications, and what it takes to become an active participant in an important field of study. It also helps educators to better understand how to teach fusion science in their classroom. Tours of the DIII--D facility are a centerpiece of the program. Over 1000 students visited the DIII--D research facility during the 1995--1996 school year for a half-day of presentations, discussions, and hands-on learning. Interactive presentations are provided at six different stations by GA scientists and engineers to small groups of students during the tours. Stations include topics on energy, plasma science, the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation and risk assessment, and data acquisition. Included also is a tour of the DIII--D machine hall and model where students can see and discuss many aspects of the tokamak. Portions of each station will be presented and discussed.

Graph-based Data Modeling and Analysis for Data Fusion in Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Lei

Hyperspectral imaging provides the capability of increased sensitivity and discrimination over traditional imaging methods by combining standard digital imaging with spectroscopic methods. For each individual pixel in a hyperspectral image (HSI), a continuous spectrum is sampled as the spectral reflectance/radiance signature to facilitate identification of ground cover and surface material. The abundant spectrum knowledge allows all available information from the data to be mined. The superior qualities within hyperspectral imaging allow wide applications such as mineral exploration, agriculture monitoring, and ecological surveillance, etc. The processing of massive high-dimensional HSI datasets is a challenge since many data processing techniques have a computational complexity that grows exponentially with the dimension. Besides, a HSI dataset may contain a limited number of degrees of freedom due to the high correlations between data points and among the spectra. On the other hand, merely taking advantage of the sampled spectrum of individual HSI data point may produce inaccurate results due to the mixed nature of raw HSI data, such as mixed pixels, optical interferences and etc. Fusion strategies are widely adopted in data processing to achieve better performance, especially in the field of classification and clustering. There are mainly three types of fusion strategies, namely low-level data fusion, intermediate-level feature fusion, and high-level decision fusion. Low-level data fusion combines multi-source data that is expected to be complementary or cooperative. Intermediate-level feature fusion aims at selection and combination of features to remove redundant information. Decision level fusion exploits a set of classifiers to provide more accurate results. The fusion strategies have wide applications including HSI data processing. With the fast development of multiple remote sensing modalities, e.g. Very High Resolution (VHR) optical sensors, LiDAR, etc., fusion of multi-source data can in principal produce more detailed information than each single source. On the other hand, besides the abundant spectral information contained in HSI data, features such as texture and shape may be employed to represent data points from a spatial perspective. Furthermore, feature fusion also includes the strategy of removing redundant and noisy features in the dataset. One of the major problems in machine learning and pattern recognition is to develop appropriate representations for complex nonlinear data. In HSI processing, a particular data point is usually described as a vector with coordinates corresponding to the intensities measured in the spectral bands. This vector representation permits the application of linear and nonlinear transformations with linear algebra to find an alternative representation of the data. More generally, HSI is multi-dimensional in nature and the vector representation may lose the contextual correlations. Tensor representation provides a more sophisticated modeling technique and a higher-order generalization to linear subspace analysis. In graph theory, data points can be generalized as nodes with connectivities measured from the proximity of a local neighborhood. The graph-based framework efficiently characterizes the relationships among the data and allows for convenient mathematical manipulation in many applications, such as data clustering, feature extraction, feature selection and data alignment. In this thesis, graph-based approaches applied in the field of multi-source feature and data fusion in remote sensing area are explored. We will mainly investigate the fusion of spatial, spectral and LiDAR information with linear and multilinear algebra under graph-based framework for data clustering and classification problems.

Neutron transport-burnup code MCORGS and its application in fusion fission hybrid blanket conceptual research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Xue-Ming; Peng, Xian-Jue

2016-09-01

Fusion science and technology has made progress in the last decades. However, commercialization of fusion reactors still faces challenges relating to higher fusion energy gain, irradiation-resistant material, and tritium self-sufficiency. Fusion Fission Hybrid Reactors (FFHR) can be introduced to accelerate the early application of fusion energy. Traditionally, FFHRs have been classified as either breeders or transmuters. Both need partition of plutonium from spent fuel, which will pose nuclear proliferation risks. A conceptual design of a Fusion Fission Hybrid Reactor for Energy (FFHR-E), which can make full use of natural uranium with lower nuclear proliferation risk, is presented. The fusion core parameters are similar to those of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. An alloy of natural uranium and zirconium is adopted in the fission blanket, which is cooled by light water. In order to model blanket burnup problems, a linkage code MCORGS, which couples MCNP4B and ORIGEN-S, is developed and validated through several typical benchmarks. The average blanket energy Multiplication and Tritium Breeding Ratio can be maintained at 10 and 1.15 respectively over tens of years of continuous irradiation. If simple reprocessing without separation of plutonium from uranium is adopted every few years, FFHR-E can achieve better neutronic performance. MCORGS has also been used to analyze the ultra-deep burnup model of Laser Inertial Confinement Fusion Fission Energy (LIFE) from LLNL, and a new blanket design that uses Pb instead of Be as the neutron multiplier is proposed. In addition, MCORGS has been used to simulate the fluid transmuter model of the In-Zinerater from Sandia. A brief comparison of LIFE, In-Zinerater, and FFHR-E will be given.

The use of a multidimensional space for fusion candidate representation in a maritime domain awareness application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefebvre, Eric; Helleur, Christopher; Kashyap, Nathan

2008-03-01

Maritime surveillance of coastal regions requires operational staff to integrate a large amount of information from a variety of military and civilian sources. The diverse nature of the information sources makes complete automation difficult. The volume of vessels tracked and the number of sources makes it difficult for the limited operation centre staff to fuse all the information manually within a reasonable timeframe. In this paper, a conceptual decision space is proposed to provide a framework for automating the process of operators integrating the sources needed to maintain Maritime Domain Awareness. The decision space contains all potential pairs of ship tracks that are candidates for fusion. The location of the candidate pairs in this defined space depends on the value of the parameters used to make a decision. In the application presented, three independent parameters are used: the source detection efficiency, the geo-feasibility, and the track quality. One of three decisions is applied to each candidate track pair based on these three parameters: 1. to accept the fusion, in which case tracks are fused in one track, 2. to reject the fusion, in which case the candidate track pair is removed from the list of potential fusion, and 3. to defer the fusion, in which case no fusion occurs but the candidate track pair remains in the list of potential fusion until sufficient information is provided. This paper demonstrates in an operational setting how a proposed conceptual space is used to optimize the different thresholds for automatic fusion decision while minimizing the list of unresolved cases when the decision is left to the operator.

Applications of Fusion Energy Sciences Research - Scientific Discoveries and New Technologies Beyond Fusion

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

Wendt, Amy; Callis, Richard; Efthimion, Philip

Since the 1950s, scientists and engineers in the U.S. and around the world have worked hard to make an elusive goal to be achieved on Earth: harnessing the reaction that fuels the stars, namely fusion. Practical fusion would be a source of energy that is unlimited, safe, environmentally benign, available to all nations and not dependent on climate or the whims of the weather. Significant resources, most notably from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), have been devoted to pursuing that dream, and significant progress is being made in turning it into a reality.more » However, that is only part of the story. The process of creating a fusion-based energy supply on Earth has led to technological and scientific achievements of far-reaching impact that touch every aspect of our lives. Those largely unanticipated advances, spanning a wide variety of fields in science and technology, are the focus of this report. There are many synergies between research in plasma physics (the study of charged particles and fluids interacting with self-consistent electric and magnetic fields), high-energy physics, and condensed matter physics dating back many decades. For instance, the formulation of a mathematical theory of solitons, solitary waves which are seen in everything from plasmas to water waves to Bose-Einstein Condensates, has led to an equal span of applications, including the fields of optics, fluid mechanics and biophysics. Another example, the development of a precise criterion for transition to chaos in Hamiltonian systems, has offered insights into a range of phenomena including planetary orbits, two-person games and changes in the weather. Seven distinct areas of fusion energy sciences were identified and reviewed which have had a recent impact on fields of science, technology and engineering not directly associated with fusion energy: Basic plasma science; Low temperature plasmas; Space and astrophysical plasmas; High energy density laboratory plasmas and inertial fusion energy; Particle accelerator technology; Fusion nuclear science; and Magnetically confined plasmas. Individual sections within the report summarize applications associated with each of these areas. These sections were also informed by a survey that went out to the community, and the subcommittee wishes to thank those who responded, as well as to the national labs and universities that contributed photographs.« less

Inertial-confinement fusion with lasers

DOE PAGES

Betti, R.; Hurricane, O. A.

2016-05-03

The quest for controlled fusion energy has been ongoing for over a half century. The demonstration of ignition and energy gain from thermonuclear fuels in the laboratory has been a major goal of fusion research for decades. Thermonuclear ignition is widely considered a milestone in the development of fusion energy, as well as a major scientific achievement with important applications to national security and basic sciences. The U.S. is arguably the world leader in the inertial con fment approach to fusion and has invested in large facilities to pursue it with the objective of establishing the science related to themore » safety and reliability of the stockpile of nuclear weapons. Even though significant progress has been made in recent years, major challenges still remain in the quest for thermonuclear ignition via laser fusion.« less

[Possibilities of sonographic image fusion: Current developments].

PubMed

Jung, E M; Clevert, D-A

2015-11-01

For diagnostic and interventional procedures ultrasound (US) image fusion can be used as a complementary imaging technique. Image fusion has the advantage of real time imaging and can be combined with other cross-sectional imaging techniques. With the introduction of US contrast agents sonography and image fusion have gained more importance in the detection and characterization of liver lesions. Fusion of US images with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates the diagnostics and postinterventional therapy control. In addition to the primary application of image fusion in the diagnosis and treatment of liver lesions, there are more useful indications for contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in routine clinical diagnostic procedures, such as intraoperative US (IOUS), vascular imaging and diagnostics of other organs, such as the kidneys and prostate gland.

Computer-aided endovascular aortic repair using fully automated two- and three-dimensional fusion imaging.

PubMed

Panuccio, Giuseppe; Torsello, Giovanni Federico; Pfister, Markus; Bisdas, Theodosios; Bosiers, Michel J; Torsello, Giovanni; Austermann, Martin

2016-12-01

To assess the usability of a fully automated fusion imaging engine prototype, matching preinterventional computed tomography with intraoperative fluoroscopic angiography during endovascular aortic repair. From June 2014 to February 2015, all patients treated electively for abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysms were enrolled prospectively. Before each procedure, preoperative planning was performed with a fully automated fusion engine prototype based on computed tomography angiography, creating a mesh model of the aorta. In a second step, this three-dimensional dataset was registered with the two-dimensional intraoperative fluoroscopy. The main outcome measure was the applicability of the fully automated fusion engine. Secondary outcomes were freedom from failure of automatic segmentation or of the automatic registration as well as accuracy of the mesh model, measuring deviations from intraoperative angiography in millimeters, if applicable. Twenty-five patients were enrolled in this study. The fusion imaging engine could be used in successfully 92% of the cases (n = 23). Freedom from failure of automatic segmentation was 44% (n = 11). The freedom from failure of the automatic registration was 76% (n = 19), the median error of the automatic registration process was 0 mm (interquartile range, 0-5 mm). The fully automated fusion imaging engine was found to be applicable in most cases, albeit in several cases a fully automated data processing was not possible, requiring manual intervention. The accuracy of the automatic registration yielded excellent results and promises a useful and simple to use technology. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inertial-confinement fusion with lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betti, R.; Hurricane, O. A.

2016-05-01

The quest for controlled fusion energy has been ongoing for over a half century. The demonstration of ignition and energy gain from thermonuclear fuels in the laboratory has been a major goal of fusion research for decades. Thermonuclear ignition is widely considered a milestone in the development of fusion energy, as well as a major scientific achievement with important applications in national security and basic sciences. The US is arguably the world leader in the inertial confinement approach to fusion and has invested in large facilities to pursue it, with the objective of establishing the science related to the safety and reliability of the stockpile of nuclear weapons. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, major challenges still remain in the quest for thermonuclear ignition via laser fusion. Here, we review the current state of the art in inertial confinement fusion research and describe the underlying physical principles.

The HALNA project: Diode-pumped solid-state laser for inertial fusion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawashima, T.; Ikegawa, T.; Kawanaka, J.; Miyanaga, N.; Nakatsuka, M.; Izawa, Y.; Matsumoto, O.; Yasuhara, R.; Kurita, T.; Sekine, T.; Miyamoto, M.; Kan, H.; Furukawa, H.; Motokoshi, S.; Kanabe, T.

2006-06-01

High-enery, rep.-rated, diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) is one of leading candidates for inertial fusion energy driver (IFE) and related laser-driven high-field applications. The project for the development of IFE laser driver in Japan, HALNA (High Average-power Laser for Nuclear Fusion Application) at ILE, Osaka University, aims to demonstrate 100-J pulse energy at 10 Hz rep. rate with 5 times diffraction limited beam quality. In this article, the advanced solid-state laser technologies for one half scale of HALNA (50 J, 10 Hz) are presented including thermally managed slab amplifier of Nd:phosphate glass and zig-zag optical geometry, and uniform, large-area diode-pumping.

Overview of FAR-TECH's magnetic fusion energy research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin-Soo; Bogatu, I. N.; Galkin, S. A.; Spencer, J. Andrew; Svidzinski, V. A.; Zhao, L.

2017-10-01

FAR-TECH, Inc. has been working on magnetic fusion energy research over two-decades. During the years, we have developed unique approaches to help understanding the physics, and resolving issues in magnetic fusion energy. The specific areas of work have been in modeling RF waves in plasmas, MHD modeling and mode-identification, and nano-particle plasma jet and its application to disruption mitigation. Our research highlights in recent years will be presented with examples, specifically, developments of FullWave (Full Wave RF code), PMARS (Parallelized MARS code), and HEM (Hybrid ElectroMagnetic code). In addition, nano-particle plasma-jet (NPPJ) and its application for disruption mitigation will be presented. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles as modulators of lipid membrane fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahir, Mukarram; Alexander-Katz, Alfredo

The fusion of lipid membranes is central to biological functions like inter-cellular transport and signaling and is coordinated by proteins of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) superfamily. We utilize molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that gold nanoparticles functionalized with a mixed-monolayer of hydrophobic and hydrophilic alkanethiol ligands can act as synthetic analogues of these fusion proteins and mediate lipid membrane fusion by catalyzing the formation of a toroidal stalk between adjacent membranes and enabling the formation of a fusion pore upon influx of Ca2+ into the exterior solvent. The fusion pathway enabled by these synthetic nanostructures is analogous to the regulated fast fusion pathway observed during synaptic vesicle fusion; it therefore provides novel physical insights into this important biological process while also being relevant in a number of single-cell therapeutic applications. Computational resources from NSF XSEDE contract TG-DMR130042. Financial support from DOE CSGF fellowship DE-FG02-97ER25308.

Integrative Multi-Spectral Sensor Device for Far-Infrared and Visible Light Fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Tiezhu; Chen, Lulu; Pang, Yusong; Yan, Gaowei

2018-06-01

Infrared and visible light image fusion technology is a hot spot in the research of multi-sensor fusion technology in recent years. Existing infrared and visible light fusion technologies need to register before fusion because of using two cameras. However, the application effect of the registration technology has yet to be improved. Hence, a novel integrative multi-spectral sensor device is proposed for infrared and visible light fusion, and by using the beam splitter prism, the coaxial light incident from the same lens is projected to the infrared charge coupled device (CCD) and visible light CCD, respectively. In this paper, the imaging mechanism of the proposed sensor device is studied with the process of the signals acquisition and fusion. The simulation experiment, which involves the entire process of the optic system, signal acquisition, and signal fusion, is constructed based on imaging effect model. Additionally, the quality evaluation index is adopted to analyze the simulation result. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed sensor device is effective and feasible.

[An improved medical image fusion algorithm and quality evaluation].

PubMed

Chen, Meiling; Tao, Ling; Qian, Zhiyu

2009-08-01

Medical image fusion is of very important value for application in medical image analysis and diagnosis. In this paper, the conventional method of wavelet fusion is improved,so a new algorithm of medical image fusion is presented and the high frequency and low frequency coefficients are studied respectively. When high frequency coefficients are chosen, the regional edge intensities of each sub-image are calculated to realize adaptive fusion. The choice of low frequency coefficient is based on the edges of images, so that the fused image preserves all useful information and appears more distinctly. We apply the conventional and the improved fusion algorithms based on wavelet transform to fuse two images of human body and also evaluate the fusion results through a quality evaluation method. Experimental results show that this algorithm can effectively retain the details of information on original images and enhance their edge and texture features. This new algorithm is better than the conventional fusion algorithm based on wavelet transform.

Raman spectroscopic evidence of tissue restructuring in heat-induced tissue fusion.

PubMed

Su, Lei; Cloyd, Kristy L; Arya, Shobhit; Hedegaard, Martin A B; Steele, Joseph A M; Elson, Daniel S; Stevens, Molly M; Hanna, George B

2014-09-01

Heat-induced tissue fusion via radio-frequency (RF) energy has gained wide acceptance clinically and here we present the first optical-Raman-spectroscopy study on tissue fusion samples in vitro. This study provides direct insights into tissue constituent and structural changes on the molecular level, exposing spectroscopic evidence for the loss of distinct collagen fibre rich tissue layers as well as the denaturing and restructuring of collagen crosslinks post RF fusion. These findings open the door for more advanced optical feedback-control methods and characterization during heat-induced tissue fusion, which will lead to new clinical applications of this promising technology. Copyright © 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Perspectives of SiC-Based Ceramic Composites and Their Applications to Fusion Reactors 5.Development of Evaluation and Application Techniques of SiC⁄SiC Composites for Fusion Reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinoki, Tatsuya

Evaluation techniques and mechanical properties of silicon carbide composites (SiC⁄SiC composites) reinforced with highly crystalline fibers are reviewed for fusion applications. The SiC⁄SiC composites used were fabricated by means of the CVI method. The evaluation includes in-plane tensile strength by in-plane tensile test, transthickness tensile strength by transthickness tensile test and diametral compression test and shear strength by compression test using double-notched specimen. All tests were successfully conducted using small specimens for neutron irradiation experiment. As application technique, the novel tungsten(W) coating technique on SiC is reviewed. The W powder melted by high power lamp in a few seconds and formed coating on SiC. No thick reaction layers of WC and W5Si3, which are formed by the other coating methods, were formed by this method.

Optical coatings for laser fusion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowdermilk, W. H.; Milam, D.; Rainer, F.

1980-04-01

Lasers for fusion experiments use thin-film dielectric coatings for reflecting antireflecting and polarizing surface elements. Coatings are most important to the Nd:glass laser application. The most important requirements of these coatings are accuracy of the average value of reflectance and transmission, uniformity of amplitude and phase front of the reflected or transmitted light, and laser damage threshold. Damage resistance strongly affects the laser's design and performance. The success of advanced lasers for future experiments and for reactor applications requires significant developments in damage resistant coatings for ultraviolet laser radiation.

a Comparative Analysis of Spatiotemporal Data Fusion Models for Landsat and Modis Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazaymeh, K.; Almagbile, A.

2018-04-01

In this study, three documented spatiotemporal data fusion models were applied to Landsat-7 and MODIS surface reflectance, and NDVI. The algorithms included the spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM), sparse representation based on a spatiotemporal reflectance fusion model (SPSTFM), and spatiotemporal image-fusion model (STI-FM). The objectives of this study were to (i) compare the performance of these three fusion models using a one Landsat-MODIS spectral reflectance image pairs using time-series datasets from the Coleambally irrigation area in Australia, and (ii) quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of the synthetic images generated from each fusion model using statistical measurements. Results showed that the three fusion models predicted the synthetic Landsat-7 image with adequate agreements. The STI-FM produced more accurate reconstructions of both Landsat-7 spectral bands and NDVI. Furthermore, it produced surface reflectance images having the highest correlation with the actual Landsat-7 images. This study indicated that STI-FM would be more suitable for spatiotemporal data fusion applications such as vegetation monitoring, drought monitoring, and evapotranspiration.

Fusion Safety Program annual report, fiscal year 1994

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longhurst, Glen R.; Cadwallader, Lee C.; Dolan, Thomas J.; Herring, J. Stephen; McCarthy, Kathryn A.; Merrill, Brad J.; Motloch, Chester C.; Petti, David A.

1995-03-01

This report summarizes the major activities of the Fusion Safety Program in fiscal year 1994. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) is the designated lead laboratory and Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company is the prime contractor for this program. The Fusion Safety Program was initiated in 1979. Activities are conducted at the INEL, at other DOE laboratories, and at other institutions, including the University of Wisconsin. The technical areas covered in this report include tritium safety, beryllium safety, chemical reactions and activation product release, safety aspects of fusion magnet systems, plasma disruptions, risk assessment failure rate data base development, and thermalhydraulics code development and their application to fusion safety issues. Much of this work has been done in support of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Also included in the report are summaries of the safety and environmental studies performed by the Fusion Safety Program for the Tokamak Physics Experiment and the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor and of the technical support for commercial fusion facility conceptual design studies. A major activity this year has been work to develop a DOE Technical Standard for the safety of fusion test facilities.

Selected Tracking and Fusion Applications for the Defence and Security Domain

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

SUBTITLE Selected Tracking and Fusion Applications for the Defence and Security Domain 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER...characterized, for example, by sensor ranges from less than a meter to hundreds of kilometers, by time scales ranging from less than second to a few...been carried out within the framework of a multinational technology program called MAJIIC (Multi-Sensor Aerospace-Ground Joint ISR Interoperability

Joint FACET: the Canada-Netherlands initiative to study multisensor data fusion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosse, Eloi; Theil, Arne; Roy, Jean; Huizing, Albert G.; van Aartsen, Simon

1998-09-01

This paper presents the progress of a collaborative effort between Canada and The Netherlands in analyzing multi-sensor data fusion systems, e.g. for potential application to their respective frigates. In view of the overlapping interest in studying and comparing applicability and performance and advanced state-of-the-art Multi-Sensor Data FUsion (MSDF) techniques, the two research establishments involved have decided to join their efforts in the development of MSDF testbeds. This resulted in the so-called Joint-FACET, a highly modular and flexible series of applications that is capable of processing both real and synthetic input data. Joint-FACET allows the user to create and edit test scenarios with multiple ships, sensor and targets, generate realistic sensor outputs, and to process these outputs with a variety of MSDF algorithms. These MSDF algorithms can also be tested using typical experimental data collected during live military exercises.

Context Representation and Fusion: Advancements and Opportunities

PubMed Central

Khattak, Asad Masood; Akbar, Noman; Aazam, Mohammad; Ali, Taqdir; Khan, Adil Mehmood; Jeon, Seokhee; Hwang, Myunggwon; Lee, Sungyoung

2014-01-01

The acceptance and usability of context-aware systems have given them the edge of wide use in various domains and has also attracted the attention of researchers in the area of context-aware computing. Making user context information available to such systems is the center of attention. However, there is very little emphasis given to the process of context representation and context fusion which are integral parts of context-aware systems. Context representation and fusion facilitate in recognizing the dependency/relationship of one data source on another to extract a better understanding of user context. The problem is more critical when data is emerging from heterogeneous sources of diverse nature like sensors, user profiles, and social interactions and also at different timestamps. Both the processes of context representation and fusion are followed in one way or another; however, they are not discussed explicitly for the realization of context-aware systems. In other words most of the context-aware systems underestimate the importance context representation and fusion. This research has explicitly focused on the importance of both the processes of context representation and fusion and has streamlined their existence in the overall architecture of context-aware systems’ design and development. Various applications of context representation and fusion in context-aware systems are also highlighted in this research. A detailed review on both the processes is provided in this research with their applications. Future research directions (challenges) are also highlighted which needs proper attention for the purpose of achieving the goal of realizing context-aware systems. PMID:24887042

High-Efficiency Synthesis of Human α-Endorphin and Magainin in the Erythrocytes of Transgenic Mice: A Production System for Therapeutic Peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Ajay; Khoury-Christianson, Anastasia M.; White, Steven P.; Dhanjal, Nirpal K.; Huang, Wen; Paulhiac, Clara; Friedman, Eric J.; Manjula, Belur N.; Kumar, Ramesh

1994-09-01

Chemical synthesis of peptides, though feasible, is hindered by considerations of cost, purity, and efficiency of synthesizing longer chains. Here we describe a transgenic system for producing peptides of therapeutic interest as fusion proteins at low cost and high purity. Transgenic hemoglobin expression technology using the locus control region was employed to produce fusion hemoglobins in the erythrocytes of mice. The fusion hemoglobin contains the desired peptide as an extension at the C end of human α-globin. A protein cleavage site is inserted between the C end of the α-globin chain and the N-terminal residue of the desired peptide. The peptide is recovered after cleavage of the fusion protein with enzymes that recognize this cleavage signal as their substrate. Due to the selective compartmentalization of hemoglobin in the erythrocytes, purification of the fusion hemoglobin is easy and efficient. Because of its compact and highly ordered structure, the internal sites of hemoglobin are resistant to protease digestion and the desired peptide is efficiently released and recovered. The applicability of this approach was established by producing a 16-mer α-endorphin peptide and a 26-mer magainin peptide in transgenic mice. Transgenic animals and their progeny expressing these fusion proteins remain healthy, even when the fusion protein is expressed at >25% of the total hemoglobin in the erythrocytes. Additional applications and potential improvements of this methodology are discussed.

Gyro Drift Correction for An Indirect Kalman Filter Based Sensor Fusion Driver.

PubMed

Lee, Chan-Gun; Dao, Nhu-Ngoc; Jang, Seonmin; Kim, Deokhwan; Kim, Yonghun; Cho, Sungrae

2016-06-11

Sensor fusion techniques have made a significant contribution to the success of the recently emerging mobile applications era because a variety of mobile applications operate based on multi-sensing information from the surrounding environment, such as navigation systems, fitness trackers, interactive virtual reality games, etc. For these applications, the accuracy of sensing information plays an important role to improve the user experience (UX) quality, especially with gyroscopes and accelerometers. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a novel mechanism to resolve the gyro drift problem, which negatively affects the accuracy of orientation computations in the indirect Kalman filter based sensor fusion. Our mechanism focuses on addressing the issues of external feedback loops and non-gyro error elements contained in the state vectors of an indirect Kalman filter. Moreover, the mechanism is implemented in the device-driver layer, providing lower process latency and transparency capabilities for the upper applications. These advances are relevant to millions of legacy applications since utilizing our mechanism does not require the existing applications to be re-programmed. The experimental results show that the root mean square errors (RMSE) before and after applying our mechanism are significantly reduced from 6.3 × 10(-1) to 5.3 × 10(-7), respectively.

Pansharpening via coupled triple factorization dictionary learning

DOE PAGES

Skau, Erik; Wohlberg, Brendt; Krim, Hamid; ...

2016-03-01

Data fusion is the operation of integrating data from different modalities to construct a single consistent representation. Here, this paper proposes variations of coupled dictionary learning through an additional factorization. One variation of this model is applicable to the pansharpening data fusion problem. Real world pansharpening data was applied to train and test our proposed formulation. The results demonstrate that the data fusion model can successfully be applied to the pan-sharpening problem.

On the Grothendieck rings of equivariant fusion categories

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

Burciu, Sebastian, E-mail: sebastian.burciu@imar.ro

2015-07-15

In this paper, we describe a Mackey type decomposition for group actions on abelian categories. This allows us to define new Mackey functors which associates to any subgroup the K-theory of the corresponding equivariantized abelian category. In the case of an action by tensor autoequivalences, the Mackey functor at the level of Grothendieck rings has a Green functor structure. As an application we give a description of the Grothendieck rings of equivariantized fusion categories under group actions by tensor autoequivalences on graded fusion categories. In this settings, a new formula for the tensor product of any two simple objects ofmore » an equivariantized fusion category is given, simplifying the fusion formula from Burciu and Natale [J. Math. Phys. 54, 013511 (2013)].« less

Fusion of MultiSpectral and Panchromatic Images Based on Morphological Operators.

PubMed

Restaino, Rocco; Vivone, Gemine; Dalla Mura, Mauro; Chanussot, Jocelyn

2016-04-20

Nonlinear decomposition schemes constitute an alternative to classical approaches for facing the problem of data fusion. In this paper we discuss the application of this methodology to a popular remote sensing application called pansharpening, which consists in the fusion of a low resolution multispectral image and a high resolution panchromatic image. We design a complete pansharpening scheme based on the use of morphological half gradients operators and demonstrate the suitability of this algorithm through the comparison with state of the art approaches. Four datasets acquired by the Pleiades, Worldview-2, Ikonos and Geoeye-1 satellites are employed for the performance assessment, testifying the effectiveness of the proposed approach in producing top-class images with a setting independent of the specific sensor.

Status and improvement of CLAM for nuclear application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Qunying

2017-08-01

A program for China low activation martensitic steel (CLAM) development has been underway since 2001 to satisfy the material requirements of the test blanket module (TBM) for ITER, China fusion engineering test reactor and China fusion demonstration reactor. It has been undertaken by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences under wide domestic and international collaborations. Extensive work and efforts are being devoted to the R&D of CLAM, such as mechanical property evaluation before and after neutron irradiation, fabrication of scaled TBM by welding and additive manufacturing, improvement of its irradiation resistance as well as high temperature properties by precipitate strengthening to achieve its final successful application in fusion systems. The status and improvement of CLAM are introduced in this paper.

Hybrid Surgery Combined with Dynamic Stabilization System and Fusion for the Multilevel Degenerative Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine.

PubMed

Lee, Soo Eon; Jahng, Tae-Ahn; Kim, Hyun Jib

2015-01-01

As motion-preserving technique has been developed, the concept of hybrid surgery involves simultaneous application of two different kinds of devices, dynamic stabilization system and fusion technique. In the present study, the application of hybrid surgery for lumbosacral degenerative disease involving two-segments and its long-term outcome were investigated. Fifteen patients with hybrid surgery (Hybrid group) and 10 patients with two-segment fusion (Fusion group) were retrospectively compared. Preoperative grade for disc degeneration was not different between the two groups, and the most common operated segment had the most degenerated disc grade in both groups; L4-5 and L5-S1 in the Hybrid group, and L3-4 and L4-5 in Fusion group. Over 48 months of follow-up, lumbar lordosis and range of motion (ROM) at the T12-S1 global segment were preserved in the Hybrid group, and the segmental ROM at the dynamic stabilized segment maintained at final follow-up. The Fusion group had a significantly decreased global ROM and a decreased segmental ROM with larger angles compared to the Hybrid group. Defining a 2-mm decrease in posterior disc height (PDH) as radiologic adjacent segment pathology (ASP), these changes were observed in 6 and 7 patients in the Hybrid and Fusion group, respectively. However, the last PDH at the above adjacent segment had statistically higher value in Hybrid group. Pain score for back and legs was much reduced in both groups. Functional outcome measured by Oswestry disability index (ODI), however, had better improvement in Hybrid group. Hybrid surgery, combined dynamic stabilization system and fusion, can be effective surgical treatment for multilevel degenerative lumbosacral spinal disease, maintaining lumbar motion and delaying disc degeneration.

Hybrid Surgery Combined with Dynamic Stabilization System and Fusion for the Multilevel Degenerative Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine

PubMed Central

Lee, Soo Eon; Kim, Hyun Jib

2015-01-01

Background As motion-preserving technique has been developed, the concept of hybrid surgery involves simultaneous application of two different kinds of devices, dynamic stabilization system and fusion technique. In the present study, the application of hybrid surgery for lumbosacral degenerative disease involving two-segments and its long-term outcome were investigated. Methods Fifteen patients with hybrid surgery (Hybrid group) and 10 patients with two-segment fusion (Fusion group) were retrospectively compared. Results Preoperative grade for disc degeneration was not different between the two groups, and the most common operated segment had the most degenerated disc grade in both groups; L4-5 and L5-S1 in the Hybrid group, and L3-4 and L4-5 in Fusion group. Over 48 months of follow-up, lumbar lordosis and range of motion (ROM) at the T12-S1 global segment were preserved in the Hybrid group, and the segmental ROM at the dynamic stabilized segment maintained at final follow-up. The Fusion group had a significantly decreased global ROM and a decreased segmental ROM with larger angles compared to the Hybrid group. Defining a 2-mm decrease in posterior disc height (PDH) as radiologic adjacent segment pathology (ASP), these changes were observed in 6 and 7 patients in the Hybrid and Fusion group, respectively. However, the last PDH at the above adjacent segment had statistically higher value in Hybrid group. Pain score for back and legs was much reduced in both groups. Functional outcome measured by Oswestry disability index (ODI), however, had better improvement in Hybrid group. Conclusion Hybrid surgery, combined dynamic stabilization system and fusion, can be effective surgical treatment for multilevel degenerative lumbosacral spinal disease, maintaining lumbar motion and delaying disc degeneration. PMID:26484008

Applications of a Conditional Event Algebra to Data Fusion

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

FUNDING NUMBERS APPLICATIONS OF A CONDITIONAL EVENT ALGEBRA TO DATA FUSION- In-house funding 6. AUTOR(S)C 1. R. Goodman 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME...S) AND ADDRESS(ES) EL C E llk 8. PERFORMING ORGAiIIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(Eq 10. SPONSORING...of the corresponding quantitative descript- D . CO N -R o ion. In effect , this entails choosing both an appropri- SNODE 6 ate relational syntax and a

Physics of Fusion Welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nunes, A. C., Jr.

1986-01-01

Applicabilities and limitations of three techniques analyzed. NASA technical memorandum discusses physics of electron-beam, gas/ tungsten-arc, and laser-beam welding. From comparison of capabilities and limitations of each technique with regard to various welding conditions and materials, possible to develop criteria for selecting best welding technique in specific application. All three techniques classified as fusion welding; small volume of workpiece melted by intense heat source. Heat source moved along seam, leaving in wake solid metal that joins seam edges together.

Progress in Mirror-Based Fusion Neutron Source Development.

PubMed

Anikeev, A V; Bagryansky, P A; Beklemishev, A D; Ivanov, A A; Kolesnikov, E Yu; Korzhavina, M S; Korobeinikova, O A; Lizunov, A A; Maximov, V V; Murakhtin, S V; Pinzhenin, E I; Prikhodko, V V; Soldatkina, E I; Solomakhin, A L; Tsidulko, Yu A; Yakovlev, D V; Yurov, D V

2015-12-04

The Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in worldwide collaboration has developed a project of a 14 MeV neutron source for fusion material studies and other applications. The projected neutron source of the plasma type is based on the gas dynamic trap (GDT), which is a special magnetic mirror system for plasma confinement. Essential progress in plasma parameters has been achieved in recent experiments at the GDT facility in the Budker Institute, which is a hydrogen (deuterium) prototype of the source. Stable confinement of hot-ion plasmas with the relative pressure exceeding 0.5 was demonstrated. The electron temperature was increased up to 0.9 keV in the regime with additional electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) of a moderate power. These parameters are the record for axisymmetric open mirror traps. These achievements elevate the projects of a GDT-based neutron source on a higher level of competitive ability and make it possible to construct a source with parameters suitable for materials testing today. The paper presents the progress in experimental studies and numerical simulations of the mirror-based fusion neutron source and its possible applications including a fusion material test facility and a fusion-fission hybrid system.

Engineering a pharmacologically superior form of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor by fusion with gelatin-like-protein polymer.

PubMed

Huang, Yan-Shan; Wen, Xiao-Fang; Wu, Yi-Liang; Wang, Ye-Fei; Fan, Min; Yang, Zhi-Yu; Liu, Wei; Zhou, Lin-Fu

2010-03-01

The plasma half-life of therapeutic proteins is a critical factor in many clinical applications. Therefore, new strategies to prolong plasma half-life of long-acting peptides and protein drugs are in high demand. Here, we designed an artificial gelatin-like protein (GLK) and fused this hydrophilic GLK polymer to granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to generate a chimeric GLK/G-CSF fusion protein. The genetically engineered recombinant GLK/G-CSF (rGLK/G-CSF) fusion protein was purified from Pichia pastoris. In vitro studies demonstrated that rGLK/G-CSF possessed an enlarged hydrodynamic radius, improved thermal stability and retained full bioactivity compared to unfused G-CSF. Following a single subcutaneous administration to rats, the rGLK/G-CSF fusion protein displayed a slower plasma clearance rate and stimulated greater and longer lasting increases in circulating white blood cells than G-CSF. Our findings indicate that fusion with this artificial, hydrophilic, GLK polymer provides many advantages in the construction of a potent hematopoietic factor with extended plasma half-life. This approach could be easily applied to other therapeutic proteins and have important clinical applications. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PREFACE: The fifth International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications (IFSA2007)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azechi, Hiroshi; Hammel, Bruce; Gauthier, Jean-Claude

2008-06-01

The Fifth International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications (IFSA 2007) was held on 9-14 September 2007 at Kobe International Conference Center in Kobe, Japan. The host organizations for this conference were Osaka University and the Institute of Laser Engineering (ILE) at Osaka University; and co-organized by the Institute Lasers and Plasmas (ILP) in France, the Commissariatá l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) in Japan, and Kansai Photon Science Institute (KPSI), Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The conference objective was to review the state of the art of research in inertial fusion sciences and applications since the last conference held in Biarritz, France, in 2005. 470 abstracts were accepted, and 448 persons from 18 countries attended the conference. These Proceedings contain 287 of the papers presented at IFSA 2007. This collection of papers represents the manuscripts submitted to and passing the peer review process. The program was organized with some specific features: The reviews of influential programs appeared both at the very beginning and at the very end of the Conference to attract attendance throughout the Conference. Each poster session had the same time period as a single oral session, thereby avoiding overlap with oral talks. The everyday program was structured to be as similar as possible so the attendees could easily recognize the program. With a goal of achieving inertial fusion ignition and burn propagation in the laboratory, researchers presented the exciting advances in both traditional hot spot ignition and fast ignition approach, including status report of USA's National Ignition Facility (NIF), French Laser Magajoule (LMJ), Japanese Fast Ignition Realization Experiment (FIREX), and European High Power laser Energy Research (HiPER). A particular emphasis of the meeting was that the `physics of inertial fusion' category was dominated by fast-ignition and related ultra-intense laser interaction. Progress in direct drive over the past few years resulted in the achievement of high-density cryogenic implosions at OMEGA. Continuous progresses in hohlraum physics gave confidence in the achievement of ignition at NIF and LMJ. Advances in Z-pinch included double-hohlraum irradiation symmetry and the PW laser beam for the Z-facility. Progress of laser material development for IFE driver was a very interesting topic of inertial fusion energy drivers, including KrF and DPSSL lasers and particle beams. Of special interest, a future session was focused on strategy of inertial fusion energy development. Laboratory tours were held in the middle of the Conference. The Laser for Fusion EXperiments (LFEX), a new high-energy petawatt laser at ILE, was one of the key attractions of IFSA 2007. 83 participants toured LFEX and GEKKO XII lasers, and 35 joined a tour of KPSA-JAEA. In parallel to the tour, the `Symposium on Academics-Industries Cooperation for Applications of High-Power Lasers' was held with more than 90 participants mostly from the industrial community. These Proceedings start with special chapters on the keynote and focus speeches and the Teller lectures. The keynotes and focus give an overview of progress in inertial fusion in Asia, North America, and Europe. The Teller lectures show the contributions of this year's two winners: Brian Thomas of AWE, UK and Kunioki Mima of ILE. The remainder of the Proceedings is divided into three parts. Part A covers the physics of inertial fusion; Part B covers laser, particle beams, and fusion technology including IFE reactors and target fabrication; and Part C covers science and technology applications such as laboratory astrophysics, laser particle acceleration, x-ray and EUV sources, and new applications of intense lasers. These parts are further divided into chapters covering specific areas of science or technology. Within each chapter the talks relevant to that subject are gathered. The IFSA International Organizing Committee and Scientific Advisory Board appreciate the efforts of inertial fusion researchers worldwide in making IFSA 2007 an extremely successful conference. The proceedings were published with the support of Dr Y Sakawa, Dr H Homma, Ms S Karasuyama, Ms M Odagiri, and Ms I Kobatake. Kunioki Mima Co-chair Hiroshi Azechi Technical Program Committee Co-chair John Lindl Co-chair Bruce Hammel Technical Program Committee Co-chair Christine Labaune Co-chair Jean-Claude Gauthier Technical Program Committee Co-chair

Control of plasma stored energy for burn control using DIII-D in-vessel coils

DOE PAGES

Hawryluk, Richard J.; Eidietis, Nicholas W.; Grierson, Brian A.; ...

2015-04-09

A new approach has been experimentally demonstrated to control the stored energy by applying a non-axisymmetric magnetic field using the DIII-D in-vessel coils to modify the energy confinement time. In future burning plasma experiments as well as magnetic fusion energy power plants, various concepts have been proposed to control the fusion power. The fusion power in a power plant operating at high gain can be related to the plasma stored energy and hence, is a strong function of the energy confinement time. Thus, an actuator that modifies the confinement time can be used to adjust the fusion power. In relativelymore » low collisionality DIII-D discharges, the application of nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields results in a decrease in confinement time and density pumpout. Furthermore, gas puffing was used to compensate the density pumpout in the pedestal while control of the stored energy was demonstrated by the application of non-axisymmetric fields.« less

Multilocality and fusion rules on the generalized structure functions in two-dimensional and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes turbulence.

PubMed

Gkioulekas, Eleftherios

2016-09-01

Using the fusion-rules hypothesis for three-dimensional and two-dimensional Navier-Stokes turbulence, we generalize a previous nonperturbative locality proof to multiple applications of the nonlinear interactions operator on generalized structure functions of velocity differences. We call this generalization of nonperturbative locality to multiple applications of the nonlinear interactions operator "multilocality." The resulting cross terms pose a new challenge requiring a new argument and the introduction of a new fusion rule that takes advantage of rotational symmetry. Our main result is that the fusion-rules hypothesis implies both locality and multilocality in both the IR and UV limits for the downscale energy cascade of three-dimensional Navier-Stokes turbulence and the downscale enstrophy cascade and inverse energy cascade of two-dimensional Navier-Stokes turbulence. We stress that these claims relate to nonperturbative locality of generalized structure functions on all orders and not the term-by-term perturbative locality of diagrammatic theories or closure models that involve only two-point correlation and response functions.

Segmentation by fusion of histogram-based k-means clusters in different color spaces.

PubMed

Mignotte, Max

2008-05-01

This paper presents a new, simple, and efficient segmentation approach, based on a fusion procedure which aims at combining several segmentation maps associated to simpler partition models in order to finally get a more reliable and accurate segmentation result. The different label fields to be fused in our application are given by the same and simple (K-means based) clustering technique on an input image expressed in different color spaces. Our fusion strategy aims at combining these segmentation maps with a final clustering procedure using as input features, the local histogram of the class labels, previously estimated and associated to each site and for all these initial partitions. This fusion framework remains simple to implement, fast, general enough to be applied to various computer vision applications (e.g., motion detection and segmentation), and has been successfully applied on the Berkeley image database. The experiments herein reported in this paper illustrate the potential of this approach compared to the state-of-the-art segmentation methods recently proposed in the literature.

Femtosecond spectroscopy probes the folding quality of antibody fragments expressed as GFP fusions in the cytoplasm

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

Didier, P.; Weiss, E.; Sibler, A.-P.

2008-02-22

Time-resolved femtosecond spectroscopy can improve the application of green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) as protein-folding reporters. The study of ultrafast excited-state dynamics (ESD) of GFP fused to single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody fragments, allowed us to define and measure an empirical parameter that only depends on the folding quality (FQ) of the fusion. This method has been applied to the analysis of genetic fusions expressed in the bacterial cytoplasm and allowed us to distinguish folded and thus functional antibody fragments (high FQ) with respect to misfolded antibody fragments. Moreover, these findings were strongly correlated to the behavior of the samemore » scFvs expressed in animal cells. This method is based on the sensitivity of the ESD to the modifications in the tertiary structure of the GFP induced by the aggregation state of the fusion partner. This approach may be applicable to the study of the FQ of polypeptides over-expressed under reducing conditions.« less

The NASA-Lewis program on fusion energy for space power and propulsion, 1958-1978

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulze, Norman R.; Roth, J. Reece

1990-01-01

An historical synopsis is provided of the NASA-Lewis research program on fusion energy for space power and propulsion systems. It was initiated to explore the potential applications of fusion energy to space power and propulsion systems. Some fusion related accomplishments and program areas covered include: basic research on the Electric Field Bumpy Torus (EFBT) magnetoelectric fusion containment concept, including identification of its radial transport mechanism and confinement time scaling; operation of the Pilot Rig mirror machine, the first superconducting magnet facility to be used in plasma physics or fusion research; operation of the Superconducting Bumpy Torus magnet facility, first used to generate a toroidal magnetic field; steady state production of neutrons from DD reactions; studies of the direct conversion of plasma enthalpy to thrust by a direct fusion rocket via propellant addition and magnetic nozzles; power and propulsion system studies, including D(3)He power balance, neutron shielding, and refrigeration requirements; and development of large volume, high field superconducting and cryogenic magnet technology.

Conference Report on the 4rd International Symposium on Lithium Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabares, F. L.; Hirooka, Y.; Maingi, R.; Mazzitelli, G.; Mirnov, V.; Nygren, R.; Ono, M.; Ruzic, D. N.

2016-12-01

The fourth International Symposium on Liquid Metal Application for Fusion Devices (ISLA-2015) was held on 28-30 September 2015 at Granada, Spain, with growing participation and interest from the community working on general aspects of liquid metal research for fusion energy development. The ISLA symposia remain the largest, and arguably, the most important meetings dedicated to liquid metal application for the magnetic fusion research. Overall, 43 presentations plus 7 posters were given, representing 28 institutions from 12 countries. The latest experimental results from 9 magnetic fusion devices were given in 17 presentations from NSTX and LTX (PPPL, USA), FTU (ENEA, Italy), T-11M (Trinity, RF), T-10 (Kurchatov Institute, RF), TJ-II (CIEMAT, Spain), EAST (ASIPP, China), HT-7 (ASIPP, China), DIII-D (GA, USA), ISTTOK (IPFN, Portugal) and KTM (NNC RK, Kazakhstan). Sessions were devoted to the following: (I) liquid metals (LM) in magnetic confinement experiments (facility overviews), (II) LM in magnetic confinement experiments (topical issues), (III) laboratory experiments, (IV) LM tests in linear plasma devices, (V) LM theory/modeling (VI) LM technology and (VII) a special session on lithium-safety and lithium handling. There were contributions from fusion technology communities including IFMIF and TBM, which provided productive exchanges with physics-oriented magnetic confinement liquid metal research groups. This international workshop will continue on a biennial basis (alternating with the Plasma-Surface Interactions (PSI) Conference), with the next workshop scheduled for Moscow, Russian Federation, in 2017.

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

Mazzitelli, Guiseppe; Hirooka, Y.; Hu, J. S.

The third International Symposium on Lithium Application for Fusion Device (ISLA-2013) was held on 9-11 October 2013 at ENEA Frascati Centre with growing participation and interest from the community working on more general aspect of liquid metal research for fusion energy development. ISLA-2013 has been confirmed to be the largest and the most important meeting dedicated to liquid metal application for the magnetic fusion research. Overall, 45 presentation plus 5 posters were given, representing 28 institutions from 11 countries. The latest experimental results from nine magnetic fusion devices were presented in 16 presentations from NSTX (PPPL, USA), FTU (ENEA, Italy),more » T-11M (Trinity, RF), T-10 (Kurchatov Institute, RF), TJ-II (CIEMAT, Spain), EAST(ASIPP, China), HT-7 (ASIPP, China), RFX (Padova, Italy), KTM (NNC RK, Kazakhstan). Sessions were devoted to the following: (I) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (facility overviews), (II) lithium in magnetic confinement experiments (topical issues), (III) special session on liquid lithium technology, (IV) lithium laboratory test stands, (V) Lithium theory/modelling/comments, (VI) innovative lithium applications and (VII) special Session on lithium-safety and lithium handling. There was a wide participation from the fusion technology communities, including IFMIF and TBM communities providing productive exchange with the physics oriented magnetic confinement liquid metal research groups. Furthermore, this international workshop will continue on a biennial basis (alternating with the Plasma-Surface Interactions (PSI) Conference) and the next workshop will be held at CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain, in 2015.« less

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

DOE PAGES

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.; ...

2017-06-09

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniquesmore » to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. In conclusion, material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.« less

Virtually-augmented interfaces for tactical aircraft.

PubMed

Haas, M W

1995-05-01

The term Fusion Interface is defined as a class of interface which integrally incorporates both virtual and non-virtual concepts and devices across the visual, auditory and haptic sensory modalities. A fusion interface is a multi-sensory virtually-augmented synthetic environment. A new facility has been developed within the Human Engineering Division of the Armstrong Laboratory dedicated to exploratory development of fusion-interface concepts. One of the virtual concepts to be investigated in the Fusion Interfaces for Tactical Environments facility (FITE) is the application of EEG and other physiological measures for virtual control of functions within the flight environment. FITE is a specialized flight simulator which allows efficient concept development through the use of rapid prototyping followed by direct experience of new fusion concepts. The FITE facility also supports evaluation of fusion concepts by operational fighter pilots in a high fidelity simulated air combat environment. The facility was utilized by a multi-disciplinary team composed of operational pilots, human-factors engineers, electronics engineers, computer scientists, and experimental psychologists to prototype and evaluate the first multi-sensory, virtually-augmented cockpit. The cockpit employed LCD-based head-down displays, a helmet-mounted display, three-dimensionally localized audio displays, and a haptic display. This paper will endeavor to describe the FITE facility architecture, some of the characteristics of the FITE virtual display and control devices, and the potential application of EEG and other physiological measures within the FITE facility.

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

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

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniquesmore » to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. In conclusion, material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.« less

Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins for improving efficacy and safety of cancer therapy.

PubMed

Valedkarimi, Zahra; Nasiri, Hadi; Aghebati-Maleki, Leili; Majidi, Jafar

2017-11-01

Cytokines are key players in the regulation of immune responses both in physiological and pathological states. A number of cytokines have been evaluated in clinical trials and shown promising results in the treatment of different malignancies. Despite this, the clinical application of these molecules may be plagued by undesirable side effects The development of recombinant antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, which offer a means for target delivery of cytokines toward the tumor site, has significantly improved the therapeutic index of these immunomodulatory molecules. Selective tumor localization is provided by the monoclonal antibody component of the fusion protein that binds to the molecules present on the surface of tumor cells or accumulated preferentially in the diseased site. In this manner, the cytokine element is specifically located at the tumor site and can stimulate immune cells with appropriate cytokine receptors. Over the recent years, several antibody-cytokine fusion proteins have been developed with the capacity to target a wide variety of cancers whose application, in some cases, has led to complete rejection of the tumor. These findings support the notion that antibody-cytokine fusion proteins represent huge potential for cancer therapy. This review presents an overview of the advances made in the field of targeted cytokine delivery, which is made possible by genetically engineering antibody-cytokine fusion proteins. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Gold nanoprobe functionalized with specific fusion protein selection from phage display and its application in rapid, selective and sensitive colorimetric biosensing of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Liu, Pei; Han, Lei; Wang, Fei; Petrenko, Valery A; Liu, Aihua

2016-08-15

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most ubiquitous pathogens in public healthcare worldwide. It holds great insterest in establishing robust analytical method for S. aureus. Herein, we report a S. aureus-specific recognition element, isolated from phage monoclone GQTTLTTS, which was selected from f8/8 landscape phage library against S. aureus in a high-throughput way. By functionalizing cysteamine (CS)-stabilized gold nanoparticles (CS-AuNPs) with S. aureus-specific pVIII fusion protein (fusion-pVIII), a bifunctional nanoprobe (CS-AuNPs@fusion-pVIII) for S. aureus was developed. In this strategy, the CS-AuNPs@fusion-pVIII could be induced to aggregate quickly in the presence of target S. aureus, resulting in a rapid colorimetric response of gold nanoparticles. More importantly, the as-designed probe exhibited excellent selectivity over other bacteria. Thus, the CS-AuNPs@fusion-pVIII could be used as the indicator of target S. aureus. This assay can detect as low as 19CFUmL(-1)S. aureus within 30min. Further, this approach can be applicable to detect S. aureus in real water samples. Due to its sensitivity, specificity and rapidness, this proposed method is promising for on-site testing of S. aureus without using any costly instruments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bringing functions together with fusion enzymes--from nature's inventions to biotechnological applications.

PubMed

Elleuche, Skander

2015-02-01

It is a mammoth task to develop a modular protein toolbox enabling the production of posttranslational organized multifunctional enzymes that catalyze reactions in complex pathways. However, nature has always guided scientists to mimic evolutionary inventions in the laboratory and, nowadays, versatile methods have been established to experimentally connect enzymatic activities with multiple advantages. Among the oldest known natural examples is the linkage of two or more juxtaposed proteins catalyzing consecutive, non-consecutive, or opposing reactions by a native peptide bond. There are multiple reasons for the artificial construction of such fusion enzymes including improved catalytic activities, enabled substrate channelling by proximity of biocatalysts, higher stabilities, and cheaper production processes. To produce fused proteins, it is either possible to genetically fuse coding open reading frames or to connect proteins in a posttranslational process. Molecular biology techniques that have been established for the production of end-to-end or insertional fusions include overlap extension polymerase chain reaction, cloning, and recombination approaches. Depending on their flexibility and applicability, these methods offer various advantages to produce fusion genes in high throughput, different orientations, and including linker sequences to maximize the flexibility and performance of fusion partners. In this review, practical techniques to fuse genes are highlighted, enzymatic parameters to choose adequate enzymes for fusion approaches are summarized, and examples with biotechnological relevance are presented including a focus on plant biomass-degrading glycosyl hydrolases.

Development of next generation tempered and ODS reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion energy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinkle, S. J.; Boutard, J. L.; Hoelzer, D. T.; Kimura, A.; Lindau, R.; Odette, G. R.; Rieth, M.; Tan, L.; Tanigawa, H.

2017-09-01

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are currently the most technologically mature option for the structural material of proposed fusion energy reactors. Advanced next-generation higher performance steels offer the opportunity for improvements in fusion reactor operational lifetime and reliability, superior neutron radiation damage resistance, higher thermodynamic efficiency, and reduced construction costs. The two main strategies for developing improved steels for fusion energy applications are based on (1) an evolutionary pathway using computational thermodynamics modelling and modified thermomechanical treatments (TMT) to produce higher performance reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels and (2) a higher risk, potentially higher payoff approach based on powder metallurgy techniques to produce very high strength oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels capable of operation to very high temperatures and with potentially very high resistance to fusion neutron-induced property degradation. The current development status of these next-generation high performance steels is summarized, and research and development challenges for the successful development of these materials are outlined. Material properties including temperature-dependent uniaxial yield strengths, tensile elongations, high-temperature thermal creep, Charpy impact ductile to brittle transient temperature (DBTT) and fracture toughness behaviour, and neutron irradiation-induced low-temperature hardening and embrittlement and intermediate-temperature volumetric void swelling (including effects associated with fusion-relevant helium and hydrogen generation) are described for research heats of the new steels.

An Extension to Deng's Entropy in the Open World Assumption with an Application in Sensor Data Fusion.

PubMed

Tang, Yongchuan; Zhou, Deyun; Chan, Felix T S

2018-06-11

Quantification of uncertain degree in the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (DST) framework with belief entropy is still an open issue, even a blank field for the open world assumption. Currently, the existed uncertainty measures in the DST framework are limited to the closed world where the frame of discernment (FOD) is assumed to be complete. To address this issue, this paper focuses on extending a belief entropy to the open world by considering the uncertain information represented as the FOD and the nonzero mass function of the empty set simultaneously. An extension to Deng’s entropy in the open world assumption (EDEOW) is proposed as a generalization of the Deng’s entropy and it can be degenerated to the Deng entropy in the closed world wherever necessary. In order to test the reasonability and effectiveness of the extended belief entropy, an EDEOW-based information fusion approach is proposed and applied to sensor data fusion under uncertainty circumstance. The experimental results verify the usefulness and applicability of the extended measure as well as the modified sensor data fusion method. In addition, a few open issues still exist in the current work: the necessary properties for a belief entropy in the open world assumption, whether there exists a belief entropy that satisfies all the existed properties, and what is the most proper fusion frame for sensor data fusion under uncertainty.

An Approach to Automated Fusion System Design and Adaptation

PubMed Central

Fritze, Alexander; Mönks, Uwe; Holst, Christoph-Alexander; Lohweg, Volker

2017-01-01

Industrial applications are in transition towards modular and flexible architectures that are capable of self-configuration and -optimisation. This is due to the demand of mass customisation and the increasing complexity of industrial systems. The conversion to modular systems is related to challenges in all disciplines. Consequently, diverse tasks such as information processing, extensive networking, or system monitoring using sensor and information fusion systems need to be reconsidered. The focus of this contribution is on distributed sensor and information fusion systems for system monitoring, which must reflect the increasing flexibility of fusion systems. This contribution thus proposes an approach, which relies on a network of self-descriptive intelligent sensor nodes, for the automatic design and update of sensor and information fusion systems. This article encompasses the fusion system configuration and adaptation as well as communication aspects. Manual interaction with the flexibly changing system is reduced to a minimum. PMID:28300762

Visualization of multi-INT fusion data using Java Viewer (JVIEW)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blasch, Erik; Aved, Alex; Nagy, James; Scott, Stephen

2014-05-01

Visualization is important for multi-intelligence fusion and we demonstrate issues for presenting physics-derived (i.e., hard) and human-derived (i.e., soft) fusion results. Physics-derived solutions (e.g., imagery) typically involve sensor measurements that are objective, while human-derived (e.g., text) typically involve language processing. Both results can be geographically displayed for user-machine fusion. Attributes of an effective and efficient display are not well understood, so we demonstrate issues and results for filtering, correlation, and association of data for users - be they operators or analysts. Operators require near-real time solutions while analysts have the opportunities of non-real time solutions for forensic analysis. In a use case, we demonstrate examples using the JVIEW concept that has been applied to piloting, space situation awareness, and cyber analysis. Using the open-source JVIEW software, we showcase a big data solution for multi-intelligence fusion application for context-enhanced information fusion.

Ion distribution in the hot spot of an inertial confinement fusion plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xianzhu; Guo, Zehua; Berk, Herb

2012-10-01

Maximizing the fusion gain of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) for inertial fusion energy (IFE) applications leads to the standard scenario of central hot spot ignition followed by propagating burn wave through the cold/dense assembled fuel. The fact that the hot spot is surrounded by cold but dense fuel layer introduces subtle plasma physics which requires a kinetic description. Here we perform Fokker-Planck calculations and kinetic PIC simulations for an ICF plasma initially in pressure balance but having large temperature gradient over a narrow transition layer. The loss of the fast ion tail from the hot spot, which is important for fusion reactivity, is quantified by Fokker-Planck models. The role of electron energy transport and the ambipolar electric field is investigated via kinetic simulations and the fluid moment models. The net effect on both hot spot ion temperature and the ion tail distribution, and hence the fusion reactivity, is elucidated.

An Approach to Automated Fusion System Design and Adaptation.

PubMed

Fritze, Alexander; Mönks, Uwe; Holst, Christoph-Alexander; Lohweg, Volker

2017-03-16

Industrial applications are in transition towards modular and flexible architectures that are capable of self-configuration and -optimisation. This is due to the demand of mass customisation and the increasing complexity of industrial systems. The conversion to modular systems is related to challenges in all disciplines. Consequently, diverse tasks such as information processing, extensive networking, or system monitoring using sensor and information fusion systems need to be reconsidered. The focus of this contribution is on distributed sensor and information fusion systems for system monitoring, which must reflect the increasing flexibility of fusion systems. This contribution thus proposes an approach, which relies on a network of self-descriptive intelligent sensor nodes, for the automatic design and update of sensor and information fusion systems. This article encompasses the fusion system configuration and adaptation as well as communication aspects. Manual interaction with the flexibly changing system is reduced to a minimum.

Review of early clinical results and complications associated with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF).

PubMed

Phan, Kevin; Maharaj, Monish; Assem, Yusuf; Mobbs, Ralph J

2016-09-01

Lumbar interbody fusion represents an effective surgical intervention for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, pseudoarthrosis and spinal deformities. Traditionally, conventional open anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques have been employed with excellent results, but each with their own advantages and caveats. Most recently, the antero-oblique trajectory has been introduced, providing yet another corridor to access the lumbar spine. Termed the oblique lumbar interbody fusion, this approach accesses the spine between the anterior vessels and psoas muscles, avoiding both sets of structures to allow efficient clearance of the disc space and application of a large interbody device to afford distraction for foraminal decompression and endplate preparation for rapid and thorough fusion. This review aims to summarize the early clinical results and complications of this new technique and discusses potential future directions of research. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Number-Theory in Nuclear-Physics in Number-Theory: Non-Primality Factorization As Fission VS. Primality As Fusion; Composites' Islands of INstability: Feshbach-Resonances?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegel, Edward

2011-10-01

Numbers: primality/indivisibility/non-factorization versus compositeness/divisibility /factor-ization, often in tandem but not always, provocatively close analogy to nuclear-physics: (2 + 1)=(fusion)=3; (3+1)=(fission)=4[=2 × 2]; (4+1)=(fusion)=5; (5 +1)=(fission)=6[=2 × 3]; (6 + 1)=(fusion)=7; (7+1)=(fission)=8[= 2 × 4 = 2 × 2 × 2]; (8 + 1) =(non: fission nor fusion)= 9[=3 × 3]; then ONLY composites' Islands of fusion-INstability: 8, 9, 10; then 14, 15, 16,... Could inter-digit Feshbach-resonances exist??? Applications to: quantum-information/computing non-Shore factorization, millennium-problem Riemann-hypotheses proof as Goodkin BEC intersection with graph-theory ``short-cut'' method: Rayleigh(1870)-Polya(1922)-``Anderson'' (1958)-localization, Goldbach-conjecture, financial auditing/accounting as quantum-statistical-physics;... abound!!!

Number-Theory in Nuclear-Physics in Number-Theory: Non-Primality Factorization As Fission VS. Primality As Fusion; Composites' Islands of INstability: Feshbach-Resonances?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegel, Edward

2011-04-01

Numbers: primality/indivisibility/non-factorization versus compositeness/divisibility /factor-ization, often in tandem but not always, provocatively close analogy to nuclear-physics: (2 + 1)=(fusion)=3; (3+1)=(fission)=4[=2 x 2]; (4+1)=(fusion)=5; (5+1)=(fission)=6[=2 x 3]; (6 + 1)=(fusion)=7; (7+1)=(fission)=8[= 2 x 4 = 2 x 2 x 2]; (8 + 1) =(non: fission nor fusion)= 9[=3 x 3]; then ONLY composites' Islands of fusion-INstability: 8, 9, 10; then 14, 15, 16,... Could inter-digit Feshbach-resonances exist??? Applications to: quantum-information and computing non-Shore factorization, millennium-problem Riemann-hypotheses physics-proof as numbers/digits Goodkin Bose-Einstein Condensation intersection with graph-theory ``short-cut'' method: Rayleigh(1870)-Polya(1922)-``Anderson'' (1958)-localization, Goldbach-conjecture, financial auditing/accounting as quantum-statistical-physics;... abound!!!

Remote Sensing Data Fusion to Detect Illicit Crops and Unauthorized Airstrips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pena, J. A.; Yumin, T.; Liu, H.; Zhao, B.; Garcia, J. A.; Pinto, J.

2018-04-01

Remote sensing data fusion has been playing a more and more important role in crop planting area monitoring, especially for crop area information acquisition. Multi-temporal data and multi-spectral time series are two major aspects for improving crop identification accuracy. Remote sensing fusion provides high quality multi-spectral and panchromatic images in terms of spectral and spatial information, respectively. In this paper, we take one step further and prove the application of remote sensing data fusion in detecting illicit crop through LSMM, GOBIA, and MCE analyzing of strategic information. This methodology emerges as a complementary and effective strategy to control and eradicate illicit crops.

Eliciting an antibody response against a recombinant TSH containing fusion protein.

PubMed

Mard-Soltani, Maysam; Rasaee, Mohamad Javad; Sheikhi, AbdolKarim; Hedayati, Mehdi

2017-01-01

Designing novel antigens to rise specific antibodies for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) detection is of great significance. A novel fusion protein consisting of the C termini sequence of TSH beta subunit and a fusion sequence was designed and produced for rabbit immunization. Thereafter, the produced antibodies were purified and characterized for TSH detection. Our results indicate that the produced antibody is capable of sensitive and specific detection of TSH with low cross reactivity. This study underscores the applicability of designed fusion protein for specific and sensitive polyclonal antibody production and the importance of selecting an amenable region of the TSH for immunization.

Comparison and evaluation of fusion methods used for GF-2 satellite image in coastal mangrove area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Chengxing; Ju, Hongbo; Liu, Hua; Zhang, Huaiqing; Sun, Hua

2018-04-01

GF-2 satellite is the highest spatial resolution Remote Sensing Satellite of the development history of China's satellite. In this study, three traditional fusion methods including Brovey, Gram-Schmidt and Color Normalized (CN were used to compare with the other new fusion method NNDiffuse, which used the qualitative assessment and quantitative fusion quality index, including information entropy, variance, mean gradient, deviation index, spectral correlation coefficient. Analysis results show that NNDiffuse method presented the optimum in qualitative and quantitative analysis. It had more effective for the follow up of remote sensing information extraction and forest, wetland resources monitoring applications.

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

L. Zakharov, J. Li and Y. Wu

The project of ASIPP (with PPPL participation), called FFRF, (R/a=4/1 m/m, Ipl=5 MA, Btor=4-6 T, PDT=50-100 MW, Pfission=80-4000 MW, 1 m thick blanket) is outlined. FFRF stands for the Fusion-Fission Research Facility with a unique fusion mission and a pioneering mission of merging fusion and fission for accumulation of design, experimental, and operational data for future hybrid applications. The design of FFRF will use as much as possible the EAST and ITER design experience. On the other hand, FFRF strongly relies on new, Lithium Wall Fusion plasma regimes, the development of which has already started in the US and China.

Fusion for Space Propulsion and Plasma Liner Driven MTF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y.C. Francis; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The need for fusion propulsion for interplanetary flights is discussed. For a propulsion system, there are three important system attributes: (1) The absolute amount of energy available, (2) the propellant exhaust velocity, and (3) the jet power per unit mass of the propulsion system (specific power). For human exploration and development of the solar system, propellant exhaust velocity in excess of 100 km/s and specific power in excess of 10 kW/kg are required. Chemical combustion cannot meet the requirement in propellant exhaust velocity. Nuclear fission processes typically result in producing energy in the form of heat that needs to be manipulated at temperatures limited by materials to about 2,800 K. Using the energy to heat a low atomic weight propellant cannot overcome the problem. Alternatively the energy can be converted into electricity which is then used to accelerate particles to high exhaust velocity. The necessary power conversion and conditioning equipment, however, increases the mass of the propulsion system for the same jet power by more than two orders of magnitude over chemical system, thus greatly limits the thrust-to-weight ratio attainable. If fusion can be developed, fusion appears to have the best of all worlds in terms of propulsion - it can provide the absolute amount, the propellant exhaust velocity, and the high specific jet power. An intermediate step towards pure fusion propulsion is a bimodal system in which a fission reactor is used to provide some of the energy to drive a fusion propulsion unit. The technical issues related to fusion for space propulsion are discussed. There are similarities as well as differences at the system level between applying fusion to propulsion and to terrestrial electrical power generation. The differences potentially provide a wider window of opportunities for applying fusion to propulsion. For example, pulsed approaches to fusion may be attractive for the propulsion application. This is particularly so in the light of significant development of the enabling pulsed power component technologies that have occurred in the last two decades because of defense and other energy requirements. The extreme states of matter required to produce fusion reactions may be more readily realizable in the pulsed states with less system mass than in steady states. Significant saving in system mass may result in pulsed fusion systems using plasmas in the appropriate density regimes. Magnetized target fusion, which attempts to combine the favorable attributes of magnetic confinement and inertial compression-containment into one single integrated fusion scheme, appears to have benefits that are worth exploring for propulsion application.

Research Needs for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Support of C3 (Command, Control, and Communication).

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

system. The reconstruction process is Simply data fusion after allA data are in. After reconstruction, artifcial intelligence (Al) techniques may be...14. CATE OF fhPM~TVW MWtvt Ogv It PAWE COMN Interim __100 -_ TO December 1984 24 MILD ON" s-o Artificial intelligence Command control Data fusion...RD-Ai5O 867 RESEARCH NEEDS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS i/i IN SUPPORT OF C3 (..(U) NAVAL OCEAN SVSTEIIS CENTER SAN DIEGO CA R R DILLARD

Fusion Imaging for Procedural Guidance.

PubMed

Wiley, Brandon M; Eleid, Mackram F; Thaden, Jeremy J

2018-05-01

The field of percutaneous structural heart interventions has grown tremendously in recent years. This growth has fueled the development of new imaging protocols and technologies in parallel to help facilitate these minimally-invasive procedures. Fusion imaging is an exciting new technology that combines the strength of 2 imaging modalities and has the potential to improve procedural planning and the safety of many commonly performed transcatheter procedures. In this review we discuss the basic concepts of fusion imaging along with the relative strengths and weaknesses of static vs dynamic fusion imaging modalities. This review will focus primarily on echocardiographic-fluoroscopic fusion imaging and its application in commonly performed transcatheter structural heart procedures. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

High-gain magnetized inertial fusion.

PubMed

Slutz, Stephen A; Vesey, Roger A

2012-01-13

Magnetized inertial fusion (MIF) could substantially ease the difficulty of reaching plasma conditions required for significant fusion yields, but it has been widely accepted that the gain is not sufficient for fusion energy. Numerical simulations are presented showing that high-gain MIF is possible in cylindrical liner implosions based on the MagLIF concept [S. A. Slutz et al Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)] with the addition of a cryogenic layer of deuterium-tritium (DT). These simulations show that a burn wave propagates radially from the magnetized hot spot into the surrounding much denser cold DT given sufficient hot-spot areal density. For a drive current of 60 MA the simulated gain exceeds 100, which is more than adequate for fusion energy applications. The simulated gain exceeds 1000 for a drive current of 70 MA.

Numerical and Experimental Study of Ti6Al4V Components Manufactured Using Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielinski, Jonas; Mindt, Hans-Wilfried; Düchting, Jan; Schleifenbaum, Johannes Henrich; Megahed, Mustafa

2017-12-01

Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of titanium alloys is an interesting manufacturing route for many applications requiring high material strength combined with geometric complexity. Managing powder bed fusion challenges, including porosity, surface finish, distortions and residual stresses of as-built material, is the key to bringing the advantages of this process to production main stream. This paper discusses the application of experimental and numerical analysis towards optimizing the manufacturing process of a demonstration component. Powder characterization including assessment of the reusability, assessment of material consolidation and process window optimization is pursued prior to applying the identified optima to study the distortion and residual stresses of the demonstrator. Comparisons of numerical predictions with measurements show good correlations along the complete numerical chain.

Summary of human social, cultural, behavioral (HSCB) modeling for information fusion panel discussion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blasch, Erik; Salerno, John; Kadar, Ivan; Yang, Shanchieh J.; Fenstermacher, Laurie; Endsley, Mica; Grewe, Lynne

2013-05-01

During the SPIE 2012 conference, panelists convened to discuss "Real world issues and challenges in Human Social/Cultural/Behavioral modeling with Applications to Information Fusion." Each panelist presented their current trends and issues. The panel had agreement on advanced situation modeling, working with users for situation awareness and sense-making, and HSCB context modeling in focusing research activities. Each panelist added different perspectives based on the domain of interest such as physical, cyber, and social attacks from which estimates and projections can be forecasted. Also, additional techniques were addressed such as interest graphs, network modeling, and variable length Markov Models. This paper summarizes the panelists discussions to highlight the common themes and the related contrasting approaches to the domains in which HSCB applies to information fusion applications.

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

Huang, Huogen; Chen, Liang

Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystals have been demonstrated to store a large number of hydrogen atoms, which implies strong potential application in hydrogen energy field for them. However, the desorption of hydrogen atoms in the quasicrystals is quite difficult, with the indication of high desorption temperature and slow desorption rate. The shortage limits their use in the field to a large extent. But this kind of quasicrystals might be used in nuclear fusion energy field, because tritium as a coral fuel for nuclear fusion needs tight storage. However, equilibrium pressure at room temperature of Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystals, important for their application in fusion energymore » field, has not been clear yet. In this work, we designed a gas-solid reaction system with the pressure resolution of 10{sup −8}Pa and carried out hydrogen desorption investigation at different temperatures on Ti{sub 36}Zr{sub 40}Ni{sub 20}Pd{sub 4} icosahedral quasicrystal. Based on three Pressure-Composition-Temperature desorption curves, we speculate according to Van’t Hoff theory about hydrogen storage that its equilibrium pressure at room temperature could be at the magnitude of 10{sup −6}Pa, displaying good stability of hydrogen in the quasicrystal and also implying application prospects in fusion energy field for quasicrystals of this type.« less

A laser device for fusion of nasal mucosa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sooklal, Valmiki; McClure, Jesse; Hooper, Luke; Larson, Michael

2010-02-01

A prototype device has been created to fuse septal tissue membranes as an alternative to sutures or staples through the controlled application of laser heating and pressure to induce protein denaturation and subsequent tissue fusion, through renaturation and intertwining, across the interface. Lasers have been used to close wounds in controlled laboratory tests over the last 15 years. Many encouraging results have been obtained; however, no commercial delivery systems are currently available. This is due primarily to two factors: requiring an inordinate amount of experience on the part of the operator, and attempting to achieve general applicability for multiple tissue systems. The present device overcomes these barriers as it is tailored for the particular application of septal laser fusion, namely for the coaptation of mucoperichondrial membranes. The important parameters involved in fusing biological tissues are identified. The development of the device followed from computational modeling based on Monte Carlo simulation of photon transport and on engineering firstprinciples. Experiments were designed and analyzed using orthogonal arrays, employing a subset of the relevant parameters, i.e., laser irradiance, dwell time and spot size, for a range of wavelengths. The in vitro fusion experiments employed 1cm by 1cm sections of equine nasal mucosa having a nominal thickness of 1mm.

Application of a narrow-surface cage in full endoscopic minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

PubMed

He, Er-Xing; Guo, Jing; Ling, Qin-Jie; Yin, Zhi-Xun; Wang, Ying; Li, Ming

2017-06-01

Spinal endoscopy has been widely applied in lumbar discectomy and decompression. However, endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion still remains a technical challenge due to the limited space within the working trocar for cage implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of using a narrow-surface fusion cage in full endoscopic minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. From Jun 2013 to Dec 2014, a total of 42 patients (23 males, 19 females) underwent full endoscopic MIS-TLIF at our hospital was recruited. An 8-mm-wide narrow-surface fusion cage was selected for all cases. Perioperative parameters and complications were recorded. Comparisons on visual analog scale (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI) scores before and after surgery were performed. At the last follow-up, Nakai grading system was applied to assess patients' satisfaction; meanwhile, interbody fusion was evaluated by computed tomography. Mean operation time was 233.1 ± 69.5 min, and mean blood loss during surgery was 221.8 ± 98.5 ml. Two patients (4.8%) developed neurological complications. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 24 to 36 months (mean 27.6 ± 3.8 months). VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved 3 months after surgery and at the final follow-up, respectively (P < 0.05). Outcome of surgery was graded as excellent for 32 patients, good for 8 patients, and acceptable for 2 patients, corresponding to a success rate ("good" and "excellent") of 95.2%. Thirty-nine of the 42 patients demonstrated solid interbody fusion at the last follow-up, indicating a fusion rate of 92.9%. Application of a narrow-surface fusion cage in full endoscopic MIS-TLIF for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease is feasible and effective. The clinical outcome and fusion success of this procedure were acceptable and promising. Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The pan-sharpening of satellite and UAV imagery for agricultural applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenerowicz, Agnieszka; Woroszkiewicz, Malgorzata

2016-10-01

Remote sensing techniques are widely used in many different areas of interest, i.e. urban studies, environmental studies, agriculture, etc., due to fact that they provide rapid, accurate and information over large areas with optimal time, spatial and spectral resolutions. Agricultural management is one of the most common application of remote sensing methods nowadays. Monitoring of agricultural sites and creating information regarding spatial distribution and characteristics of crops are important tasks to provide data for precision agriculture, crop management and registries of agricultural lands. For monitoring of cultivated areas many different types of remote sensing data can be used- most popular are multispectral satellites imagery. Such data allow for generating land use and land cover maps, based on various methods of image processing and remote sensing methods. This paper presents fusion of satellite and unnamed aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery for agricultural applications, especially for distinguishing crop types. Authors in their article presented chosen data fusion methods for satellite images and data obtained from low altitudes. Moreover the authors described pan- sharpening approaches and applied chosen pan- sharpening methods for multiresolution image fusion of satellite and UAV imagery. For such purpose, satellite images from Landsat- 8 OLI sensor and data collected within various UAV flights (with mounted RGB camera) were used. In this article, the authors not only had shown the potential of fusion of satellite and UAV images, but also presented the application of pan- sharpening in crop identification and management.

Efficient sensor network vehicle classification using peak harmonics of acoustic emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

William, Peter E.; Hoffman, Michael W.

2008-04-01

An application is proposed for detection and classification of battlefield ground vehicles using the emitted acoustic signal captured at individual sensor nodes of an ad hoc Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). We make use of the harmonic characteristics of the acoustic emissions of battlefield vehicles, in reducing both the computations carried on the sensor node and the transmitted data to the fusion center for reliable and effcient classification of targets. Previous approaches focus on the lower frequency band of the acoustic emissions up to 500Hz; however, we show in the proposed application how effcient discrimination between battlefield vehicles is performed using features extracted from higher frequency bands (50 - 1500Hz). The application shows that selective time domain acoustic features surpass equivalent spectral features. Collaborative signal processing is utilized, such that estimation of certain signal model parameters is carried by the sensor node, in order to reduce the communication between the sensor node and the fusion center, while the remaining model parameters are estimated at the fusion center. The transmitted data from the sensor node to the fusion center ranges from 1 ~ 5% of the sampled acoustic signal at the node. A variety of classification schemes were examined, such as maximum likelihood, vector quantization and artificial neural networks. Evaluation of the proposed application, through processing of an acoustic data set with comparison to previous results, shows that the improvement is not only in the number of computations but also in the detection and false alarm rate as well.

Towards a Unified Approach to Information Integration - A review paper on data/information fusion

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

Whitney, Paul D.; Posse, Christian; Lei, Xingye C.

2005-10-14

Information or data fusion of data from different sources are ubiquitous in many applications, from epidemiology, medical, biological, political, and intelligence to military applications. Data fusion involves integration of spectral, imaging, text, and many other sensor data. For example, in epidemiology, information is often obtained based on many studies conducted by different researchers at different regions with different protocols. In the medical field, the diagnosis of a disease is often based on imaging (MRI, X-Ray, CT), clinical examination, and lab results. In the biological field, information is obtained based on studies conducted on many different species. In military field, informationmore » is obtained based on data from radar sensors, text messages, chemical biological sensor, acoustic sensor, optical warning and many other sources. Many methodologies are used in the data integration process, from classical, Bayesian, to evidence based expert systems. The implementation of the data integration ranges from pure software design to a mixture of software and hardware. In this review we summarize the methodologies and implementations of data fusion process, and illustrate in more detail the methodologies involved in three examples. We propose a unified multi-stage and multi-path mapping approach to the data fusion process, and point out future prospects and challenges.« less

Assessing the Performance of Sensor Fusion Methods: Application to Magnetic-Inertial-Based Human Body Tracking

PubMed Central

Ligorio, Gabriele; Bergamini, Elena; Pasciuto, Ilaria; Vannozzi, Giuseppe; Cappozzo, Aurelio; Sabatini, Angelo Maria

2016-01-01

Information from complementary and redundant sensors are often combined within sensor fusion algorithms to obtain a single accurate observation of the system at hand. However, measurements from each sensor are characterized by uncertainties. When multiple data are fused, it is often unclear how all these uncertainties interact and influence the overall performance of the sensor fusion algorithm. To address this issue, a benchmarking procedure is presented, where simulated and real data are combined in different scenarios in order to quantify how each sensor’s uncertainties influence the accuracy of the final result. The proposed procedure was applied to the estimation of the pelvis orientation using a waist-worn magnetic-inertial measurement unit. Ground-truth data were obtained from a stereophotogrammetric system and used to obtain simulated data. Two Kalman-based sensor fusion algorithms were submitted to the proposed benchmarking procedure. For the considered application, gyroscope uncertainties proved to be the main error source in orientation estimation accuracy for both tested algorithms. Moreover, although different performances were obtained using simulated data, these differences became negligible when real data were considered. The outcome of this evaluation may be useful both to improve the design of new sensor fusion methods and to drive the algorithm tuning process. PMID:26821027

Dust dynamics and diagnostic applications in quasi-neutral plasmas and magnetic fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhehui; Ticos, Catalin M.; Si, Jiahe; Delzanno, Gian Luca; Lapenta, Gianni; Wurden, Glen

2007-11-01

Little is known about dust dynamics in highly ionized quasi-neutral plasmas with ca. 1.0 e+20 per cubic meter density and ion temperature at a few eV and above, including in magnetic fusion. For example, dust motion in fusion, better known as UFO's, has been observed since 1980's but not explained. Solid understanding of dust dynamics is also important to International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) because of concerns about safety and dust contamination of fusion core. Compared with well studied strongly-coupled dusty plasma regime, new physics may arise in the higher density quasi-neutral plasma regime because of at least four orders of magnitude higher density and two orders of magnitude hotter ion temperature. Our recent laboratory experiments showed that plasma-flow drag force dominates over other forces in a quasi-neutral flowing plasma. In contrast, delicate balance among different forces in dusty plasma has led to many unique phenomena, in particular, the formation of dust crystal. Based on our experiments, we argue that 1) dust crystal will not form in the highly ionized plasmas with flows; 2) the UFO's are moving dust dragged by plasma flows; 3) dust can be used to measure plasma flow. Two diagnostic applications using dust for laboratory quasi-neutral plasmas and magnetic fusion will also be presented.

The fusion of large scale classified side-scan sonar image mosaics.

PubMed

Reed, Scott; Tena, Ruiz Ioseba; Capus, Chris; Petillot, Yvan

2006-07-01

This paper presents a unified framework for the creation of classified maps of the seafloor from sonar imagery. Significant challenges in photometric correction, classification, navigation and registration, and image fusion are addressed. The techniques described are directly applicable to a range of remote sensing problems. Recent advances in side-scan data correction are incorporated to compensate for the sonar beam pattern and motion of the acquisition platform. The corrected images are segmented using pixel-based textural features and standard classifiers. In parallel, the navigation of the sonar device is processed using Kalman filtering techniques. A simultaneous localization and mapping framework is adopted to improve the navigation accuracy and produce georeferenced mosaics of the segmented side-scan data. These are fused within a Markovian framework and two fusion models are presented. The first uses a voting scheme regularized by an isotropic Markov random field and is applicable when the reliability of each information source is unknown. The Markov model is also used to inpaint regions where no final classification decision can be reached using pixel level fusion. The second model formally introduces the reliability of each information source into a probabilistic model. Evaluation of the two models using both synthetic images and real data from a large scale survey shows significant quantitative and qualitative improvement using the fusion approach.

How Magnetic Disturbance Influences the Attitude and Heading in Magnetic and Inertial Sensor-Based Orientation Estimation.

PubMed

Fan, Bingfei; Li, Qingguo; Liu, Tao

2017-12-28

With the advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies, magnetic and inertial sensors are becoming more and more accurate, lightweight, smaller in size as well as low-cost, which in turn boosts their applications in human movement analysis. However, challenges still exist in the field of sensor orientation estimation, where magnetic disturbance represents one of the obstacles limiting their practical application. The objective of this paper is to systematically analyze exactly how magnetic disturbances affects the attitude and heading estimation for a magnetic and inertial sensor. First, we reviewed four major components dealing with magnetic disturbance, namely decoupling attitude estimation from magnetic reading, gyro bias estimation, adaptive strategies of compensating magnetic disturbance and sensor fusion algorithms. We review and analyze the features of existing methods of each component. Second, to understand each component in magnetic disturbance rejection, four representative sensor fusion methods were implemented, including gradient descent algorithms, improved explicit complementary filter, dual-linear Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter. Finally, a new standardized testing procedure has been developed to objectively assess the performance of each method against magnetic disturbance. Based upon the testing results, the strength and weakness of the existing sensor fusion methods were easily examined, and suggestions were presented for selecting a proper sensor fusion algorithm or developing new sensor fusion method.

Assessing the Performance of Sensor Fusion Methods: Application to Magnetic-Inertial-Based Human Body Tracking.

PubMed

Ligorio, Gabriele; Bergamini, Elena; Pasciuto, Ilaria; Vannozzi, Giuseppe; Cappozzo, Aurelio; Sabatini, Angelo Maria

2016-01-26

Information from complementary and redundant sensors are often combined within sensor fusion algorithms to obtain a single accurate observation of the system at hand. However, measurements from each sensor are characterized by uncertainties. When multiple data are fused, it is often unclear how all these uncertainties interact and influence the overall performance of the sensor fusion algorithm. To address this issue, a benchmarking procedure is presented, where simulated and real data are combined in different scenarios in order to quantify how each sensor's uncertainties influence the accuracy of the final result. The proposed procedure was applied to the estimation of the pelvis orientation using a waist-worn magnetic-inertial measurement unit. Ground-truth data were obtained from a stereophotogrammetric system and used to obtain simulated data. Two Kalman-based sensor fusion algorithms were submitted to the proposed benchmarking procedure. For the considered application, gyroscope uncertainties proved to be the main error source in orientation estimation accuracy for both tested algorithms. Moreover, although different performances were obtained using simulated data, these differences became negligible when real data were considered. The outcome of this evaluation may be useful both to improve the design of new sensor fusion methods and to drive the algorithm tuning process.

Seismic data fusion anomaly detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrity, Kyle; Blasch, Erik; Alford, Mark; Ezekiel, Soundararajan; Ferris, David

2014-06-01

Detecting anomalies in non-stationary signals has valuable applications in many fields including medicine and meteorology. These include uses such as identifying possible heart conditions from an Electrocardiography (ECG) signals or predicting earthquakes via seismographic data. Over the many choices of anomaly detection algorithms, it is important to compare possible methods. In this paper, we examine and compare two approaches to anomaly detection and see how data fusion methods may improve performance. The first approach involves using an artificial neural network (ANN) to detect anomalies in a wavelet de-noised signal. The other method uses a perspective neural network (PNN) to analyze an arbitrary number of "perspectives" or transformations of the observed signal for anomalies. Possible perspectives may include wavelet de-noising, Fourier transform, peak-filtering, etc.. In order to evaluate these techniques via signal fusion metrics, we must apply signal preprocessing techniques such as de-noising methods to the original signal and then use a neural network to find anomalies in the generated signal. From this secondary result it is possible to use data fusion techniques that can be evaluated via existing data fusion metrics for single and multiple perspectives. The result will show which anomaly detection method, according to the metrics, is better suited overall for anomaly detection applications. The method used in this study could be applied to compare other signal processing algorithms.

Poster — Thur Eve — 09: Evaluation of electrical impedance and computed tomography fusion algorithms using an anthropomorphic phantom

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

Chugh, Brige Paul; Krishnan, Kalpagam; Liu, Jeff

2014-08-15

Integration of biological conductivity information provided by Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) with anatomical information provided by Computed Tomography (CT) imaging could improve the ability to characterize tissues in clinical applications. In this paper, we report results of our study which compared the fusion of EIT with CT using three different image fusion algorithms, namely: weighted averaging, wavelet fusion, and ROI indexing. The ROI indexing method of fusion involves segmenting the regions of interest from the CT image and replacing the pixels with the pixels of the EIT image. The three algorithms were applied to a CT and EIT image ofmore » an anthropomorphic phantom, constructed out of five acrylic contrast targets with varying diameter embedded in a base of gelatin bolus. The imaging performance was assessed using Detectability and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM). Wavelet fusion and ROI-indexing resulted in lower Detectability (by 35% and 47%, respectively) yet higher SSIM (by 66% and 73%, respectively) than weighted averaging. Our results suggest that wavelet fusion and ROI-indexing yielded more consistent and optimal fusion performance than weighted averaging.« less

Stem Cells in Spinal Fusion

PubMed Central

Haudenschild, Dominik R.; Wegner, Adam M.; Klineberg, Eric O.

2017-01-01

Study Design: Review of literature. Objectives: This review of literature investigates the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in spinal fusion, highlights potential uses in the development of bone grafts, and discusses limitations based on both preclinical and clinical models. Methods: A review of literature was conducted looking at current studies using stem cells for augmentation of spinal fusion in both animal and human models. Results: Eleven preclinical studies were found that used various animal models. Average fusion rates across studies were 59.8% for autograft and 73.7% for stem cell–based grafts. Outcomes included manual palpation and stressing of the fusion, radiography, micro–computed tomography (μCT), and histological analysis. Fifteen clinical studies, 7 prospective and 8 retrospective, were found. Fusion rates ranged from 60% to 100%, averaging 87.1% in experimental groups and 87.2% in autograft control groups. Conclusions: It appears that there is minimal clinical difference between commercially available stem cells and bone marrow aspirates indicating that MSCs may be a good choice in a patient with poor marrow quality. Overcoming morbidity and limitations of autograft for spinal fusion, remains a significant problem for spinal surgeons and further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of stem cells in augmenting spinal fusion. PMID:29238646

Lateral Membrane Heterogeneity Regulates Viral-Induced Membrane Fusion during HIV Entry

PubMed Central

Molotkovsky, Rodion J.; Alexandrova, Veronika V.; Galimzyanov, Timur R.; Jiménez-Munguía, Irene; Pavlov, Konstantin V.; Akimov, Sergey A.

2018-01-01

Sphingomyelin- and cholesterol- enriched membrane domains, commonly referred to as “rafts” play a crucial role in a large number of intra- and intercellular processes. Recent experiments suggest that not only the volumetric inhomogeneity of lipid distribution in rafts, but also the arrangement of the 1D boundary between the raft and the surrounding membrane is important for the membrane-associated processes. The reason is that the boundary preferentially recruits different peptides, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) fusion peptide. In the present work, we report a theoretical investigation of mechanisms of influence of the raft boundary arrangement upon virus-induced membrane fusion. We theoretically predict that the raft boundary can act as an attractor for viral fusion peptides, which preferentially distribute into the vicinity of the boundary, playing the role of ‘line active components’ of the membrane (‘linactants’). We have calculated the height of the fusion energy barrier and demonstrated that, in the case of fusion between HIV membrane and the target cell, presence of the raft boundary in the vicinity of the fusion site facilitates fusion. The results we obtained can be further generalized to be applicable to other enveloped viruses. PMID:29772704

Lateral Membrane Heterogeneity Regulates Viral-Induced Membrane Fusion during HIV Entry.

PubMed

Molotkovsky, Rodion J; Alexandrova, Veronika V; Galimzyanov, Timur R; Jiménez-Munguía, Irene; Pavlov, Konstantin V; Batishchev, Oleg V; Akimov, Sergey A

2018-05-16

Sphingomyelin- and cholesterol- enriched membrane domains, commonly referred to as "rafts" play a crucial role in a large number of intra- and intercellular processes. Recent experiments suggest that not only the volumetric inhomogeneity of lipid distribution in rafts, but also the arrangement of the 1D boundary between the raft and the surrounding membrane is important for the membrane-associated processes. The reason is that the boundary preferentially recruits different peptides, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) fusion peptide. In the present work, we report a theoretical investigation of mechanisms of influence of the raft boundary arrangement upon virus-induced membrane fusion. We theoretically predict that the raft boundary can act as an attractor for viral fusion peptides, which preferentially distribute into the vicinity of the boundary, playing the role of 'line active components' of the membrane ('linactants'). We have calculated the height of the fusion energy barrier and demonstrated that, in the case of fusion between HIV membrane and the target cell, presence of the raft boundary in the vicinity of the fusion site facilitates fusion. The results we obtained can be further generalized to be applicable to other enveloped viruses.

Comparison and evaluation on image fusion methods for GaoFen-1 imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ningyu; Zhao, Junqing; Zhang, Ling

2016-10-01

Currently, there are many research works focusing on the best fusion method suitable for satellite images of SPOT, QuickBird, Landsat and so on, but only a few of them discuss the application of GaoFen-1 satellite images. This paper proposes a novel idea by using four fusion methods, such as principal component analysis transform, Brovey transform, hue-saturation-value transform, and Gram-Schmidt transform, from the perspective of keeping the original image spectral information. The experimental results showed that the transformed images by the four fusion methods not only retain high spatial resolution on panchromatic band but also have the abundant spectral information. Through comparison and evaluation, the integration of Brovey transform is better, but the color fidelity is not the premium. The brightness and color distortion in hue saturation-value transformed image is the largest. Principal component analysis transform did a good job in color fidelity, but its clarity still need improvement. Gram-Schmidt transform works best in color fidelity, and the edge of the vegetation is the most obvious, the fused image sharpness is higher than that of principal component analysis. Brovey transform, is suitable for distinguishing the Gram-Schmidt transform, and the most appropriate for GaoFen-1 satellite image in vegetation and non-vegetation area. In brief, different fusion methods have different advantages in image quality and class extraction, and should be used according to the actual application information and image fusion algorithm.

Superior serum half life of albumin tagged TNF ligands

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

Mueller, Nicole; Schneider, Britta; Pfizenmaier, Klaus

2010-06-11

Due to their immune stimulating and apoptosis inducing properties, ligands of the TNF family attract increasing interest as therapeutic proteins. A general limitation of in vivo applications of recombinant soluble TNF ligands is their notoriously rapid clearance from circulation. To improve the serum half life of the TNF family members TNF, TWEAK and TRAIL, we genetically fused soluble variants of these molecules to human serum albumin (HSA). The serum albumin-TNF ligand fusion proteins were found to be of similar bioactivity as the corresponding HSA-less counterparts. Upon intravenous injection (i.v.), serum half life of HSA-TNF ligand fusion proteins, as determined bymore » ELISA, was around 15 h as compared to approximately 1 h for all of the recombinant control TNF ligands without HSA domain. Moreover, serum samples collected 6 or 24 h after i.v. injection still contained high TNF ligand bioactivity, demonstrating that there is only limited degradation/inactivation of circulating HSA-TNF ligand fusion proteins in vivo. In a xenotransplantation model, significantly less of the HSA-TRAIL fusion protein compared to the respective control TRAIL protein was required to achieve inhibition of tumor growth indicating that the increased half life of HSA-TNF ligand fusion proteins translates into better therapeutic action in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest that genetic fusion to serum albumin is a powerful and generally applicable mean to improve bioavailability and in vivo activity of TNF ligands.« less

Method for creating ideal tissue fusion in soft-tissue structures using radio frequency (RF) energy.

PubMed

Shields, Chelsea A; Schechter, David A; Tetzlaff, Phillip; Baily, Ali L; Dycus, Sean; Cosgriff, Ned

2004-01-01

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy can successfully seal vascular structures up to 7 mm by fusing collagen and elastin in the lumen. Valleylab has created a system to expand this technology beyond vessel sealing with the development of a closed-loop, feedback-control RF generator that closely monitors tissue fusion. This generator, operating with a loop time of approximately 250 micros, continuously adjusts energy output, creating optimized soft-tissue fusion through structural protein amalgamation. In the first study, RF energy was applied to canine lung using the new-generation generator and lung-prototype device. A lobectomy was completed, sealing the lobar bronchus, parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature. Chronic performance of the seals was evaluated at necropsy on postoperative days 7 and 14. In a second study, RF energy was applied to porcine small intestine using the same closed-loop generator and anastomosis prototype device. Acute tissue fusion was assessed qualitatively for hemostasis and seal quality. Terminal tissue evaluation was completed on postoperative day 7 and analyzed histopathologically. Histopathology confirmed acute and chronic tissue fusion in both the lung and intestine. Normal pathological healing was substantiated by angiogenesis, granulation, and proliferation of fibroblasts. Preliminary studies using canine lung and porcine small intestine demonstrate the potential of this closed-loop generator for soft-tissue amalgamation. Advanced monitoring capabilities make this fusion system applicable in many soft-tissue structures with adequate collagen and elastin. Further investigation of potential surgical applications needs to be completed.

Nonintrusive multibiometrics on a mobile device: a comparison of fusion techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allano, Lorene; Morris, Andrew C.; Sellahewa, Harin; Garcia-Salicetti, Sonia; Koreman, Jacques; Jassim, Sabah; Ly-Van, Bao; Wu, Dalei; Dorizzi, Bernadette

2006-04-01

In this article we test a number of score fusion methods for the purpose of multimodal biometric authentication. These tests were made for the SecurePhone project, whose aim is to develop a prototype mobile communication system enabling biometrically authenticated users to deal legally binding m-contracts during a mobile phone call on a PDA. The three biometrics of voice, face and signature were selected because they are all traditional non-intrusive and easy to use means of authentication which can readily be captured on a PDA. By combining multiple biometrics of relatively low security it may be possible to obtain a combined level of security which is at least as high as that provided by a PIN or handwritten signature, traditionally used for user authentication. As the relative success of different fusion methods depends on the database used and tests made, the database we used was recorded on a suitable PDA (the Qtek2020) and the test protocol was designed to reflect the intended application scenario, which is expected to use short text prompts. Not all of the fusion methods tested are original. They were selected for their suitability for implementation within the constraints imposed by the application. All of the methods tested are based on fusion of the match scores output by each modality. Though computationally simple, the methods tested have shown very promising results. All of the 4 fusion methods tested obtain a significant performance increase.

The national ignition facility and atomic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crandall, David H.

1998-07-01

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is under construction, capping over 25 years of development of the inertial confinement fusion concept by providing the facility to obtain fusion ignition in the laboratory for the first time. The NIF is a 192 beam glass laser to provide energy controlled in space and time so that a millimeter-scale capsule containing deuterium and tritium can be compressed to fusion conditions. Light transport, conversion of light in frequency, interaction of light with matter in solid and plasma forms, and diagnostics of extreme material conditions on small scale all use atomic data in preparing for use of the NIF. The NIF will provide opportunity to make measurements of atomic data in extreme physical environments related to fusion energy, nuclear weapon detonation, and astrophysics. The first laser beams of NIF should be operational in 2001 and the full facility completed at the end of 2003. NIF is to provide 1.8 megajoule of blue light on fusion targets and is intended to achieve fusion ignition by about the end of 2007. Today's inertial fusion development activities use atomic data to design and predict fusion capsule performance and in non-fusion applications to analyze radiation transport and radiation effects on matter. Conditions investigated involve radiation temperature of hundreds of eV, pressures up to gigabars and time scales of femptoseconds.

Progress In Magnetized Target Fusion Driven by Plasma Liners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Francis Y. C.; Kirkpatrick, Ronald C.; Knapp, Charles E.; Cassibry, Jason; Eskridge, Richard; Lee, Michael; Smith, James; Martin, Adam; Wu, S. T.; Schmidt, George;

Sensor fusion IV: Control paradigms and data structures; Proceedings of the Meeting, Boston, MA, Nov. 12-15, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenker, Paul S. (Editor)

1992-01-01

Various papers on control paradigms and data structures in sensor fusion are presented. The general topics addressed include: decision models and computational methods, sensor modeling and data representation, active sensing strategies, geometric planning and visualization, task-driven sensing, motion analysis, models motivated biology and psychology, decentralized detection and distributed decision, data fusion architectures, robust estimation of shapes and features, application and implementation. Some of the individual subjects considered are: the Firefly experiment on neural networks for distributed sensor data fusion, manifold traversing as a model for learning control of autonomous robots, choice of coordinate systems for multiple sensor fusion, continuous motion using task-directed stereo vision, interactive and cooperative sensing and control for advanced teleoperation, knowledge-based imaging for terrain analysis, physical and digital simulations for IVA robotics.

Semiotic foundation for multisensor-multilook fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myler, Harley R.

1998-07-01

This paper explores the concept of an application of semiotic principles to the design of a multisensor-multilook fusion system. Semiotics is an approach to analysis that attempts to process media in a united way using qualitative methods as opposed to quantitative. The term semiotic refers to signs, or signatory data that encapsulates information. Semiotic analysis involves the extraction of signs from information sources and the subsequent processing of the signs into meaningful interpretations of the information content of the source. The multisensor fusion problem predicated on a semiotic system structure and incorporating semiotic analysis techniques is explored and the design for a multisensor system as an information fusion system is explored. Semiotic analysis opens the possibility of using non-traditional sensor sources and modalities in the fusion process, such as verbal and textual intelligence derived from human observers. Examples of how multisensor/multimodality data might be analyzed semiotically is shown and discussion on how a semiotic system for multisensor fusion could be realized is outlined. The architecture of a semiotic multisensor fusion processor that can accept situational awareness data is described, although an implementation has not as yet been constructed.

Fusion interfaces for tactical environments: An application of virtual reality technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haas, Michael W.

1994-01-01

The term Fusion Interface is defined as a class of interface which integrally incorporates both virtual and nonvirtual concepts and devices across the visual, auditory, and haptic sensory modalities. A fusion interface is a multisensory virtually-augmented synthetic environment. A new facility has been developed within the Human Engineering Division of the Armstrong Laboratory dedicated to exploratory development of fusion interface concepts. This new facility, the Fusion Interfaces for Tactical Environments (FITE) Facility is a specialized flight simulator enabling efficient concept development through rapid prototyping and direct experience of new fusion concepts. The FITE Facility also supports evaluation of fusion concepts by operation fighter pilots in an air combat environment. The facility is utilized by a multidisciplinary design team composed of human factors engineers, electronics engineers, computer scientists, experimental psychologists, and oeprational pilots. The FITE computational architecture is composed of twenty-five 80486-based microcomputers operating in real-time. The microcomputers generate out-the-window visuals, in-cockpit and head-mounted visuals, localized auditory presentations, haptic displays on the stick and rudder pedals, as well as executing weapons models, aerodynamic models, and threat models.

Dynamic anterior cervical plates for multilevel anterior corpectomy and fusion with simultaneous posterior wiring and fusion: efficacy and outcomes.

PubMed

Epstein, N E

2006-07-01

To prospectively evaluate major complications associated with the application of dynamic ABC plates (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) to multilevel Anterior Corpectomy/Fusion (ACF) followed by posterior fusion (C2-C7 PF). To determine whether dynamic ABC (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) plates would minimize major complications (plate/graft extrusion, pseudarthrosis) while maximizing neurological outcomes in 40 consecutive patients undergoing simultaneous multilevel ACF/PF with halo application. USA. Patients averaged 53 years of age and preoperatively exhibited severe myeloradiculopathy (Nurick Grade 3.9). MR/CT studies documented marked ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament/spondylostenosis. Surgery included two to four level ACF utilizing fibula strut allograft and ABC plates. Posterior spinous process wiring/fusions utilized braided titanium cables. The average operative time was 8.9 h. Fusion was confirmed on dynamic X-rays/CTs (3-12 months postoperatively). The average follow-up interval was 2.7 years. Outcomes (3 months-2 years postoperatively) were assessed utilizing Odom's Criteria, Nurick Grades, and SF-36 questionnaires. Major complications included one pseudarthrosis requiring secondary PWF. Minor complications in six patients included two pulmonary emboli (PE), two tracheostomies, and five superficial wound infections. At 1 year postoperatively, marked improvement was observed in all patients utilizing Odom's criteria (38 excellent/good), Nurick Grades (mild radiculopathy 0.4), and the SF-36 (3 Health Scales; Role Physical (12.5-38.6), Bodily Pain (39.9-65.5), and Role Emotional (53.8-75.8)]. The 2-year postoperative data showed minimal additional improvement. The average time to fusion was 6.3 months. Patients undergoing multilevel ACF/PF demonstrated marked neurological improvement (SF-36), and only one of 40 developed a delayed pseudarthrosis.

Intense fusion neutron sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuteev, B. V.; Goncharov, P. R.; Sergeev, V. Yu.; Khripunov, V. I.

2010-04-01

The review describes physical principles underlying efficient production of free neutrons, up-to-date possibilities and prospects of creating fission and fusion neutron sources with intensities of 1015-1021 neutrons/s, and schemes of production and application of neutrons in fusion-fission hybrid systems. The physical processes and parameters of high-temperature plasmas are considered at which optimal conditions for producing the largest number of fusion neutrons in systems with magnetic and inertial plasma confinement are achieved. The proposed plasma methods for neutron production are compared with other methods based on fusion reactions in nonplasma media, fission reactions, spallation, and muon catalysis. At present, intense neutron fluxes are mainly used in nanotechnology, biotechnology, material science, and military and fundamental research. In the near future (10-20 years), it will be possible to apply high-power neutron sources in fusion-fission hybrid systems for producing hydrogen, electric power, and technological heat, as well as for manufacturing synthetic nuclear fuel and closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Neutron sources with intensities approaching 1020 neutrons/s may radically change the structure of power industry and considerably influence the fundamental and applied science and innovation technologies. Along with utilizing the energy produced in fusion reactions, the achievement of such high neutron intensities may stimulate wide application of subcritical fast nuclear reactors controlled by neutron sources. Superpower neutron sources will allow one to solve many problems of neutron diagnostics, monitor nano-and biological objects, and carry out radiation testing and modification of volumetric properties of materials at the industrial level. Such sources will considerably (up to 100 times) improve the accuracy of neutron physics experiments and will provide a better understanding of the structure of matter, including that of the neutron itself.

Intelligent Data Fusion for Wide-Area Assessment of UXO Contamination. SERDP Project MM-1510. 2006 Annual Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-20

assistance, particularly Dr. Herb Nelson and Dr. Dan Steinhurst. 1 Executive Summary Background. The remediation of sites contaminated with...and applications,” Proc. of IEEE Intl. Conf. on Multisensor Fusion and Integration for Intelligent Systems, Taipei, Taiwan , R.O.C., Aug., 1999. 4

Fusion of footsteps and face biometrics on an unsupervised and uncontrolled environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera-Rodriguez, Ruben; Tome, Pedro; Fierrez, Julian; Ortega-Garcia, Javier

2012-06-01

This paper reports for the first time experiments on the fusion of footsteps and face on an unsupervised and not controlled environment for person authentication. Footstep recognition is a relatively new biometric based on signals extracted from people walking over floor sensors. The idea of the fusion between footsteps and face starts from the premise that in an area where footstep sensors are installed it is very simple to place a camera to capture also the face of the person that walks over the sensors. This setup may find application in scenarios like ambient assisted living, smart homes, eldercare, or security access. The paper reports a comparative assessment of both biometrics using the same database and experimental protocols. In the experimental work we consider two different applications: smart homes (small group of users with a large set of training data) and security access (larger group of users with a small set of training data) obtaining results of 0.9% and 5.8% EER respectively for the fusion of both modalities. This is a significant performance improvement compared with the results obtained by the individual systems.

Infrared and visible image fusion using discrete cosine transform and swarm intelligence for surveillance applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paramanandham, Nirmala; Rajendiran, Kishore

2018-01-01

A novel image fusion technique is presented for integrating infrared and visible images. Integration of images from the same or various sensing modalities can deliver the required information that cannot be delivered by viewing the sensor outputs individually and consecutively. In this paper, a swarm intelligence based image fusion technique using discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain is proposed for surveillance application which integrates the infrared image with the visible image for generating a single informative fused image. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used in the fusion process for obtaining the optimized weighting factor. These optimized weighting factors are used for fusing the DCT coefficients of visible and infrared images. Inverse DCT is applied for obtaining the initial fused image. An enhanced fused image is obtained through adaptive histogram equalization for a better visual understanding and target detection. The proposed framework is evaluated using quantitative metrics such as standard deviation, spatial frequency, entropy and mean gradient. The experimental results demonstrate the outperformance of the proposed algorithm over many other state- of- the- art techniques reported in literature.

Optically-Induced Cell Fusion on Cell Pairing Microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Po-Fu; Wang, Chih-Hung; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2016-02-01

Cell fusion is a critical operation for numerous biomedical applications including cell reprogramming, hybridoma formation, cancer immunotherapy, and tissue regeneration. However, unstable cell contact and random cell pairings have limited efficiency and yields when utilizing traditional methods. Furthermore, it is challenging to selectively perform cell fusion within a group of cells. This study reports a new approach called optically-induced cell fusion (OICF), which integrates cell-pairing microstructures with an optically-induced, localized electrical field. By projecting light patterns onto a photoconductive film (hydrogen-rich, amorphous silicon) coated on an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass while an alternating current electrical field was applied between two such ITO glass slides, “virtual” electrodes could be generated that could selectively fuse pairing cells. At 10 kHz, a 57% cell paring rate and an 87% fusion efficiency were successfully achieved at a driving voltage of 20  Vpp, suggesting that this new technology could be promising for selective cell fusion within a group of cells.

Sensor fusion display evaluation using information integration models in enhanced/synthetic vision applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foyle, David C.

1993-01-01

Based on existing integration models in the psychological literature, an evaluation framework is developed to assess sensor fusion displays as might be implemented in an enhanced/synthetic vision system. The proposed evaluation framework for evaluating the operator's ability to use such systems is a normative approach: The pilot's performance with the sensor fusion image is compared to models' predictions based on the pilot's performance when viewing the original component sensor images prior to fusion. This allows for the determination as to when a sensor fusion system leads to: poorer performance than one of the original sensor displays, clearly an undesirable system in which the fused sensor system causes some distortion or interference; better performance than with either single sensor system alone, but at a sub-optimal level compared to model predictions; optimal performance compared to model predictions; or, super-optimal performance, which may occur if the operator were able to use some highly diagnostic 'emergent features' in the sensor fusion display, which were unavailable in the original sensor displays.

The Fusion Model of Intelligent Transportation Systems Based on the Urban Traffic Ontology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wang-Dong; Wang, Tao

On these issues unified representation of urban transport information using urban transport ontology, it defines the statute and the algebraic operations of semantic fusion in ontology level in order to achieve the fusion of urban traffic information in the semantic completeness and consistency. Thus this paper takes advantage of the semantic completeness of the ontology to build urban traffic ontology model with which we resolve the problems as ontology mergence and equivalence verification in semantic fusion of traffic information integration. Information integration in urban transport can increase the function of semantic fusion, and reduce the amount of data integration of urban traffic information as well enhance the efficiency and integrity of traffic information query for the help, through the practical application of intelligent traffic information integration platform of Changde city, the paper has practically proved that the semantic fusion based on ontology increases the effect and efficiency of the urban traffic information integration, reduces the storage quantity, and improve query efficiency and information completeness.

Production of Hev b5 as a fluorescent biotin-binding tripartite fusion protein in insect cells.

PubMed

Nordlund, Henri R; Laitinen, Olli H; Uotila, Sanna T H; Kulmala, Minna; Kalkkinen, Nisse; Kulomaa, Markku S

2005-10-14

The presented green fluorescent protein and streptavidin core-based tripartite fusion system provides a simple and efficient way for the production of proteins fused to it in insect cells. This fusion protein forms a unique tag, which serves as a multipurpose device enabling easy optimization of production, one-step purification via streptavidin-biotin interaction, and visualization of the fusion protein during downstream processing and in applications. In the present study, we demonstrate the successful production, purification, and detection of a natural rubber latex allergen Hev b5 with this system. We also describe the production of another NRL allergen with the system, Hev b1, which formed large aggregates and gave small yields in purification. The aggregates were detected at early steps by microscopical inspection of the infected insect cells producing this protein. Therefore, this fusion system can also be utilized as a fast indicator of the solubility of the expressed fusion proteins and may therefore be extremely useful in high-throughput expression approaches.

Single-molecule studies of the neuronal SNARE fusion machinery.

PubMed

Brunger, Axel T; Weninger, Keith; Bowen, Mark; Chu, Steven

2009-01-01

SNAREs are essential components of the machinery for Ca(2+)-triggered fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, resulting in neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft. Although much is known about their biophysical and structural properties and their interactions with accessory proteins such as the Ca(2+) sensor synaptotagmin, their precise role in membrane fusion remains an enigma. Ensemble studies of liposomes with reconstituted SNAREs have demonstrated that SNAREs and accessory proteins can trigger lipid mixing/fusion, but the inability to study individual fusion events has precluded molecular insights into the fusion process. Thus, this field is ripe for studies with single-molecule methodology. In this review, we discuss applications of single-molecule approaches to observe reconstituted SNAREs, their complexes, associated proteins, and their effect on biological membranes. Some of the findings are provocative, such as the possibility of parallel and antiparallel SNARE complexes or of vesicle docking with only syntaxin and synaptobrevin, but have been confirmed by other experiments.

Rapamycin-induced oligomer formation system of FRB-FKBP fusion proteins.

PubMed

Inobe, Tomonao; Nukina, Nobuyuki

2016-07-01

Most proteins form larger protein complexes and perform multiple functions in the cell. Thus, artificial regulation of protein complex formation controls the cellular functions that involve protein complexes. Although several artificial dimerization systems have already been used for numerous applications in biomedical research, cellular protein complexes form not only simple dimers but also larger oligomers. In this study, we showed that fusion proteins comprising the induced heterodimer formation proteins FRB and FKBP formed various oligomers upon addition of rapamycin. By adjusting the configuration of fusion proteins, we succeeded in generating an inducible tetramer formation system. Proteins of interest also formed tetramers by fusing to the inducible tetramer formation system, which exhibits its utility in a broad range of biological applications. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effective World Modeling: Multisensor Data Fusion Methodology for Automated Driving

PubMed Central

Elfring, Jos; Appeldoorn, Rein; van den Dries, Sjoerd; Kwakkernaat, Maurice

2016-01-01

The number of perception sensors on automated vehicles increases due to the increasing number of advanced driver assistance system functions and their increasing complexity. Furthermore, fail-safe systems require redundancy, thereby increasing the number of sensors even further. A one-size-fits-all multisensor data fusion architecture is not realistic due to the enormous diversity in vehicles, sensors and applications. As an alternative, this work presents a methodology that can be used to effectively come up with an implementation to build a consistent model of a vehicle’s surroundings. The methodology is accompanied by a software architecture. This combination minimizes the effort required to update the multisensor data fusion system whenever sensors or applications are added or replaced. A series of real-world experiments involving different sensors and algorithms demonstrates the methodology and the software architecture. PMID:27727171

3D Neutronic Analysis in MHD Calculations at ARIES-ST Fusion Reactors Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hançerliogulları, Aybaba; Cini, Mesut

2013-10-01

In this study, we developed new models for liquid wall (FW) state at ARIES-ST fusion reactor systems. ARIES-ST is a 1,000 MWe fusion reactor system based on a low aspect ratio ST plasma. In this article, we analyzed the characteristic properties of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and heat transfer conditions by using Monte-Carlo simulation methods (ARIES Team et al. in Fusion Eng Des 49-50:689-695, 2000; Tillack et al. in Fusion Eng Des 65:215-261, 2003) . In fusion applications, liquid metals are traditionally considered to be the best working fluids. The working liquid must be a lithium-containing medium in order to provide adequate tritium that the plasma is self-sustained and that the fusion is a renewable energy source. As for Flibe free surface flows, the MHD effects caused by interaction with the mean flow is negligible, while a fairly uniform flow of thick can be maintained throughout the reactor based on 3-D MHD calculations. In this study, neutronic parameters, that is to say, energy multiplication factor radiation, heat flux and fissile fuel breeding were researched for fusion reactor with various thorium and uranium molten salts. Sufficient tritium amount is needed for the reactor to work itself. In the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) >1.05 ARIES-ST fusion model TBR is >1.1 so that tritium self-sufficiency is maintained for DT fusion systems (Starke et al. in Fusion Energ Des 84:1794-1798, 2009; Najmabadi et al. in Fusion Energ Des 80:3-23, 2006).

Reduction in surgical site infection with suprafascial intrawound application of vancomycin powder in instrumented posterior spinal fusion: a retrospective case-control study.

PubMed

Haimoto, Shoichi; Schär, Ralph T; Nishimura, Yusuke; Hara, Masahito; Wakabayashi, Toshihiko; Ginsberg, Howard J

2018-05-04

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of subfascial intrawound application of vancomycin powder in spine surgery in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs). However, to date no study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of suprafascial application of vancomycin powder in spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to quantify the rate of SSIs after open instrumented posterior spinal fusion with and without application of suprafascial vancomycin powder and to evaluate the rate of vancomycin powder-related local adverse effects. METHODS The authors conducted a single-center retrospective case-control study of adult patients undergoing open instrumented posterior fusion of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine performed by a single surgeon from January 2010 through December 2016. In March 2013, routine application of 1 g of suprafascial vancomycin powder was started for all cases in addition to standard systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Baseline demographics and operative data as well as the SSI rates were compared between the study groups. The incidence of vancomycin powder-related adverse effects was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 515 patients (268 in the untreated group and 247 in the treated group) were included in the study. The mean age was significantly higher in the treated group than in the untreated group (58.4 vs 54.4 years, p < 0.01). Operative variables were similar between the study groups. Patients receiving vancomycin powder had a significantly lower infection rate (5.6% in the untreated group vs 0% in the treated group, p < 0.001). No vancomycin powder-related adverse effects were identified in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS Routine application of suprafascial intrawound vancomycin powder in addition to systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is an easy-to-use, safe, and effective strategy for preventing SSIs after instrumented posterior spinal fusion. Suprafascial application of vancomycin powder could be a valuable alternative to previously reported subfascial distribution, minimizing the risk of local adverse drug reactions.

Modeling and experiments on tritium permeation in fusion reactor blankets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, D. F.; Longhurst, G. R.

The determination of tritium loss from helium-cooled fusion breeding blankets are discussed. The issues are: (1) applicability of present models to permeation at low tritium pressures; (2) effectiveness of oxide layers in reducing permeation; (3) effectiveness of hydrogen addition as a means to lower tritium permeation; and (4) effectiveness of conversion to tritiated water and subsequent trapping to reduce permeation. Theoretical models applicable to these issues are discussed, and results of experiments in two areas are presented; permeation of mixtures of hydrogen isotopes and conversion to tritiated water.

Contemporary instrumentation and application of charge exchange neutral particle diagnostics in magnetic fusion energy experiments.

PubMed

Medley, S S; Donné, A J H; Kaita, R; Kislyakov, A I; Petrov, M P; Roquemore, A L

2008-01-01

An overview of the developments postcirca 1980s in the instrumentation and application of charge exchange neutral particle diagnostics on magnetic fusion energy experiments is presented. First, spectrometers that employ only electric fields and hence provide ion energy resolution but not mass resolution are discussed. Next, spectrometers that use various geometrical combinations of both electric and magnetic fields to provide both energy and mass resolutions are reviewed. Finally, neutral particle diagnostics based on utilization of time-of-flight techniques are presented.

Adaptive fusion of infrared and visible images in dynamic scene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Guang; Yin, Yafeng; Man, Hong; Desai, Sachi

2011-11-01

Multiple modalities sensor fusion has been widely employed in various surveillance and military applications. A variety of image fusion techniques including PCA, wavelet, curvelet and HSV has been proposed in recent years to improve human visual perception for object detection. One of the main challenges for visible and infrared image fusion is to automatically determine an optimal fusion strategy for different input scenes along with an acceptable computational cost. This paper, we propose a fast and adaptive feature selection based image fusion method to obtain high a contrast image from visible and infrared sensors for targets detection. At first, fuzzy c-means clustering is applied on the infrared image to highlight possible hotspot regions, which will be considered as potential targets' locations. After that, the region surrounding the target area is segmented as the background regions. Then image fusion is locally applied on the selected target and background regions by computing different linear combination of color components from registered visible and infrared images. After obtaining different fused images, histogram distributions are computed on these local fusion images as the fusion feature set. The variance ratio which is based on Linear Discriminative Analysis (LDA) measure is employed to sort the feature set and the most discriminative one is selected for the whole image fusion. As the feature selection is performed over time, the process will dynamically determine the most suitable feature for the image fusion in different scenes. Experiment is conducted on the OSU Color-Thermal database, and TNO Human Factor dataset. The fusion results indicate that our proposed method achieved a competitive performance compared with other fusion algorithms at a relatively low computational cost.

Generation of Mie size microdroplet aerosols with applications in laser-driven fusion experiments.

PubMed

Higginbotham, A P; Semonin, O; Bruce, S; Chan, C; Maindi, M; Donnelly, T D; Maurer, M; Bang, W; Churina, I; Osterholz, J; Kim, I; Bernstein, A C; Ditmire, T

2009-06-01

We have developed a tunable source of Mie scale microdroplet aerosols that can be used for the generation of energetic ions. To demonstrate this potential, a terawatt Ti:Al2O3 laser focused to 2 x 10(19) W/cm2 was used to irradiate heavy water (D2O) aerosols composed of micron-scale droplets. Energetic deuterium ions, which were generated in the laser-droplet interaction, produced deuterium-deuterium fusion with approximately 2 x 10(3) fusion neutrons measured per joule of incident laser energy.

Application of Laser Treatment for Hardening Parts of Gas Turbine Engines from Titanium Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girzhon, V. V.; Ovchinnikov, A. V.

2017-03-01

X-ray diffraction analysis and light microscopy are used to study the structure of surface layers of helically extruded specimens of titanium alloy VT25U after laser fusion of the surface. It is shown that the rates of cooling of the melt promote formation of a martensitic α″-phase in the zone of laser fusion and of a submicrocrystalline microstructure. The microhardness in the zone of fusion of the initial specimens exceeds the microhardness of the specimens after the extrusion.

A Matrix Pencil Algorithm Based Multiband Iterative Fusion Imaging Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yong Qiang; Gao, Xun Zhang; Li, Xiang; Liu, Yong Xiang

2016-01-01

Multiband signal fusion technique is a practicable and efficient way to improve the range resolution of ISAR image. The classical fusion method estimates the poles of each subband signal by the root-MUSIC method, and some good results were get in several experiments. However, this method is fragile in noise for the proper poles could not easy to get in low signal to noise ratio (SNR). In order to eliminate the influence of noise, this paper propose a matrix pencil algorithm based method to estimate the multiband signal poles. And to deal with mutual incoherent between subband signals, the incoherent parameters (ICP) are predicted through the relation of corresponding poles of each subband. Then, an iterative algorithm which aimed to minimize the 2-norm of signal difference is introduced to reduce signal fusion error. Applications to simulate dada verify that the proposed method get better fusion results at low SNR.

A Matrix Pencil Algorithm Based Multiband Iterative Fusion Imaging Method

PubMed Central

Zou, Yong Qiang; Gao, Xun Zhang; Li, Xiang; Liu, Yong Xiang

2016-01-01

Multiband signal fusion technique is a practicable and efficient way to improve the range resolution of ISAR image. The classical fusion method estimates the poles of each subband signal by the root-MUSIC method, and some good results were get in several experiments. However, this method is fragile in noise for the proper poles could not easy to get in low signal to noise ratio (SNR). In order to eliminate the influence of noise, this paper propose a matrix pencil algorithm based method to estimate the multiband signal poles. And to deal with mutual incoherent between subband signals, the incoherent parameters (ICP) are predicted through the relation of corresponding poles of each subband. Then, an iterative algorithm which aimed to minimize the 2-norm of signal difference is introduced to reduce signal fusion error. Applications to simulate dada verify that the proposed method get better fusion results at low SNR. PMID:26781194

Fusion energy division annual progress report, period ending December 31, 1980

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

Not Available

1981-11-01

The ORNL Program encompasses most aspects of magnetic fusion research including research on two magnetic confinement programs (tokamaks and ELMO bumpy tori); the development of the essential technologies for plasma heating, fueling, superconducting magnets, and materials; the development of diagnostics; the development of atomic physics and radiation effect data bases; the assessment of the environmental impact of magnetic fusion; the physics and engineering of present-generation devices; and the design of future devices. The integration of all of these activities into one program is a major factor in the success of each activity. An excellent example of this integration is themore » extremely successful application of neutral injection heating systems developed at ORNL to tokamaks both in the Fusion Energy Division and at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). The goal of the ORNL Fusion Program is to maintain this balance between plasma confinement, technology, and engineering activities.« less

Construction and characterization of a fusion β-1,3-1,4-glucanase to improve hydrolytic activity and thermostability.

PubMed

Sun, Juntao; Wang, Hongxin; Lv, Wenping; Ma, Chaoyang; Lou, Zaixiang; Dai, Yixing

2011-11-01

A new fusion gene (Bgl-licMB), encoding β-1,3-1,4-glucanase both from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Bgl) and Clostridium thermocellum (licMB), was constructed via end-to-end fusion and expressed in Escherichia coli to improve hydrolytic activity and thermostability of β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. The results of enzymatic properties showed that the catalytic efficiency (K(cat)/K(m)) of the fusion enzyme for oat β-glucan was 2.7 and 20-fold higher than that of the parental Bgl and licMB, respectively, and that the fusion enzyme can retain more than 50% of activity following incubation at 80°C for 30 min, whereas the residual activities of Bgl and licMB were both less than 30%. These properties make this particular β-1,3-1,4-glucanase a good candidate for application in brewing and animal-feed industries.

Immunological Properties of Hepatitis B Core Antigen Fusion Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, Michael J.; Hastings, Gillian Z.; Brown, Alan L.; Grace, Ken G.; Rowlands, David J.; Brown, Fred; Clarke, Berwyn E.

1990-04-01

The immunogenicity of a 19 amino acid peptide from foot-and-mouth disease virus has previously been shown to approach that of the inactivated virus from which it was derived after multimeric particulate presentation as an N-terminal fusion with hepatitis B core antigen. In this report we demonstrate that rhinovirus peptide-hepatitis B core antigen fusion proteins are 10-fold more immunogenic than peptide coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and 100-fold more immunogenic than uncoupled peptide with an added helper T-cell epitope. The fusion proteins can be readily administered without adjuvant or with adjuvants acceptable for human and veterinary application and can elicit a response after nasal or oral dosing. The fusion proteins can also act as T-cell-independent antigens. These properties provide further support for their suitability as presentation systems for "foreign" epitopes in the development of vaccines.

An epidemic model for biological data fusion in ad hoc sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, K. C.; Kotari, Vikas

2009-05-01

Bio terrorism can be a very refined and a catastrophic approach of attacking a nation. This requires the development of a complete architecture dedicatedly designed for this purpose which includes but is not limited to Sensing/Detection, Tracking and Fusion, Communication, and others. In this paper we focus on one such architecture and evaluate its performance. Various sensors for this specific purpose have been studied. The accent has been on use of Distributed systems such as ad-hoc networks and on application of epidemic data fusion algorithms to better manage the bio threat data. The emphasis has been on understanding the performance characteristics of these algorithms under diversified real time scenarios which are implemented through extensive JAVA based simulations. Through comparative studies on communication and fusion the performance of channel filter algorithm for the purpose of biological sensor data fusion are validated.

Weighted fusion of depth and inertial data to improve view invariance for real-time human action recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chen; Hao, Huiyan; Jafari, Roozbeh; Kehtarnavaz, Nasser

2017-05-01

This paper presents an extension to our previously developed fusion framework [10] involving a depth camera and an inertial sensor in order to improve its view invariance aspect for real-time human action recognition applications. A computationally efficient view estimation based on skeleton joints is considered in order to select the most relevant depth training data when recognizing test samples. Two collaborative representation classifiers, one for depth features and one for inertial features, are appropriately weighted to generate a decision making probability. The experimental results applied to a multi-view human action dataset show that this weighted extension improves the recognition performance by about 5% over equally weighted fusion deployed in our previous fusion framework.

Detection of buried objects by fusing dual-band infrared images

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

Clark, G.A.; Sengupta, S.K.; Sherwood, R.J.

1993-11-01

We have conducted experiments to demonstrate the enhanced detectability of buried land mines using sensor fusion techniques. Multiple sensors, including visible imagery, infrared imagery, and ground penetrating radar (GPR), have been used to acquire data on a number of buried mines and mine surrogates. Because the visible wavelength and GPR data are currently incomplete. This paper focuses on the fusion of two-band infrared images. We use feature-level fusion and supervised learning with the probabilistic neural network (PNN) to evaluate detection performance. The novelty of the work lies in the application of advanced target recognition algorithms, the fusion of dual-band infraredmore » images and evaluation of the techniques using two real data sets.« less

Physics-based and human-derived information fusion for analysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blasch, Erik; Nagy, James; Scott, Steve; Okoth, Joshua; Hinman, Michael

2017-05-01

Recent trends in physics-based and human-derived information fusion (PHIF) have amplified the capabilities of analysts; however with the big data opportunities there is a need for open architecture designs, methods of distributed team collaboration, and visualizations. In this paper, we explore recent trends in the information fusion to support user interaction and machine analytics. Challenging scenarios requiring PHIF include combing physics-based video data with human-derived text data for enhanced simultaneous tracking and identification. A driving effort would be to provide analysts with applications, tools, and interfaces that afford effective and affordable solutions for timely decision making. Fusion at scale should be developed to allow analysts to access data, call analytics routines, enter solutions, update models, and store results for distributed decision making.

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

Mohamed Abdelrahman; roger Haggard; Wagdy Mahmoud

The final goal of this project was the development of a system that is capable of controlling an industrial process effectively through the integration of information obtained through intelligent sensor fusion and intelligent control technologies. The industry of interest in this project was the metal casting industry as represented by cupola iron-melting furnaces. However, the developed technology is of generic type and hence applicable to several other industries. The system was divided into the following four major interacting components: 1. An object oriented generic architecture to integrate the developed software and hardware components @. Generic algorithms for intelligent signal analysismore » and sensor and model fusion 3. Development of supervisory structure for integration of intelligent sensor fusion data into the controller 4. Hardware implementation of intelligent signal analysis and fusion algorithms« less

A robust vision-based sensor fusion approach for real-time pose estimation.

PubMed

Assa, Akbar; Janabi-Sharifi, Farrokh

2014-02-01

Object pose estimation is of great importance to many applications, such as augmented reality, localization and mapping, motion capture, and visual servoing. Although many approaches based on a monocular camera have been proposed, only a few works have concentrated on applying multicamera sensor fusion techniques to pose estimation. Higher accuracy and enhanced robustness toward sensor defects or failures are some of the advantages of these schemes. This paper presents a new Kalman-based sensor fusion approach for pose estimation that offers higher accuracy and precision, and is robust to camera motion and image occlusion, compared to its predecessors. Extensive experiments are conducted to validate the superiority of this fusion method over currently employed vision-based pose estimation algorithms.

Fission and activation of uranium by fusion-plasma neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. H.; Hohl, F.; Mcfarland, D. R.

1978-01-01

Fusion-fission hybrid reactors are discussed in terms of two main purposes: to breed fissile materials (Pu 233 and Th 233 from U 238 or Th 232) for use in low-reactivity breeders, and to produce tritium from lithium to refuel fusion plasma cores. Neutron flux generation is critical for both processes. Various methods for generating the flux are described, with attention to new geometries for multiple plasma focus arrays, e.g., hypocycloidal pinch and staged plasma focus devices. These methods are evaluated with reference to their applicability to D-D fusion reactors, which will ensure a virtually unlimited energy supply. Accurate observations of the neutron flux from such schemes are obtained by using different target materials in the plasma focus.

Cellulose binding domain proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Shpiegl, I.; Goldstein, M.; Doi, R.

1998-11-17

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 16 figs.

Cellulose binding domain proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded; Shpiegl, Itai; Goldstein, Marc; Doi, Roy

1998-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Segmentation of the Striatum Using Data Fusion

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

palsy. Ann Neurol 1999; 45:1 65-74. [3] Barra V. in Fusion d’images 3D du cerveau : études de modèles et applications. Ph.D. Thesis, Université...in Segmentation des structure internes du cerveau . Ph. D. Thesis, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications, Paris (France), 1998. [15

Leaf area index uncertainty estimates for model-data fusion applications

Treesearch

Andrew D. Richardson; D. Bryan Dail; D.Y. Hollinger

2011-01-01

Estimates of data uncertainties are required to integrate different observational data streams as model constraints using model-data fusion. We describe an approach with which random and systematic uncertainties in optical measurements of leaf area index [LAI] can be quantified. We use data from a measurement campaign at the spruce-dominated Howland Forest AmeriFlux...

[Efficacy of fusion image for the preoperative assessment of anatomical variation of the anterior choroidal artery].

PubMed

Aoki, Yasuko; Endo, Hidenori; Niizuma, Kuniyasu; Inoue, Takashi; Shimizu, Hiroaki; Tominaga, Teiji

2013-12-01

We report two cases with internal carotid artery(ICA)aneurysms, in which fusion image effectively indicated the anatomical variations of the anterior choroidal artery (AchoA). Fusion image was obtained using fusion application software (Integrated Registration, Advantage Workstation VS4, GE Healthcare). When the artery passed through the choroidal fissure, it was diagnosed as AchoA. Case 1 had an aneurysm at the left ICA. Left internal carotid angiography (ICAG) showed that an artery arising from the aneurysmal neck supplied the medial occipital lobe. Fusion image showed that this artery had a branch passing through the choroidal fissure, which was diagnosed as hyperplastic AchoA. Case 2 had an aneurysm at the supraclinoid segment of the right ICA. AchoA or posterior communicating artery (PcomA) were not detected by the right ICAG. Fusion image obtained from 3D vertebral angiography (VAG) and MRI showed that the right AchoA arose from the right PcomA. Fusion image obtained from the right ICAG and the left VAG suggested that the aneurysm was located on the ICA where the PcomA regressed. Fusion image is an effective tool for assessing anatomical variations of AchoA. The present method is simple and quick for obtaining a fusion image that can be used in a real-time clinical setting.

Canonical Correlation Analysis for Feature-Based Fusion of Biomedical Imaging Modalities and Its Application to Detection of Associative Networks in Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Correa, Nicolle M; Li, Yi-Ou; Adalı, Tülay; Calhoun, Vince D

2008-12-01

Typically data acquired through imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI (sMRI), and electroencephalography (EEG) are analyzed separately. However, fusing information from such complementary modalities promises to provide additional insight into connectivity across brain networks and changes due to disease. We propose a data fusion scheme at the feature level using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to determine inter-subject covariations across modalities. As we show both with simulation results and application to real data, multimodal CCA (mCCA) proves to be a flexible and powerful method for discovering associations among various data types. We demonstrate the versatility of the method with application to two datasets, an fMRI and EEG, and an fMRI and sMRI dataset, both collected from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls. CCA results for fMRI and EEG data collected for an auditory oddball task reveal associations of the temporal and motor areas with the N2 and P3 peaks. For the application to fMRI and sMRI data collected for an auditory sensorimotor task, CCA results show an interesting joint relationship between fMRI and gray matter, with patients with schizophrenia showing more functional activity in motor areas and less activity in temporal areas associated with less gray matter as compared to healthy controls. Additionally, we compare our scheme with an independent component analysis based fusion method, joint-ICA that has proven useful for such a study and note that the two methods provide complementary perspectives on data fusion.

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the six-helix bundle of the human respiratory syncytial virus fusion glycoprotein as probes of the protein post-fusion conformation

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

Palomo, Concepción; Mas, Vicente; Vázquez, Mónica

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) has two major surface glycoproteins (G and F) anchored in the lipid envelope. Membrane fusion promoted by hRSV{sub F} occurs via refolding from a pre-fusion form to a highly stable post-fusion state involving large conformational changes of the F trimer. One of these changes results in assembly of two heptad repeat sequences (HRA and HRB) into a six-helix bundle (6HB) motif. To assist in distinguishing pre- and post-fusion conformations of hRSV{sub F}, we have prepared polyclonal (α-6HB) and monoclonal (R145) rabbit antibodies specific for the 6HB. Among other applications, these antibodies were used to exploremore » the requirements of 6HB formation by isolated protein segments or peptides and by truncated mutants of the F protein. Site-directed mutagenesis and electron microscopy located the R145 epitope in the post-fusion hRSV{sub F} at a site distantly located from previously mapped epitopes, extending the repertoire of antibodies that can decorate the F molecule. - Highlights: • Antibodies specific for post-fusion respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein are described. • Polyclonal antibodies were obtained in rabbit inoculated with chimeric heptad repeats. • Antibody binding required assembly of a six-helix bundle in the post-fusion protein. • A monoclonal antibody with similar structural requirements is also described. • Binding of this antibody to the post-fusion protein was visualized by electron microscopy.« less

Pairwise diversity ranking of polychotomous features for ensemble physiological signal classifiers.

PubMed

Gupta, Lalit; Kota, Srinivas; Molfese, Dennis L; Vaidyanathan, Ravi

2013-06-01

It is well known that fusion classifiers for physiological signal classification with diverse components (classifiers or data sets) outperform those with less diverse components. Determining component diversity, therefore, is of the utmost importance in the design of fusion classifiers that are often employed in clinical diagnostic and numerous other pattern recognition problems. In this article, a new pairwise diversity-based ranking strategy is introduced to select a subset of ensemble components, which when combined will be more diverse than any other component subset of the same size. The strategy is unified in the sense that the components can be classifiers or data sets. Moreover, the classifiers and data sets can be polychotomous. Classifier-fusion and data-fusion systems are formulated based on the diversity-based selection strategy, and the application of the two fusion strategies are demonstrated through the classification of multichannel event-related potentials. It is observed that for both classifier and data fusion, the classification accuracy tends to increase/decrease when the diversity of the component ensemble increases/decreases. For the four sets of 14-channel event-related potentials considered, it is shown that data fusion outperforms classifier fusion. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the combination of data components that yield the best performance, in a relative sense, can be determined through the diversity-based selection strategy.

Automated target classification in high resolution dual frequency sonar imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aridgides, Tom; Fernández, Manuel

2007-04-01

An improved computer-aided-detection / computer-aided-classification (CAD/CAC) processing string has been developed. The classified objects of 2 distinct strings are fused using the classification confidence values and their expansions as features, and using "summing" or log-likelihood-ratio-test (LLRT) based fusion rules. The utility of the overall processing strings and their fusion was demonstrated with new high-resolution dual frequency sonar imagery. Three significant fusion algorithm improvements were made. First, a nonlinear 2nd order (Volterra) feature LLRT fusion algorithm was developed. Second, a Box-Cox nonlinear feature LLRT fusion algorithm was developed. The Box-Cox transformation consists of raising the features to a to-be-determined power. Third, a repeated application of a subset feature selection / feature orthogonalization / Volterra feature LLRT fusion block was utilized. It was shown that cascaded Volterra feature LLRT fusion of the CAD/CAC processing strings outperforms summing, baseline single-stage Volterra and Box-Cox feature LLRT algorithms, yielding significant improvements over the best single CAD/CAC processing string results, and providing the capability to correctly call the majority of targets while maintaining a very low false alarm rate. Additionally, the robustness of cascaded Volterra feature fusion was demonstrated, by showing that the algorithm yields similar performance with the training and test sets.

Detecting protein-protein interactions using Renilla luciferase fusion proteins.

PubMed

Burbelo, Peter D; Kisailus, Adam E; Peck, Jeremy W

2002-11-01

We have developed a novel system designated the luciferase assay for protein detection (LAPD) to study protein-protein interactions. This method involves two protein fusions, a soluble reporter fusion and a fusion for immobilizing the target protein. The soluble reporter is an N-terminal Renilla luciferase fusion protein that exhibits high Renilla luciferase activity. Crude cleared lysates from transfected Cos1 cells that express the Renilla luciferase fusion protein can be used in binding assays with immobilized target proteins. Following incubation and washing, target-bound Renilla luciferase fusion proteins produce light from the coelenterazine substrate, indicating an interaction between the two proteins of interest. As proof of the principle, we reproduced known, transient protein-protein interactions between the Cdc42 GTPase and its effector proteins. GTPase Renilla fusion proteins produced in Cos1 cells were tested with immobilized recombinant GST-N-WASP and CEP5 effector proteins. Using this assay, we could detect specific interactions of Cdc42 with these effector proteins in approximately 50 min. The specificity of these interactions was demonstrated by showing that they were GTPase-specific and GTP-dependent and not seen with other unrelated target proteins. These results suggest that the LAPD method, which is both rapid and sensitive, may have research and practical applications.

A method for constructing single-copy lac fusions in Salmonella typhimurium and its application to the hemA-prfA operon.

PubMed

Elliott, T

1992-01-01

This report describes a set of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium strains that permits the reversible transfer of lac fusions between a plasmid and either bacterial chromosome. The system relies on homologous recombination in an E. coli recD host for transfer from plasmid to chromosome. This E. coli strain carries the S. typhimurium put operon inserted into trp, and the resulting fusions are of the form trp::put::[Kanr-X-lac], where X is the promoter or gene fragment under study. The put homology flanks the lac fusion segment, so that fusions can be transduced into S. typhimurium, replacing the resident put operon. Subsequent transduction into an S. typhimurium strain with a large chromosomal deletion covering put allows selection for recombinants that inherit the fusion on a plasmid. A transposable version of the put operon was constructed and used to direct lac fusions to novel locations, including the F plasmid and the ara locus. Transductional crosses between strains with fusions bearing different segments of the hemA-prfA operon were used to determine the contribution of the hemA promoter region to expression of the prfA gene and other genes downstream of hemA in S. typhimurium.

Incorporating priors on expert performance parameters for segmentation validation and label fusion: a maximum a posteriori STAPLE

PubMed Central

Commowick, Olivier; Warfield, Simon K

2010-01-01

In order to evaluate the quality of segmentations of an image and assess intra- and inter-expert variability in segmentation performance, an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for Simultaneous Truth And Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) was recently developed. This algorithm, originally presented for segmentation validation, has since been used for many applications, such as atlas construction and decision fusion. However, the manual delineation of structures of interest is a very time consuming and burdensome task. Further, as the time required and burden of manual delineation increase, the accuracy of the delineation is decreased. Therefore, it may be desirable to ask the experts to delineate only a reduced number of structures or the segmentation of all structures by all experts may simply not be achieved. Fusion from data with some structures not segmented by each expert should be carried out in a manner that accounts for the missing information. In other applications, locally inconsistent segmentations may drive the STAPLE algorithm into an undesirable local optimum, leading to misclassifications or misleading experts performance parameters. We present a new algorithm that allows fusion with partial delineation and which can avoid convergence to undesirable local optima in the presence of strongly inconsistent segmentations. The algorithm extends STAPLE by incorporating prior probabilities for the expert performance parameters. This is achieved through a Maximum A Posteriori formulation, where the prior probabilities for the performance parameters are modeled by a beta distribution. We demonstrate that this new algorithm enables dramatically improved fusion from data with partial delineation by each expert in comparison to fusion with STAPLE. PMID:20879379

Incorporating priors on expert performance parameters for segmentation validation and label fusion: a maximum a posteriori STAPLE.

PubMed

Commowick, Olivier; Warfield, Simon K

2010-01-01

In order to evaluate the quality of segmentations of an image and assess intra- and inter-expert variability in segmentation performance, an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for Simultaneous Truth And Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) was recently developed. This algorithm, originally presented for segmentation validation, has since been used for many applications, such as atlas construction and decision fusion. However, the manual delineation of structures of interest is a very time consuming and burdensome task. Further, as the time required and burden of manual delineation increase, the accuracy of the delineation is decreased. Therefore, it may be desirable to ask the experts to delineate only a reduced number of structures or the segmentation of all structures by all experts may simply not be achieved. Fusion from data with some structures not segmented by each expert should be carried out in a manner that accounts for the missing information. In other applications, locally inconsistent segmentations may drive the STAPLE algorithm into an undesirable local optimum, leading to misclassifications or misleading experts performance parameters. We present a new algorithm that allows fusion with partial delineation and which can avoid convergence to undesirable local optima in the presence of strongly inconsistent segmentations. The algorithm extends STAPLE by incorporating prior probabilities for the expert performance parameters. This is achieved through a Maximum A Posteriori formulation, where the prior probabilities for the performance parameters are modeled by a beta distribution. We demonstrate that this new algorithm enables dramatically improved fusion from data with partial delineation by each expert in comparison to fusion with STAPLE.

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

Henderson, Ian M.; Collins, Aaron M.; Quintana, Hope A.

In this study, we develop a quantitative dye dequenching technique for the measurement of polymersome fusion, using it to characterize the salt mediated, mechanically-induced fusion of polymersomes with polymer, lipid, and so-called stealth lipid vesicles. While dye dequenching has been used to quantitatively explore liposome fusion in the past, this is the first use of dye dequenching to measure polymersome fusion of which we are aware. In addition to providing quantitative results, dye dequenching is ideal for detecting fusion in instances where DLS results would be ambiguous, such as low yield levels and size ranges outside the capabilities of DLS.more » The dye chosen for this study was a cyanine derivative, 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DiR), which proved to provide excellent data on the extent of polymersome fusion. Using this technique, we have shown the limited fusion capabilities of polymersome/liposome heterofusion, notably DOPC vesicles fusing with polymersomes at half the efficiency of polymersome homofusion and DPPC vesicles showing virtually no fusion. In addition to these key heterofusion experiments, we determined the broad applicability of dye dequenching in measuring kinetic rates of polymersome fusion; and showed that even at elevated temperatures or over multiple weeks' time, no polymersome fusion occurred without agitation. Stealth liposomes formed from DPPC and PEO-functionalized lipid, however, fused with polymersomes and stealth liposomes with relatively high efficiency, lending support to our hypothesis that the response of the PEO corona to salt is a key factor in the fusion process. This last finding suggests that although the conjugation of PEO to lipids increases vesicle biocompatibility and enables their longer circulation times, it also renders the vesicles subject to destabilization under high salt and shear (e.g. in the circulatory system) that may lead to, in this case, fusion.« less

Strong FGFR3 staining is a marker for FGFR3 fusions in diffuse gliomas

PubMed Central

Annala, Matti; Lehtinen, Birgitta; Kesseli, Juha; Haapasalo, Joonas; Ruusuvuori, Pekka; Yli-Harja, Olli; Visakorpi, Tapio; Haapasalo, Hannu; Nykter, Matti; Zhang, Wei

2017-01-01

Abstract Background Inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) have recently arisen as a promising treatment option for patients with FGFR alterations. Gene fusions involving FGFR3 and transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3) have been detected in diffuse gliomas and other malignancies, and fusion-positive cases have responded well to FGFR inhibition. As high FGFR3 expression has been detected in fusion-positive tumors, we sought to determine the clinical significance of FGFR3 protein expression level as well as its potential for indicating FGFR3 fusions. Methods We performed FGFR3 immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing 676 grades II–IV astrocytomas and 116 grades II–III oligodendroglial tumor specimens. Fifty-one cases were further analyzed using targeted sequencing. Results Moderate to strong FGFR3 staining was detected in gliomas of all grades, was more common in females, and was associated with poor survival in diffuse astrocytomas. Targeted sequencing identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusions and an FGFR3-CAMK2A fusion in 10 of 15 strongly stained cases, whereas no fusions were found in 36 negatively to moderately stained cases. Fusion-positive cases were predominantly female and negative for IDH and EGFR/PDGFRA/MET alterations. These and moderately stained cases show lower MIB-1 proliferation index than negatively to weakly stained cases. Furthermore, stronger FGFR3 expression was commonly observed in malignant tissue regions of lower cellularity in fusion-negative cases. Importantly, subregional negative FGFR3 staining was also observed in a few fusion-positive cases. Conclusions Strong FGFR3 protein expression is indicative of FGFR3 fusions and may serve as a clinically applicable predictive marker for treatment regimens based on FGFR inhibitors. PMID:28379477

How Magnetic Disturbance Influences the Attitude and Heading in Magnetic and Inertial Sensor-Based Orientation Estimation

PubMed Central

Li, Qingguo

2017-01-01

With the advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies, magnetic and inertial sensors are becoming more and more accurate, lightweight, smaller in size as well as low-cost, which in turn boosts their applications in human movement analysis. However, challenges still exist in the field of sensor orientation estimation, where magnetic disturbance represents one of the obstacles limiting their practical application. The objective of this paper is to systematically analyze exactly how magnetic disturbances affects the attitude and heading estimation for a magnetic and inertial sensor. First, we reviewed four major components dealing with magnetic disturbance, namely decoupling attitude estimation from magnetic reading, gyro bias estimation, adaptive strategies of compensating magnetic disturbance and sensor fusion algorithms. We review and analyze the features of existing methods of each component. Second, to understand each component in magnetic disturbance rejection, four representative sensor fusion methods were implemented, including gradient descent algorithms, improved explicit complementary filter, dual-linear Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter. Finally, a new standardized testing procedure has been developed to objectively assess the performance of each method against magnetic disturbance. Based upon the testing results, the strength and weakness of the existing sensor fusion methods were easily examined, and suggestions were presented for selecting a proper sensor fusion algorithm or developing new sensor fusion method. PMID:29283432

SU-D-304-07: Application of Proton Boron Fusion Reaction to Radiation Therapy

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

Jung, J; Yoon, D; Shin, H

Purpose: we present the introduction of a therapy method using the proton boron fusion reaction. The purpose of this study is to verify the theoretical validity of proton boron fusion therapy using Monte Carlo simulations. Methods: After boron is accumulated in the tumor region, the emitted from outside the body proton can react with the boron in the tumor region. An increase of the proton’s maximum dose level is caused by the boron and only the tumor cell is damaged more critically. In addition, a prompt gamma ray is emitted from the proton boron reaction point. Here we show thatmore » the effectiveness of the proton boron fusion therapy (PBFT) was verified using Monte Carlo simulations. Results: We found that a dramatic increase by more than half of the proton’s maximum dose level was induced by the boron in the tumor region. This increase occurred only when the proton’s maximum dose point was located within the boron uptake region (BUR). In addition, the 719 keV prompt gamma ray peak produced by the proton boron fusion reaction was positively detected. Conclusion: This therapy method features the advantages such as the application of Bragg-peak to the therapy, the accurate targeting of tumor, improved therapy effects, and the monitoring of the therapy region during treatment.« less

Fusion of 3D laser scanner and depth images for obstacle recognition in mobile applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budzan, Sebastian; Kasprzyk, Jerzy

2016-02-01

The problem of obstacle detection and recognition or, generally, scene mapping is one of the most investigated problems in computer vision, especially in mobile applications. In this paper a fused optical system using depth information with color images gathered from the Microsoft Kinect sensor and 3D laser range scanner data is proposed for obstacle detection and ground estimation in real-time mobile systems. The algorithm consists of feature extraction in the laser range images, processing of the depth information from the Kinect sensor, fusion of the sensor information, and classification of the data into two separate categories: road and obstacle. Exemplary results are presented and it is shown that fusion of information gathered from different sources increases the effectiveness of the obstacle detection in different scenarios, and it can be used successfully for road surface mapping.

Exploiting the synergistic effect of concurrent data signals: Low-level fusion of liquid chromatographic with dual detection data.

PubMed

Teglia, Carla M; Azcarate, Silvana M; Alcaráz, Mirta R; Goicoechea, Héctor C; Culzoni, María J

2018-08-15

A low-level data fusion strategy was developed and implemented for data processing of second-order liquid chromatographic data with dual detection, i.e. absorbance and fluorescence monitoring. The synergistic effect of coupling individual information provided by two different detectors was evaluated by analyzing the results gathered after the application of a series of data preprocessing steps and chemometric resolution. The chemometric modeling involved data analysis by MCR-ALS, PARAFAC and N-PLS. Their ability to handle the new data block was assessed through the estimation of the analytical figures of merits achieved in the prediction of a validation set containing fifteen fluorescent and non-fluorescent veterinary active ingredients that can be found in poultry litter. Eventually, the feasibility of the application of the fusion strategy to real poultry litter samples containing the studied compounds was verified. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET-based Full-Bridge for Fusion Science Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziemba, Timothy; Miller, Kenneth; Prager, James; Picard, Julian; Hashim, Akel

2014-10-01

Switching power amplifiers (SPAs) have a wide variety of applications within the fusion science community, including feedback and control systems for dynamic plasma stabilization in tokamaks, inductive and arc plasma sources, Radio Frequency (RF) helicity and flux injection, RF plasma heating and current drive schemes, ion beam generation, and RF pre-ionizer systems. SiC MOSFETs offer many advantages over IGBTs including lower drive energy requirements, lower conduction and switching losses, and higher switching frequency capabilities. When comparing SiC and traditional silicon-based MOSFETs, SiC MOSFETs provide higher current carrying capability allowing for smaller package weights and sizes and lower operating temperature. Eagle Harbor Technologies (EHT) is designing, constructing, and testing a SiC MOSFET-based full-bridge SPA. EHT will leverage the proprietary gate drive technology previously developed with the support of a DOE SBIR, which will enable fast, efficient switching in a small form factor. The primary goal is to develop a SiC MOSFET-based SPA for fusion science applications. Work supported in part by the DOE under Contract Number DE-SC0011907.

The Nova Upgrade Facility for ICF ignition and gain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowdermilk, W. H.; Campbell, E. M.; Hunt, J. T.; Murray, J. R.; Storm, E.; Tobin, M. T.; Trenholme, J. B.

1992-01-01

Research on Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is motivated by its potential defense and civilian applications, including ultimately the generation of electric power. The U.S. ICF Program was reviewed recently by the National Academy of Science (NAS) and the Fusion Policy Advisory Committee (FPAC). Both committees issued final reports in 1991 which recommended that first priority in the ICF program be placed on demonstrating fusion ignition and modest gain (G less than 10). The U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have proposed an upgrade of the existing Nova Laser Facility at LLNL to accomplish these goals. Both the NAS and FPAC have endorsed the upgrade of Nova as the optimal path to achieving ignition and gain. Results from Nova Upgrade Experiments will be used to define requirements for driver and target technology both for future high-yield military applications, such as the Laboratory Microfusion Facility (LMF) proposed by the Department of Energy, and for high-gain energy applications leading to an ICF engineering test facility. The central role and modifications which Nova Upgrade would play in the national ICF strategy are described.

Enhancement of Tropical Land Cover Mapping with Wavelet-Based Fusion and Unsupervised Clustering of SAR and Landsat Image Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeMoigne, Jacqueline; Laporte, Nadine; Netanyahuy, Nathan S.; Zukor, Dorothy (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The characterization and the mapping of land cover/land use of forest areas, such as the Central African rainforest, is a very complex task. This complexity is mainly due to the extent of such areas and, as a consequence, to the lack of full and continuous cloud-free coverage of those large regions by one single remote sensing instrument, In order to provide improved vegetation maps of Central Africa and to develop forest monitoring techniques for applications at the local and regional scales, we propose to utilize multi-sensor remote sensing observations coupled with in-situ data. Fusion and clustering of multi-sensor data are the first steps towards the development of such a forest monitoring system. In this paper, we will describe some preliminary experiments involving the fusion of SAR and Landsat image data of the Lope Reserve in Gabon. Similarly to previous fusion studies, our fusion method is wavelet-based. The fusion provides a new image data set which contains more detailed texture features and preserves the large homogeneous regions that are observed by the Thematic Mapper sensor. The fusion step is followed by unsupervised clustering and provides a vegetation map of the area.

SDIA: A dynamic situation driven information fusion algorithm for cloud environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shuhang; Wang, Tong; Wang, Jian

2017-09-01

Information fusion is an important issue in information integration domain. In order to form an extensive information fusion technology under the complex and diverse situations, a new information fusion algorithm is proposed. Firstly, a fuzzy evaluation model of tag utility was proposed that can be used to count the tag entropy. Secondly, a ubiquitous situation tag tree model is proposed to define multidimensional structure of information situation. Thirdly, the similarity matching between the situation models is classified into three types: the tree inclusion, the tree embedding, and the tree compatibility. Next, in order to reduce the time complexity of the tree compatible matching algorithm, a fast and ordered tree matching algorithm is proposed based on the node entropy, which is used to support the information fusion by ubiquitous situation. Since the algorithm revolve from the graph theory of disordered tree matching algorithm, it can improve the information fusion present recall rate and precision rate in the situation. The information fusion algorithm is compared with the star and the random tree matching algorithm, and the difference between the three algorithms is analyzed in the view of isomorphism, which proves the innovation and applicability of the algorithm.

Multiclassifier information fusion methods for microarray pattern recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braun, Jerome J.; Glina, Yan; Judson, Nicholas; Herzig-Marx, Rachel

2004-04-01

This paper addresses automatic recognition of microarray patterns, a capability that could have a major significance for medical diagnostics, enabling development of diagnostic tools for automatic discrimination of specific diseases. The paper presents multiclassifier information fusion methods for microarray pattern recognition. The input space partitioning approach based on fitness measures that constitute an a-priori gauging of classification efficacy for each subspace is investigated. Methods for generation of fitness measures, generation of input subspaces and their use in the multiclassifier fusion architecture are presented. In particular, two-level quantification of fitness that accounts for the quality of each subspace as well as the quality of individual neighborhoods within the subspace is described. Individual-subspace classifiers are Support Vector Machine based. The decision fusion stage fuses the information from mulitple SVMs along with the multi-level fitness information. Final decision fusion stage techniques, including weighted fusion as well as Dempster-Shafer theory based fusion are investigated. It should be noted that while the above methods are discussed in the context of microarray pattern recognition, they are applicable to a broader range of discrimination problems, in particular to problems involving a large number of information sources irreducible to a low-dimensional feature space.

Infrared and visible image fusion scheme based on NSCT and low-level visual features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huafeng; Qiu, Hongmei; Yu, Zhengtao; Zhang, Yafei

2016-05-01

Multi-scale transform (MST) is an efficient tool for image fusion. Recently, many fusion methods have been developed based on different MSTs, and they have shown potential application in many fields. In this paper, we propose an effective infrared and visible image fusion scheme in nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain, in which the NSCT is firstly employed to decompose each of the source images into a series of high frequency subbands and one low frequency subband. To improve the fusion performance we designed two new activity measures for fusion of the lowpass subbands and the highpass subbands. These measures are developed based on the fact that the human visual system (HVS) percept the image quality mainly according to its some low-level features. Then, the selection principles of different subbands are presented based on the corresponding activity measures. Finally, the merged subbands are constructed according to the selection principles, and the final fused image is produced by applying the inverse NSCT on these merged subbands. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method over the state-of-the-art fusion methods in terms of both visual effect and objective evaluation results.

Direct-laser metal writing of surface acoustic wave transducers for integrated-optic spatial light modulators in lithium niobate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Bianca C.; Savidis, Nickolaos; Moebius, Michael; Jolly, Sundeep; Mazur, Eric; Bove, V. Michael

2017-02-01

Recently, the fabrication of high-resolution silver nanostructures using a femtosecond laser-based direct write process in a gelatin matrix was reported. The application of direct metal writing towards feature development has also been explored with direct metal fusion, in which metal is fused onto the surface of the substrate via a femtosecond laser process. In this paper, we present a comparative study of gelatin matrix and metal fusion approaches for directly laser-written fabrication of surface acoustic wave transducers on a lithium niobate substrate for application in integrated optic spatial light modulators.

Molecular Diagnostics of Fusion and Laboratory Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantz, U.

2005-05-01

The presence of molecules in the cold scrape-off layer of fusion experiments and industrial plasmas requires an understanding of the molecular dynamics in these low temperature plasmas. Suitable diagnostic methods can provide an insight in molecular processes in the plasma volume as well as for plasma surface interactions. A very simple but powerful technique is the molecular emission spectroscopy. Spectra are obtained easily, whereas interpretation might be very complex and relies on the availability of atomic and molecular data. Examples are given for hydrogen plasmas and plasmas with hydrocarbons which both are of importance in industrial applications as well as in fusion experiments.

Application of ECT inspection to the first wall of a fusion reactor with wavelet analysis

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

Chen, G.; Yoshida, Y.; Miya, K.

1994-12-31

The first wall of a fusion reactor will be subjected to intensive loads during fusion operations. Since these loads may cause defects in the first wall, nondestructive evaluation techniques of the first wall should be developed. In this paper, we try to apply eddy current testing (ECT) technique to the inspection of the first wall. A method based on current vector potential and wavelet analysis is proposed. Owing to the use of wavelet analysis, a new theory developed recently, the accuracy of the present method is shown to be better than a conventional one.

An object-oriented framework for medical image registration, fusion, and visualization.

PubMed

Zhu, Yang-Ming; Cochoff, Steven M

2006-06-01

An object-oriented framework for image registration, fusion, and visualization was developed based on the classic model-view-controller paradigm. The framework employs many design patterns to facilitate legacy code reuse, manage software complexity, and enhance the maintainability and portability of the framework. Three sample applications built a-top of this framework are illustrated to show the effectiveness of this framework: the first one is for volume image grouping and re-sampling, the second one is for 2D registration and fusion, and the last one is for visualization of single images as well as registered volume images.

Issues in Data Fusion for Satellite Aerosol Measurements for Applications with GIOVANNI System at NASA GES DISC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gopalan, Arun; Zubko, Viktor; Leptoukh, Gregory G.

2008-01-01

We look at issues, barriers and approaches for Data Fusion of satellite aerosol data as available from the GES DISC GIOVANNI Web Service. Daily Global Maps of AOT from a single satellite sensor alone contain gaps that arise due to various sources (sun glint regions, clouds, orbital swath gaps at low latitudes, bright underlying surfaces etc.). The goal is to develop a fast, accurate and efficient method to improve the spatial coverage of the Daily AOT data to facilitate comparisons with Global Models. Data Fusion may be supplemented by Optimal Interpolation (OI) as needed.

HEDP and new directions for fusion energy

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

Kirkpatrick, Ronald C

2009-01-01

The Quest for fusion energy has a long history and the demonstration of thermonuclear energy release in 1951 represented a record achievement for high energy density. While this first demonstration was in response to the extreme fears of mankind, it also marked the beginning of a great hope that it would usher in an era of boundless cheap energy. In fact, fusion still promises to be an enabling technology that can be compared to the prehistoric utilization of fire. Why has the quest for fusion energy been so long on promises and so short in fulfillment? This paper briefly reviewsmore » past approaches to fusion energy and suggests new directions. By putting aside the old thinking and vigorously applying our experimental, computational and theoretical tools developed over the past decades we should be able to make rapid progress toward satisfying an urgent need. Fusion not only holds the key to abundant green energy, but also promises to enable deep space missions and the creation of rare elements and isotopes for wide-ranging industrial applications and medical diagnostics.« less

Image fusion based on millimeter-wave for concealed weapon detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Weiwen; Zhao, Yuejin; Deng, Chao; Zhang, Cunlin; Zhang, Yalin; Zhang, Jingshui

2010-11-01

This paper describes a novel multi sensors image fusion technology which is presented for concealed weapon detection (CWD). It is known to all, because of the good transparency of the clothes at millimeter wave band, a millimeter wave radiometer can be used to image and distinguish concealed contraband beneath clothes, for example guns, knives, detonator and so on. As a result, we adopt the passive millimeter wave (PMMW) imaging technology for airport security. However, in consideration of the wavelength of millimeter wave and the single channel mechanical scanning, the millimeter wave image has law optical resolution, which can't meet the need of practical application. Therefore, visible image (VI), which has higher resolution, is proposed for the image fusion with the millimeter wave image to enhance the readability. Before the image fusion, a novel image pre-processing which specifics to the fusion of millimeter wave imaging and visible image is adopted. And in the process of image fusion, multi resolution analysis (MRA) based on Wavelet Transform (WT) is adopted. In this way, the experiment result shows that this method has advantages in concealed weapon detection and has practical significance.

High Energy Density Physics and Exotic Acceleration Schemes

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

Cowan, T.; /General Atomics, San Diego; Colby, E.

2005-09-27

The High Energy Density and Exotic Acceleration working group took as our goal to reach beyond the community of plasma accelerator research with its applications to high energy physics, to promote exchange with other disciplines which are challenged by related and demanding beam physics issues. The scope of the group was to cover particle acceleration and beam transport that, unlike other groups at AAC, are not mediated by plasmas or by electromagnetic structures. At this Workshop, we saw an impressive advancement from years past in the area of Vacuum Acceleration, for example with the LEAP experiment at Stanford. And wemore » saw an influx of exciting new beam physics topics involving particle propagation inside of solid-density plasmas or at extremely high charge density, particularly in the areas of laser acceleration of ions, and extreme beams for fusion energy research, including Heavy-ion Inertial Fusion beam physics. One example of the importance and extreme nature of beam physics in HED research is the requirement in the Fast Ignitor scheme of inertial fusion to heat a compressed DT fusion pellet to keV temperatures by injection of laser-driven electron or ion beams of giga-Amp current. Even in modest experiments presently being performed on the laser-acceleration of ions from solids, mega-amp currents of MeV electrons must be transported through solid foils, requiring almost complete return current neutralization, and giving rise to a wide variety of beam-plasma instabilities. As keynote talks our group promoted Ion Acceleration (plenary talk by A. MacKinnon), which historically has grown out of inertial fusion research, and HIF Accelerator Research (invited talk by A. Friedman), which will require impressive advancements in space-charge-limited ion beam physics and in understanding the generation and transport of neutralized ion beams. A unifying aspect of High Energy Density applications was the physics of particle beams inside of solids, which is proving to be a very important field for diverse applications such as muon cooling, fusion energy research, and ultra-bright particle and radiation generation with high intensity lasers. We had several talks on these and other subjects, and many joint sessions with the Computational group, the EM Structures group, and the Beam Generation group. We summarize our groups' work in the following categories: vacuum acceleration schemes; ion acceleration; particle transport in solids; and applications to high energy density phenomena.« less

A chimeric LysK-lysostaphin fusion enzyme lysing Staphylococcus aureus cells: a study of both kinetics of inactivation and specifics of interaction with anionic polymers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A staphylolytic fusion protein (K-L) was created, harboring three unique lytic activities comprised of the LysK CHAP endopeptidase, and amidase domains, and the lysostaphin glycyl-glycine endopeptidase domain. To assess the potential of possible therapeutic applications, the kinetic behavior of K-L...

Methods of use of cellulose binding domain proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Shpiegl, I.; Goldstein, M.A.; Doi, R.H.

1997-09-23

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 16 figs.

Nucleic acids encoding a cellulose binding domain

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded; Shpiegl, Itai; Goldstein, Marc A.; Doi, Roy H.

1996-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Nucleic acids encoding a cellulose binding domain

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, O.; Shpiegl, I.; Goldstein, M.A.; Doi, R.H.

1996-03-05

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques. 15 figs.

Methods of use of cellulose binding domain proteins

DOEpatents

Shoseyov, Oded; Shpiegl, Itai; Goldstein, Marc A.; Doi, Roy H.

1997-01-01

A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Product development using process monitoring and NDE data fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Todd; Bossi, Richard H.

1998-03-01

Composite process/product development relies on both process monitoring information and nondestructive evaluation measurements for determining application suitability. In the past these activities have been performed and analyzed independently. Our present approach is to present the process monitoring and NDE data together in a data fusion workstation. This methodology leads to final product acceptance based on a combined process monitoring and NDE criteria. The data fusion work station combines process parameter and NDE data in a single workspace enabling all the data to be used in the acceptance/rejection decision process. An example application is the induction welding process, a unique joining method for assembling primary composite structure, that offers significant cost and weight advantages over traditional fasted structure. The determination of the required time, temperature and pressure conditions used in the process to achieve a complete weld is being aided by the use of ultrasonic inspection techniques. Full waveform ultrasonic inspection data is employed to evaluate the quality of spar cap to skin fit, an essential element of the welding process, and is processed to find a parameter that can be used for weld acceptance. Certification of the completed weld incorporates the data fusion methodology.

Single-Scale Fusion: An Effective Approach to Merging Images.

PubMed

Ancuti, Codruta O; Ancuti, Cosmin; De Vleeschouwer, Christophe; Bovik, Alan C

2017-01-01

Due to its robustness and effectiveness, multi-scale fusion (MSF) based on the Laplacian pyramid decomposition has emerged as a popular technique that has shown utility in many applications. Guided by several intuitive measures (weight maps) the MSF process is versatile and straightforward to be implemented. However, the number of pyramid levels increases with the image size, which implies sophisticated data management and memory accesses, as well as additional computations. Here, we introduce a simplified formulation that reduces MSF to only a single level process. Starting from the MSF decomposition, we explain both mathematically and intuitively (visually) a way to simplify the classical MSF approach with minimal loss of information. The resulting single-scale fusion (SSF) solution is a close approximation of the MSF process that eliminates important redundant computations. It also provides insights regarding why MSF is so effective. While our simplified expression is derived in the context of high dynamic range imaging, we show its generality on several well-known fusion-based applications, such as image compositing, extended depth of field, medical imaging, and blending thermal (infrared) images with visible light. Besides visual validation, quantitative evaluations demonstrate that our SSF strategy is able to yield results that are highly competitive with traditional MSF approaches.

Lithium As Plasma Facing Component for Magnetic Fusion Research

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

Masayuki Ono

The use of lithium in magnetic fusion confinement experiments started in the 1990's in order to improve tokamak plasma performance as a low-recycling plasma-facing component (PFC). Lithium is the lightest alkali metal and it is highly chemically reactive with relevant ion species in fusion plasmas including hydrogen, deuterium, tritium, carbon, and oxygen. Because of the reactive properties, lithium can provide strong pumping for those ions. It was indeed a spectacular success in TFTR where a very small amount (~ 0.02 gram) of lithium coating of the PFCs resulted in the fusion power output to improve by nearly a factor ofmore » two. The plasma confinement also improved by a factor of two. This success was attributed to the reduced recycling of cold gas surrounding the fusion plasma due to highly reactive lithium on the wall. The plasma confinement and performance improvements have since been confirmed in a large number of fusion devices with various magnetic configurations including CDX-U/LTX (US), CPD (Japan), HT-7 (China), EAST (China), FTU (Italy), NSTX (US), T-10, T-11M (Russia), TJ-II (Spain), and RFX (Italy). Additionally, lithium was shown to broaden the plasma pressure profile in NSTX, which is advantageous in achieving high performance H-mode operation for tokamak reactors. It is also noted that even with significant applications (up to 1,000 grams in NSTX) of lithium on PFCs, very little contamination (< 0.1%) of lithium fraction in main fusion plasma core was observed even during high confinement modes. The lithium therefore appears to be a highly desirable material to be used as a plasma PFC material from the magnetic fusion plasma performance and operational point of view. An exciting development in recent years is the growing realization of lithium as a potential solution to solve the exceptionally challenging need to handle the fusion reactor divertor heat flux, which could reach 60 MW/m2 . By placing the liquid lithium (LL) surface in the path of the main divertor heat flux (divertor strike point), the lithium is evaporated from the surface. The evaporated lithium is quickly ionized by the plasma and the ionized lithium ions can provide a strongly radiative layer of plasma ("radiative mantle"), thus could significantly reduce the heat flux to the divertor strike point surfaces, thus protecting the divertor surface. The protective effects of LL have been observed in many experiments and test stands. As a possible reactor divertor candidate, a closed LL divertor system is described. Finally, it is noted that the lithium applications as a PFC can be quite flexible and broad. The lithium application should be quite compatible with various divertor configurations, and it can be also applied to protecting the presently envisioned tungsten based solid PFC surfaces such as the ones for ITER. Lithium based PFCs therefore have the exciting prospect of providing a cost effective flexible means to improve the fusion reactor performance, while providing a practical solution to the highly challenging divertor heat handling issue confronting the steadystate magnetic fusion reactors.« less

Comparison of the resulting error in data fusion techniques when used with remote sensing, earth observation, and in-situ data sets for water quality applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziemba, Alexander; El Serafy, Ghada

2016-04-01

Ecological modeling and water quality investigations are complex processes which can require a high level of parameterization and a multitude of varying data sets in order to properly execute the model in question. Since models are generally complex, their calibration and validation can benefit from the application of data and information fusion techniques. The data applied to ecological models comes from a wide range of sources such as remote sensing, earth observation, and in-situ measurements, resulting in a high variability in the temporal and spatial resolution of the various data sets available to water quality investigators. It is proposed that effective fusion into a comprehensive singular set will provide a more complete and robust data resource with which models can be calibrated, validated, and driven by. Each individual product contains a unique valuation of error resulting from the method of measurement and application of pre-processing techniques. The uncertainty and error is further compounded when the data being fused is of varying temporal and spatial resolution. In order to have a reliable fusion based model and data set, the uncertainty of the results and confidence interval of the data being reported must be effectively communicated to those who would utilize the data product or model outputs in a decision making process[2]. Here we review an array of data fusion techniques applied to various remote sensing, earth observation, and in-situ data sets whose domains' are varied in spatial and temporal resolution. The data sets examined are combined in a manner so that the various classifications, complementary, redundant, and cooperative, of data are all assessed to determine classification's impact on the propagation and compounding of error. In order to assess the error of the fused data products, a comparison is conducted with data sets containing a known confidence interval and quality rating. We conclude with a quantification of the performance of the data fusion techniques and a recommendation on the feasibility of applying of the fused products in operating forecast systems and modeling scenarios. The error bands and confidence intervals derived can be used in order to clarify the error and confidence of water quality variables produced by prediction and forecasting models. References [1] F. Castanedo, "A Review of Data Fusion Techniques", The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2013, pp. 1-19, 2013. [2] T. Keenan, M. Carbone, M. Reichstein and A. Richardson, "The model-data fusion pitfall: assuming certainty in an uncertain world", Oecologia, vol. 167, no. 3, pp. 587-597, 2011.

Covariance descriptor fusion for target detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukur, Huseyin; Binol, Hamidullah; Bal, Abdullah; Yavuz, Fatih

2016-05-01

Target detection is one of the most important topics for military or civilian applications. In order to address such detection tasks, hyperspectral imaging sensors provide useful images data containing both spatial and spectral information. Target detection has various challenging scenarios for hyperspectral images. To overcome these challenges, covariance descriptor presents many advantages. Detection capability of the conventional covariance descriptor technique can be improved by fusion methods. In this paper, hyperspectral bands are clustered according to inter-bands correlation. Target detection is then realized by fusion of covariance descriptor results based on the band clusters. The proposed combination technique is denoted Covariance Descriptor Fusion (CDF). The efficiency of the CDF is evaluated by applying to hyperspectral imagery to detect man-made objects. The obtained results show that the CDF presents better performance than the conventional covariance descriptor.

A modification of the fusion model for log polar coordinates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griswold, N. C.; Weiman, Carl F. R.

1990-01-01

The fusion mechanism for application in stereo analysis of range restricted the depth of field and therefore required a shift variant mechanism in the peripheral area to find disparity. Misregistration was prevented by restricting the disparity detection range to a neighborhood spanned by the directional edge detection filters. This transformation was essentially accomplished by a nonuniform resampling of the original image in a horizontal direction. While this is easily implemented for digital processing, the approach does not (in the peripheral vision area) model the log-conformal mapping which is known to occur in the human mechanism. This paper therefore modifies the original fusion concept in the peripheral area to include the polar exponential grid-to-log conformal tesselation. Examples of the fusion process resulting in accurate disparity values are given.

Short-term scheduling of crude oil operations in refinery with high-fusion-point oil and two transportation pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, NaiQi; Zhu, MengChu; Bai, LiPing; Li, ZhiWu

2016-07-01

In some refineries, storage tanks are located at two different sites, one for low-fusion-point crude oil and the other for high one. Two pipelines are used to transport different oil types. Due to the constraints resulting from the high-fusion-point oil transportation, it is challenging to schedule such a system. This work studies the scheduling problem from a control-theoretic perspective. It proposes to use a hybrid Petri net method to model the system. It then finds the schedulability conditions by analysing the dynamic behaviour of the net model. Next, it proposes an efficient scheduling method to minimize the cost of high-fusion-point oil transportation. Finally, it gives a complex industrial case study to show its application.

Applications of spectral methods to turbulent magnetofluids in space and fusion research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, D.; Voigt, R. G. (Editor); Gottlieb, D. (Editor); Hussaini, M. Y. (Editor)

1984-01-01

Recent and potential applications of spectral method computation to incompressible, dissipative magnetohydrodynamics are surveyed. Linear stability problems for one dimensional, quasi-equilibria are approachable through a close analogue of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. It is likely that for Reynolds-like numbers above certain as-yet-undetermined thresholds, all magnetofluids are turbulent. Four recent effects in MHD turbulence are remarked upon, as they have displayed themselves in spectral method computations: (1) inverse cascades; (2) small-scale intermittent dissipative structures; (3) selective decays of ideal global invariants relative to each other; and (4) anisotropy induced by a mean dc magnetic field. Two more conjectured applications are suggested. All the turbulent processes discussed are sometimes involved in current carrying confined fusion magnetoplasmas and in space plasmas.

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

Hagen, E. C.; Lowe, D. R.; O'Brien, R.

Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) machines are in use worldwide or a wide variety of applications; one of these is to produce intense, short bursts of fusion via r-Z pinch heating and compression of a working gas. We have designed and constructed a series of these, ranging from portable to a maximum energy storage capacity of 2 MJ. Fusion rates from 5 DPF pulsed fusion generators have been measured in a single laboratory using calibrated activation detectors. Measured rates range from ~ 1015 to more than 1019 fusions per second have been measured. Fusion rates from the intense short (20 –more » 50 ns) periods of production were inferred from measurement of neutron production using both calibrated activation detectors and scintillator-PMT neutron time of flight (NTOF) detectors. The NTOF detectors are arranged to measure neutrons versus time over flight paths of 30 Meters. Fusion rate scaling versus energy and current will be discussed. Data showing observed fusion cutoff at D-D fusion yield levels of approximately 1*1012, and corresponding tube currents of ~ 3 MA will be shown. Energy asymmetry of product neutrons will also be discussed. Data from the NTOF lines of sight have been used to measure energy asymmetries of the fusion neutrons. From this, center of mass energies for the D(d,n)3He reaction are inferred. A novel re-entrant chamber that allows extremely high single pulse neutron doses (> 109 neutrons/cm2 in 50 ns) to be supplied to samples will be described. Machine characteristics and detector types will be discussed.« less

The Physics of Advanced High-Gain Targets for Inertial Fusion Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkins, L. John

2010-11-01

In ca. 2011-2012, the National Ignition Facility is poised to demonstrate fusion ignition and gain in the laboratory for the first time. This key milestone in the development of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) can be expected to engender interest in the development of inertial fusion energy (IFE) and expanded efforts on a number of advanced targets that may achieve high fusion energy gain at lower driver energies. In this tutorial talk, we will discuss the physics underlying ICF ignition and thermonuclear burn, examine the requirements for high gain, and outline candidate R&D programs that will be required to assess the performance of these target concepts under various driver systems including lasers, heavy-ions and pulsed power. Such target concepts include those operating by fast ignition, shock ignition, impact ignition, dual-density, magnetically-insulated, one- and two-sided drive, etc., some of which may have potential to burn advanced, non-DT fusion fuels. We will then delineate the role of such targets in their application to the production of high average fusion power. Here, systems studies of IFE economics suggest that we should strive for target fusion gains of around 100 at drive energies of 1MJ, together with corresponding rep-rates of up to 10Hz and driver electrical efficiencies around 15%. In future years, there may be exciting opportunities to study such ``innovative confinement concepts'' with prospects of fielding them on facilities such as NIF to obtain high fusion energy gains on a single shot basis.

An automatic fuzzy-based multi-temporal brain digital subtraction angiography image fusion algorithm using curvelet transform and content selection strategy.

PubMed

Momeni, Saba; Pourghassem, Hossein

2014-08-01

Recently image fusion has prominent role in medical image processing and is useful to diagnose and treat many diseases. Digital subtraction angiography is one of the most applicable imaging to diagnose brain vascular diseases and radiosurgery of brain. This paper proposes an automatic fuzzy-based multi-temporal fusion algorithm for 2-D digital subtraction angiography images. In this algorithm, for blood vessel map extraction, the valuable frames of brain angiography video are automatically determined to form the digital subtraction angiography images based on a novel definition of vessel dispersion generated by injected contrast material. Our proposed fusion scheme contains different fusion methods for high and low frequency contents based on the coefficient characteristic of wrapping second generation of curvelet transform and a novel content selection strategy. Our proposed content selection strategy is defined based on sample correlation of the curvelet transform coefficients. In our proposed fuzzy-based fusion scheme, the selection of curvelet coefficients are optimized by applying weighted averaging and maximum selection rules for the high frequency coefficients. For low frequency coefficients, the maximum selection rule based on local energy criterion is applied to better visual perception. Our proposed fusion algorithm is evaluated on a perfect brain angiography image dataset consisting of one hundred 2-D internal carotid rotational angiography videos. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed fusion algorithm in comparison with common and basic fusion algorithms.

Lights on: Dye dequenching reveals polymersome fusion with polymer, lipid and stealth lipid vesicles

DOE PAGES

Henderson, Ian M.; Collins, Aaron M.; Quintana, Hope A.; ...

2015-12-13

In this study, we develop a quantitative dye dequenching technique for the measurement of polymersome fusion, using it to characterize the salt mediated, mechanically-induced fusion of polymersomes with polymer, lipid, and so-called stealth lipid vesicles. While dye dequenching has been used to quantitatively explore liposome fusion in the past, this is the first use of dye dequenching to measure polymersome fusion of which we are aware. In addition to providing quantitative results, dye dequenching is ideal for detecting fusion in instances where DLS results would be ambiguous, such as low yield levels and size ranges outside the capabilities of DLS.more » The dye chosen for this study was a cyanine derivative, 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DiR), which proved to provide excellent data on the extent of polymersome fusion. Using this technique, we have shown the limited fusion capabilities of polymersome/liposome heterofusion, notably DOPC vesicles fusing with polymersomes at half the efficiency of polymersome homofusion and DPPC vesicles showing virtually no fusion. In addition to these key heterofusion experiments, we determined the broad applicability of dye dequenching in measuring kinetic rates of polymersome fusion; and showed that even at elevated temperatures or over multiple weeks' time, no polymersome fusion occurred without agitation. Stealth liposomes formed from DPPC and PEO-functionalized lipid, however, fused with polymersomes and stealth liposomes with relatively high efficiency, lending support to our hypothesis that the response of the PEO corona to salt is a key factor in the fusion process. This last finding suggests that although the conjugation of PEO to lipids increases vesicle biocompatibility and enables their longer circulation times, it also renders the vesicles subject to destabilization under high salt and shear (e.g. in the circulatory system) that may lead to, in this case, fusion.« less

Analysis of decision fusion algorithms in handling uncertainties for integrated health monitoring systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zein-Sabatto, Saleh; Mikhail, Maged; Bodruzzaman, Mohammad; DeSimio, Martin; Derriso, Mark; Behbahani, Alireza

2012-06-01

It has been widely accepted that data fusion and information fusion methods can improve the accuracy and robustness of decision-making in structural health monitoring systems. It is arguably true nonetheless, that decision-level is equally beneficial when applied to integrated health monitoring systems. Several decisions at low-levels of abstraction may be produced by different decision-makers; however, decision-level fusion is required at the final stage of the process to provide accurate assessment about the health of the monitored system as a whole. An example of such integrated systems with complex decision-making scenarios is the integrated health monitoring of aircraft. Thorough understanding of the characteristics of the decision-fusion methodologies is a crucial step for successful implementation of such decision-fusion systems. In this paper, we have presented the major information fusion methodologies reported in the literature, i.e., probabilistic, evidential, and artificial intelligent based methods. The theoretical basis and characteristics of these methodologies are explained and their performances are analyzed. Second, candidate methods from the above fusion methodologies, i.e., Bayesian, Dempster-Shafer, and fuzzy logic algorithms are selected and their applications are extended to decisions fusion. Finally, fusion algorithms are developed based on the selected fusion methods and their performance are tested on decisions generated from synthetic data and from experimental data. Also in this paper, a modeling methodology, i.e. cloud model, for generating synthetic decisions is presented and used. Using the cloud model, both types of uncertainties; randomness and fuzziness, involved in real decision-making are modeled. Synthetic decisions are generated with an unbiased process and varying interaction complexities among decisions to provide for fair performance comparison of the selected decision-fusion algorithms. For verification purposes, implementation results of the developed fusion algorithms on structural health monitoring data collected from experimental tests are reported in this paper.

Linear high-boost fusion of Stokes vector imagery for effective discrimination and recognition of real targets in the presence of multiple identical decoys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Saba, Aed; Sakla, Wesam A.

2010-04-01

Recently, the use of imaging polarimetry has received considerable attention for use in automatic target recognition (ATR) applications. In military remote sensing applications, there is a great demand for sensors that are capable of discriminating between real targets and decoys. Accurate discrimination of decoys from real targets is a challenging task and often requires the fusion of various sensor modalities that operate simultaneously. In this paper, we use a simple linear fusion technique known as the high-boost fusion method for effective discrimination of real targets in the presence of multiple decoys. The HBF assigns more weight to the polarization-based imagery in forming the final fused image that is used for detection. We have captured both intensity and polarization-based imagery from an experimental laboratory arrangement containing a mixture of sand/dirt, rocks, vegetation, and other objects for the purpose of simulating scenery that would be acquired in a remote sensing military application. A target object and three decoys that are identical in physical appearance (shape, surface structure and color) and different in material composition have also been placed in the scene. We use the wavelet-filter joint transform correlation (WFJTC) technique to perform detection between input scenery and the target object. Our results show that use of the HBF method increases the correlation performance metrics associated with the WFJTC-based detection process when compared to using either the traditional intensity or polarization-based images.

SAR and LIDAR fusion: experiments and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, Matthew C.; Zaugg, Evan C.; Bradley, Joshua P.; Bowden, Ryan D.

2013-05-01

In recent years ARTEMIS, Inc. has developed a series of compact, versatile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems which have been operated on a variety of small manned and unmanned aircraft. The multi-frequency-band SlimSAR has demonstrated a variety of capabilities including maritime and littoral target detection, ground moving target indication, polarimetry, interferometry, change detection, and foliage penetration. ARTEMIS also continues to build upon the radar's capabilities through fusion with other sensors, such as electro-optical and infrared camera gimbals and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices. In this paper we focus on experiments and applications employing SAR and LIDAR fusion. LIDAR is similar to radar in that it transmits a signal which, after being reflected or scattered by a target area, is recorded by the sensor. The differences are that a LIDAR uses a laser as a transmitter and optical sensors as a receiver, and the wavelengths used exhibit a very different scattering phenomenology than the microwaves used in radar, making SAR and LIDAR good complementary technologies. LIDAR is used in many applications including agriculture, archeology, geo-science, and surveying. Some typical data products include digital elevation maps of a target area and features and shapes extracted from the data. A set of experiments conducted to demonstrate the fusion of SAR and LIDAR data include a LIDAR DEM used in accurately processing the SAR data of a high relief area (mountainous, urban). Also, feature extraction is used in improving geolocation accuracy of the SAR and LIDAR data.

Neural network fusion capabilities for efficient implementation of tracking algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundareshan, Malur K.; Amoozegar, Farid

1997-03-01

The ability to efficiently fuse information of different forms to facilitate intelligent decision making is one of the major capabilities of trained multilayer neural networks that is now being recognized. While development of innovative adaptive control algorithms for nonlinear dynamical plants that attempt to exploit these capabilities seems to be more popular, a corresponding development of nonlinear estimation algorithms using these approaches, particularly for application in target surveillance and guidance operations, has not received similar attention. We describe the capabilities and functionality of neural network algorithms for data fusion and implementation of tracking filters. To discuss details and to serve as a vehicle for quantitative performance evaluations, the illustrative case of estimating the position and velocity of surveillance targets is considered. Efficient target- tracking algorithms that can utilize data from a host of sensing modalities and are capable of reliably tracking even uncooperative targets executing fast and complex maneuvers are of interest in a number of applications. The primary motivation for employing neural networks in these applications comes from the efficiency with which more features extracted from different sensor measurements can be utilized as inputs for estimating target maneuvers. A system architecture that efficiently integrates the fusion capabilities of a trained multilayer neural net with the tracking performance of a Kalman filter is described. The innovation lies in the way the fusion of multisensor data is accomplished to facilitate improved estimation without increasing the computational complexity of the dynamical state estimator itself.

Georgia Tech Studies of Sub-Critical Advanced Burner Reactors with a D-T Fusion Tokamak Neutron Source for the Transmutation of Spent Nuclear Fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stacey, W. M.

2009-09-01

The possibility that a tokamak D-T fusion neutron source, based on ITER physics and technology, could be used to drive sub-critical, fast-spectrum nuclear reactors fueled with the transuranics (TRU) in spent nuclear fuel discharged from conventional nuclear reactors has been investigated at Georgia Tech in a series of studies which are summarized in this paper. It is found that sub-critical operation of such fast transmutation reactors is advantageous in allowing longer fuel residence time, hence greater TRU burnup between fuel reprocessing stages, and in allowing higher TRU loading without compromising safety, relative to what could be achieved in a similar critical transmutation reactor. The required plasma and fusion technology operating parameter range of the fusion neutron source is generally within the anticipated operational range of ITER. The implications of these results for fusion development policy, if they hold up under more extensive and detailed analysis, is that a D-T fusion tokamak neutron source for a sub-critical transmutation reactor, built on the basis of the ITER operating experience, could possibly be a logical next step after ITER on the path to fusion electrical power reactors. At the same time, such an application would allow fusion to contribute to meeting the nation's energy needs at an earlier stage by helping to close the fission reactor nuclear fuel cycle.

[Clinical utility of real-time fluorescent PCR for combined detection of anaplastic lymphoma kinase and c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase in non-small cell lung cancer].

PubMed

Bai, D Y; Zhang, H P; Zhong, S; Suo, W H; Gao, D H; Ding, Y; Tu, J H

2016-12-23

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of combined detection of ALK fusion gene and c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) fusion gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using real-time fluorescent PCR. Methods: A kit for combined detection of ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene based on fluorescent PCR was used to simultaneously detect the two fusion genes in 302 cases of NSCLC specimens. The results were validated through Sanger sequencing. The consistency of the two detection methods was analyzed. Results: All 302 cases of NSCLC specimens were successfully analyzed through fluorescent PCR (302/302). 12 cases (4.0%) were found to contain ALK fusion gene, including 3 cases with ALK-M1, 3 with ALK-M2, 3 with ALK-M3, 1 with ALK-M4, and 2 with ALK-M6 fusion gene.12 cases (4.0%) were found to contain ROS1 fusion gene, including 1 case with ROS1-M7, 8 cases with ROS1-M8, 1 case with ROS1-M12, 1 case with ROS1-M14, and 1 case with double-positive ROS1-M3 and ROS1-M8 fusion genes. The total detection rate of ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene was 7.9% (24/302) and 278 cases showed to be negative for ALK fusion gene and ROS1 fusion gene. The successful detection rates for Sanger DNA sequencing were also 100%. The positive, negative and total coincidence rates obtained by real-time fluorescent PCR and by Sanger DNA sequencing were all 100%. Conclusions: The results of Sanger DNA sequencing demonstrate that the real-time fluorescent PCR assay is equally effective in detecting ALK and ROS1 fusion genes in NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, real-time fluorescent PCR assay can be used to detect trace ALK and ROS1 fusion gene simultaneously in tiny samples, and can save time and avoid repeated sampling. It is worthy of recommendation as a rapid and reliable detection technique.

Electron cyclotron emission imaging and applications in magnetic fusion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobias, Benjamin John

Energy production through the burning of fossil fuels is an unsustainable practice. Exponentially increasing energy consumption and dwindling natural resources ensure that coal and gas fueled power plants will someday be a thing of the past. However, even before fuel reserves are depleted, our planet may well succumb to disastrous side effects, namely the build up of carbon emissions in the environment triggering world-wide climate change and the countless industrial spills of pollutants that continue to this day. Many alternatives are currently being developed, but none has so much promise as fusion nuclear energy, the energy of the sun. The confinement of hot plasma at temperatures in excess of 100 million Kelvin by a carefully arranged magnetic field for the realization of a self-sustaining fusion power plant requires new technologies and improved understanding of fundamental physical phenomena. Imaging of electron cyclotron radiation lends insight into the spatial and temporal behavior of electron temperature fluctuations and instabilities, providing a powerful diagnostic for investigations into basic plasma physics and nuclear fusion reactor operation. This dissertation presents the design and implementation of a new generation of Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) diagnostics on toroidal magnetic fusion confinement devices, or tokamaks, around the world. The underlying physics of cyclotron radiation in fusion plasmas is reviewed, and a thorough discussion of millimeter wave imaging techniques and heterodyne radiometry in ECEI follows. The imaging of turbulence and fluid flows has evolved over half a millennium since Leonardo da Vinci's first sketches of cascading water, and applications for ECEI in fusion research are broad ranging. Two areas of physical investigation are discussed in this dissertation: the identification of poloidal shearing in Alfven eigenmode structures predicted by hybrid gyrofluid-magnetohydrodynamic (gyrofluid-MHD) modeling, and magnetic field line displacement during precursor oscillations associated with the sawtooth crash, a disruptive instability observed both in tokamak plasmas with high core current and in the magnetized plasmas of solar flares and other interstellar plasmas. Understanding both of these phenomena is essential for the future of magnetic fusion energy, and important new observations described herein underscore the advantages of imaging techniques in experimental physics.

Effect of electromagnetic interaction during fusion welding of AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel on the corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Rentería, M. A.; López-Morelos, V. H.; González-Sánchez, J.; García-Hernández, R.; Dzib-Pérez, L.; Curiel-López, F. F.

2017-02-01

The effect of electromagnetic interaction of low intensity (EMILI) applied during fusion welding of AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel on the resistance to localised corrosion in natural seawater was investigated. The heat affected zone (HAZ) of samples welded under EMILI showed a higher temperature for pitting initiation and lower dissolution under anodic polarisation in chloride containing solutions than samples welded without EMILI. The EMILI assisted welding process developed in the present work enhanced the resistance to localised corrosion due to a modification on the microstructural evolution in the HAZ and the fusion zone during the thermal cycle involved in fusion welding. The application of EMILI reduced the size of the HAZ, limited coarsening of the ferrite grains and promoted regeneration of austenite in this zone, inducing a homogeneous passive condition of the surface. EMILI can be applied during fusion welding of structural or functional components of diverse size manufactured with duplex stainless steel designed to withstand aggressive environments such as natural seawater or marine atmospheres.

Concept of DT fuel cycle for a fusion neutron source

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

Anan'ev, S.; Spitsyn, A.V.; Kuteev, B.V.

2015-03-15

A concept of DT-fusion neutron source (FNS) with the neutron yield higher than 10{sup 18} neutrons per second is under design in Russia. Such a FNS is of interest for many applications: 1) basic and applied research (neutron scattering, etc); 2) testing the structural materials for fusion reactors; 3) control of sub-critical nuclear systems and 4) nuclear waste processing (including transmutation of minor actinides). This paper describes the fuel cycle concept of a compact fusion neutron source based on a small spherical tokamak (FNS-ST) with a MW range of DT fusion power and considers the key physics issues of thismore » device. The major and minor radii are ∼0.5 and ∼0.3 m, magnetic field ∼1.5 T, heating power less than 15 MW and plasma current 1-2 MA. The system provides the fuel mixture with equal fractions of D and T (D:T = 1:1) for all FNS technology systems. (authors)« less

New approach to information fusion for Lipschitz classifiers ensembles: Application in multi-channel C-OTDR-monitoring systems

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

Timofeev, Andrey V.; Egorov, Dmitry V.

This paper presents new results concerning selection of an optimal information fusion formula for an ensemble of Lipschitz classifiers. The goal of information fusion is to create an integral classificatory which could provide better generalization ability of the ensemble while achieving a practically acceptable level of effectiveness. The problem of information fusion is very relevant for data processing in multi-channel C-OTDR-monitoring systems. In this case we have to effectively classify targeted events which appear in the vicinity of the monitored object. Solution of this problem is based on usage of an ensemble of Lipschitz classifiers each of which corresponds tomore » a respective channel. We suggest a brand new method for information fusion in case of ensemble of Lipschitz classifiers. This method is called “The Weighing of Inversely as Lipschitz Constants” (WILC). Results of WILC-method practical usage in multichannel C-OTDR monitoring systems are presented.« less

Targeted Cell Fusion Facilitates Stable Heterokaryon Generation In Vitro and In Vivo

PubMed Central

Long, Michael A.; Rossi, Fabio M. V.

2011-01-01

Induced cell fusion has enabled several important discoveries, including the phenomenon of nuclear reprogramming and may yet be applied as a novel therapy for degenerative diseases. However, existing fusogens lack the efficiency required to enable investigation of the epigenetic modifications underlying nuclear reprogramming and the specificity required for clinical application. Here we present a chimeric measles hemagglutinin, Hα7, which specifically and efficiently mediates the fusion of diverse cell types with skeletal muscle both in vitro and in vivo. When compared directly to polyethylene glycol, Hα7 consistently generated a substantial increase in heterokaryon yield and exhibited insignificant levels of toxicity. Moreover, this increased fusion efficiency enabled detection of chromatin modifications associated with nuclear reprogramming following Hα7-mediated fusion of human fibroblasts and mouse myotubes. Finally, Hα7 was also capable of increasing the contribution of transplanted fibroblasts to skeletal muscle repair in vivo, suggesting that this strategy could be used for therapeutic gene delivery. PMID:22039476

Manganese-stabilized austenitic stainless steels for fusion applications

DOEpatents

Klueh, Ronald L.; Maziasz, Philip J.

1990-08-07

An austenitic stainless steel that is comprised of Fe, Cr, Mn, C but no Ni or Nb and minimum N. To enhance strength and fabricability minor alloying additions of Ti, W, V, B and P are made. The resulting alloy is one that can be used in fusion reactor environments because the half-lives of the elements are sufficiently short to allow for handling and disposal.

Distributed Fusion in Sensor Networks with Information Genealogy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-28

image processing [2], acoustic and speech recognition [3], multitarget tracking [4], distributed fusion [5], and Bayesian inference [6-7]. For...Adaptation for Distant-Talking Speech Recognition." in Proc Acoustics. Speech , and Signal Processing, 2004 |4| Y Bar-Shalom and T 1-. Fortmann...used in speech recognition and other classification applications [8]. But their use in underwater mine classification is limited. In this paper, we

Real-time threat assessment for critical infrastructure protection: data incest and conflict in evidential reasoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandon, R.; Page, S.; Varndell, J.

2012-06-01

This paper presents a novel application of Evidential Reasoning to Threat Assessment for critical infrastructure protection. A fusion algorithm based on the PCR5 Dezert-Smarandache fusion rule is proposed which fuses alerts generated by a vision-based behaviour analysis algorithm and a-priori watch-list intelligence data. The fusion algorithm produces a prioritised event list according to a user-defined set of event-type severity or priority weightings. Results generated from application of the algorithm to real data and Behaviour Analysis alerts captured at London's Heathrow Airport under the EU FP7 SAMURAI programme are presented. A web-based demonstrator system is also described which implements the fusion process in real-time. It is shown that this system significantly reduces the data deluge problem, and directs the user's attention to the most pertinent alerts, enhancing their Situational Awareness (SA). The end-user is also able to alter the perceived importance of different event types in real-time, allowing the system to adapt rapidly to changes in priorities as the situation evolves. One of the key challenges associated with fusing information deriving from intelligence data is the issue of Data Incest. Techniques for handling Data Incest within Evidential Reasoning frameworks are proposed, and comparisons are drawn with respect to Data Incest management techniques that are commonly employed within Bayesian fusion frameworks (e.g. Covariance Intersection). The challenges associated with simultaneously dealing with conflicting information and Data Incest in Evidential Reasoning frameworks are also discussed.

Recombinant Scorpine Produced Using SUMO Fusion Partner in Escherichia coli Has the Activities against Clinically Isolated Bacteria and Inhibits the Plasmodium falciparum Parasitemia In Vitro

PubMed Central

Gu, Yaping; Zhou, Huayun; Cao, Jun; Gao, Qi

2014-01-01

Scorpine, a small cationic peptide from the venom of Pandinus imperator, which has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-plasmodial activities, has potential important applications in the pharmaceutical industries. However, the isolation of scorpine from natural sources is inefficient and time-consuming. Here, we first report the expression and purification of recombinant scorpine in Escherichia coli, using small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion partner. The fusion protein was expressed in soluble form in E. coli, and expression was verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis. The fusion protein was purified to 90% purity by nickel–nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni2+–NTA) resin chromatography. After the SUMO-scorpine fusion protein was cleaved by the SUMO protease, the cleaved sample was reapplied to a Ni2+–NTA column. Tricine/SDS-PAGE gel results indicated that Scorpine had been purified successfully to more than 95% purity. The recombinantly expressed Scorpine showed anti-bacterial activity against two standard bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606, and clinically isolated bacteria including S. aureus S, S. aureus R, A. baumannii S, and A. baumannii R. It also produced 100% reduction in Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in vitro. Thus, the expression strategy presented in this study allowed convenient high yield and easy purification of recombinant Scorpine for pharmaceutical applications in the future. PMID:25068263

A GDT-based fusion neutron source for academic and industrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, J. K.; Forest, C. B.; Mirnov, V. V.; Peterson, E. E.; Waleffe, R.; Wallace, J.; Harvey, R. W.

2017-10-01

The design of a fusion neutron source based on the gas dynamic trap (GDT) configuration is underway. The motivation is both the ends and the means. There are immediate applications for neutrons including medical isotope production and actinide burners. Taking the next step in the magnetic mirror path will leverage advances in high-temperature superconducting magnets and additive manufacturing in confining a fusion plasma, and both the technological and physics bases exist. Recent breakthrough results at the GDT facility in Russia demonstrate stable confinement of a beta 60% mirror plasma at high Te ( 1 keV). These scale readily to a fusion neutron source with an increase in magnetic field, mirror ratio, and ion energy. Studies of a next-step compact device focus on calculations of MHD equilibrium and stability, and Fokker-Planck modeling to optimize the heating scenario. The conceptualized device uses off-the-shelf MRI magnets for a 1 T central field, REBCO superconducting mirror coils (which can currently produce fields in excess of 30T), and existing 75 keV NBI and 140 GHz ECRH. High harmonic fast wave injection is damped on beam ions, dramatically increasing the fusion reactivity for an incremental bump in input power. MHD stability is achieved with the vortex confinement scheme, where a biasing profile imposes optimal ExB rotation of the plasma. Liquid metal divertors are being considered in the end cells. Work supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

A genetically encoded fluorescent tRNA is active in live-cell protein synthesis

PubMed Central

Masuda, Isao; Igarashi, Takao; Sakaguchi, Reiko; Nitharwal, Ram G.; Takase, Ryuichi; Han, Kyu Young; Leslie, Benjamin J.; Liu, Cuiping; Gamper, Howard; Ha, Taekjip; Sanyal, Suparna

2017-01-01

Abstract Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) perform essential tasks for all living cells. They are major components of the ribosomal machinery for protein synthesis and they also serve in non-ribosomal pathways for regulation and signaling metabolism. We describe the development of a genetically encoded fluorescent tRNA fusion with the potential for imaging in live Escherichia coli cells. This tRNA fusion carries a Spinach aptamer that becomes fluorescent upon binding of a cell-permeable and non-toxic fluorophore. We show that, despite having a structural framework significantly larger than any natural tRNA species, this fusion is a viable probe for monitoring tRNA stability in a cellular quality control mechanism that degrades structurally damaged tRNA. Importantly, this fusion is active in E. coli live-cell protein synthesis allowing peptidyl transfer at a rate sufficient to support cell growth, indicating that it is accommodated by translating ribosomes. Imaging analysis shows that this fusion and ribosomes are both excluded from the nucleoid, indicating that the fusion and ribosomes are in the cytosol together possibly engaged in protein synthesis. This fusion methodology has the potential for developing new tools for live-cell imaging of tRNA with the unique advantage of both stoichiometric labeling and broader application to all cells amenable to genetic engineering. PMID:27956502

Mesenchymal stem cells generate distinct functional hybrids in vitro via cell fusion or entosis.

PubMed

Sottile, Francesco; Aulicino, Francesco; Theka, Ilda; Cosma, Maria Pia

2016-11-09

Homotypic and heterotypic cell-to-cell fusion are key processes during development and tissue regeneration. Nevertheless, aberrant cell fusion can contribute to tumour initiation and metastasis. Additionally, a form of cell-in-cell structure called entosis has been observed in several human tumours. Here we investigate cell-to-cell interaction between mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). MSCs represent an important source of adult stem cells since they have great potential for regenerative medicine, even though they are also involved in cancer progression. We report that MSCs can either fuse forming heterokaryons, or be invaded by ESCs through entosis. While entosis-derived hybrids never share their genomes and induce degradation of the target cell, fusion-derived hybrids can convert into synkaryons. Importantly we show that hetero-to-synkaryon transition occurs through cell division and not by nuclear membrane fusion. Additionally, we also observe that the ROCK-actin/myosin pathway is required for both fusion and entosis in ESCs but only for entosis in MSCs. Overall, we show that MSCs can undergo fusion or entosis in culture by generating distinct functional cellular entities. These two processes are profoundly different and their outcomes should be considered given the beneficial or possible detrimental effects of MSC-based therapeutic applications.

Fusion of imaging and nonimaging data for surveillance aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahbazian, Elisa; Gagnon, Langis; Duquet, Jean Remi; Macieszczak, Maciej; Valin, Pierre

1997-06-01

This paper describes a phased incremental integration approach for application of image analysis and data fusion technologies to provide automated intelligent target tracking and identification for airborne surveillance on board an Aurora Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The sensor suite of the Aurora consists of a radar, an identification friend or foe (IFF) system, an electronic support measures (ESM) system, a spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SSAR), a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) sensor and a link-11 tactical datalink system. Lockheed Martin Canada (LMCan) is developing a testbed, which will be used to analyze and evaluate approaches for combining the data provided by the existing sensors, which were initially not designed to feed a fusion system. Three concurrent research proof-of-concept activities provide techniques, algorithms and methodology into three sequential phases of integration of this testbed. These activities are: (1) analysis of the fusion architecture (track/contact/hybrid) most appropriate for the type of data available, (2) extraction and fusion of simple features from the imaging data into the fusion system performing automatic target identification, and (3) development of a unique software architecture which will permit integration and independent evolution, enhancement and optimization of various decision aid capabilities, such as multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF), situation and threat assessment (STA) and resource management (RM).

Use of the Nanofitin Alternative Scaffold as a GFP-Ready Fusion Tag

PubMed Central

Huet, Simon; Gorre, Harmony; Perrocheau, Anaëlle; Picot, Justine; Cinier, Mathieu

2015-01-01

With the continuous diversification of recombinant DNA technologies, the possibilities for new tailor-made protein engineering have extended on an on-going basis. Among these strategies, the use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fusion domain has been widely adopted for cellular imaging and protein localization. Following the lead of the direct head-to-tail fusion of GFP, we proposed to provide additional features to recombinant proteins by genetic fusion of artificially derived binders. Thus, we reported a GFP-ready fusion tag consisting of a small and robust fusion-friendly anti-GFP Nanofitin binding domain as a proof-of-concept. While limiting steric effects on the carrier, the GFP-ready tag allows the capture of GFP or its blue (BFP), cyan (CFP) and yellow (YFP) alternatives. Here, we described the generation of the GFP-ready tag from the selection of a Nanofitin variant binding to the GFP and its spectral variants with a nanomolar affinity, while displaying a remarkable folding stability, as demonstrated by its full resistance upon thermal sterilization process or the full chemical synthesis of Nanofitins. To illustrate the potential of the Nanofitin-based tag as a fusion partner, we compared the expression level in Escherichia coli and activity profile of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) constructs, fused to a SUMO or GFP-ready tag. Very similar expression levels were found with the two fusion technologies. Both domains of the GFP-ready tagged TNFα were proved fully active in ELISA and interferometry binding assays, allowing the simultaneous capture by an anti-TNFα antibody and binding to the GFP, and its spectral mutants. The GFP-ready tag was also shown inert in a L929 cell based assay, demonstrating the potent TNFα mediated apoptosis induction by the GFP-ready tagged TNFα. Eventually, we proposed the GFP-ready tag as a versatile capture and labeling system in addition to expected applications of anti-GFP Nanofitins (as illustrated with previously described state-of-the-art anti-GFP binders applied to living cells and in vitro applications). Through a single fusion domain, the GFP-ready tagged proteins benefit from subsequent customization within a wide range of fluorescence spectra upon indirect binding of a chosen GFP variant. PMID:26539718

Use of the Nanofitin Alternative Scaffold as a GFP-Ready Fusion Tag.

PubMed

Huet, Simon; Gorre, Harmony; Perrocheau, Anaëlle; Picot, Justine; Cinier, Mathieu

2015-01-01

With the continuous diversification of recombinant DNA technologies, the possibilities for new tailor-made protein engineering have extended on an on-going basis. Among these strategies, the use of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fusion domain has been widely adopted for cellular imaging and protein localization. Following the lead of the direct head-to-tail fusion of GFP, we proposed to provide additional features to recombinant proteins by genetic fusion of artificially derived binders. Thus, we reported a GFP-ready fusion tag consisting of a small and robust fusion-friendly anti-GFP Nanofitin binding domain as a proof-of-concept. While limiting steric effects on the carrier, the GFP-ready tag allows the capture of GFP or its blue (BFP), cyan (CFP) and yellow (YFP) alternatives. Here, we described the generation of the GFP-ready tag from the selection of a Nanofitin variant binding to the GFP and its spectral variants with a nanomolar affinity, while displaying a remarkable folding stability, as demonstrated by its full resistance upon thermal sterilization process or the full chemical synthesis of Nanofitins. To illustrate the potential of the Nanofitin-based tag as a fusion partner, we compared the expression level in Escherichia coli and activity profile of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) constructs, fused to a SUMO or GFP-ready tag. Very similar expression levels were found with the two fusion technologies. Both domains of the GFP-ready tagged TNFα were proved fully active in ELISA and interferometry binding assays, allowing the simultaneous capture by an anti-TNFα antibody and binding to the GFP, and its spectral mutants. The GFP-ready tag was also shown inert in a L929 cell based assay, demonstrating the potent TNFα mediated apoptosis induction by the GFP-ready tagged TNFα. Eventually, we proposed the GFP-ready tag as a versatile capture and labeling system in addition to expected applications of anti-GFP Nanofitins (as illustrated with previously described state-of-the-art anti-GFP binders applied to living cells and in vitro applications). Through a single fusion domain, the GFP-ready tagged proteins benefit from subsequent customization within a wide range of fluorescence spectra upon indirect binding of a chosen GFP variant.

Numerical Analysis of 2-D and 3-D MHD Flows Relevant to Fusion Applications

DOE PAGES

Khodak, Andrei

2017-08-21

Here, the analysis of many fusion applications such as liquid-metal blankets requires application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods for electrically conductive liquids in geometrically complex regions and in the presence of a strong magnetic field. A current state of the art general purpose CFD code allows modeling of the flow in complex geometric regions, with simultaneous conjugated heat transfer analysis in liquid and surrounding solid parts. Together with a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) capability, the general purpose CFD code will be a valuable tool for the design and optimization of fusion devices. This paper describes an introduction of MHD capability intomore » the general purpose CFD code CFX, part of the ANSYS Workbench. The code was adapted for MHD problems using a magnetic induction approach. CFX allows introduction of user-defined variables using transport or Poisson equations. For MHD adaptation of the code three additional transport equations were introduced for the components of the magnetic field, in addition to the Poisson equation for electric potential. The Lorentz force is included in the momentum transport equation as a source term. Fusion applications usually involve very strong magnetic fields, with values of the Hartmann number of up to tens of thousands. In this situation a system of MHD equations become very rigid with very large source terms and very strong variable gradients. To increase system robustness, special measures were introduced during the iterative convergence process, such as linearization using source coefficient for momentum equations. The MHD implementation in general purpose CFD code was tested against benchmarks, specifically selected for liquid-metal blanket applications. Results of numerical simulations using present implementation closely match analytical solutions for a Hartmann number of up to 1500 for a 2-D laminar flow in the duct of square cross section, with conducting and nonconducting walls. Results for a 3-D test case are also included.« less

Numerical Analysis of 2-D and 3-D MHD Flows Relevant to Fusion Applications

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

Khodak, Andrei

Here, the analysis of many fusion applications such as liquid-metal blankets requires application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods for electrically conductive liquids in geometrically complex regions and in the presence of a strong magnetic field. A current state of the art general purpose CFD code allows modeling of the flow in complex geometric regions, with simultaneous conjugated heat transfer analysis in liquid and surrounding solid parts. Together with a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) capability, the general purpose CFD code will be a valuable tool for the design and optimization of fusion devices. This paper describes an introduction of MHD capability intomore » the general purpose CFD code CFX, part of the ANSYS Workbench. The code was adapted for MHD problems using a magnetic induction approach. CFX allows introduction of user-defined variables using transport or Poisson equations. For MHD adaptation of the code three additional transport equations were introduced for the components of the magnetic field, in addition to the Poisson equation for electric potential. The Lorentz force is included in the momentum transport equation as a source term. Fusion applications usually involve very strong magnetic fields, with values of the Hartmann number of up to tens of thousands. In this situation a system of MHD equations become very rigid with very large source terms and very strong variable gradients. To increase system robustness, special measures were introduced during the iterative convergence process, such as linearization using source coefficient for momentum equations. The MHD implementation in general purpose CFD code was tested against benchmarks, specifically selected for liquid-metal blanket applications. Results of numerical simulations using present implementation closely match analytical solutions for a Hartmann number of up to 1500 for a 2-D laminar flow in the duct of square cross section, with conducting and nonconducting walls. Results for a 3-D test case are also included.« less

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

Osychenko, A A; Zalesskii, A D; Krivokharchenko, A S

Using the method of femtosecond laser surgery we study the fusion of two-cell mouse embryos under the action of tightly focused femtosecond laser radiation with the fusion efficiency reaching 60%. The detailed statistical analysis of the efficiency of blastomere fusion and development of the embryo up to the blastocyst stage after exposure of the embryos from different mice to a femtosecond pulse is presented. It is shown that the efficiency of blastocyst formation essentially depends on the biological characteristics of the embryo, namely, the strain and age of the donor mouse. The possibility of obtaining hexaploid embryonal cells using themore » methods of femtosecond laser surgery is demonstrated. (extreme light fields and their applications)« less

Target Fabrication Technology and New Functional Materials for Laser Fusion and Laser-Plasma Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, Keiji; Norimatsu, Takayoshi; Izawa, Yasukazu

Target fabrication technique is a key issue of laser fusion. We present a comprehensive, up-to-data compilation of laser fusion target fabrication and relating new materials. To achieve highly efficient laser implosion, organic and inorganic highly spherical millimeter-sized capsules and cryogenic hydrogen layers inside should be uniform in diameter and thickness within sub-micrometer ˜ nanometer error. Porous structured targets and molecular cluster targets are required for laser-plasma experiments and applications. Various technologies and new materials concerning above purposes are summarized including fast-ignition targets, equation-of-state measurement targets, high energy ion generation targets, etc.

Production of a fusion protein consisting of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin B subunit and a tuberculosis antigen in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Rigano, M M; Alvarez, M L; Pinkhasov, J; Jin, Y; Sala, F; Arntzen, C J; Walmsley, A M

2004-02-01

Transgenic plants are potentially safe and inexpensive vehicles to produce and mucosally deliver protective antigens. However, the application of this technology is limited by the poor response of the immune system to non-particulate, subunit vaccines. Co-delivery of therapeutic proteins with carrier proteins could increase the effectiveness of the antigen. This paper reports the ability of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants to produce a fusion protein consisting of the B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin and a 6 kDa tuberculosis antigen, the early secretory antigenic target ESAT-6. Both components of the fusion protein were detected using GM1-ganglioside-dependent enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. This suggested the fusion protein retained both its native antigenicity and the ability to form pentamers.

Application of data fusion technology based on D-S evidence theory in fire detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhishan; Chen, Musheng

2015-12-01

Judgment and identification based on single fire characteristic parameter information in fire detection is subject to environmental disturbances, and accordingly its detection performance is limited with the increase of false positive rate and false negative rate. The compound fire detector employs information fusion technology to judge and identify multiple fire characteristic parameters in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of fire detection. The D-S evidence theory is applied to the multi-sensor data-fusion: first normalize the data from all sensors to obtain the normalized basic probability function of the fire occurrence; then conduct the fusion processing using the D-S evidence theory; finally give the judgment results. The results show that the method meets the goal of accurate fire signal identification and increases the accuracy of fire alarm, and therefore is simple and effective.

Nuclear design of a very-low-activation fusion reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, E. T.; Hopkins, G. R.

1983-06-01

The nuclear design aspects of using very-low-activation materials, such as SiC, MgO, and aluminum for fusion-reactor first wall, blanket, and shield applications were investigated. In addition to the advantage of very-low radioactive inventory, it was found that the very-low-activation fusion reactor can also offer an adequate tritium-breeding ratio and substantial amount of blanket nuclear heating as a conventional-material-structured reactor does. The most-stringent design constraint found in a very-low-activation fusion reactor is the limited space available in the inboard region of a Tokamak concept for shielding to protect the superconducting toroidal field coil. A reference design was developed which mitigates the constraint by adopting a removable tungsten shield design that retains the inboard dimensions and gives the same shield performance as the reference STARFIRE Tokamak reactor design.

Fusion of an Ensemble of Augmented Image Detectors for Robust Object Detection

PubMed Central

Wei, Pan; Anderson, Derek T.

2018-01-01

A significant challenge in object detection is accurate identification of an object’s position in image space, whereas one algorithm with one set of parameters is usually not enough, and the fusion of multiple algorithms and/or parameters can lead to more robust results. Herein, a new computational intelligence fusion approach based on the dynamic analysis of agreement among object detection outputs is proposed. Furthermore, we propose an online versus just in training image augmentation strategy. Experiments comparing the results both with and without fusion are presented. We demonstrate that the augmented and fused combination results are the best, with respect to higher accuracy rates and reduction of outlier influences. The approach is demonstrated in the context of cone, pedestrian and box detection for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications. PMID:29562609

Advances in simulation of wave interactions with extended MHD phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batchelor, D.; Abla, G.; D'Azevedo, E.; Bateman, G.; Bernholdt, D. E.; Berry, L.; Bonoli, P.; Bramley, R.; Breslau, J.; Chance, M.; Chen, J.; Choi, M.; Elwasif, W.; Foley, S.; Fu, G.; Harvey, R.; Jaeger, E.; Jardin, S.; Jenkins, T.; Keyes, D.; Klasky, S.; Kruger, S.; Ku, L.; Lynch, V.; McCune, D.; Ramos, J.; Schissel, D.; Schnack, D.; Wright, J.

2009-07-01

The Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) provides a framework within which some of the most advanced, massively-parallel fusion modeling codes can be interoperated to provide a detailed picture of the multi-physics processes involved in fusion experiments. The presentation will cover four topics: 1) recent improvements to the IPS, 2) application of the IPS for very high resolution simulations of ITER scenarios, 3) studies of resistive and ideal MHD stability in tokamk discharges using IPS facilities, and 4) the application of RF power in the electron cyclotron range of frequencies to control slowly growing MHD modes in tokamaks and initial evaluations of optimized location for RF power deposition.

Application of data fusion techniques and technologies for wearable health monitoring.

PubMed

King, Rachel C; Villeneuve, Emma; White, Ruth J; Sherratt, R Simon; Holderbaum, William; Harwin, William S

2017-04-01

Technological advances in sensors and communications have enabled discrete integration into everyday objects, both in the home and about the person. Information gathered by monitoring physiological, behavioural, and social aspects of our lives, can be used to achieve a positive impact on quality of life, health, and well-being. Wearable sensors are at the cusp of becoming truly pervasive, and could be woven into the clothes and accessories that we wear such that they become ubiquitous and transparent. To interpret the complex multidimensional information provided by these sensors, data fusion techniques are employed to provide a meaningful representation of the sensor outputs. This paper is intended to provide a short overview of data fusion techniques and algorithms that can be used to interpret wearable sensor data in the context of health monitoring applications. The application of these techniques are then described in the context of healthcare including activity and ambulatory monitoring, gait analysis, fall detection, and biometric monitoring. A snap-shot of current commercially available sensors is also provided, focusing on their sensing capability, and a commentary on the gaps that need to be bridged to bring research to market. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Blood-brain barrier drug delivery of IgG fusion proteins with a transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody.

PubMed

Pardridge, William M

2015-02-01

Biologic drugs are large molecules that do not cross the blood- brain barrier (BBB). Brain penetration is possible following the re-engineering of the biologic drug as an IgG fusion protein. The IgG domain is a MAb against an endogenous BBB receptor such as the transferrin receptor (TfR). The TfRMAb acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused biologic drug into the brain via receptor-mediated transport on the endogenous BBB TfR. This review discusses TfR isoforms, models of BBB transport of transferrin and TfRMAbs, and the genetic engineering of TfRMAb fusion proteins, including BBB penetrating IgG-neurotrophins, IgG-decoy receptors, IgG-lysosomal enzyme therapeutics and IgG-avidin fusion proteins, as well as BBB transport of bispecific antibodies formed by fusion of a therapeutic antibody to a TfRMAb targeting antibody. Also discussed are quantitative aspects of the plasma pharmacokinetics and brain uptake of TfRMAb fusion proteins, as compared to the brain uptake of small molecules, and therapeutic applications of TfRMAb fusion proteins in mouse models of neural disease, including Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and lysosomal storage disorders. The review covers the engineering of TfRMAb-avidin fusion proteins for BBB targeted delivery of biotinylated peptide radiopharmaceuticals, low-affinity TfRMAb Trojan horses and the safety pharmacology of chronic administration of TfRMAb fusion proteins. The BBB delivery of biologic drugs is possible following re-engineering as a fusion protein with a molecular Trojan horse such as a TfRMAb. The efficacy of this technology will be determined by the outcome of future clinical trials.

A methodology for accident analysis of fusion breeder blankets and its application to helium-cooled lead–lithium blanket

DOE PAGES

Panayotov, Dobromir; Poitevin, Yves; Grief, Andrew; ...

2016-09-23

'Fusion for Energy' (F4E) is designing, developing, and implementing the European Helium-Cooled Lead-Lithium (HCLL) and Helium-Cooled Pebble-Bed (HCPB) Test Blanket Systems (TBSs) for ITER (Nuclear Facility INB-174). Safety demonstration is an essential element for the integration of these TBSs into ITER and accident analysis is one of its critical components. A systematic approach to accident analysis has been developed under the F4E contract on TBS safety analyses. F4E technical requirements, together with Amec Foster Wheeler and INL efforts, have resulted in a comprehensive methodology for fusion breeding blanket accident analysis that addresses the specificity of the breeding blanket designs, materials,more » and phenomena while remaining consistent with the approach already applied to ITER accident analyses. Furthermore, the methodology phases are illustrated in the paper by its application to the EU HCLL TBS using both MELCOR and RELAP5 codes.« less

Development of the dense plasma focus for short-pulse applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, N.; Blasco, M.; Breeding, K.; Constantino, D.; DeYoung, A.; DiPuccio, V.; Friedman, J.; Gall, B.; Gardner, S.; Gatling, J.; Hagen, E. C.; Luttman, A.; Meehan, B. T.; Misch, M.; Molnar, S.; Morgan, G.; O'Brien, R.; Robbins, L.; Rundberg, R.; Sipe, N.; Welch, D. R.; Yuan, V.

2017-01-01

The dense plasma focus (DPF) has long been considered a compact source for pulsed neutrons and has traditionally been optimized for the total neutron yield. In this paper, we describe the efforts to optimize the DPF for short-pulse applications by introducing a reentrant cathode at the end of the coaxial plasma gun. The resulting neutron pulse widths are reduced by an average of 21 ±9 % from the traditional long-drift DPF design. Pulse widths and yields achieved from deuterium-tritium fusion at 2 MA are 61.8 ±30.7 ns FWHM and 1.84 ±0.49 ×1012 neutrons per shot. Simulations were conducted concurrently to elucidate the DPF operation and confirm the role of the reentrant cathode. A hybrid fluid-kinetic particle-in-cell modeling capability demonstrates correct sheath velocities, plasma instabilities, and fusion yield rates. Consistent with previous findings that the DPF is dominated by beam-target fusion from superthermal ions, we estimate that the thermonuclear contribution is at the 1% level.

An overview of research activities on materials for nuclear applications at the INL Safety, Tritium and Applied Research facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderoni, P.; Sharpe, J.; Shimada, M.; Denny, B.; Pawelko, B.; Schuetz, S.; Longhurst, G.; Hatano, Y.; Hara, M.; Oya, Y.; Otsuka, T.; Katayama, K.; Konishi, S.; Noborio, K.; Yamamoto, Y.

2011-10-01

The Safety, Tritium and Applied Research facility at the Idaho National Laboratory is a US Department of Energy National User Facility engaged in various aspects of materials research for nuclear applications related to fusion and advanced fission systems. Research activities are mainly focused on the interaction of tritium with materials, in particular plasma facing components, liquid breeders, high temperature coolants, fuel cladding, cooling and blanket structures and heat exchangers. Other activities include validation and verification experiments in support of the Fusion Safety Program, such as beryllium dust reactivity and dust transport in vacuum vessels, and support of Advanced Test Reactor irradiation experiments. This paper presents an overview of the programs engaged in the activities, which include the US-Japan TITAN collaboration, the US ITER program, the Next Generation Power Plant program and the tritium production program, and a presentation of ongoing experiments as well as a summary of recent results with emphasis on fusion relevant materials.

Sensor-agnostic photogrammetric image registration with applications to population modeling

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

White, Devin A; Moehl, Jessica J

2016-01-01

Photogrammetric registration of airborne and spaceborne imagery is a crucial prerequisite to many data fusion tasks. While embedded sensor models provide a rough geolocation estimate, these metadata may be incomplete or imprecise. Manual solutions are appropriate for small-scale projects, but for rapid streams of cross-modal, multi-sensor, multi-temporal imagery with varying metadata standards, an automated approach is required. We present a high-performance image registration workflow to address this need. This paper outlines the core development concepts and demonstrates its utility with respect to the 2016 data fusion contest imagery. In particular, Iris ultra-HD video is georeferenced to the Earth surface viamore » registration to DEIMOS-2 imagery, which serves as a trusted control source. Geolocation provides opportunity to augment the video with spatial context, stereo-derived disparity, spectral sensitivity, change detection, and numerous ancillary geospatial layers. We conclude by leveraging these derivative data layers towards one such fusion application: population distribution modeling.« less

A comparison of data interoperability approaches of fusion codes with application to synthetic diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruger, Scott; Shasharina, S.; Vadlamani, S.; McCune, D.; Holland, C.; Jenkins, T. G.; Candy, J.; Cary, J. R.; Hakim, A.; Miah, M.; Pletzer, A.

2010-11-01

As various efforts to integrate fusion codes proceed worldwide, standards for sharing data have emerged. In the U.S., the SWIM project has pioneered the development of the Plasma State, which has a flat-hierarchy and is dominated by its use within 1.5D transport codes. The European Integrated Tokamak Modeling effort has developed a more ambitious data interoperability effort organized around the concept of Consistent Physical Objects (CPOs). CPOs have deep hierarchies as needed by an effort that seeks to encompass all of fusion computing. Here, we discuss ideas for implementing data interoperability that is complementary to both the Plasma State and CPOs. By making use of attributes within the netcdf and HDF5 binary file formats, the goals of data interoperability can be achieved with a more informal approach. In addition, a file can be simultaneously interoperable to several standards at once. As an illustration of this approach, we discuss its application to the development of synthetic diagnostics that can be used for multiple codes.

Application of spatially resolved high resolution crystal spectrometry to inertial confinement fusion plasmas.

PubMed

Hill, K W; Bitter, M; Delgado-Aparacio, L; Pablant, N A; Beiersdorfer, P; Schneider, M; Widmann, K; Sanchez del Rio, M; Zhang, L

2012-10-01

High resolution (λ∕Δλ ∼ 10 000) 1D imaging x-ray spectroscopy using a spherically bent crystal and a 2D hybrid pixel array detector is used world wide for Doppler measurements of ion-temperature and plasma flow-velocity profiles in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas. Meter sized plasmas are diagnosed with cm spatial resolution and 10 ms time resolution. This concept can also be used as a diagnostic of small sources, such as inertial confinement fusion plasmas and targets on x-ray light source beam lines, with spatial resolution of micrometers, as demonstrated by laboratory experiments using a 250-μm (55)Fe source, and by ray-tracing calculations. Throughput calculations agree with measurements, and predict detector counts in the range 10(-8)-10(-6) times source x-rays, depending on crystal reflectivity and spectrometer geometry. Results of the lab demonstrations, application of the technique to the National Ignition Facility (NIF), and predictions of performance on NIF will be presented.

Evaluation of Effective Parameters on Quality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-computed Tomography Image Fusion in Head and Neck Tumors for Application in Treatment Planning.

PubMed

Shirvani, Atefeh; Jabbari, Keyvan; Amouheidari, Alireza

2017-01-01

In radiation therapy, computed tomography (CT) simulation is used for treatment planning to define the location of tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-CT image fusion leads to more efficient tumor contouring. This work tried to identify the practical issues for the combination of CT and MRI images in real clinical cases. The effect of various factors is evaluated on image fusion quality. In this study, the data of thirty patients with brain tumors were used for image fusion. The effect of several parameters on possibility and quality of image fusion was evaluated. These parameters include angles of the patient's head on the bed, slices thickness, slice gap, and height of the patient's head. According to the results, the first dominating factor on quality of image fusion was the difference slice gap between CT and MRI images (cor = 0.86, P < 0.005) and second factor was the angle between CT and MRI slice in the sagittal plane (cor = 0.75, P < 0.005). In 20% of patients, this angle was more than 28° and image fusion was not efficient. In 17% of patients, difference slice gap in CT and MRI was >4 cm and image fusion quality was <25%. The most important problem in image fusion is that MRI images are taken without regard to their use in treatment planning. In general, parameters related to the patient position during MRI imaging should be chosen to be consistent with CT images of the patient in terms of location and angle.

Research on HDR image fusion algorithm based on Laplace pyramid weight transform with extreme low-light CMOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Wen; Li, Li; Jin, Weiqi; Qiu, Su; Zou, Yan

2015-10-01

Extreme-Low-Light CMOS has been widely applied in the field of night-vision as a new type of solid image sensor. But if the illumination in the scene has drastic changes or the illumination is too strong, Extreme-Low-Light CMOS can't both clearly present the high-light scene and low-light region. According to the partial saturation problem in the field of night-vision, a HDR image fusion algorithm based on the Laplace Pyramid was researched. The overall gray value and the contrast of the low light image is very low. We choose the fusion strategy based on regional average gradient for the top layer of the long exposure image and short exposure image, which has rich brightness and textural features. The remained layers which represent the edge feature information of the target are based on the fusion strategy based on regional energy. In the process of source image reconstruction with Laplacian pyramid image, we compare the fusion results with four kinds of basal images. The algorithm is tested using Matlab and compared with the different fusion strategies. We use information entropy, average gradient and standard deviation these three objective evaluation parameters for the further analysis of the fusion result. Different low illumination environment experiments show that the algorithm in this paper can rapidly get wide dynamic range while keeping high entropy. Through the verification of this algorithm features, there is a further application prospect of the optimized algorithm. Keywords: high dynamic range imaging, image fusion, multi-exposure image, weight coefficient, information fusion, Laplacian pyramid transform.

Application of SGT1-Hsp90 chaperone complex for soluble expression of NOD1 LRR domain in E. coli

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

Hong, Tae-Joon; Hahn, Ji-Sook

NOD1 is an intracellular sensor of innate immunity which is related to a number of inflammatory diseases. NOD1 is known to be difficult to express and purify for structural and biochemical studies. Based on the fact that Hsp90 and its cochaperone SGT1 are necessary for the stabilization and activation of NOD1 in mammals, SGT1 was chosen as a fusion partner of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain of NOD1 for its soluble expression in Escherichia coli. Fusion of human SGT1 (hSGT1) to NOD1 LRR significantly enhanced the solubility, and the fusion protein was stabilized by coexpression of mouse Hsp90α. The expressionmore » level of hSGT1-NOD1 LRR was further enhanced by supplementation of rare codon tRNAs and exchange of antibiotic marker genes. - Highlights: • The NOD1 LRR domain was solubilized by SGT1 fusion in E. coli. • The coexpression of HSP90 stabilized the SGT1-NOD1 LRR fusion protein. • Several optimizations could enhance the expression level of the fusion protein.« less

Radar image and data fusion for natural hazards characterisation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lu, Zhong; Dzurisin, Daniel; Jung, Hyung-Sup; Zhang, Jixian; Zhang, Yonghong

2010-01-01

Fusion of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images through interferometric, polarimetric and tomographic processing provides an all - weather imaging capability to characterise and monitor various natural hazards. This article outlines interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) processing and products and their utility for natural hazards characterisation, provides an overview of the techniques and applications related to fusion of SAR/InSAR images with optical and other images and highlights the emerging SAR fusion technologies. In addition to providing precise land - surface digital elevation maps, SAR - derived imaging products can map millimetre - scale elevation changes driven by volcanic, seismic and hydrogeologic processes, by landslides and wildfires and other natural hazards. With products derived from the fusion of SAR and other images, scientists can monitor the progress of flooding, estimate water storage changes in wetlands for improved hydrological modelling predictions and assessments of future flood impacts and map vegetation structure on a global scale and monitor its changes due to such processes as fire, volcanic eruption and deforestation. With the availability of SAR images in near real - time from multiple satellites in the near future, the fusion of SAR images with other images and data is playing an increasingly important role in understanding and forecasting natural hazards.

Fusion partners can increase the expression of recombinant interleukins via transient transfection in 2936E cells

PubMed Central

Carter, Jane; Zhang, Jue; Dang, Thien-Lan; Hasegawa, Haruki; Cheng, Janet D; Gianan, Irene; O'Neill, Jason W; Wolfson, Martin; Siu, Sophia; Qu, Sheldon; Meininger, David; Kim, Helen; Delaney, John; Mehlin, Christopher

2010-01-01

The expression levels of five secreted target interleukins (IL-11, 15, 17B, 32, and IL23 p19 subunit) were tested with three different fusion partners in 2936E cells. When fused to the N-terminus, human serum albumin (HSA) was found to enhance the expression of both IL-17B and IL-15, cytokines which did not express at measurable levels on their own. Although the crystallizable fragment of an antibody (Fc) was also an effective fusion partner for IL-17B, Fc did not increase expression of IL-15. Fc was superior to HSA for the expression of the p19 subunit of IL-23, but no partner led to measurable levels of IL-32γ secretion. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) did not enhance the expression of any target and suppressed the production of IL-11, a cytokine which expressed robustly both on its own and when fused to HSA or Fc. Cleavage of the fusion partner was not always possible. The use of HSA or Fc as N-terminal fusions can be an effective technique to express difficult proteins, especially for applications in which the fusion partner need not be removed. PMID:20014434

Green and Fast Laser Fusion Technique for Bulk Silicate Rock Analysis by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Chenxi; Hu, Zhaochu; Zhang, Wen; Liu, Yongsheng; Zong, Keqing; Li, Ming; Chen, Haihong; Hu, Shenghong

2016-10-18

Sample preparation of whole-rock powders is the major limitation for their accurate and precise elemental analysis by laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). In this study, a green, efficient, and simplified fusion technique using a high energy infrared laser was developed for major and trace elemental analysis. Fusion takes only tens of milliseconds for each sample. Compared to the pressed pellet sample preparation, the analytical precision of the developed laser fusion technique is higher by an order of magnitude for most elements in granodiorite GSP-2. Analytical results obtained for five USGS reference materials (ranging from mafic to intermediate to felsic) using the laser fusion technique generally agree with recommended values with discrepancies of less than 10% for most elements. However, high losses (20-70%) of highly volatile elements (Zn and Pb) and the transition metal Cu are observed. The achieved precision is within 5% for major elements and within 15% for most trace elements. Direct laser fusion of rock powders is a green and notably simple method to obtain homogeneous samples, which will significantly accelerate the application of laser ablation ICPMS for whole-rock sample analysis.

Targeted expression, purification, and cleavage of fusion proteins from inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Hwang, Peter M; Pan, Jonathan S; Sykes, Brian D

2014-01-21

Today, proteins are typically overexpressed using solubility-enhancing fusion tags that allow for affinity chromatographic purification and subsequent removal by site-specific protease cleavage. In this review, we present an alternative approach to protein production using fusion partners specifically designed to accumulate in insoluble inclusion bodies. The strategy is appropriate for the mass production of short peptides, intrinsically disordered proteins, and proteins that can be efficiently refolded in vitro. There are many fusion protein systems now available for insoluble expression: TrpLE, ketosteroid isomerase, PurF, and PagP, for example. The ideal fusion partner is effective at directing a wide variety of target proteins into inclusion bodies, accumulates in large quantities in a highly pure form, and is readily solubilized and purified in commonly used denaturants. Fusion partner removal under denaturing conditions is biochemically challenging, requiring harsh conditions (e.g., cyanogen bromide in 70% formic acid) that can result in unwanted protein modifications. Recent advances in metal ion-catalyzed peptide bond cleavage allow for more mild conditions, and some methods involving nickel or palladium will likely soon appear in more biological applications. Copyright © 2013 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design and Analysis of a Data Fusion Scheme in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Multi-Protocol Mobile Agents

PubMed Central

Wu, Chunxue; Wu, Wenliang; Wan, Caihua

2017-01-01

Sensors are increasingly used in mobile environments with wireless network connections. Multiple sensor types measure distinct aspects of the same event. Their measurements are then combined to produce integrated, reliable results. As the number of sensors in networks increases, low energy requirements and changing network connections complicate event detection and measurement. We present a data fusion scheme for use in mobile wireless sensor networks with high energy efficiency and low network delays, that still produces reliable results. In the first phase, we used a network simulation where mobile agents dynamically select the next hop migration node based on the stability parameter of the link, and perform the data fusion at the migration node. Agents use the fusion results to decide if it should return the fusion results to the processing center or continue to collect more data. In the second phase. The feasibility of data fusion at the node level is confirmed by an experimental design where fused data from color sensors show near-identical results to actual physical temperatures. These results are potentially important for new large-scale sensor network applications. PMID:29099793

Fusion energy for space: Feasibility demonstration. A proposal to NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulze, Norman R.

1992-01-01

This proposed program is to initiate a space flight research and development program to develop fusion energy for the space applications of direct space propulsion and direct space power, that is, a Space Fusion Energy (SFE) program. 'Direct propulsion' refers to the use of plasma energy directly for thrust without requiring other energy conversion systems. Further, to provide space missions with large electrical power, 'direct space power' is proposed whereby the direct conversion of charged particles into electricity is used, thereby avoiding thermal conversion system losses. The energy release from nuclear fusion reactions makes these highly efficient, high power space systems possible. The program as presented conducts in an orderly, hierarchical manner the necessary planning, analyses, and testing to demonstrate the practical use of fusion energy for space. There is nothing discussed that is known to be theoretically impossible. Validation of the engineering principles is sought in this program which uses a cost-benefit approach. Upon successful program completion, space will become more accessible and space missions more safely conducted. The country will have taken a giant step toward the commercialization of space. The mission enabling capability provided by fusion energy is well beyond mission planners' current dreams.

The effects of local insulin application to lumbar spinal fusions in a rat model.

PubMed

Koerner, John D; Yalamanchili, Praveen; Munoz, William; Uko, Linda; Chaudhary, Saad B; Lin, Sheldon S; Vives, Michael J

2013-01-01

The rates of pseudoarthrosis after a single-level spinal fusion have been reported up to 35%, and the agents that increase the rate of fusion have an important role in decreasing pseudoarthrosis after spinal fusion. Previous studies have analyzed the effects of local insulin application to an autograft in a rat segmental defect model. Defects treated with a time-released insulin implant had significantly more new bone formation and greater quality of bone compared with controls based on histology and histomorphometry. A time-released insulin implant may have similar effects when applied in a lumbar spinal fusion model. This study analyzes the effects of a local time-released insulin implant applied to the fusion bed in a rat posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion model. Our hypothesis was twofold: first, a time-released insulin implant applied to the autograft bed in a rat posterolateral lumbar fusion will increase the rate of successful fusion and second, will alter the local environment of the fusion site by increasing the levels of local growth factors. Animal model (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved) using 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty skeletally mature Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 500 g each underwent posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusions with iliac crest autograft from L4 to L5 using a Wiltse-type approach. After exposure of the transverse processes and high-speed burr decortication, a Linplant (Linshin Canada, Inc., ON, Canada) consisting of 95% microrecrystalized palmitic acid and 5% bovine insulin (experimental group) or a sham implant consisting of only palmitic acid (control group) was implanted on the fusion bed with iliac crest autograft. As per the manufacturer, the Linplant has a release rate of 2 U/day for a minimum of 40 days. The transverse processes and autograft beds of 10 animals from the experimental and 10 from the control group were harvested at Day 4 and analyzed for growth factors. The remaining 20 spines were harvested at 8 weeks and underwent a radiographic examination, manual palpation, and microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) examination. One of the 8-week control animals died on postoperative Day 1, likely due to anesthesia. In the groups sacrificed at Day 4, there was a significant increase in insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the insulin treatment group compared with the controls (0.185 vs. 0.129; p=.001). No significant differences were demonstrated in the levels of transforming growth factor beta-1, platelet-derived growth factor-AB, and vascular endothelial growth factor between the groups (p=.461, .452, and .767 respectively). Based on the radiographs, 1 of 9 controls had a solid bilateral fusion mass, 2 of 9 had unilateral fusion mass, 3 of 9 had small fusion mass bilaterally, and 3 of 9 had graft resorption. The treatment group had solid bilateral fusion mass in 6 of 10 and unilateral fusion mass in 4 of 10, whereas a small bilateral fusion mass and graft resorption were not observed. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0067). Based on manual palpation, only 1 of 9 controls was considered fused, 4 of 9 were partially fused, and 4 of 9 were not fused. In the treatment group, there were 6 of 10 fusions, 3 of 10 partial fusions, and 1 of 10 were not fused. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0084). Based on the micro-CT, the mean bone volume of the control group was 126.7 mm(3) and 203.8 mm(3) in the insulin treatment group. The difference between the groups was significant (p=.0007). This study demonstrates the potential role of a time-released insulin implant as a bone graft enhancer using a rat posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion model. The insulin-treatment group had significantly higher fusion rates based on the radiographs and manual palpation and had significantly higher levels of IGF-I and significantly more bone volume on micro-CT. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetized Target Fusion in Advanced Propulsion Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cylar, Rashad

2003-01-01

The Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) Propulsion lab at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama has a program in place that has adopted to attempt to create a faster, lower cost and more reliable deep space transportation system. In this deep space travel the physics and development of high velocity plasma jets must be understood. The MTF Propulsion lab is also in attempt to open up the solar system for human exploration and commercial use. Fusion, as compared to fission, is just the opposite. Fusion involves the light atomic nuclei combination to produce denser nuclei. In the process, the energy is created by destroying the mass according to the distinguished equation: E = mc2 . Fusion energy development is being pursued worldwide as a very sustainable form of energy that is environmentally friendly. For the purposes of space exploration fusion reactions considered include the isotopes of hydrogen-deuterium (D2) and tritium (T3). Nuclei have an electrostatic repulsion between them and in order for the nuclei to fuse this repulsion must be overcome. One technique to bypass repulsion is to heat the nuclei to very high temperatures. The temperatures vary according to the type of reactions. For D-D reactions, one billion degrees Celsius is required, and for D-T reactions, one hundred million degrees is sufficient. There has to be energy input for useful output to be obtained form the fusion To make fusion propulsion practical, the mass, the volume, and the cost of the equipment to produce the reactions (generally called the reactor) need to be reduced by an order of magnitude or two from the state-of-the-art fusion machines. Innovations in fusion schemes are therefore required, especially for obtaining thrust for propulsive applications. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is one of the innovative fusion concepts that have emerged over the last several years. MSFC is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory and other research groups in studying the underlying principles involved in MTF. Magnetized Target Fusion is an attempt to combine MCF (magnetic confinement fusion) for energy confinement and ICF (inertial confinement fusion) for efficient compression heating and wall free containment of the fusing plasma. It also seeks to combine the best features to these two main commonplace approaches to fusion.

Feature-Based Methods for Landmine Detection with Ground Penetrating Radar

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-27

of abstraction without having to resort to assumptions about the events. DS fusion was applied to handwriting recognition [67], decision making [68...has been applied to landmine detection [80], and (in a different way) to handwriting recognition [46], and fusion of social choices (voting...applications to handwriting recognition, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics 22 (3) (1992) 418–435. [68] M. Beynon, D. Cosker, A.D. Marshall

Finite Element Modelling of a Field-Sensed Magnetic Suspended System for Accurate Proximity Measurement Based on a Sensor Fusion Algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter

PubMed Central

Chowdhury, Amor; Sarjaš, Andrej

2016-01-01

The presented paper describes accurate distance measurement for a field-sensed magnetic suspension system. The proximity measurement is based on a Hall effect sensor. The proximity sensor is installed directly on the lower surface of the electro-magnet, which means that it is very sensitive to external magnetic influences and disturbances. External disturbances interfere with the information signal and reduce the usability and reliability of the proximity measurements and, consequently, the whole application operation. A sensor fusion algorithm is deployed for the aforementioned reasons. The sensor fusion algorithm is based on the Unscented Kalman Filter, where a nonlinear dynamic model was derived with the Finite Element Modelling approach. The advantage of such modelling is a more accurate dynamic model parameter estimation, especially in the case when the real structure, materials and dimensions of the real-time application are known. The novelty of the paper is the design of a compact electro-magnetic actuator with a built-in low cost proximity sensor for accurate proximity measurement of the magnetic object. The paper successively presents a modelling procedure with the finite element method, design and parameter settings of a sensor fusion algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter and, finally, the implementation procedure and results of real-time operation. PMID:27649197

Finite Element Modelling of a Field-Sensed Magnetic Suspended System for Accurate Proximity Measurement Based on a Sensor Fusion Algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Amor; Sarjaš, Andrej

2016-09-15

The presented paper describes accurate distance measurement for a field-sensed magnetic suspension system. The proximity measurement is based on a Hall effect sensor. The proximity sensor is installed directly on the lower surface of the electro-magnet, which means that it is very sensitive to external magnetic influences and disturbances. External disturbances interfere with the information signal and reduce the usability and reliability of the proximity measurements and, consequently, the whole application operation. A sensor fusion algorithm is deployed for the aforementioned reasons. The sensor fusion algorithm is based on the Unscented Kalman Filter, where a nonlinear dynamic model was derived with the Finite Element Modelling approach. The advantage of such modelling is a more accurate dynamic model parameter estimation, especially in the case when the real structure, materials and dimensions of the real-time application are known. The novelty of the paper is the design of a compact electro-magnetic actuator with a built-in low cost proximity sensor for accurate proximity measurement of the magnetic object. The paper successively presents a modelling procedure with the finite element method, design and parameter settings of a sensor fusion algorithm with Unscented Kalman Filter and, finally, the implementation procedure and results of real-time operation.

A new method for fusion, denoising and enhancement of x-ray images retrieved from Talbot-Lau grating interferometry.

PubMed

Scholkmann, Felix; Revol, Vincent; Kaufmann, Rolf; Baronowski, Heidrun; Kottler, Christian

2014-03-21

This paper introduces a new image denoising, fusion and enhancement framework for combining and optimal visualization of x-ray attenuation contrast (AC), differential phase contrast (DPC) and dark-field contrast (DFC) images retrieved from x-ray Talbot-Lau grating interferometry. The new image fusion framework comprises three steps: (i) denoising each input image (AC, DPC and DFC) through adaptive Wiener filtering, (ii) performing a two-step image fusion process based on the shift-invariant wavelet transform, i.e. first fusing the AC with the DPC image and then fusing the resulting image with the DFC image, and finally (iii) enhancing the fused image to obtain a final image using adaptive histogram equalization, adaptive sharpening and contrast optimization. Application examples are presented for two biological objects (a human tooth and a cherry) and the proposed method is compared to two recently published AC/DPC/DFC image processing techniques. In conclusion, the new framework for the processing of AC, DPC and DFC allows the most relevant features of all three images to be combined in one image while reducing the noise and enhancing adaptively the relevant image features. The newly developed framework may be used in technical and medical applications.

ICF quarterly report January - March 1997 volume 7, number 3

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

Murray, J

The National Ignition Facility Project The mission of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is to produce ignition and modest energy gain in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets. Achieving these goals will maintain U.S. world leadership in ICF and will directly benefit the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) missions in national security, science and technology, energy resources, and industrial competitiveness. Development and operation of the NIF are consistent with DOE goals for environmental quality, openness to the community, and nuclear nonproliferation and arms control. Although the primary mission of inertial fusion is for defense applications, inertial fusion research will provide criticalmore » information for the development of inertial fusion energy. The NIF, under construction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is a cornerstone of the DOE's science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program for addressing high-energy-density physics issues in the absence of nuclear weapons testing. In pursuit of this mission, the DOE's Defense Programs has developed a state-of-the-art capability with the NIF to investigate high-energy-density physics in the laboratory with a microfusion capability for defense and energy applications. As a Strategic System Acquisition, the NIF Project has a separate and disciplined reporting chain to DOE as shown below.« less

Development of martensitic steels for high neutron damage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gelles, D. S.

1996-12-01

Martensitic stainless steels have been developed for both in-core applications in advanced liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBR) and for first wall and structural materials applications for commercial fusion reactors. It can now be shown that these steels can be expected to maintain properties to levels as high as 175 or 200 dpa, respectively. The 12Cr1Mo0.5W0.2C alloy HT-9 has been extensively tested for LMFBR applications and shown to resist radiation damage, providing a creep and swelling resistant alternative to austenitic steels. Degradation of fracture toughness and Charpy impact properties have been observed, but properties are sufficient to provide reliable service. In comparison, alloys with lower chromium contents are found to decarburize in contact with liquid sodium and are therefore not recommended. Tungsten stabilized martensitic stainless steels have appropriate properties for fusion applications. Radioactivity levels are benign less than 500 years after service, radiation damage resistance is excellent, including impact properties, and swelling is modest. This report describes the history of the development effort.

[Application of a stand-alone interbody fusion cage based on a novel porous TiO2/glass composite. I. Implantation in the sheep cervical spine and radiological evaluation].

PubMed

Korinth, M C; Hero, T; Mahnken, A H; Ragoss, C; Scherer, K

2004-12-01

Animals are becoming more and more common as in vitro and in vivo models for the human spine. Especially the sheep cervical spine is stated to be of good comparability and usefulness in the evaluation of in vivo radiological, biomechanical and histological behaviour of new bone replacement materials, implants and cages for cervical spine interbody fusion. In preceding biomechanical in vitro examination human cervical spine specimens were tested after fusion with either a cubical stand-alone interbody fusion cage manufactured from a new porous TiO/glass composite (Ecopore) or polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) after discectomy. First experience with the use of the new material and its influence on the primary stability after in vitro application were gained. After fusion of 10 sheep cervical spines in the levels C2/3 and C4/5 in each case with PMMA and with an Ecopore-cage, radiologic as well as computertomographic examinations were performed postoperatively and every 4 weeks during the following 2 and 4 months, respectively. Apart from establishing our animal model, we analysed the radiological changes and the degree of bony fusion of the operated segments during the course. In addition we performed measurements of the corresponding disc space heights (DSH) and intervertebral angles (IVA) for comparison among each other, during the course and with the initial values. Immediately after placement of both implants in the disc spaces the mean DSH and IVA increased (34.8% and 53.9%, respectively). During the following months DSH decreased to a greater extent in the Ecopore-segments than in the PMMA-segments, even to a value below the initial value (p>0.05). Similarly, the IVA decreased in both groups in the postoperative time lapse, but more distinct in the Ecopore-segments (p<0.05). These changes in terms of a subsidence of the implants, were confirmed morphologically in the radiological examination in the course. The radiologically evaluated fusion, i.e. bony bridging of the operated segments, was more pronounced after implantation of an Ecopore-cage (83%), than after PMMA interposition (50%), but did not gain statistical significance. In this first in vivo examination of our new porous ceramic bone replacement material we showed its application in the spondylodesis model of the sheep cervical spine. Distinct radiological changes regarding evident subsidence and detectable fusion of the segments, operated on with the new biomaterial, were seen. We demonstrated the radiological changes of the fused segments during several months and analysed them morphologically, before the biomechanical evaluation will be presented in a subsequent publication.

Ultrasound fusion image error correction using subject-specific liver motion model and automatic image registration.

PubMed

Yang, Minglei; Ding, Hui; Zhu, Lei; Wang, Guangzhi

2016-12-01

Ultrasound fusion imaging is an emerging tool and benefits a variety of clinical applications, such as image-guided diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and unresectable liver metastases. However, respiratory liver motion-induced misalignment of multimodal images (i.e., fusion error) compromises the effectiveness and practicability of this method. The purpose of this paper is to develop a subject-specific liver motion model and automatic registration-based method to correct the fusion error. An online-built subject-specific motion model and automatic image registration method for 2D ultrasound-3D magnetic resonance (MR) images were combined to compensate for the respiratory liver motion. The key steps included: 1) Build a subject-specific liver motion model for current subject online and perform the initial registration of pre-acquired 3D MR and intra-operative ultrasound images; 2) During fusion imaging, compensate for liver motion first using the motion model, and then using an automatic registration method to further correct the respiratory fusion error. Evaluation experiments were conducted on liver phantom and five subjects. In the phantom study, the fusion error (superior-inferior axis) was reduced from 13.90±2.38mm to 4.26±0.78mm by using the motion model only. The fusion error further decreased to 0.63±0.53mm by using the registration method. The registration method also decreased the rotation error from 7.06±0.21° to 1.18±0.66°. In the clinical study, the fusion error was reduced from 12.90±9.58mm to 6.12±2.90mm by using the motion model alone. Moreover, the fusion error decreased to 1.96±0.33mm by using the registration method. The proposed method can effectively correct the respiration-induced fusion error to improve the fusion image quality. This method can also reduce the error correction dependency on the initial registration of ultrasound and MR images. Overall, the proposed method can improve the clinical practicability of ultrasound fusion imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Flocculating Cationic Polypetide from Moringa oleifera Seeds Damages Bacterial Cell Membranes by Causing Membrane Fusion.

PubMed

Shebek, Kevin; Schantz, Allen B; Sines, Ian; Lauser, Kathleen; Velegol, Stephanie; Kumar, Manish

2015-04-21

A cationic protein isolated from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree has been extensively studied for use in water treatment in developing countries and has been proposed for use in antimicrobial and therapeutic applications. However, the molecular basis for the antimicrobial action of this peptide, Moringa oleifera cationic protein (MOCP), has not been previously elucidated. We demonstrate here that a dominant mechanism of MOCP antimicrobial activity is membrane fusion. We used a combination of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and fluorescence assays to observe and study the kinetics of fusion of membranes in liposomes representing model microbial cells. We also conducted cryo-EM experiments on E. coli cells where MOCP was seen to fuse the inner and outer membranes. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of membrane vesicles with MOCP molecules were used to elucidate steps in peptide adsorption, stalk formation, and fusion between membranes.

Cleaved thioredoxin fusion protein enables the crystallization of poorly soluble ERα in complex with synthetic ligands

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

Cura, Vincent; Gangloff, Monique; Eiler, Sylvia

2008-01-01

A new crystallization strategy: the presence of cleaved thioredoxin fusion is critical for crystallization of the estrogen nuclear receptor ligand binding domain in complex with synthetic ligands. This novel technique should be regarded as an interesting alternative for crystallization of difficult proteins. The ligand-binding domain (LBD) of human oestrogen receptor α was produced in Escherichia coli as a cleavable thioredoxin (Trx) fusion in order to improve solubility. Crystallization trials with either cleaved and purified LBD or with the purified fusion protein both failed to produce crystals. In another attempt, Trx was not removed from the LBD after endoproteolytic cleavage andmore » its presence promoted nucleation and subsequent crystal growth, which allowed the structure determination of two different LBD–ligand–coactivator peptide complexes at 2.3 Å resolution. This technique is likely to be applicable to other low-solubility proteins.« less

Framework for 2D-3D image fusion of infrared thermography with preoperative MRI.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Nico; Weidner, Florian; Urban, Peter; Meyer, Tobias; Schnabel, Christian; Radev, Yordan; Schackert, Gabriele; Petersohn, Uwe; Koch, Edmund; Gumhold, Stefan; Steiner, Gerald; Kirsch, Matthias

2017-11-27

Multimodal medical image fusion combines information of one or more images in order to improve the diagnostic value. While previous applications mainly focus on merging images from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonic and single-photon emission computed tomography, we propose a novel approach for the registration and fusion of preoperative 3D MRI with intraoperative 2D infrared thermography. Image-guided neurosurgeries are based on neuronavigation systems, which further allow us track the position and orientation of arbitrary cameras. Hereby, we are able to relate the 2D coordinate system of the infrared camera with the 3D MRI coordinate system. The registered image data are now combined by calibration-based image fusion in order to map our intraoperative 2D thermographic images onto the respective brain surface recovered from preoperative MRI. In extensive accuracy measurements, we found that the proposed framework achieves a mean accuracy of 2.46 mm.

VEGFR2-targeted fusion antibody improved NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance against K562 cells.

PubMed

Ren, Xueyan; Xie, Wei; Wang, Youfu; Xu, Menghuai; Liu, Fang; Tang, Mingying; Li, Chenchen; Wang, Min; Zhang, Juan

2016-08-01

MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), which is normally expressed on cancer cells, activates NK cells via NK group 2-member D pathway. However, some cancer cells escape NK-mediated immune surveillance by shedding membrane MICA causing immune suppression. To address this issue, we designed an antibody-MICA fusion targeting tumor-specific antigen (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, VEGFR2) based on our patented antibody (mAb04) against VEGFR2. In vitro results demonstrate that the fusion antibody retains both the antineoplastic and the immunomodulatory activity of mAb04. Further, we revealed that it enhanced NK-mediated immunosurveillance against K562 cells through increasing degranulation and cytokine production of NK cells. The overall data suggest our new fusion protein provides a promising approach for cancer-targeted immunotherapy and has prospects for potential application of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Soft X-ray streak camera for laser fusion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stradling, G. L.

1981-04-01

The development and significance of the soft x-ray streak camera (SXRSC) in the context of inertial confinement fusion energy development is reviewed as well as laser fusion and laser fusion diagnostics. The SXRSC design criteria, the requirement for a subkilovolt x-ray transmitting window, and the resulting camera design are explained. Theory and design of reflector-filter pair combinations for three subkilovolt channels centered at 220 eV, 460 eV, and 620 eV are also presented. Calibration experiments are explained and data showing a dynamic range of 1000 and a sweep speed of 134 psec/mm are presented. Sensitivity modifications to the soft x-ray streak camera for a high-power target shot are described. A preliminary investigation, using a stepped cathode, of the thickness dependence of the gold photocathode response is discussed. Data from a typical Argus laser gold-disk target experiment are shown.

Hot Fusion: an efficient method to clone multiple DNA fragments as well as inverted repeats without ligase.

PubMed

Fu, Changlin; Donovan, William P; Shikapwashya-Hasser, Olga; Ye, Xudong; Cole, Robert H

2014-01-01

Molecular cloning is utilized in nearly every facet of biological and medical research. We have developed a method, termed Hot Fusion, to efficiently clone one or multiple DNA fragments into plasmid vectors without the use of ligase. The method is directional, produces seamless junctions and is not dependent on the availability of restriction sites for inserts. Fragments are assembled based on shared homology regions of 17-30 bp at the junctions, which greatly simplifies the construct design. Hot Fusion is carried out in a one-step, single tube reaction at 50 °C for one hour followed by cooling to room temperature. In addition to its utility for multi-fragment assembly Hot Fusion provides a highly efficient method for cloning DNA fragments containing inverted repeats for applications such as RNAi. The overall cloning efficiency is in the order of 90-95%.

Hot Fusion: An Efficient Method to Clone Multiple DNA Fragments as Well as Inverted Repeats without Ligase

PubMed Central

Fu, Changlin; Donovan, William P.; Shikapwashya-Hasser, Olga; Ye, Xudong; Cole, Robert H.

2014-01-01

Molecular cloning is utilized in nearly every facet of biological and medical research. We have developed a method, termed Hot Fusion, to efficiently clone one or multiple DNA fragments into plasmid vectors without the use of ligase. The method is directional, produces seamless junctions and is not dependent on the availability of restriction sites for inserts. Fragments are assembled based on shared homology regions of 17–30 bp at the junctions, which greatly simplifies the construct design. Hot Fusion is carried out in a one-step, single tube reaction at 50°C for one hour followed by cooling to room temperature. In addition to its utility for multi-fragment assembly Hot Fusion provides a highly efficient method for cloning DNA fragments containing inverted repeats for applications such as RNAi. The overall cloning efficiency is in the order of 90–95%. PMID:25551825

Investigations of image fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhong

1999-12-01

The objective of image fusion is to combine information from multiple images of the same scene. The result of image fusion is a single image which is more suitable for the purpose of human visual perception or further image processing tasks. In this thesis, a region-based fusion algorithm using the wavelet transform is proposed. The identification of important features in each image, such as edges and regions of interest, are used to guide the fusion process. The idea of multiscale grouping is also introduced and a generic image fusion framework based on multiscale decomposition is studied. The framework includes all of the existing multiscale-decomposition- based fusion approaches we found in the literature which did not assume a statistical model for the source images. Comparisons indicate that our framework includes some new approaches which outperform the existing approaches for the cases we consider. Registration must precede our fusion algorithms. So we proposed a hybrid scheme which uses both feature-based and intensity-based methods. The idea of robust estimation of optical flow from time- varying images is employed with a coarse-to-fine multi- resolution approach and feature-based registration to overcome some of the limitations of the intensity-based schemes. Experiments show that this approach is robust and efficient. Assessing image fusion performance in a real application is a complicated issue. In this dissertation, a mixture probability density function model is used in conjunction with the Expectation- Maximization algorithm to model histograms of edge intensity. Some new techniques are proposed for estimating the quality of a noisy image of a natural scene. Such quality measures can be used to guide the fusion. Finally, we study fusion of images obtained from several copies of a new type of camera developed for video surveillance. Our techniques increase the capability and reliability of the surveillance system and provide an easy way to obtain 3-D information of objects in the space monitored by the system.

Superconductivity and fusion energy—the inseparable companions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruzzone, Pierluigi

2015-02-01

Although superconductivity will never produce energy by itself, it plays an important role in energy-related applications both because of its saving potential (e.g., power transmission lines and generators), and its role as an enabling technology (e.g., for nuclear fusion energy). The superconducting magnet’s need for plasma confinement has been recognized since the early development of fusion devices. As long as the research and development of plasma burning was carried out on pulsed devices, the technology of superconducting fusion magnets was aimed at demonstrations of feasibility. In the latest generation of plasma devices, which are larger and have longer confinement times, the superconducting coils are a key enabling technology. The cost of a superconducting magnet system is a major portion of the overall cost of a fusion plant and deserves significant attention in the long-term planning of electricity supply; only cheap superconducting magnets will help fusion get to the energy market. In this paper, the technology challenges and design approaches for fusion magnets are briefly reviewed for past, present, and future projects, from the early superconducting tokamaks in the 1970s, to the current ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) and W7-X projects and future DEMO (Demonstration Reactor) projects. The associated cryogenic technology is also reviewed: 4.2 K helium baths, superfluid baths, forced-flow supercritical helium, and helium-free designs. Open issues and risk mitigation are discussed in terms of reliability, technology, and cost.

An Overview of Research and Design Activities at CTFusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland, D. A.; Jarboe, T. R.; Hossack, A. C.

2016-10-01

CTFusion, a newly formed company dedicated to the development of compact, toroidal fusion energy, is a spin-off from the University of Washington that will build upon the successes of the HIT-SI research program. The mission of the company to develop net-gain fusion power cores that will serve as the heart of economical fusion power plants or radioactive-waste destroying burner reactors. The overarching vision and development plan of the company will be presented, along with a detailed justification and design for our next device, the HIT-TD (Technology Demonstration) prototype. By externally driving the edge current and imposing non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations, HIT-TD should demonstrate the sustainment of stable spheromak configurations with Imposed-Dynamo Current Drive (IDCD), as was accomplished in the HIT-SI device, with higher current gains and temperatures than previously possible. HIT-TD, if successful, will be an instrumental step along this path to economical fusion energy, and will serve as the stepping stone to our Proof-Of-Principle device (HIT-PoP). Beyond the implications of higher performance, sustained spheromaks for fusion applications, the HIT-TD platform will provide a unique system to observe plasma self-organizational phenomena of interest for other fusion devices, and astrophysical systems as well. Lastly, preliminary nuclear engineering design simulations with the MCNP6 code of the HIT-FNSF (Fusion Nuclear Science Facility) device will be presented.

Analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica Effector Translocation into Host Cells Using Beta-lactamase Effector Fusions.

PubMed

Wolters, Manuel; Zobiak, Bernd; Nauth, Theresa; Aepfelbacher, Martin

2015-10-13

Many gram-negative bacteria including pathogenic Yersinia spp. employ type III secretion systems to translocate effector proteins into eukaryotic target cells. Inside the host cell the effector proteins manipulate cellular functions to the benefit of the bacteria. To better understand the control of type III secretion during host cell interaction, sensitive and accurate assays to measure translocation are required. We here describe the application of an assay based on the fusion of a Yersinia enterocolitica effector protein fragment (Yersinia outer protein; YopE) with TEM-1 beta-lactamase for quantitative analysis of translocation. The assay relies on cleavage of a cell permeant FRET dye (CCF4/AM) by translocated beta-lactamase fusion. After cleavage of the cephalosporin core of CCF4 by the beta-lactamase, FRET from coumarin to fluorescein is disrupted and excitation of the coumarin moiety leads to blue fluorescence emission. Different applications of this method have been described in the literature highlighting its versatility. The method allows for analysis of translocation in vitro and also in in vivo, e.g., in a mouse model. Detection of the fluorescence signals can be performed using plate readers, FACS analysis or fluorescence microscopy. In the setup described here, in vitro translocation of effector fusions into HeLa cells by different Yersinia mutants is monitored by laser scanning microscopy. Recording intracellular conversion of the FRET reporter by the beta-lactamase effector fusion in real-time provides robust quantitative results. We here show exemplary data, demonstrating increased translocation by a Y. enterocolitica YopE mutant compared to the wild type strain.

Dense range map reconstruction from a versatile robotic sensor system with an active trinocular vision and a passive binocular vision.

PubMed

Kim, Min Young; Lee, Hyunkee; Cho, Hyungsuck

2008-04-10

One major research issue associated with 3D perception by robotic systems is the creation of efficient sensor systems that can generate dense range maps reliably. A visual sensor system for robotic applications is developed that is inherently equipped with two types of sensor, an active trinocular vision and a passive stereo vision. Unlike in conventional active vision systems that use a large number of images with variations of projected patterns for dense range map acquisition or from conventional passive vision systems that work well on specific environments with sufficient feature information, a cooperative bidirectional sensor fusion method for this visual sensor system enables us to acquire a reliable dense range map using active and passive information simultaneously. The fusion algorithms are composed of two parts, one in which the passive stereo vision helps active vision and the other in which the active trinocular vision helps the passive one. The first part matches the laser patterns in stereo laser images with the help of intensity images; the second part utilizes an information fusion technique using the dynamic programming method in which image regions between laser patterns are matched pixel-by-pixel with help of the fusion results obtained in the first part. To determine how the proposed sensor system and fusion algorithms can work in real applications, the sensor system is implemented on a robotic system, and the proposed algorithms are applied. A series of experimental tests is performed for a variety of configurations of robot and environments. The performance of the sensor system is discussed in detail.

Strategies for enhancing bioluminescent bacterial sensor performance by promoter region manipulation

PubMed Central

Bilic, Benny; Belkin, Shimshon

2010-01-01

Genetically engineered microbial reporter strains are based upon the fusion of an inducible sensing element upstream of a reporting element, so that the construct emits a dose-dependent signal when exposed to the inducing compound(s) or stress factor(s). In this communication1 we described several general approaches undertaken in order to enhance the sensing performance of such promoter::reporter fusions. Significant improvements in detection sensitivity, response kinetics and signal intensity were achieved by modi fication of the length of the promoter-containing DNA fragment, by random or site-directed mutagenesis and by promoter duplication. The general nature of these genetics manipulations makes them applicable to other types of promoter::reporter fusions. PMID:21326942

Overview of theory and simulations in the Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Alex

2007-07-01

The Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory (HIFS-VNL) is a collaboration of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. These laboratories, in cooperation with researchers at other institutions, are carrying out a coordinated effort to apply intense ion beams as drivers for studies of the physics of matter at extreme conditions, and ultimately for inertial fusion energy. Progress on this endeavor depends upon coordinated application of experiments, theory, and simulations. This paper describes the state of the art, with an emphasis on the coordination of modeling and experiment; developments in the simulation tools, and in the methods that underly them, are also treated.

Development of effective power supply using electric double layer capacitor for static magnetic field coils in fusion plasma experiments.

PubMed

Inomoto, M; Abe, K; Yamada, T; Kuwahata, A; Kamio, S; Cao, Q H; Sakumura, M; Suzuki, N; Watanabe, T; Ono, Y

2011-02-01

A cost-effective power supply for static magnetic field coils used in fusion plasma experiments has been developed by application of an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC). A prototype EDLC power supply system was constructed in the form of a series LCR circuit. Coil current of 100 A with flat-top longer than 1 s was successfully supplied to an equilibrium field coil of a fusion plasma experimental apparatus by a single EDLC module with capacitance of 30 F. The present EDLC power supply has revealed sufficient performance for plasma confinement experiments whose discharge duration times are an order of several seconds.

Assessment of Data and Knowledge Fusion Strategies for Diagnostics and Prognostics

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-04-05

prognostic technologies has proven effective in reducing false alarm rates, increasing confidence levels in early fault detection , and predicting time...or better than the sum of the parts. Specific to health management, this means reduced uncertainty in current condition assessment reduced (improving...achieve time synchronous averaged vibration features. Semmm Amy -U....1A MreN T.g 4 Id F~As- Anomaly DEtection Figure 1 - Fusion Application Areas At a

BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Calculation of a magnetic field effect on emission spectra of light diatomic molecules for diagnostic application to fusion edge plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shikama, T.; Fujii, K.; Mizushiri, K.; Hasuo, M.; Kado, S.; Zushi, H.

2009-12-01

A scheme for computation of emission spectra of light diatomic molecules under external magnetic and electric fields is presented. As model species in fusion edge plasmas, the scheme is applied to polarization-resolved emission spectra of H2, CH, C2, BH and BeH molecules. The possibility of performing spatially resolved measurements of these spectra is examined.

Application of Advanced Nuclear Emulsion Technique to Fusion Neutron Diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakayama, Y.; Tomita, H.; Morishima, K.; Yamashita, F.; Hayashi, S.; Cheon, MunSeong; Isobe, M.; Ogawa, K.; Naka, T.; Nakano, T.; Nakamura, M.; Kawarabayashi, J.; Iguchi, T.; Ochiai, K.

In order to measure the 2.5 MeV neutrons produced by DD nuclear fusion reactions, we have developed a compact neutron detector based on nuclear emulsion. After optimization of development conditions, we evaluated the response of the detector to an accelerator-based DD neutron source. The absolute efficiency at an energy of 2.5 MeV was estimated to be (4.1±0.2)×10-6 tracks/neutron.

Fundamental Studies on Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties of Fusion Welds in Advanced Naval Steels

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-31

Studies on Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties of Fusion Welds in Advanced Naval Steels Sb. GRANT NUMBER N00014-12-1-0475 Sc. PROGRAM...naval and structural applications. However, prior to this research project, a fundamental understanding of the phase transformation behavior under the...Steel, Phase Transformations 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF 18. NUMBER a. REPORT b.ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE ABSTRACT OF PAGES u u

Application of Sequence Comparison Methods to Multisensor Data Fusion and Target Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-18

lin- ear comparison). A particularly attractive aspect of the proposed fusion scheme is that it has the potential to work for any object with (1...radar sensing is a historical custom - however, the reader should keep in mind that the fundamental issue in this research is to explore and exploit...reduce the computationally expensive need to compute partial derivatives. In usual practice, the computationally more attractive filter design is

Soft x-ray streak camera for laser fusion applications

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

Stradling, G.L.

This thesis reviews the development and significance of the soft x-ray streak camera (SXRSC) in the context of inertial confinement fusion energy development. A brief introduction of laser fusion and laser fusion diagnostics is presented. The need for a soft x-ray streak camera as a laser fusion diagnostic is shown. Basic x-ray streak camera characteristics, design, and operation are reviewed. The SXRSC design criteria, the requirement for a subkilovolt x-ray transmitting window, and the resulting camera design are explained. Theory and design of reflector-filter pair combinations for three subkilovolt channels centered at 220 eV, 460 eV, and 620 eV aremore » also presented. Calibration experiments are explained and data showing a dynamic range of 1000 and a sweep speed of 134 psec/mm are presented. Sensitivity modifications to the soft x-ray streak camera for a high-power target shot are described. A preliminary investigation, using a stepped cathode, of the thickness dependence of the gold photocathode response is discussed. Data from a typical Argus laser gold-disk target experiment are shown.« less

Information recovery through image sequence fusion under wavelet transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Qiang

2010-04-01

Remote sensing is widely applied to provide information of areas with limited ground access with applications such as to assess the destruction from natural disasters and to plan relief and recovery operations. However, the data collection of aerial digital images is constrained by bad weather, atmospheric conditions, and unstable camera or camcorder. Therefore, how to recover the information from the low-quality remote sensing images and how to enhance the image quality becomes very important for many visual understanding tasks, such like feature detection, object segmentation, and object recognition. The quality of remote sensing imagery can be improved through meaningful combination of the employed images captured from different sensors or from different conditions through information fusion. Here we particularly address information fusion to remote sensing images under multi-resolution analysis in the employed image sequences. The image fusion is to recover complete information by integrating multiple images captured from the same scene. Through image fusion, a new image with high-resolution or more perceptive for human and machine is created from a time series of low-quality images based on image registration between different video frames.

Advanced algorithms for distributed fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gelfand, A.; Smith, C.; Colony, M.; Bowman, C.; Pei, R.; Huynh, T.; Brown, C.

2008-03-01

The US Military has been undergoing a radical transition from a traditional "platform-centric" force to one capable of performing in a "Network-Centric" environment. This transformation will place all of the data needed to efficiently meet tactical and strategic goals at the warfighter's fingertips. With access to this information, the challenge of fusing data from across the batttlespace into an operational picture for real-time Situational Awareness emerges. In such an environment, centralized fusion approaches will have limited application due to the constraints of real-time communications networks and computational resources. To overcome these limitations, we are developing a formalized architecture for fusion and track adjudication that allows the distribution of fusion processes over a dynamically created and managed information network. This network will support the incorporation and utilization of low level tracking information within the Army Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS-A) or Future Combat System (FCS). The framework is based on Bowman's Dual Node Network (DNN) architecture that utilizes a distributed network of interlaced fusion and track adjudication nodes to build and maintain a globally consistent picture across all assets.

State Estimation Using Dependent Evidence Fusion: Application to Acoustic Resonance-Based Liquid Level Measurement.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaobin; Li, Zhenghui; Li, Guo; Zhou, Zhe

2017-04-21

Estimating the state of a dynamic system via noisy sensor measurement is a common problem in sensor methods and applications. Most state estimation methods assume that measurement noise and state perturbations can be modeled as random variables with known statistical properties. However in some practical applications, engineers can only get the range of noises, instead of the precise statistical distributions. Hence, in the framework of Dempster-Shafer (DS) evidence theory, a novel state estimatation method by fusing dependent evidence generated from state equation, observation equation and the actual observations of the system states considering bounded noises is presented. It can be iteratively implemented to provide state estimation values calculated from fusion results at every time step. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a low-frequency acoustic resonance level gauge to obtain high-accuracy measurement results.

Current Status and Recent Research Achievements in SiC/SiC Composites

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

Katoh, Yutai; Snead, Lance L.; Henager, Charles H.

2014-12-01

The development and maturation of the silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) composite system for fusion applications has seen the evolution from fundamental development and understanding of the material system and its behavior in a hostile irradiation environment to the current effort which essentially is a broad-based program of technology, directed at moving this material class from a laboratory curiosity to an engineering material. This paper lays out the recent international scientific and technological achievements in the development of SiC/SiC composite material technologies for fusion application and will discuss future research directions. It also reviews the materials system inmore » the larger context of progress to maturity as an engineering material for both the larger nuclear community and for general engineering applications.« less

Development of high-average-power DPSSL with high beam quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakai, Sadao; Kanabe, Tadashi; Kawashima, Toshiyuki; Yamanaka, Masanobu; Izawa, Yasukazu; Nakatuka, Masahiro; Kandasamy, Ranganathan; Kan, Hirofumi; Hiruma, Teruo; Niino, Masayuki

2000-08-01

The recent progress of high power diode laser is opening new fields of laser and its application. We are developing high average power diode pumped solid state laser DPSSL for laser fusion power plant, for space propulsion and for various applications in industry. The common features or requirements of our High Average-power Laser for Nuclear-fusion Application (HALNA) are large pulse energy with relatively low repetition of few tens Hz, good beam quality of order of diffraction limit and high efficiency more than 10%. We constructed HALNA 10 (10J X 10 Hz) and tested the performance to clarify the scalability to higher power system. We have obtained in a preliminary experiment a 8.5 J output energy at 0.5 Hz with beam quality of 2 times diffraction limited far-field pattern.

Vacuum insulation of the high energy negative ion source for fusion application.

PubMed

Kojima, A; Hanada, M; Hilmi, A; Inoue, T; Watanabe, K; Taniguchi, M; Kashiwagi, M; Umeda, N; Tobari, H; Kobayashi, S; Yamano, Y; Grisham, L R

2012-02-01

Vacuum insulation on a large size negative ion accelerator with multiple extraction apertures and acceleration grids for fusion application was experimentally examined and designed. In the experiment, vacuum insulation characteristics were investigated in the JT-60 negative ion source with >1000 apertures on the grid with the surface area of ∼2 m(2). The sustainable voltages varied with a square root of the gap lengths between the grids, and decreased with number of the apertures and with the surface area of the grids. Based on the obtained results, the JT-60SA (super advanced) negative ion source is designed to produce 22 A, 500 keV D(-) ion beams for 100 s.

Laser-fusion targets for reactors

DOEpatents

Nuckolls, John H.; Thiessen, Albert R.

1987-01-01

A laser target comprising a thermonuclear fuel capsule composed of a centrally located quantity of fuel surrounded by at least one or more layers or shells of material for forming an atmosphere around the capsule by a low energy laser prepulse. The fuel may be formed as a solid core or hollow shell, and, under certain applications, a pusher-layer or shell is located intermediate the fuel and the atmosphere forming material. The fuel is ignited by symmetrical implosion via energy produced by a laser, or other energy sources such as an electron beam machine or ion beam machine, whereby thermonuclear burn of the fuel capsule creates energy for applications such as generation of electricity via a laser fusion reactor.

Application of dynamic mass spectrometers for investigations in the field of thermonuclear synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aruev, N. N.

2017-04-01

This review discusses the design, analytical characteristics, and some applications of two types of dynamic mass spectrometers that have been developed at the Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences: the magnetic resonance mass spectrometer (MRMS) and time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS), the latter of which the inventors named the mass reflectron. With the aid of an MRMS, it was possible to measure the half-life of tritium, which is a fusion fuel candidate, and to start investigating how deuterium plasma interacts with the structural materials of the spherical tokamak Globus-M. The research done shows that mass reflectrons can be used successfully in the analysis of tritium-containing fusion fuel gas mixtures.

Metafusion: A breakthrough in metallurgy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joseph, Adrian A.

1994-01-01

The Metafuse Process is a patented development in the field of thin film coatings utilizing cold fusion which results in a true inter-dispersion of dissimilar materials along a gradual transition gradient through a boundary of several hundred atomic layers. The process is performed at ambient temperatures and pressures requiring relatively little energy and creating little or no heat. The process permits a remarkable range of material combinations and joining of materials which are normally incompatible. Initial applications include titanium carbide into and onto the copper resistance welding electrodes and tungsten carbide onto the cutting edges of tool steel blades. The process is achieved through application of an RF signal of low power and is based on the theory of vacancy fusion.

The National Ignition Facility and Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harri, J. G.; Paisner, J. A.; Lowdermilk, W. H.; Boyes, J. D.; Kumpan, S. A.; Sorem, M. S.

1994-09-01

The mission of the National Ignition Facility is to achieve ignition and gain in inertial confinement fusion targets in the laboratory. The facility will be used for defense applications such as weapons physics and weapons effects testing, and for civilian applications such as fusion energy development and fundamental studies of matter at high temperatures and densities. The National Ignition Facility construction project will require the best of our construction industries and its success will depend on the best products offered by hundreds of the nation's high technology companies. Three-fourths of the construction costs will be invested in industry. This article reviews the design, cost and schedule, and required industrial involvement associated with the construction project.

Evaluation of MRI-US Fusion Technology in Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries.

PubMed

Wong-On, Manuel; Til-Pérez, Lluís; Balius, Ramón

2015-06-01

A combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with real-time high-resolution ultrasound (US) known as fusion imaging may improve visualization of musculoskeletal (MSK) sports medicine injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of MRI-US fusion technology in MSK sports medicine. This study was conducted by the medical services of the FC Barcelona. The participants included volunteers and referred athletes with symptomatic and asymptomatic MSK injuries. All cases underwent MRI which was loaded into the US system for manual registration on the live US image and fusion imaging examination. After every test, an evaluation form was completed in terms of advantages, disadvantages, and anatomic fusion landmarks. From November 2014 to March 2015, we evaluated 20 subjects who underwent fusion imaging, 5 non-injured volunteers and 15 injured athletes, 11 symptomatic and 4 asymptomatic, age range 16-50 years, mean 22. We describe some of the anatomic landmarks used to guide fusion in different regions. This technology allowed us to examine muscle and tendon injuries simultaneously in US and MRI, and the correlation of both techniques, especially low-grade muscular injuries. This has also helped compensate for the limited field of view with US. It improves spatial orientation of cartilage, labrum and meniscal injuries. However, a high-quality MRI image is essential in achieving an adequate fusion image, and 3D sequences need to be added in MRI protocols to improve navigation. The combination of real-time MRI and US image fusion and navigation is relatively easy to perform and is helping to improve understanding of MSK injuries. However, it requires specific skills in MSK imaging and still needs further research in sports-related injuries. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.

Evaluation of Effective Parameters on Quality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-computed Tomography Image Fusion in Head and Neck Tumors for Application in Treatment Planning

PubMed Central

Shirvani, Atefeh; Jabbari, Keyvan; Amouheidari, Alireza

2017-01-01

Background: In radiation therapy, computed tomography (CT) simulation is used for treatment planning to define the location of tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-CT image fusion leads to more efficient tumor contouring. This work tried to identify the practical issues for the combination of CT and MRI images in real clinical cases. The effect of various factors is evaluated on image fusion quality. Materials and Methods: In this study, the data of thirty patients with brain tumors were used for image fusion. The effect of several parameters on possibility and quality of image fusion was evaluated. These parameters include angles of the patient's head on the bed, slices thickness, slice gap, and height of the patient's head. Results: According to the results, the first dominating factor on quality of image fusion was the difference slice gap between CT and MRI images (cor = 0.86, P < 0.005) and second factor was the angle between CT and MRI slice in the sagittal plane (cor = 0.75, P < 0.005). In 20% of patients, this angle was more than 28° and image fusion was not efficient. In 17% of patients, difference slice gap in CT and MRI was >4 cm and image fusion quality was <25%. Conclusion: The most important problem in image fusion is that MRI images are taken without regard to their use in treatment planning. In general, parameters related to the patient position during MRI imaging should be chosen to be consistent with CT images of the patient in terms of location and angle. PMID:29387672

Structured Multi-level Data Fusion and Modelling of Heterogeneous Environmental Data for Future Internet Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabeur, Zoheir; Chakravarthy, Ajay; Bashevoy, Maxim; Modafferi, Stefano

2013-04-01

The rapid increase in environmental observations which are conducted by Small to Medium Enterprise communities and volunteers using affordable in situ sensors at various scales, in addition to the more established observatories set up by environmental and space agencies using airborne and space-borne sensing technologies is generating serious amounts of BIG data at ever increasing speeds. Furthermore, the emergence of Future Internet technologies and the urgent requirements for the deployment of specific enablers for the delivery of processed environmental knowledge in real-time with advanced situation awareness to citizens has reached paramount importance. Specifically, it has become highly critical now to build and provide services which automate the aggregation of data from various sources, while surmounting the semantic gaps, conflicts and heterogeneity in data sources. The early stage aggregation of data will enable the pre-processing of data from multiple sources while reconciling the temporal gaps in measurement time series, and aligning their respective a-synchronicities. This low level type of data fusion process needs to be automated and chained to more advanced level of data fusion services specialising in observation forecasts at spaces where sensing is not deployed; or at time slices where sensing has not taken place yet. As a result, multi-level fusion services are required among the families of specific enablers for monitoring environments and spaces in the Future Internet. These have been intially deployed and piloted in the ongoing ENVIROFI project of the FI-PPP programme [1]. Automated fusion and modelling of in situ and remote sensing data has been set up and the experimentation successfully conducted using RBF networks for the spatial fusion of water quality parameters measurements from satellite and stationary buoys in the Irish Sea. The RBF networks method scales for the spatial data fusion of multiple types of observation sources. This important approach provides a strong basis for the delivery of environmental observations at desired spatial and temporal scales to multiple users with various needs of spatial and temporal resolutions. It has also led to building robust future internet specific enablers on data fusion, which can indeed be used for multiple usage areas above and beyond the environmental domains of the Future Internet. In this paper, data and processing workflow scenarios shall be described. The fucntionalities of the multi-level fusion services shall be demonstrated and made accessible to the wider communities of the Fututre Internet. [1] The Environmental Observation Web and its Service Applications within the Future Internet. ENVIROFI IP. FP7-2011-ICT-IF Pr.No: 284898 http://www.envirofi.eu/

Block Ignition Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) with Condensed Matter Cluster Type Targets for p-B11 Powered Space Propulsion

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

Miley, George H.; Hora, H.; Badziak, J.

The use of laser-driven Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) for space propulsion has been the subject of several earlier conceptual design studies, (see: Orth, 1998; and other references therein). However, these studies were based on older ICF technology using either 'direct' or 'in-direct x-ray driven' type target irradiation. Important new directions have opened for laser ICF in recent years following the development of 'chirped' lasers capable of ultra short pulses with powers of TW up to few PW which leads to the concept of 'fast ignition (FI)' to achieve higher energy gains from target implosions. In a recent publication the authorsmore » showed that use of a modified type of FI, termed 'block ignition' (Miley et al., 2008), could meet many of the requirements anticipated (but not then available) by the designs of the Vehicle for Interplanetary Space Transport Applications (VISTA) ICF fusion propulsion ship (Orth, 2008) for deep space missions. Subsequently the first author devised and presented concepts for imbedding high density condensed matter 'clusters' of deuterium into the target to obtain ultra high local fusion reaction rates (Miley, 2008). Such rates are possible due to the high density of the clusters (over an order of magnitude above cryogenic deuterium). Once compressed by the implosion, the yet higher density gives an ultra high reaction rate over the cluster volume since the fusion rate is proportional to the square of the fuel density. Most recently, a new discovery discussed here indicates that the target matrix could be composed of B{sup 11} with proton clusters imbedded. This then makes p-B{sup 11} fusion practical, assuming all of the physics issues such as stability of the clusters during compression are resolved. Indeed, p-B{sup 11} power is ideal for fusion propulsion since it has a minimum of unwanted side products while giving most of the reaction energy to energetic alpha particles which can be directed into an exhaust (propulsion) nozzle. Power plants using p-B{sup 11} have been discussed for such applications before, but prior designs face formidable physics/technology issues, largely overcome with the present approach.« less

Live cell imaging of in vitro human trophoblast syncytialization.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Dang, Yan-Li; Zheng, Ru; Li, Yue; Li, Weiwei; Lu, Xiaoyin; Wang, Li-Juan; Zhu, Cheng; Lin, Hai-Yan; Wang, Hongmei

2014-06-01

Human trophoblast syncytialization, a process of cell-cell fusion, is one of the most important yet least understood events during placental development. Investigating the fusion process in a placenta in vivo is very challenging given the complexity of this process. Application of primary cultured cytotrophoblast cells isolated from term placentas and BeWo cells derived from human choriocarcinoma formulates a biphasic strategy to achieve the mechanism of trophoblast cell fusion, as the former can spontaneously fuse to form the multinucleated syncytium and the latter is capable of fusing under the treatment of forskolin (FSK). Live-cell imaging is a powerful tool that is widely used to investigate many physiological or pathological processes in various animal models or humans; however, to our knowledge, the mechanism of trophoblast cell fusion has not been reported using a live- cell imaging manner. In this study, a live-cell imaging system was used to delineate the fusion process of primary term cytotrophoblast cells and BeWo cells. By using live staining with Hoechst 33342 or cytoplasmic dyes or by stably transfecting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and DsRed2-Nuc reporter plasmids, we observed finger-like protrusions on the cell membranes of fusion partners before fusion and the exchange of cytoplasmic contents during fusion. In summary, this study provides the first video recording of the process of trophoblast syncytialization. Furthermore, the various live-cell imaging systems used in this study will help to yield molecular insights into the syncytialization process during placental development. © 2014 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Application of Resorbable Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide) with Entangled Hyaluronic Acid as an Autograft Extender for Posterolateral Intertransverse Lumbar Fusion in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Oliver, Rema A.; Gage, Gary; Yu, Yan; Bell, David; Bellemore, Jeremy; Adkisson, Huston Davis

2011-01-01

Facilitating fusion between bony segments in a reliable and reproducible manner using a synthetic bone graft material has a number of benefits for the surgeon as well as the patient. Although autograft remains the gold standard, associated comorbidities continue to drive the development of new biomaterials for use in spinal fusion. The ability of autograft alone and autograft combined with a radiolucent biomaterial composed of resorbable osteoconductive poly(lactide-co-glycolide) with entangled hyaluronic acid to facilitate fusion was examined in a single-level noninstrumented posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion model in New Zealand White rabbits. Progressive bone formation was demonstrated radiographically for the extender group (synthetic biomaterial plus autograft) between 3 and 6 months. Computed tomography revealed a new cortical shell in the fusion mass at 3 and 6 months for both study groups. Tensile testing at 6 months demonstrated that the quality of bone formed between the intertransverse space was equivalent for both study groups. Histologic evaluation of the fusion mass revealed new bone on and adjacent to the transverse processes with the synthetic biomaterial group that extended laterally, supporting the osteoconductive nature of the material. Histological evidence of endochondral bone growth in the intertransverse space was observed for the autograft plus synthetic biomaterial group. Bone remodeling, new marrow spaces, and peripheral cortices were observed for each study group at 3 months that matured by 6 months. These findings support the use of a radiolucent biosynthetic material comprising poly(lactide-co-glycolide) with integrated hyaluronic acid as an autograft extender for lumbar intertransverse fusion. PMID:20712417

The Research on Dryland Crop Classification Based on the Fusion of SENTINEL-1A SAR and Optical Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Chen, T.; He, J.; Wen, Q.; Yu, F.; Gu, X.; Wang, Z.

2018-04-01

In recent years, the quick upgrading and improvement of SAR sensors provide beneficial complements for the traditional optical remote sensing in the aspects of theory, technology and data. In this paper, Sentinel-1A SAR data and GF-1 optical data were selected for image fusion, and more emphases were put on the dryland crop classification under a complex crop planting structure, regarding corn and cotton as the research objects. Considering the differences among various data fusion methods, the principal component analysis (PCA), Gram-Schmidt (GS), Brovey and wavelet transform (WT) methods were compared with each other, and the GS and Brovey methods were proved to be more applicable in the study area. Then, the classification was conducted based on the object-oriented technique process. And for the GS, Brovey fusion images and GF-1 optical image, the nearest neighbour algorithm was adopted to realize the supervised classification with the same training samples. Based on the sample plots in the study area, the accuracy assessment was conducted subsequently. The values of overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of fusion images were all higher than those of GF-1 optical image, and GS method performed better than Brovey method. In particular, the overall accuracy of GS fusion image was 79.8 %, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.644. Thus, the results showed that GS and Brovey fusion images were superior to optical images for dryland crop classification. This study suggests that the fusion of SAR and optical images is reliable for dryland crop classification under a complex crop planting structure.

Engineering human cell spheroids to model embryonic tissue fusion in vitro

PubMed Central

Wolf, Cynthia J.; Wood, Carmen; Ren, Hongzu; Grindstaff, Rachel; Padgett, William; Swank, Adam; MacMillan, Denise; Fisher, Anna; Winnik, Witold; Abbott, Barbara D.

2017-01-01

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions drive embryonic fusion events during development, and perturbations of these interactions can result in birth defects. Cleft palate and neural tube defects can result from genetic defects or environmental exposures during development, yet very little is known about the effect of chemical exposures on fusion events during human development because of a lack of relevant and robust human in vitro assays of developmental fusion behavior. Given the etiology and prevalence of cleft palate and the relatively simple architecture and composition of the embryonic palate, we sought to develop a three-dimensional culture system that mimics the embryonic palate and could be used to study fusion behavior in vitro using human cells. We engineered size-controlled human Wharton’s Jelly stromal cell (HWJSC) spheroids and established that 7 days of culture in osteogenesis differentiation medium was sufficient to promote an osteogenic phenotype consistent with embryonic palatal mesenchyme. HWJSC spheroids supported the attachment of human epidermal keratinocyte progenitor cells (HPEKp) on the outer spheroid surface likely through deposition of collagens I and IV, fibronectin, and laminin by mesenchymal spheroids. HWJSC spheroids coated in HPEKp cells exhibited fusion behavior in culture, as indicated by the removal of epithelial cells from the seams between spheroids, that was dependent on epidermal growth factor signaling and fibroblast growth factor signaling in agreement with palate fusion literature. The method described here may broadly apply to the generation of three-dimensional epithelial-mesenchymal co-cultures to study developmental fusion events in a format that is amenable to predictive toxicology applications. PMID:28898253

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Anterior Cervical Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Zadegan, Shayan Abdollah; Abedi, Aidin; Jazayeri, Seyed Behnam; Nasiri Bonaki, Hirbod; Jazayeri, Seyed Behzad; Vaccaro, Alexander R; Rahimi-Movaghar, Vafa

2017-08-01

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been commonly used as a graft substitute in spinal fusion. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on life-threatening complications of recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs) in cervical spine fusion in 2008, their off-label use has been continued. This investigation aimed to review the evidence for the use of rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7 in anterior cervical spine fusions. A comprehensive search was performed through Ovid (MEDLINE), PubMed, and Embase. The risk of bias assessment was according to the recommended criteria by the Cochrane Back and Neck group and MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies). A wide array of radiographic and clinical outcomes including the adverse events were collated. Eighteen articles (1 randomized and 17 nonrandomized) were eligible for inclusion. The fusion rate was higher with use of rhBMP in most studies and our meta-analysis of the pooled data from 4782 patients confirmed this finding (odds ratio, 5.45; P < 0.00001). Altogether, the rhBMP and control groups were comparable in patient-reported outcomes. However, most studies tended to show a significantly higher incidence of overall complication rate, dysphagia/dysphonia, cervical swelling, readmission, wound complications, neurologic complications, and ossification. Application of rhBMPs in cervical spine fusion yields a significantly higher fusion rate with similar patient-reported outcomes, yet increased risk of life-threatening complications. Thus, we do not recommend the use of rhBMP in anterior cervical fusions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kernel-Based Sensor Fusion With Application to Audio-Visual Voice Activity Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dov, David; Talmon, Ronen; Cohen, Israel

2016-12-01

In this paper, we address the problem of multiple view data fusion in the presence of noise and interferences. Recent studies have approached this problem using kernel methods, by relying particularly on a product of kernels constructed separately for each view. From a graph theory point of view, we analyze this fusion approach in a discrete setting. More specifically, based on a statistical model for the connectivity between data points, we propose an algorithm for the selection of the kernel bandwidth, a parameter, which, as we show, has important implications on the robustness of this fusion approach to interferences. Then, we consider the fusion of audio-visual speech signals measured by a single microphone and by a video camera pointed to the face of the speaker. Specifically, we address the task of voice activity detection, i.e., the detection of speech and non-speech segments, in the presence of structured interferences such as keyboard taps and office noise. We propose an algorithm for voice activity detection based on the audio-visual signal. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms competing fusion and voice activity detection approaches. In addition, we demonstrate that a proper selection of the kernel bandwidth indeed leads to improved performance.

Number-Theory in Nuclear-Physics in Number-Theory: Non-Primality Factorization As Fission VS. Primality As Fusion; Composites' Islands of INstability: Feshbach-Resonances?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, A.; Siegel, Edward Carl-Ludwig

2011-03-01

Numbers: primality/indivisibility/non-factorization versus compositeness/divisibility/ factorization, often in tandem but not always, provocatively close analogy to nuclear-physics: (2 + 1)=(fusion)=3; (3+1)=(fission)=4[=2 x 2]; (4+1)=(fusion)=5; (5 +1)=(fission)=6[=2 x 3]; (6 + 1)=(fusion)=7; (7+1)=(fission)=8[= 2 x 4 = 2 x 2 x 2]; (8 + 1) =(non: fission nor fusion)= 9[=3 x 3]; then ONLY composites' Islands of fusion-INstability: 8, 9, 10; then 14, 15, 16, ... Could inter-digit Feshbach-resonances exist??? Possible applications to: quantum-information/ computing non-Shore factorization, millennium-problem Riemann-hypotheses proof as Goodkin BEC intersection with graph-theory "short-cut" method: Rayleigh(1870)-Polya(1922)-"Anderson"(1958)-localization, Goldbach-conjecture, financial auditing/accounting as quantum-statistical-physics; ...abound!!! Watkins [www.secamlocal.ex.ac.uk/people/staff/mrwatkin/] "Number-Theory in Physics" many interconnections: "pure"-maths number-theory to physics including Siegel [AMS Joint Mtg.(2002)-Abs.# 973-60-124] inversion of statistics on-average digits' Newcomb(1881)-Weyl(14-16)-Benford(38)-law to reveal both the quantum and BEQS (digits = bosons = digits:"spinEless-boZos"). 1881 1885 1901 1905 1925 < 1927, altering quantum-theory history!!!

[Construction of eukaryotic recombinant vector and expression in COS7 cell of LipL32-HlyX fusion gene from Leptospira serovar Lai].

PubMed

Huang, Bi; Bao, Lang; Zhong, Qi; Zhang, Huidong; Zhang, Ying

2009-04-01

This study was conducted to construct eukaryotic recombinant vector of LipL32-HlyX fusion gene from Leptospira serovar Lai and express it in mammalian cell. Both of LipL32 gene and HlyX gene were amplified from Leptospira strain O17 genomic DNA by PCR. Then with the two genes as template, LipL32-HlyX fusion gene was obtained by SOE PCR (gene splicing by overlap extension PCR). The fusion gene was then cloned into pcDNA3.1 by restriction nuclease digestion. Having been transformed into E. coli DH5alpha, the recombiant plasmid was identified by restriction nuclease digestion, PCR analysis and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid was then transfected into COS7 cell whose expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. RT-PCR amplified a fragment about 2000 bp and Western blotting analysis found a specific band about 75 KD which was consistent with the expected fusion protein size. In conclusion, the successful construction of eukaryotic recombinant vector containing LipL32-HlyX fusion gene and the effective expression in mammalian have laid a foundation for the application of Leptospira DNA vaccine.

Salicylic acid interferes with GFP fluorescence in vivo

PubMed Central

de Jonge, Jennifer; Hofius, Daniel

2017-01-01

Abstract Fluorescent proteins have become essential tools for cell biologists. They are routinely used by plant biologists for protein and promoter fusions to infer protein localization, tissue‐specific expression and protein abundance. When studying the effects of biotic stress on chromatin, we unexpectedly observed a decrease in GFP signal intensity upon salicylic acid (SA) treatment in Arabidopsis lines expressing histone H1-GFP fusions. This GFP signal decrease was dependent on SA concentration. The effect was not specific to the linker histone H1-GFP fusion but was also observed for the nucleosomal histone H2A-GFP fusion. This result prompted us to investigate a collection of fusion proteins, which included different promoters, subcellular localizations and fluorophores. In all cases, fluorescence signals declined strongly or disappeared after SA application. No changes were detected in GFP‐fusion protein abundance when fluorescence signals were lost indicating that SA does not interfere with protein stability but GFP fluorescence. In vitro experiments showed that SA caused GFP fluorescence reduction only in vivo but not in vitro, suggesting that SA requires cellular components to cause fluorescence reduction. Together, we conclude that SA can interfere with the fluorescence of various GFP‐derived reporter constructs in vivo. Assays that measure relocation or turnover of GFP‐tagged proteins upon SA treatment should therefore be evaluated with caution. PMID:28369601

An optimized data fusion method and its application to improve lateral boundary conditions in winter for Pearl River Delta regional PM2.5 modeling, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhijiong; Hu, Yongtao; Zheng, Junyu; Zhai, Xinxin; Huang, Ran

2018-05-01

Lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) are essential for chemical transport models to simulate regional transport; however they often contain large uncertainties. This study proposes an optimized data fusion approach to reduce the bias of LBCs by fusing gridded model outputs, from which the daughter domain's LBCs are derived, with ground-level measurements. The optimized data fusion approach follows the framework of a previous interpolation-based fusion method but improves it by using a bias kriging method to correct the spatial bias in gridded model outputs. Cross-validation shows that the optimized approach better estimates fused fields in areas with a large number of observations compared to the previous interpolation-based method. The optimized approach was applied to correct LBCs of PM2.5 concentrations for simulations in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region as a case study. Evaluations show that the LBCs corrected by data fusion improve in-domain PM2.5 simulations in terms of the magnitude and temporal variance. Correlation increases by 0.13-0.18 and fractional bias (FB) decreases by approximately 3%-15%. This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying data fusion to improve regional air quality modeling.

Multimodal biometric system using rank-level fusion approach.

PubMed

Monwar, Md Maruf; Gavrilova, Marina L

2009-08-01

In many real-world applications, unimodal biometric systems often face significant limitations due to sensitivity to noise, intraclass variability, data quality, nonuniversality, and other factors. Attempting to improve the performance of individual matchers in such situations may not prove to be highly effective. Multibiometric systems seek to alleviate some of these problems by providing multiple pieces of evidence of the same identity. These systems help achieve an increase in performance that may not be possible using a single-biometric indicator. This paper presents an effective fusion scheme that combines information presented by multiple domain experts based on the rank-level fusion integration method. The developed multimodal biometric system possesses a number of unique qualities, starting from utilizing principal component analysis and Fisher's linear discriminant methods for individual matchers (face, ear, and signature) identity authentication and utilizing the novel rank-level fusion method in order to consolidate the results obtained from different biometric matchers. The ranks of individual matchers are combined using the highest rank, Borda count, and logistic regression approaches. The results indicate that fusion of individual modalities can improve the overall performance of the biometric system, even in the presence of low quality data. Insights on multibiometric design using rank-level fusion and its performance on a variety of biometric databases are discussed in the concluding section.

Combinatorial Fusion Analysis for Meta Search Information Retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, D. Frank; Taksa, Isak

Leading commercial search engines are built as single event systems. In response to a particular search query, the search engine returns a single list of ranked search results. To find more relevant results the user must frequently try several other search engines. A meta search engine was developed to enhance the process of multi-engine querying. The meta search engine queries several engines at the same time and fuses individual engine results into a single search results list. The fusion of multiple search results has been shown (mostly experimentally) to be highly effective. However, the question of why and how the fusion should be done still remains largely unanswered. In this chapter, we utilize the combinatorial fusion analysis proposed by Hsu et al. to analyze combination and fusion of multiple sources of information. A rank/score function is used in the design and analysis of our framework. The framework provides a better understanding of the fusion phenomenon in information retrieval. For example, to improve the performance of the combined multiple scoring systems, it is necessary that each of the individual scoring systems has relatively high performance and the individual scoring systems are diverse. Additionally, we illustrate various applications of the framework using two examples from the information retrieval domain.

Engineering domain fusion chimeras from I-OnuI family LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases

PubMed Central

Lambert, Abigail R.; Kuhar, Ryan; Jarjour, Jordan; Kulshina, Nadia; Parmeggiani, Fabio; Danaher, Patrick; Gano, Jacob; Baker, David; Stoddard, Barry L.; Scharenberg, Andrew M.

2012-01-01

Although engineered LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (LHEs) are finding increasing applications in biotechnology, their generation remains a challenging, industrial-scale process. As new single-chain LAGLIDADG nuclease scaffolds are identified, however, an alternative paradigm is emerging: identification of an LHE scaffold whose native cleavage site is a close match to a desired target sequence, followed by small-scale engineering to modestly refine recognition specificity. The application of this paradigm could be accelerated if methods were available for fusing N- and C-terminal domains from newly identified LHEs into chimeric enzymes with hybrid cleavage sites. Here we have analyzed the structural requirements for fusion of domains extracted from six single-chain I-OnuI family LHEs, spanning 40–70% amino acid identity. Our analyses demonstrate that both the LAGLIDADG helical interface residues and the linker peptide composition have important effects on the stability and activity of chimeric enzymes. Using a simple domain fusion method in which linker peptide residues predicted to contact their respective domains are retained, and in which limited variation is introduced into the LAGLIDADG helix and nearby interface residues, catalytically active enzymes were recoverable for ∼70% of domain chimeras. This method will be useful for creating large numbers of chimeric LHEs for genome engineering applications. PMID:22684507

Preliminary Investigation on Life Cycle Inventory of Powder Bed Fusion of Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyamekye, Patricia; Piili, Heidi; Leino, Maija; Salminen, Antti

Manufacturing of work pieces from stainless steel with laser additive manufacturing, known also as laser sintering or 3D printing may increase energy and material efficiency. The use of powder bed fusion offers advantages to make parts for dynamic applications of light weight and near-net-shape products. Due to these advantages among others, PBF may also reduce emissions and operational cost in various applications. However, there are only few life cycle assessment studies examining this subject despite its prospect to business opportunity. The application of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) in Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) provides a distinct evaluation of material and energy consumption. LCI offers a possibility to improve knowledge of process efficiency. This study investigates effect of process sustainability in terms of raw material, energy and time consumption with PBF and CNC machining. The results of the experimental study indicated lower energy efficiency in the production process with PBF. This study revealed that specific energy consumption in PBF decreased when several components are built simultaneously than if they would be built individually. This is due to fact that energy consumption per part is lower. On the contrary, amount of energy needed to machine on part in case of CNC machining is lower when parts are done separately.

Feasibility study of a magnetic fusion production reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moir, R. W.

1986-12-01

A magnetic fusion reactor can produce 10.8 kg of tritium at a fusion power of only 400 MW —an order of magnitude lower power than that of a fission production reactor. Alternatively, the same fusion reactor can produce 995 kg of plutonium. Either a tokamak or a tandem mirror production plant can be used for this purpose; the cost is estimated at about 1.4 billion (1982 dollars) in either case. (The direct costs are estimated at 1.1 billion.) The production cost is calculated to be 22,000/g for tritium and 260/g for plutonium of quite high purity (1%240Pu). Because of the lack of demonstrated technology, such a plant could not be constructed today without significant risk. However, good progress is being made in fusion technology and, although success in magnetic fusion science and engineering is hard to predict with assurance, it seems possible that the physics basis and much of the needed technology could be demonstrated in facilities now under construction. Most of the remaining technology could be demonstrated in the early 1990s in a fusion test reactor of a few tens of megawatts. If the Magnetic Fusion Energy Program constructs a fusion test reactor of approximately 400 MW of fusion power as a next step in fusion power development, such a facility could be used later as a production reactor in a spinoff application. A construction decision in the late 1980s could result in an operating production reactor in the late 1990s. A magnetic fusion production reactor (MFPR) has four potential advantages over a fission production reactor: (1) no fissile material input is needed; (2) no fissioning exists in the tritium mode and very low fissioning exists in the plutonium mode thus avoiding the meltdown hazard; (3) the cost will probably be lower because of the smaller thermal power required; (4) and no reprocessing plant is needed in the tritium mode. The MFPR also has two disadvantages: (1) it will be more costly to operate because it consumes rather than sells electricity, and (2) there is a risk of not meeting the design goals.

Modeling and analysis of tritium dynamics in a DT fusion fuel cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuan, William

1998-11-01

A number of crucial design issues have a profound effect on the dynamics of the tritium fuel cycle in a DT fusion reactor, where the development of appropriate solutions to these issues is of particular importance to the introduction of fusion as a commercial system. Such tritium-related issues can be classified according to their operational, safety, and economic impact to the operation of the reactor during its lifetime. Given such key design issues inherent in next generation fusion devices using the DT fuel cycle development of appropriate models can then lead to optimized designs of the fusion fuel cycle for different types of DT fusion reactors. In this work, two different types of modeling approaches are developed and their application to solving key tritium issues presented. For the first approach, time-dependent inventories, concentrations, and flow rates characterizing the main subsystems of the fuel cycle are simulated with a new dynamic modular model of a fusion reactor's fuel cycle, named X-TRUFFLES (X-Windows TRitiUm Fusion Fuel cycLE dynamic Simulation). The complex dynamic behavior of the recycled fuel within each of the modeled subsystems is investigated using this new integrated model for different reactor scenarios and design approaches. Results for a proposed fuel cycle design taking into account current technologies are presented, including sensitivity studies. Ways to minimize the tritium inventory are also assessed by examining various design options that could be used to minimize local and global tritium inventories. The second modeling approach involves an analytical model to be used for the calculation of the required tritium breeding ratio, i.e., a primary design issue which relates directly to the feasibility and economics of DT fusion systems. A time-integrated global tritium balance scheme is developed and appropriate analytical expressions are derived for tritium self-sufficiency relevant parameters. The easy exploration of the large parameter space of the fusion fuel cycle can thus be conducted as opposed to previous modeling approaches. Future guidance for R&D (research and development) in fusion nuclear technology is discussed in view of possible routes to take in reducing the tritium breeding requirements of DT fusion reactors.

Disc replacement adjacent to cervical fusion: a biomechanical comparison of hybrid construct versus two-level fusion.

PubMed

Lee, Michael J; Dumonski, Mark; Phillips, Frank M; Voronov, Leonard I; Renner, Susan M; Carandang, Gerard; Havey, Robert M; Patwardhan, Avinash G

2011-11-01

A cadaveric biomechanical study. To investigate the biomechanical behavior of the cervical spine after cervical total disc replacement (TDR) adjacent to a fusion as compared to a two-level fusion. There are concerns regarding the biomechanical effects of cervical fusion on the mobile motion segments. Although previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated that cervical disc replacement normalizes adjacent segment motion, there is a little information regarding the function of a cervical disc replacement adjacent to an anterior cervical decompression and fusion, a potentially common clinical application. Nine cadaveric cervical spines (C3-T1, age: 60.2 ± 3.5 years) were tested under load- and displacement-control testing. After intact testing, a simulated fusion was performed at C4-C5, followed by C6-C7. The simulated fusion was then reversed, and the response of TDR at C5-C6 was measured. A hybrid construct was then tested with the TDR either below or above a single-level fusion and contrasted with a simulated two-level fusion (C4-C6 and C5-C7). The external fixator device used to simulate fusion significantly reduced range of motion (ROM) at C4-C5 and C6-C7 by 74.7 ± 8.1% and 78.1 ± 11.5%, respectively (P < 0.05). Removal of the fusion construct restored the motion response of the spinal segments to their intact state. Arthroplasty performed at C5-C6 using the porous-coated motion disc prosthesis maintained the total flexion-extension ROM to the level of the intact controls when used as a stand-alone procedure or when implanted adjacent to a single-level fusion (P > 0.05). The location of the single-level fusion, whether above or below the arthroplasty, did not significantly affect the motion response of the arthroplasty in the hybrid construct. Performing a two-level fusion significantly increased the motion demands on the nonoperated segments as compared to a hybrid TDR-plus fusion construct when the spine was required to reach the same motion end points. The spine with a hybrid construct required significantly less extension moment than the spine with a two-level fusion to reach the same extension end point. The porous-coated motion cervical prosthesis restored the ROM of the treated level to the intact state. When the porous-coated motion prosthesis was used in a hybrid construct, the TDR response was not adversely affected. A hybrid construct seems to offer significant biomechanical advantages over two-level fusion in terms of reducing compensatory adjacent-level hypermobility and also loads required to achieve a predetermined ROM.

Information theoretic partitioning and confidence based weight assignment for multi-classifier decision level fusion in hyperspectral target recognition applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, S.; Bruce, L. M.

2007-04-01

There is a growing interest in using multiple sources for automatic target recognition (ATR) applications. One approach is to take multiple, independent observations of a phenomenon and perform a feature level or a decision level fusion for ATR. This paper proposes a method to utilize these types of multi-source fusion techniques to exploit hyperspectral data when only a small number of training pixels are available. Conventional hyperspectral image based ATR techniques project the high dimensional reflectance signature onto a lower dimensional subspace using techniques such as Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (LDA), subspace LDA and stepwise LDA. While some of these techniques attempt to solve the curse of dimensionality, or small sample size problem, these are not necessarily optimal projections. In this paper, we present a divide and conquer approach to address the small sample size problem. The hyperspectral space is partitioned into contiguous subspaces such that the discriminative information within each subspace is maximized, and the statistical dependence between subspaces is minimized. We then treat each subspace as a separate source in a multi-source multi-classifier setup and test various decision fusion schemes to determine their efficacy. Unlike previous approaches which use correlation between variables for band grouping, we study the efficacy of higher order statistical information (using average mutual information) for a bottom up band grouping. We also propose a confidence measure based decision fusion technique, where the weights associated with various classifiers are based on their confidence in recognizing the training data. To this end, training accuracies of all classifiers are used for weight assignment in the fusion process of test pixels. The proposed methods are tested using hyperspectral data with known ground truth, such that the efficacy can be quantitatively measured in terms of target recognition accuracies.

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

Slough, John

The entry of fusion as a viable, competitive source of power has been stymied by the challenge of finding an economical way to provide for the confinement and heating of the plasma fuel. The main impediment for current nuclear fusion concepts is the complexity and large mass associated with the confinement systems. To take advantage of the smaller scale, higher density regime of magnetic fusion, an efficient method for achieving the compressional heating required to reach fusion gain conditions must be found. The very compact, high energy density plasmoid commonly referred to as a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) provides formore » an ideal target for this purpose. To make fusion with the FRC practical, an efficient method for repetitively compressing the FRC to fusion gain conditions is required. A novel approach to be explored in this endeavor is to remotely launch a converging array of small macro-particles (macrons) that merge and form a more massive liner inside the reactor which then radially compresses and heats the FRC plasmoid to fusion conditions. The closed magnetic field in the target FRC plasmoid suppresses the thermal transport to the confining liner significantly lowering the imploding power needed to compress the target. With the momentum flux being delivered by an assemblage of low mass, but high velocity macrons, many of the difficulties encountered with the liner implosion power technology are eliminated. The undertaking to be described in this proposal is to evaluate the feasibility achieving fusion conditions from this simple and low cost approach to fusion. During phase I the design and testing of the key components for the creation of the macron formed liner have been successfully carried out. Detailed numerical calculations of the merging, formation and radial implosion of the Macron Formed Liner (MFL) were also performed. The phase II effort will focus on an experimental demonstration of the macron launcher at full power, and the demonstration of megagauss magnetic field compression by a small array of full scale macrons. In addition the physics of the compression of an FRC to fusion conditions will be undertaken with a smaller scale MFL. The timescale for testing will be rapidly accelerated by taking advantage of other facilities at MSNW where the target FRC will be created and translated inside the MFL just prior to implosion of the MFL. Experimental success would establish the concept at the proof of principle level and the following phase III effort would focus on the full development of the concept into a fusion gain device. Successful operation would lead to several benefits in various fields. It would have application to high energy density physics, as well as nuclear waste transmutation and alternate fission fuel cycles. The smaller scale device could find immediate application as an intense source of neutrons for diagnostic imaging and non-invasive object interrogation.« less

Achieving Fairness in Data Fusion Performance Evaluation Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-30

display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 2.REPORT TYPE 13. DATES...for and evaluation (T&E) organization is how to affordably achieve fairness in the application of its PE systems. Our PE framework provides a ...as a fusion system design balances probability of mission success with complexity/cost). The key issue for and evaluation (T&E) organization is how to

An introduction of component fusion extend Kalman filtering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Yue; Lei, Xusheng

2018-05-01

In this paper, the Component Fusion Extend Kalman Filtering (CFEKF) algorithm is proposed. Assuming each component of error propagation are independent with Gaussian distribution. The CFEKF can be obtained through the maximum likelihood of propagation error, which can adjust the state transition matrix and the measured matrix adaptively. With minimize linearization error, CFEKF can an effectively improve the estimation accuracy of nonlinear system state. The computation of CFEKF is similar to EKF which is easy for application.

Thermal and range fusion for a planetary rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caillas, Claude

1992-01-01

This paper describes how fusion between thermal and range imaging allows us to discriminate different types of materials in outdoor scenes. First, we analyze how pure vision segmentation algorithms applied to thermal images allow discriminating materials such as rock and sand. Second, we show how combining thermal and range information allows us to better discriminate rocks from sand. Third, as an application, we examine how an autonomous legged robot can use these techniques to explore other planets.

Inertial Confinement fusion targets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, C. D.

1982-01-01

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets are made as simple flat discs, as hollow shells or as complicated multilayer structures. Many techniques were devised for producing the targets. Glass and metal shells are made by using drop and bubble techniques. Solid hydrogen shells are also produced by adapting old methods to the solution of modern problems. Some of these techniques, problems, and solutions are discussed. In addition, the applications of many of the techniques to fabrication of ICF targets is presented.

The Development of High-Intensity Negative Ion Sources and Beams in the USSR

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

ion beams as the basis for creating neutral beams for injection into mirror traps and tokamaks, for inertial confinement fusion, and possibly for...create intense neutral beams for injection systems for mirror traps and tokamaks and for inertial confinement fusion. These applications require high...Scient. Instr., Vol. 44, 1973, p. 145. 46. Gabovich, M. D., Yu. N. Kozyrev , A. P. Nayda, L. S. Simonenko, I. A. Soloshenko, "H- Ion Beam Limit from a

Bibliography of Documents Related to the Theory, Operation, Performance and Applications of Coaxial Plasma Guns. Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

V., Grunberger, L. and Prior, W., "Observation of Solar Flare Type Processes in the Laboratory," in Solar Magnetic Fields, Symposium No. 43 of the...RF/FUS/84/6, Associazione EURATOM--Comitato Nazionale Energia Nucleare sulla Fusione, Centro di Frascati, Rome, Italy, September 1984. Brzosko, J. S...Energy Deuteron Beam Generation in Plasma Focus," Report No. 80.5, Associazione EURATOM--Comitato Nazionale Energia Nucleare sulla Fusione, Centro di

Application of Virtual Navigation with Multimodality Image Fusion in Foramen Ovale Cannulation.

PubMed

Qiu, Xixiong; Liu, Weizong; Zhang, Mingdong; Lin, Hengzhou; Zhou, Shoujun; Lei, Yi; Xia, Jun

2017-11-01

Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) can be effectively treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation. However, this procedure requires cannulation of the foramen ovale, and conventional cannulation methods are associated with high failure rates. Multimodality imaging can improve the accuracy of cannulation because each imaging method can compensate for the drawbacks of the other. We aim to determine the feasibility and accuracy of percutaneous foramen ovale cannulation under the guidance of virtual navigation with multimodality image fusion in a self-designed anatomical model of human cadaveric heads. Five cadaveric head specimens were investigated in this study. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning clearly displayed the foramen ovale in all five specimens (10 foramina), which could not be visualized using two-dimensional ultrasound alone. The ultrasound and spiral CT images were fused, and percutaneous cannulation of the foramen ovale was performed under virtual navigation. After this, spiral CT scanning was immediately repeated to confirm the accuracy of the cannulation. Postprocedural spiral CT confirmed that the ultrasound and CT images had been successfully fused for all 10 foramina, which were accurately and successfully cannulated. The success rates of both image fusion and cannulation were 100%. Virtual navigation with multimodality image fusion can substantially facilitate foramen ovale cannulation and is worthy of clinical application. © 2017 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Maltose-Binding Protein Enhances Secretion of Recombinant Human Granzyme B Accompanied by In Vivo Processing of a Precursor MBP Fusion Protein

PubMed Central

Dälken, Benjamin; Jabulowsky, Robert A.; Oberoi, Pranav; Benhar, Itai; Wels, Winfried S.

2010-01-01

Background The apoptosis-inducing serine protease granzyme B (GrB) is an important factor contributing to lysis of target cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Expression of enzymatically active GrB in recombinant form is a prerequisite for functional analysis and application of GrB for therapeutic purposes. Methods and Findings We investigated the influence of bacterial maltose-binding protein (MBP) fused to GrB via a synthetic furin recognition motif on the expression of the MBP fusion protein also containing an N-terminal α-factor signal peptide in the yeast Pichia pastoris. MBP markedly enhanced the amount of GrB secreted into culture supernatant, which was not the case when GrB was fused to GST. MBP-GrB fusion protein was cleaved during secretion by an endogenous furin-like proteolytic activity in vivo, liberating enzymatically active GrB without the need of subsequent in vitro processing. Similar results were obtained upon expression of a recombinant fragment of the ErbB2/HER2 receptor protein or GST as MBP fusions. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that combination of MBP as a solubility enhancer with specific in vivo cleavage augments secretion of processed and functionally active proteins from yeast. This strategy may be generally applicable to improve folding and increase yields of recombinant proteins. PMID:21203542

Multi-Sensor Fusion with Interaction Multiple Model and Chi-Square Test Tolerant Filter.

PubMed

Yang, Chun; Mohammadi, Arash; Chen, Qing-Wei

2016-11-02

Motivated by the key importance of multi-sensor information fusion algorithms in the state-of-the-art integrated navigation systems due to recent advancements in sensor technologies, telecommunication, and navigation systems, the paper proposes an improved and innovative fault-tolerant fusion framework. An integrated navigation system is considered consisting of four sensory sub-systems, i.e., Strap-down Inertial Navigation System (SINS), Global Navigation System (GPS), the Bei-Dou2 (BD2) and Celestial Navigation System (CNS) navigation sensors. In such multi-sensor applications, on the one hand, the design of an efficient fusion methodology is extremely constrained specially when no information regarding the system's error characteristics is available. On the other hand, the development of an accurate fault detection and integrity monitoring solution is both challenging and critical. The paper addresses the sensitivity issues of conventional fault detection solutions and the unavailability of a precisely known system model by jointly designing fault detection and information fusion algorithms. In particular, by using ideas from Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters, the uncertainty of the system will be adjusted adaptively by model probabilities and using the proposed fuzzy-based fusion framework. The paper also addresses the problem of using corrupted measurements for fault detection purposes by designing a two state propagator chi-square test jointly with the fusion algorithm. Two IMM predictors, running in parallel, are used and alternatively reactivated based on the received information form the fusion filter to increase the reliability and accuracy of the proposed detection solution. With the combination of the IMM and the proposed fusion method, we increase the failure sensitivity of the detection system and, thereby, significantly increase the overall reliability and accuracy of the integrated navigation system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed fault tolerant fusion framework provides superior performance over its traditional counterparts.

Multi-Sensor Fusion with Interaction Multiple Model and Chi-Square Test Tolerant Filter

PubMed Central

Yang, Chun; Mohammadi, Arash; Chen, Qing-Wei

2016-01-01

Motivated by the key importance of multi-sensor information fusion algorithms in the state-of-the-art integrated navigation systems due to recent advancements in sensor technologies, telecommunication, and navigation systems, the paper proposes an improved and innovative fault-tolerant fusion framework. An integrated navigation system is considered consisting of four sensory sub-systems, i.e., Strap-down Inertial Navigation System (SINS), Global Navigation System (GPS), the Bei-Dou2 (BD2) and Celestial Navigation System (CNS) navigation sensors. In such multi-sensor applications, on the one hand, the design of an efficient fusion methodology is extremely constrained specially when no information regarding the system’s error characteristics is available. On the other hand, the development of an accurate fault detection and integrity monitoring solution is both challenging and critical. The paper addresses the sensitivity issues of conventional fault detection solutions and the unavailability of a precisely known system model by jointly designing fault detection and information fusion algorithms. In particular, by using ideas from Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters, the uncertainty of the system will be adjusted adaptively by model probabilities and using the proposed fuzzy-based fusion framework. The paper also addresses the problem of using corrupted measurements for fault detection purposes by designing a two state propagator chi-square test jointly with the fusion algorithm. Two IMM predictors, running in parallel, are used and alternatively reactivated based on the received information form the fusion filter to increase the reliability and accuracy of the proposed detection solution. With the combination of the IMM and the proposed fusion method, we increase the failure sensitivity of the detection system and, thereby, significantly increase the overall reliability and accuracy of the integrated navigation system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed fault tolerant fusion framework provides superior performance over its traditional counterparts. PMID:27827832

Freight Data Fusion From Multiple Data Sources For Freight Planning Applications In Florida

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-05-01

A major hurdle in freight demand modeling has always been a lack of adequate data on freight movements for different industry sectors for planning applications. Several data sources are available for freight planning purposes in the United States. Of...

Energetic particle-driven compressional Alfvén eigenmodes and prospects for ion cyclotron emission studies in fusion plasmas

DOE PAGES

Gorelenkov, N. N.

2016-10-01

As a fundamental plasma oscillation the compressional Alfvén waves (CAW) are interesting for plasma scientists both academically and in applications for fusion plasmas. They are believed to be responsible for the ion cyclotron emission (ICE) observed in many tokamaks. The theory of CAW and ICE was significantly advanced at the end of 20th century in particular motivated by first DT experiments on TFTR and subsequent JET DT experimental studies. More recently, ICE theory was advanced by ST (or spherical torus) experiments with the detailed theoretical and experimental studies of the properties of each instability signal. There the instability responsible formore » ICE signals previously indistinguishable in high aspect ratio tokamaks became the subjects of experimental studies. We discuss further the prospects of ICE theory and its applications for future burning plasma (BP) experiments such as the ITER tokamak-reactor prototype being build in France where neutrons and gamma rays escaping the plasma create extremely challenging conditions for fusion alpha particle diagnostics.a« less

Development of the dense plasma focus for short-pulse applications

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

Bennett, N.; Blasco, M.; Breeding, K.

The dense plasma focus (DPF) has long been considered a compact source for pulsed neutrons and has traditionally been optimized for the total neutron yield. Here, we describe the efforts to optimize the DPF for short-pulse applications by introducing a reentrant cathode at the end of the coaxial plasma gun. We reduced the resulting neutron pulse widths by an average of 21±921±9% from the traditional long-drift DPF design. Pulse widths and yields achieved from deuterium-tritium fusion at 2 MA are 61.8±30.761.8±30.7 ns FWHM and 1.84±0.49×10121.84±0.49×10 12 neutrons per shot. Simulations were conducted concurrently to elucidate the DPF operation and confirmmore » the role of the reentrant cathode. Furthermore, a hybrid fluid-kinetic particle-in-cell modeling capability demonstrates correct sheath velocities, plasma instabilities, and fusion yield rates. Consistent with previous findings that the DPF is dominated by beam-target fusion from superthermal ions, we estimate that the thermonuclear contribution is at the 1% level.« less

Depth and thermal sensor fusion to enhance 3D thermographic reconstruction.

PubMed

Cao, Yanpeng; Xu, Baobei; Ye, Zhangyu; Yang, Jiangxin; Cao, Yanlong; Tisse, Christel-Loic; Li, Xin

2018-04-02

Three-dimensional geometrical models with incorporated surface temperature data provide important information for various applications such as medical imaging, energy auditing, and intelligent robots. In this paper we present a robust method for mobile and real-time 3D thermographic reconstruction through depth and thermal sensor fusion. A multimodal imaging device consisting of a thermal camera and a RGB-D sensor is calibrated geometrically and used for data capturing. Based on the underlying principle that temperature information remains robust against illumination and viewpoint changes, we present a Thermal-guided Iterative Closest Point (T-ICP) methodology to facilitate reliable 3D thermal scanning applications. The pose of sensing device is initially estimated using correspondences found through maximizing the thermal consistency between consecutive infrared images. The coarse pose estimate is further refined by finding the motion parameters that minimize a combined geometric and thermographic loss function. Experimental results demonstrate that complimentary information captured by multimodal sensors can be utilized to improve performance of 3D thermographic reconstruction. Through effective fusion of thermal and depth data, the proposed approach generates more accurate 3D thermal models using significantly less scanning data.

GNSS-ISR data fusion: General framework with application to the high-latitude ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semeter, Joshua; Hirsch, Michael; Lind, Frank; Coster, Anthea; Erickson, Philip; Pankratius, Victor

2016-03-01

A mathematical framework is presented for the fusion of electron density measured by incoherent scatter radar (ISR) and total electron content (TEC) measured using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Both measurements are treated as projections of an unknown density field (for GNSS-TEC the projection is tomographic; for ISR the projection is a weighted average over a local spatial region) and discrete inverse theory is applied to obtain a higher fidelity representation of the field than could be obtained from either modality individually. The specific implementation explored herein uses the interpolated ISR density field as initial guess to the combined inverse problem, which is subsequently solved using maximum entropy regularization. Simulations involving a dense meridional network of GNSS receivers near the Poker Flat ISR demonstrate the potential of this approach to resolve sub-beam structure in ISR measurements. Several future directions are outlined, including (1) data fusion using lower level (lag product) ISR data, (2) consideration of the different temporal sampling rates, (3) application of physics-based regularization, (4) consideration of nonoptimal observing geometries, and (5) use of an ISR simulation framework for optimal experiment design.

Development of the dense plasma focus for short-pulse applications

DOE PAGES

Bennett, N.; Blasco, M.; Breeding, K.; ...

2017-01-05

The dense plasma focus (DPF) has long been considered a compact source for pulsed neutrons and has traditionally been optimized for the total neutron yield. Here, we describe the efforts to optimize the DPF for short-pulse applications by introducing a reentrant cathode at the end of the coaxial plasma gun. We reduced the resulting neutron pulse widths by an average of 21±921±9% from the traditional long-drift DPF design. Pulse widths and yields achieved from deuterium-tritium fusion at 2 MA are 61.8±30.761.8±30.7 ns FWHM and 1.84±0.49×10121.84±0.49×10 12 neutrons per shot. Simulations were conducted concurrently to elucidate the DPF operation and confirmmore » the role of the reentrant cathode. Furthermore, a hybrid fluid-kinetic particle-in-cell modeling capability demonstrates correct sheath velocities, plasma instabilities, and fusion yield rates. Consistent with previous findings that the DPF is dominated by beam-target fusion from superthermal ions, we estimate that the thermonuclear contribution is at the 1% level.« less

A 3D Scan Model and Thermal Image Data Fusion Algorithms for 3D Thermography in Medicine

PubMed Central

Klima, Ondrej

2017-01-01

Objectives At present, medical thermal imaging is still considered a mere qualitative tool enabling us to distinguish between but lacking the ability to quantify the physiological and nonphysiological states of the body. Such a capability would, however, facilitate solving the problem of medical quantification, whose presence currently manifests itself within the entire healthcare system. Methods A generally applicable method to enhance captured 3D spatial data carrying temperature-related information is presented; in this context, all equations required for other data fusions are derived. The method can be utilized for high-density point clouds or detailed meshes at a high resolution but is conveniently usable in large objects with sparse points. Results The benefits of the approach are experimentally demonstrated on 3D thermal scans of injured subjects. We obtained diagnostic information inaccessible via traditional methods. Conclusion Using a 3D model and thermal image data fusion allows the quantification of inflammation, facilitating more precise injury and illness diagnostics or monitoring. The technique offers a wide application potential in medicine and multiple technological domains, including electrical and mechanical engineering. PMID:29250306

Potential Pitfalls and Solutions for Use of Fluorescent Fusion Proteins to Study the Lysosome

PubMed Central

Huang, Ling; Pike, Douglas; Sleat, David E.; Nanda, Vikas; Lobel, Peter

2014-01-01

Use of fusion protein tags to investigate lysosomal proteins can be complicated by the acidic, protease-rich environment of the lysosome. Potential artifacts include degradation or release of the tag and acid quenching of fluorescence. Tagging can also affect protein folding, glycosylation and/or trafficking. To specifically investigate the use of fluorescent tags to reveal lysosomal localization, we tested mCherry derivatives as C-terminal tags for Niemann-Pick disease type C protein 2 (NPC2), a luminal lysosomal protein. Full-length mCherry was released from the NPC2 chimera while deletion of the 11 N-terminal residues of mCherry generated a cleavage-resistant (cr) fluorescent variant. Insertion of proline linkers between NPC2 and crmCherry had little effect while Gly-Ser linkers promoted cleavage. The NPC2-crmCherry fusion was targeted to the lysosome and restored function in NPC2-deficient cells. Fusion of crmCherry to known and candidate lysosomal proteins revealed that the linkers had different effects on lysosomal localization. Direct fusion of crmCherry impaired mannose 6-phosphorylation and lysosomal targeting of the lysosomal protease tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP1), while insertion of linkers corrected the defects. Molecular modeling suggested structural bases for the effects of different linkers on NPC2 and TPP1 fusion proteins. While mCherry fusion proteins can be useful tools for studying the lysosome and related organelles, our findings underscore the potential artifacts associated with such applications. PMID:24586430

Magnetized Target Fusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, Steven T.

2002-01-01

Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is under consideration as a means of building a low mass, high specific impulse, and high thrust propulsion system for interplanetary travel. This unique combination is the result of the generation of a high temperature plasma by the nuclear fusion process. This plasma can then be deflected by magnetic fields to provide thrust. Fusion is initiated by a small traction of the energy generated in the magnetic coils due to the plasma's compression of the magnetic field. The power gain from a fusion reaction is such that inefficiencies due to thermal neutrons and coil losses can be overcome. Since the fusion reaction products are directly used for propulsion and the power to initiate the reaction is directly obtained from the thrust generation, no massive power supply for energy conversion is required. The result should be a low engine mass, high specific impulse and high thrust system. The key is to successfully initiate fusion as a proof-of-principle for this application. Currently MSFC is implementing MTF proof-of-principle experiments. This involves many technical details and ancillary investigations. Of these, selected pertinent issues include the properties, orientation and timing of the plasma guns and the convergence and interface development of the "pusher" plasma. Computer simulations of the target plasma's behavior under compression and the convergence and mixing of the gun plasma are under investigation. This work is to focus on the gun characterization and development as it relates to plasma initiation and repeatability.

Segmentation Fusion Techniques with Application to Plenoptic Images: A Survey.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evin, D.; Hadad, A.; Solano, A.; Drozdowicz, B.

2016-04-01

The segmentation of anatomical and pathological structures plays a key role in the characterization of clinically relevant evidence from digital images. Recently, plenoptic imaging has emerged as a new promise to enrich the diagnostic potential of conventional photography. Since the plenoptic images comprises a set of slightly different versions of the target scene, we propose to make use of those images to improve the segmentation quality in relation to the scenario of a single image segmentation. The problem of finding a segmentation solution from multiple images of a single scene, is called segmentation fusion. This paper reviews the issue of segmentation fusion in order to find solutions that can be applied to plenoptic images, particularly images from the ophthalmological domain.

Fusing porphyrins with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocycles for optoelectronic applications

DOEpatents

Thompson, Mark E.; Diev, Viacheslav; Hanson, Kenneth; Forrest, Stephen R.

2015-08-18

A compound that can be used as a donor material in organic photovoltaic devices comprising a non-activated porphyrin fused with one or more non-activated polycyclic aromatic rings or one or more non-activated heterocyclic rings can be obtained by a thermal fusion process. The compounds can include structures of Formula I: ##STR00001## By heating the reaction mixture of non-activated porphyrins with non-activated polycyclic aromatic rings or heterocyclic rings to a fusion temperature and holding for a predetermined time, fusion of one or more polycyclic rings or heterocyclic rings to the non-activated porphyrin core in meso,.beta. fashion is achieved resulting in hybrid structures containing a distorted porphyrin ring with annulated aromatic rings. The porphyrin core can be olygoporphyrins.

Thick Nano-Crystalline Diamond films for fusion applications

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

Dawedeit, Christoph

This Diplomarbeit deals with the characterization of 9 differently grown diamond samples. Several techniques were used to determine the quality of these specimens for inertial confinement fusion targets. The quality of chemical vapor deposition diamond is usually considered in terms of the proportion of sp3-bonded carbon to sp2-bonded carbon in the sample. For fusion targets smoothness, Hydrogen content and density of the diamonds are further important characteristics. These characteristics are analyzed in this thesis. The research for thesis was done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institut für angewandte Festkörperphysik Freiburg, Germany. Additionally the Lehrstuhl fuermore » Nukleartechnik at Technical University of Germany supported the work.« less

Media analysis of the representations of fusion and other future energy technologies

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

Delicado, Ana; Schmidt, Luisa; Pereira, Sergio

2015-07-01

Media representations of energy have a relevant impact on public opinion and public support for investment in new energy sources. Fusion energy is one among several emerging energy technologies that requires a strong public investment on its research and development. This paper aims to characterise and compare the media representations of fusion and other emerging energy technologies in Portugal and in Spain. The emerging energy technologies selected for analysis are wave and tidal power, hydrogen, deep sea offshore wind power, energy applications of nanotechnology, bio-fuels from microalgae and IV generation nuclear fission. This work covered the news published in amore » selection of newspapers in Portugal and Spain between January 2007 and June 2013. (authors)« less

Experimental results of 40-kA Nb[sub 3]Al cable-in-conduit conductor for fusion machines

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

Takahashi, Y.; Sugimoto, M.; Isono, T.

1994-07-01

A 40-kA Nb[sub 3]Al cable-in-conduit conductor has been developed for the toroidal field coils of fusion reactors, because Nb[sub 3]Al has excellent mechanical performance. This conductor consists of 405 copper-stabilized multifilamentary strands inserted into a CuNi case circular conduit. The Nb[sub 3]Al strands are fabricated by the Jelly-roll process with a diameter of 1.22 mm. This conductor could be operated up to a current of 46 kA at an external field of 11.2 T. Accordingly, Nb[sub 3]Al promises to soon become a useful superconductor for large-scale high-field applications, such as fusion machines.

Desensitized Optimal Filtering and Sensor Fusion Toolkit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karlgaard, Christopher D.

2015-01-01

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc., has developed a software toolkit that filters and processes navigational data from multiple sensor sources. A key component of the toolkit is a trajectory optimization technique that reduces the sensitivity of Kalman filters with respect to model parameter uncertainties. The sensor fusion toolkit also integrates recent advances in adaptive Kalman and sigma-point filters for non-Gaussian problems with error statistics. This Phase II effort provides new filtering and sensor fusion techniques in a convenient package that can be used as a stand-alone application for ground support and/or onboard use. Its modular architecture enables ready integration with existing tools. A suite of sensor models and noise distribution as well as Monte Carlo analysis capability are included to enable statistical performance evaluations.

Optimization of proximity ligation assay (PLA) for detection of protein interactions and fusion proteins in non-adherent cells: application to pre-B lymphocytes.

PubMed

Debaize, Lydie; Jakobczyk, Hélène; Rio, Anne-Gaëlle; Gandemer, Virginie; Troadec, Marie-Bérengère

2017-01-01

Genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal translocations, are described for many hematological malignancies. From the clinical perspective, detection of chromosomal abnormalities is relevant not only for diagnostic and treatment purposes but also for prognostic risk assessment. From the translational research perspective, the identification of fusion proteins and protein interactions has allowed crucial breakthroughs in understanding the pathogenesis of malignancies and consequently major achievements in targeted therapy. We describe the optimization of the Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) to ascertain the presence of fusion proteins, and protein interactions in non-adherent pre-B cells. PLA is an innovative method of protein-protein colocalization detection by molecular biology that combines the advantages of microscopy with the advantages of molecular biology precision, enabling detection of protein proximity theoretically ranging from 0 to 40 nm. We propose an optimized PLA procedure. We overcome the issue of maintaining non-adherent hematological cells by traditional cytocentrifugation and optimized buffers, by changing incubation times, and modifying washing steps. Further, we provide convincing negative and positive controls, and demonstrate that optimized PLA procedure is sensitive to total protein level. The optimized PLA procedure allows the detection of fusion proteins and protein interactions on non-adherent cells. The optimized PLA procedure described here can be readily applied to various non-adherent hematological cells, from cell lines to patients' cells. The optimized PLA protocol enables detection of fusion proteins and their subcellular expression, and protein interactions in non-adherent cells. Therefore, the optimized PLA protocol provides a new tool that can be adopted in a wide range of applications in the biological field.

Qualification of Ti6Al4V ELI Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadroitsev, I.; Krakhmalev, P.; Yadroitsava, I.; Du Plessis, A.

2018-03-01

Rectangular Ti6Al4V extralow interstitials (ELI) samples were manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in vertical and horizontal orientations relative to the build platform and subjected to various heat treatments. Detailed analyses of porosity, microstructure, residual stress, tensile properties, fatigue, and fracture surfaces were performed based on x-ray micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction methods. The types of fracture and the tensile fracture mechanisms of the LPBF Ti6Al4V ELI alloy were also studied. Detailed analysis of the microstructure and the corresponding mechanical properties were compared against standard specifications for conventional Ti6Al4V alloy for use in surgical implant applications. Conclusions regarding the mechanical properties and heat treatment of LPBF Ti6Al4V ELI for biomedical applications are made.

Acoustic Levitation Containerless Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whymark, R. R.; Rey, C. A.

1985-01-01

This research program consists of the development of acoustic containerless processing systems with applications in the areas of research in material sciences, as well as the production of new materials, solid forms with novel and unusual microstructures, fusion target spheres, and improved optical fibers. Efforts have been focused on the containerless processing at high temperatures for producing new kinds of glasses. Also, some development has occurred in the areas of containerlessly supporting liquids at room temperature, with applications in studies of fluid dynamics, potential undercooling of liquids, etc. The high temperature area holds the greatest promise for producing new kinds of glasses and ceramics, new alloys, and possibly unusual structural shapes, such as very uniform hollow glass shells for fusion target applications. High temperature acoustic levitation required for containerless processing has been demonstrated in low-g environments as well as in ground-based experiments. Future activities include continued development of the signals axis acoustic levitator.

Sample flow switching techniques on microfluidic chips.

PubMed

Pan, Yu-Jen; Lin, Jin-Jie; Luo, Win-Jet; Yang, Ruey-Jen

2006-02-15

This paper presents an experimental investigation into electrokinetically focused flow injection for bio-analytical applications. A novel microfluidic device for microfluidic sample handling is presented. The microfluidic chip is fabricated on glass substrates using conventional photolithographic and chemical etching processes and is bonded using a high-temperature fusion method. The proposed valve-less device is capable not only of directing a single sample flow to a specified output port, but also of driving multiple samples to separate outlet channels or even to a single outlet to facilitate sample mixing. The experimental results confirm that the sample flow can be electrokinetically pre-focused into a narrow stream and guided to the desired outlet port by means of a simple control voltage model. The microchip presented within this paper has considerable potential for use in a variety of applications, including high-throughput chemical analysis, cell fusion, fraction collection, sample mixing, and many other applications within the micro-total-analysis systems field.

Plasma Physics Applied (New Book)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grabbe, Crockett

2007-03-01

0.5cm Plasma physics applications are one of the most rapidly growing fields in engineering & applied science today. The last decade alone has seen the rapid emergence of new applications such as dusty plasmas in the semiconductor and microchip industries, and plasma TVs. In addition, this last decade saw the achievement of the 50-year Lawson breakeven condition for fusion. With new discoveries in space plasma physics and applications to spacecraft for worldwide communication and space weather, as well as new applications being discovered, this diversity is always expanding. The new book Plasma Physics Applied reviews developments in several of these areas. Chapter 1 reviews the content and its authors, and is followed by a more comprehensive review of plasma physics applications in general in Chapter 2. Plasma applications in combustion and environmental uses are presented in Chapter 3. Lightning effects in planetary magnetospheres and potential application are described in Chapter 4. The area of dusty plasmas in both industrial and space plasmas and their applications are reviewed in Chapter 5. The particular area of Coulomb clusters in dusty plasmas is presented in Chapter 6. The variety of approaches to plasma confinement in magnetic devices for fusion are laid out in Chapter 7. Finally, an overview of plasma accelerator developments and their applications are presented in Chapter 8.

Vacuum insulation of the high energy negative ion source for fusion application

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

Kojima, A.; Hanada, M.; Inoue, T.

2012-02-15

Vacuum insulation on a large size negative ion accelerator with multiple extraction apertures and acceleration grids for fusion application was experimentally examined and designed. In the experiment, vacuum insulation characteristics were investigated in the JT-60 negative ion source with >1000 apertures on the grid with the surface area of {approx}2 m{sup 2}. The sustainable voltages varied with a square root of the gap lengths between the grids, and decreased with number of the apertures and with the surface area of the grids. Based on the obtained results, the JT-60SA (super advanced) negative ion source is designed to produce 22 A,more » 500 keV D{sup -} ion beams for 100 s.« less

Consumer-oriented social data fusion: controlled learning in social environments, social advertising, and more

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grewe, L.

2013-05-01

This paper explores the current practices in social data fusion and analysis as it applies to consumer-oriented applications in a slew of areas including business, economics, politics, sciences, medicine, education and more. A categorization of these systems is proposed and contributions to each area are explored preceded by a discussion of some special issues related to social data and networks. From this work, future paths of consumer-based social data analysis research and current outstanding problems are discovered.

Parametric PET/MR Fusion Imaging to Differentiate Aggressive from Indolent Primary Prostate Cancer with Application for Image-Guided Prostate Cancer Biopsies

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The study investigates whether fusion PET/MRI imaging with 18F- choline PET/CT and...imaging with 18F- choline PET/CT and diffusion-weighted MRI can be successfully applied to target prostate cancer using image-guided prostate...Completed task. The 18F- choline synthesis was implemented and optimized for routine radiotracer production. RDRC committee approval as part of the IRB

Progress Towards the Development of a Traveling Wave Direct Energy Converter for Aneutronic Fusion Propulsion Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarditi, A. G.; Chap, A.; Wolinsky, J.; Scott, J. H.

2015-01-01

A coordinated experimental and theory/simulation effort has been carried out to investigate the physics of the Traveling Wave Direct Energy Converter (TWDEC), a scheme that has been proposed in the past for the direct conversion into electricity of the kinetic energy of an ion beam generated from fusion reactions. This effort has been focused in particular on the TWDEC process in the high density beam regime, thus accounting for the ion beam expansion due to its space charge.

Next generation laser for Inertial Confinement Fusion

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

Marshall, C.D.; Beach, J.; Bibeau, C.

1997-07-18

We are in the process of developing and building the ``Mercury`` laser system as the first in a series of a new generation of diode-pumped solid-state Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) lasers at LLNL. Mercury will be the first integrated demonstration of a scalable laser architecture compatible with advanced high energy density (HED) physics applications. Primary performance goals include 10% efficiencies at 10 Hz and a 1-10 ns pulse with 1{omega} energies of 100 J and with 2{omega}/3{omega} frequency conversion.

Technique tip: use of anterior cruciate ligament jig for hindfoot fusion by calcanio-talo-tibial nail.

PubMed

Haque, Syed; Sarkar, Jay

2012-08-01

The use of intramedullary nail fixation for tibio-talo-calcaneal fusion is gaining popularity. There is chance of failure of procedure following faulty operative technique specially alignment. The article describes a useful application of tibial tunnel jig in inserting the calcanio-talo-tibial guide wire. There is precision of few millimeters in the exit point of guide wire on talus. The authors believe that this helps in better positioning of nail and hence better alignment and better operative outcome.

Fast degradable citrate-based bone scaffold promotes spinal fusion.

PubMed

Tang, Jiajun; Guo, Jinshan; Li, Zhen; Yang, Cheng; Xie, Denghui; Chen, Jian; Li, Shengfa; Li, Shaolin; Kim, Gloria B; Bai, Xiaochun; Zhang, Zhongmin; Yang, Jian

2015-07-21

It is well known that high rates of fusion failure and pseudoarthrosis development (5~35%) are concomitant in spinal fusion surgery, which was ascribed to the shortage of suitable materials for bone regeneration. Citrate was recently recognized to play an indispensable role in enhancing osteconductivity and osteoinductivity, and promoting bone formation. To address the material challenges in spinal fusion surgery, we have synthesized mechanically robust and fast degrading citrate-based polymers by incorporating N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) into clickable poly(1, 8-octanediol citrates) (POC-click), referred to as POC-M-click. The obtained POC-M-click were fabricated into POC-M-click-HA matchstick scaffolds by compositing with hydroxyapatite (HA) for interbody spinal fusion in a rabbit model. Spinal fusion was analyzed by radiography, manual palpation, biomechanical testing, and histological evaluation. At 4 and 8 weeks post surgery, POC-M-click-HA scaffolds presented optimal degradation rates that facilitated faster new bone formation and higher spinal fusion rates (11.2±3.7, 80±4.5 at week 4 and 8, respectively) than the poly(L-lactic acid)-HA (PLLA-HA) control group (9.3±2.4 and 71.1±4.4) (p<0.05). The POC-M-click-HA scaffold-fused vertebrates possessed a maximum load and stiffness of 880.8±14.5 N and 843.2±22.4 N/mm, respectively, which were also much higher than those of the PLLA-HA group (maximum: 712.0±37.5 N, stiffness: 622.5±28.4 N/mm, p<0.05). Overall, the results suggest that POC-M-click-HA scaffolds could potentially serve as promising bone grafts for spinal fusion applications.

Fast degradable citrate-based bone scaffold promotes spinal fusion

PubMed Central

Tang, Jiajun; Guo, Jinshan; Li, Zhen; Yang, Cheng; Xie, Denghui; Chen, Jian; Li, Shengfa; Li, Shaolin; Kim, Gloria B.; Bai, Xiaochun; Zhang, Zhongmin; Yang, Jian

2015-01-01

It is well known that high rates of fusion failure and pseudoarthrosis development (5~35%) are concomitant in spinal fusion surgery, which was ascribed to the shortage of suitable materials for bone regeneration. Citrate was recently recognized to play an indispensable role in enhancing osteconductivity and osteoinductivity, and promoting bone formation. To address the material challenges in spinal fusion surgery, we have synthesized mechanically robust and fast degrading citrate-based polymers by incorporating N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) into clickable poly(1, 8-octanediol citrates) (POC-click), referred to as POC-M-click. The obtained POC-M-click were fabricated into POC-M-click-HA matchstick scaffolds by compositing with hydroxyapatite (HA) for interbody spinal fusion in a rabbit model. Spinal fusion was analyzed by radiography, manual palpation, biomechanical testing, and histological evaluation. At 4 and 8 weeks post surgery, POC-M-click-HA scaffolds presented optimal degradation rates that facilitated faster new bone formation and higher spinal fusion rates (11.2±3.7, 80±4.5 at week 4 and 8, respectively) than the poly(L-lactic acid)-HA (PLLA-HA) control group (9.3±2.4 and 71.1±4.4) (p<0.05). The POC-M-click-HA scaffold-fused vertebrates possessed a maximum load and stiffness of 880.8±14.5 N and 843.2±22.4 N/mm, respectively, which were also much higher than those of the PLLA-HA group (maximum: 712.0±37.5 N, stiffness: 622.5±28.4 N/mm, p<0.05). Overall, the results suggest that POC-M-click-HA scaffolds could potentially serve as promising bone grafts for spinal fusion applications. PMID:26213625

Identification of EML4-ALK as an alternative fusion gene in epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma.

PubMed

Jiang, Quan; Tong, Han-Xing; Hou, Ying-Yong; Zhang, Yong; Li, Jing-Lei; Zhou, Yu-Hong; Xu, Jing; Wang, Jiong-Yuan; Lu, Wei-Qi

2017-05-23

Known as solid tumors of intermediate malignant potential, most inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are treatable as long as the tumor is en-bloc resected. However, in some cases, the tumors have recurred and grown rapidly after successful surgery. Some of these tumors were classified as an epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS). Most previously reported EIMSs have been caused by RANBP2-ALK fusion gene. We herein report an EIMS case caused by an EML4-ALK fusion gene. RNAseq was conducted to find out the new ALK fusion gene which could not be detected following previously reported RT-PCR methods for EIMS cases with RANBP2-ALK fusion gene. After that, RT-PCR was also conducted to further prove the newly found fusion gene. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test were applied to find out the unique morphological characters compared with the previous reported EIMS cases. We found an EIMS case who was suffering from a rapid recurrence after cytoreducyive surgery was done to relieve the exacerbating symptoms. The patient finally died for tumor lysis syndrome after the application of crizotinib. Distinctive ALK staining under the membrane and relatively weak ALK staining in the cytoplasm could also be observed. RNAseq and RT-PCR further revealed that the tumor harbored an EML4-ALK fusion gene. In conclusion, this is the first EIMS demonstrated to have been caused by the formation of an EML4-ALK fusion gene. This enriches the spectrum of EIMS and enlarges the horizon for the study of EIMS. The experience we shared in managing this kind of disease by discussing aspects of its success and failure could be of great value for surgeons and pathologists.

[Expression optimization and characterization of Tenebrio molitor antimicrobiol peptides TmAMP1m in Escherichia coli].

PubMed

Alimu, Reyihanguli; Mao, Xinfang; Liu, Zhongyuan

2013-06-01

To improve the expression level of tmAMP1m gene from Tenebrio molitor in Escherichia coli, we studied the effects of expression level and activity of the fusion protein HIS-TmAMP1m by conditions, such as culture temperature, inducing time and the final concentration of inductor Isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). We analyzed the optimum expression conditions by Tricine-SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, meanwhile, detected its antibacterial activity by using agarose cavity diffusion method. The results suggest that when inducing the recombinant plasmid with a final IPTG concentration of 0.1 mmol/L at 37 degrees C for 4 h, there was the highest expression level of fusion protein HIS-TmAMP1m in Escherichia coli. Under these conditions, the expression of fusion protein accounted for 40% of the total cell lysate with the best antibacterial activity. We purified the fusion protein HIS-TmAMPlm with nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) metal-affinity chromatography matrices. Western blotting analysis indicates that the His monoclonal antibody could be specifically bound to fusion protein HIS-TmAMPlm. After expression by inducing, the fusion protein could inhibit the growth of host cell transformed by pET30a-tmAMP1m. The fusion protein HIS-TmAMP1m had better stability and remained higher antibacterial activities when incubated at 100 degrees C for 10 h, repeated freeze thawing at -20 degrees C, dissolved in strong acid and alkali, or treated by organic solvents and protease. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration results demonstrated that the fusion protein HIS-TmAMP1m has a good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus sp., Corynebacterium glutamicum, Bacillus thuringiensis, Corynebacterium sp. This study laid the foundation to promote the application of insect antimicrobial peptides and further research.

Application of Sensor Fusion to Improve Uav Image Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabari, S.; Fathollahi, F.; Zhang, Y.

2017-08-01

Image classification is one of the most important tasks of remote sensing projects including the ones that are based on using UAV images. Improving the quality of UAV images directly affects the classification results and can save a huge amount of time and effort in this area. In this study, we show that sensor fusion can improve image quality which results in increasing the accuracy of image classification. Here, we tested two sensor fusion configurations by using a Panchromatic (Pan) camera along with either a colour camera or a four-band multi-spectral (MS) camera. We use the Pan camera to benefit from its higher sensitivity and the colour or MS camera to benefit from its spectral properties. The resulting images are then compared to the ones acquired by a high resolution single Bayer-pattern colour camera (here referred to as HRC). We assessed the quality of the output images by performing image classification tests. The outputs prove that the proposed sensor fusion configurations can achieve higher accuracies compared to the images of the single Bayer-pattern colour camera. Therefore, incorporating a Pan camera on-board in the UAV missions and performing image fusion can help achieving higher quality images and accordingly higher accuracy classification results.

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

Schulze, N.R.

This proposed program is to initiate a space flight research and development program to develop fusion energy for the space applications of direct space propulsion and direct space power, that is, a Space Fusion Energy (SFE) program. 'Direct propulsion' refers to the use of plasma energy directly for thrust without requiring other energy conversion systems. Further, to provide space missions with large electrical power, 'direct space power' is proposed whereby the direct conversion of charged particles into electricity is used, thereby avoiding thermal conversion system losses. The energy release from nuclear fusion reactions makes these highly efficient, high power spacemore » systems possible. The program as presented conducts in an orderly, hierarchical manner the necessary planning, analyses, and testing to demonstrate the practical use of fusion energy for space. There is nothing discussed that is known to be theoretically impossible. Validation of the engineering principles is sought in this program which uses a cost-benefit approach. Upon successful program completion, space will become more accessible and space missions more safely conducted. The country will have taken a giant step toward the commercialization of space. The mission enabling capability provided by fusion energy is well beyond mission planners' current dreams.« less

Scale Estimation and Correction of the Monocular Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Based on Fusion of 1D Laser Range Finder and Vision Data.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhuang; Zhao, Rujin; Liu, Enhai; Yan, Kun; Ma, Yuebo

2018-06-15

This article presents a new sensor fusion method for visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) through integration of a monocular camera and a 1D-laser range finder. Such as a fusion method provides the scale estimation and drift correction and it is not limited by volume, e.g., the stereo camera is constrained by the baseline and overcomes the limited depth range problem associated with SLAM for RGBD cameras. We first present the analytical feasibility for estimating the absolute scale through the fusion of 1D distance information and image information. Next, the analytical derivation of the laser-vision fusion is described in detail based on the local dense reconstruction of the image sequences. We also correct the scale drift of the monocular SLAM using the laser distance information which is independent of the drift error. Finally, application of this approach to both indoor and outdoor scenes is verified by the Technical University of Munich dataset of RGBD and self-collected data. We compare the effects of the scale estimation and drift correction of the proposed method with the SLAM for a monocular camera and a RGBD camera.

Lipid tail protrusions initiate spontaneous insertion of charged, amphiphilic nanoparticles into lipid bilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Lehn, Reid; Ricci, Maria; Carney, Randy; Voitchovsky, Kislon; Stellacci, Francesco; Alexander-Katz, Alfredo

2014-03-01

Vesicle fusion is a primary mechanism used to mediate the uptake and trafficking of materials both into and between cells. The pathway of vesicle fusion involves the formation of a lipid stalk in which the hydrophobic core regions of two closely associated bilayers merge. The transition state for stalk formation requires the transient protrusion of hydrophobic lipid tails into solvent; favorable contact between these hydrophobic tails then drives stalk creation. In this work, we use unbiased atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to show that lipid tail protrusions can also induce the insertion of charged, amphiphilic nanoparticles (NPs) into lipid bilayers. As in the case of vesicle fusion, the rate-limiting step for NP-bilayer fusion is the stochastic protrusion of aliphatic lipid tails into solvent and into contact with hydrophobic material in the amphiphilic NP monolayer. We confirm our predictions with experiments on supported lipid bilayers. The strong agreement between simulation and experiments indicates that the pre-stalk transition associated with vesicle fusion may be a general mechanism for the insertion of amphiphilic nano-objects that could be prominent in biological systems given the widespread use of NPs in applications ranging from drug delivery to biosensing.

Echocardiographic and Fluoroscopic Fusion Imaging for Procedural Guidance: An Overview and Early Clinical Experience.

PubMed

Thaden, Jeremy J; Sanon, Saurabh; Geske, Jeffrey B; Eleid, Mackram F; Nijhof, Niels; Malouf, Joseph F; Rihal, Charanjit S; Bruce, Charles J

2016-06-01

There has been significant growth in the volume and complexity of percutaneous structural heart procedures in the past decade. Increasing procedural complexity and accompanying reliance on multimodality imaging have fueled the development of fusion imaging to facilitate procedural guidance. The first clinically available system capable of echocardiographic and fluoroscopic fusion for real-time guidance of structural heart procedures was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Echocardiographic-fluoroscopic fusion imaging combines the precise catheter and device visualization of fluoroscopy with the soft tissue anatomy and color flow Doppler information afforded by echocardiography in a single image. This allows the interventionalist to perform precise catheter manipulations under fluoroscopy guidance while visualizing critical tissue anatomy provided by echocardiography. However, there are few data available addressing this technology's strengths and limitations in routine clinical practice. The authors provide a critical review of currently available echocardiographic-fluoroscopic fusion imaging for guidance of structural heart interventions to highlight its strengths, limitations, and potential clinical applications and to guide further research into value of this emerging technology. Copyright © 2016 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

State fusion entropy for continuous and site-specific analysis of landslide stability changing regularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yong; Qin, Zhimeng; Hu, Baodan; Feng, Shuai

2018-04-01

Stability analysis is of great significance to landslide hazard prevention, especially the dynamic stability. However, many existing stability analysis methods are difficult to analyse the continuous landslide stability and its changing regularities in a uniform criterion due to the unique landslide geological conditions. Based on the relationship between displacement monitoring data, deformation states and landslide stability, a state fusion entropy method is herein proposed to derive landslide instability through a comprehensive multi-attribute entropy analysis of deformation states, which are defined by a proposed joint clustering method combining K-means and a cloud model. Taking Xintan landslide as the detailed case study, cumulative state fusion entropy presents an obvious increasing trend after the landslide entered accelerative deformation stage and historical maxima match highly with landslide macroscopic deformation behaviours in key time nodes. Reasonable results are also obtained in its application to several other landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir in China. Combined with field survey, state fusion entropy may serve for assessing landslide stability and judging landslide evolutionary stages.

An Indoor Positioning Method for Smartphones Using Landmarks and PDR.

PubMed

Wang, Xi; Jiang, Mingxing; Guo, Zhongwen; Hu, Naijun; Sun, Zhongwei; Liu, Jing

2016-12-15

Recently location based services (LBS) have become increasingly popular in indoor environments. Among these indoor positioning techniques providing LBS, a fusion approach combining WiFi-based and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) techniques is drawing more and more attention of researchers. Although this fusion method performs well in some cases, it still has some limitations, such as heavy computation and inconvenience for real-time use. In this work, we study map information of a given indoor environment, analyze variations of WiFi received signal strength (RSS), define several kinds of indoor landmarks, and then utilize these landmarks to correct accumulated errors derived from PDR. This fusion scheme, called Landmark-aided PDR (LaP), is proved to be light-weight and suitable for real-time implementation by running an Android application designed for the experiment. We compared LaP with other PDR-based fusion approaches. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can achieve a significant improvement with an average accuracy of 2.17 m.

Assessment of Spatiotemporal Fusion Algorithms for Planet and Worldview Images

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xiaolin; Gao, Feng; Chou, Bryan; Li, Jiang; Shen, Yuzhong; Koperski, Krzysztof; Marchisio, Giovanni

2018-01-01

Although Worldview-2 (WV) images (non-pansharpened) have 2-m resolution, the re-visit times for the same areas may be seven days or more. In contrast, Planet images are collected using small satellites that can cover the whole Earth almost daily. However, the resolution of Planet images is 3.125 m. It would be ideal to fuse these two satellites images to generate high spatial resolution (2 m) and high temporal resolution (1 or 2 days) images for applications such as damage assessment, border monitoring, etc. that require quick decisions. In this paper, we evaluate three approaches to fusing Worldview (WV) and Planet images. These approaches are known as Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM), Flexible Spatiotemporal Data Fusion (FSDAF), and Hybrid Color Mapping (HCM), which have been applied to the fusion of MODIS and Landsat images in recent years. Experimental results using actual Planet and Worldview images demonstrated that the three aforementioned approaches have comparable performance and can all generate high quality prediction images. PMID:29614745

Assessment of Spatiotemporal Fusion Algorithms for Planet and Worldview Images.

PubMed

Kwan, Chiman; Zhu, Xiaolin; Gao, Feng; Chou, Bryan; Perez, Daniel; Li, Jiang; Shen, Yuzhong; Koperski, Krzysztof; Marchisio, Giovanni

2018-03-31

Although Worldview-2 (WV) images (non-pansharpened) have 2-m resolution, the re-visit times for the same areas may be seven days or more. In contrast, Planet images are collected using small satellites that can cover the whole Earth almost daily. However, the resolution of Planet images is 3.125 m. It would be ideal to fuse these two satellites images to generate high spatial resolution (2 m) and high temporal resolution (1 or 2 days) images for applications such as damage assessment, border monitoring, etc. that require quick decisions. In this paper, we evaluate three approaches to fusing Worldview (WV) and Planet images. These approaches are known as Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM), Flexible Spatiotemporal Data Fusion (FSDAF), and Hybrid Color Mapping (HCM), which have been applied to the fusion of MODIS and Landsat images in recent years. Experimental results using actual Planet and Worldview images demonstrated that the three aforementioned approaches have comparable performance and can all generate high quality prediction images.

Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emrich, William J., Jr.; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Nuclear fusion appears to be the most promising concept for producing extremely high specific impulse rocket engines. One particular fusion concept which seems to be particularly well suited for fusion propulsion applications is the gasdynamic mirror (GDM). This device would operate at much higher plasma densities and with much larger LD ratios than previous mirror machines. Several advantages accrue from such a design. First, the high LA:) ratio minimizes to a large extent certain magnetic curvature effects which lead to plasma instabilities causing a loss of plasma confinement. Second, the high plasma density will result in the plasma behaving much more Re a conventional fluid with a mean free path shorter than the length of the device. This characteristic helps reduce problems associated with "loss cone" microinstabilities. An experimental GDM device is currently being constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to provide an initial assessment of the feasibility of this type of propulsion system. Initial experiments are expected to commence in the late fall of 2000.

[Accuracy improvement of spectral classification of crop using microwave backscatter data].

PubMed

Jia, Kun; Li, Qiang-Zi; Tian, Yi-Chen; Wu, Bing-Fang; Zhang, Fei-Fei; Meng, Ji-Hua

2011-02-01

In the present study, VV polarization microwave backscatter data used for improving accuracies of spectral classification of crop is investigated. Classification accuracy using different classifiers based on the fusion data of HJ satellite multi-spectral and Envisat ASAR VV backscatter data are compared. The results indicate that fusion data can take full advantage of spectral information of HJ multi-spectral data and the structure sensitivity feature of ASAR VV polarization data. The fusion data enlarges the spectral difference among different classifications and improves crop classification accuracy. The classification accuracy using fusion data can be increased by 5 percent compared to the single HJ data. Furthermore, ASAR VV polarization data is sensitive to non-agrarian area of planted field, and VV polarization data joined classification can effectively distinguish the field border. VV polarization data associating with multi-spectral data used in crop classification enlarges the application of satellite data and has the potential of spread in the domain of agriculture.

Magneto-hydrodynamically stable axisymmetric mirrorsa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryutov, D. D.; Berk, H. L.; Cohen, B. I.; Molvik, A. W.; Simonen, T. C.

2011-09-01

Making axisymmetric mirrors magnetohydrodynamically (MHD) stable opens up exciting opportunities for using mirror devices as neutron sources, fusion-fission hybrids, and pure-fusion reactors. This is also of interest from a general physics standpoint (as it seemingly contradicts well-established criteria of curvature-driven instabilities). The axial symmetry allows for much simpler and more reliable designs of mirror-based fusion facilities than the well-known quadrupole mirror configurations. In this tutorial, after a summary of classical results, several techniques for achieving MHD stabilization of the axisymmetric mirrors are considered, in particular: (1) employing the favorable field-line curvature in the end tanks; (2) using the line-tying effect; (3) controlling the radial potential distribution; (4) imposing a divertor configuration on the solenoidal magnetic field; and (5) affecting the plasma dynamics by the ponderomotive force. Some illuminative theoretical approaches for understanding axisymmetric mirror stability are described. The applicability of the various stabilization techniques to axisymmetric mirrors as neutron sources, hybrids, and pure-fusion reactors are discussed; and the constraints on the plasma parameters are formulated.

An Indoor Positioning Method for Smartphones Using Landmarks and PDR †

PubMed Central

Wang, Xi; Jiang, Mingxing; Guo, Zhongwen; Hu, Naijun; Sun, Zhongwei; Liu, Jing

2016-01-01

Recently location based services (LBS) have become increasingly popular in indoor environments. Among these indoor positioning techniques providing LBS, a fusion approach combining WiFi-based and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) techniques is drawing more and more attention of researchers. Although this fusion method performs well in some cases, it still has some limitations, such as heavy computation and inconvenience for real-time use. In this work, we study map information of a given indoor environment, analyze variations of WiFi received signal strength (RSS), define several kinds of indoor landmarks, and then utilize these landmarks to correct accumulated errors derived from PDR. This fusion scheme, called Landmark-aided PDR (LaP), is proved to be light-weight and suitable for real-time implementation by running an Android application designed for the experiment. We compared LaP with other PDR-based fusion approaches. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can achieve a significant improvement with an average accuracy of 2.17 m. PMID:27983670

Towards real-time detection and tracking of spatio-temporal features: Blob-filaments in fusion plasma

DOE PAGES

Wu, Lingfei; Wu, Kesheng; Sim, Alex; ...

2016-06-01

A novel algorithm and implementation of real-time identification and tracking of blob-filaments in fusion reactor data is presented. Similar spatio-temporal features are important in many other applications, for example, ignition kernels in combustion and tumor cells in a medical image. This work presents an approach for extracting these features by dividing the overall task into three steps: local identification of feature cells, grouping feature cells into extended feature, and tracking movement of feature through overlapping in space. Through our extensive work in parallelization, we demonstrate that this approach can effectively make use of a large number of compute nodes tomore » detect and track blob-filaments in real time in fusion plasma. Here, on a set of 30GB fusion simulation data, we observed linear speedup on 1024 processes and completed blob detection in less than three milliseconds using Edison, a Cray XC30 system at NERSC.« less

Speckle noise reduction in ultrasound images using a discrete wavelet transform-based image fusion technique.

PubMed

Choi, Hyun Ho; Lee, Ju Hwan; Kim, Sung Min; Park, Sung Yun

2015-01-01

Here, the speckle noise in ultrasonic images is removed using an image fusion-based denoising method. To optimize the denoising performance, each discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and filtering technique was analyzed and compared. In addition, the performances were compared in order to derive the optimal input conditions. To evaluate the speckle noise removal performance, an image fusion algorithm was applied to the ultrasound images, and comparatively analyzed with the original image without the algorithm. As a result, applying DWT and filtering techniques caused information loss and noise characteristics, and did not represent the most significant noise reduction performance. Conversely, an image fusion method applying SRAD-original conditions preserved the key information in the original image, and the speckle noise was removed. Based on such characteristics, the input conditions of SRAD-original had the best denoising performance with the ultrasound images. From this study, the best denoising technique proposed based on the results was confirmed to have a high potential for clinical application.

ICF Annual Report 1997

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

Correll, D

The continuing objective of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL's) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program is the demonstration of thermonuclear fusion ignition and energy gain in the laboratory and to support the nuclear weapons program in its use of ICF facilities. The underlying theme of all ICF activities as a science research and development program is the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Defense Programs (DP) science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). The mission of the US Inertial Fusion Program is twofold: (1) to address high-energy-density physics issues for the SSP and (2) to develop a laboratory microfusion capability for defense and energy applications.more » In pursuit of this mission, the ICF Program has developed a state-of-the-art capability to investigate high-energy-density physics in the laboratory. The near-term goals pursued by the ICF Program in support of its mission are demonstrating fusion ignition in the laboratory and expanding the Program's capabilities in high-energy-density science. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) project is a cornerstone of this effort.« less

Application of Fusion Gyrotrons to Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woskov, P.; Einstein, H.; Oglesby, K.

2013-10-01

The potential size of geothermal energy resources is second only to fusion energy. Advances are needed in drilling technology and heat reservoir formation to realize this potential. Millimeter-wave (MMW) gyrotrons and related technologies developed for fusion energy research could contribute to enabling EGS. Directed MMW energy can be used to advance rock penetration capabilities, borehole casing, and fracking. MMWs are ideally suited because they can penetrate through small particulate extraction plumes, can be efficiently guided long distances in borehole dimensions, and continuous megawatt sources are commercially available. Laboratory experiments with a 10 kW, 28 GHz CPI gyrotron have shown that granite rock can be fractured and melted with power intensities of about 1 kW/cm2 and minute exposure times. Observed melted rock MMW emissivity and estimated thermodynamics suggest that penetrating hot, hard crystalline rock formations may be economic with fusion research developed MMW sources. Supported by USDOE, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Impact Technologies, LLC.

Be Bold : An Alternative Plan for Fusion Research

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

Wurden, Glen Anthony

Government sponsored magnetic fusion energy research in the USA has been on downward trajectory since the early 1990’s. The present path is unsustainable. Indeed, our research community and national research facilities are withering from old-age and lack of investment. The present product (tokamak-centric production of electricity) does not yet work, will not be economic, and is clearly not valued or needed by our society. Even if a prototype existed at any cost, DT-based fusion energy would come too late to significantly impact the reduction of CO 2 emissions in this century. This white paper outlines what “being bold” could meanmore » with respect to the invention and application of nuclear fusion technologies, and how the USA could once again set a visionary example for the world. I present the discussion in two parts, reflecting on the NAS panel two-part assignment of a plan “with” and “without” ITER.« less

Human visual system consistent quality assessment for remote sensing image fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jun; Huang, Junyi; Liu, Shuguang; Li, Huali; Zhou, Qiming; Liu, Junchen

2015-07-01

Quality assessment for image fusion is essential for remote sensing application. Generally used indices require a high spatial resolution multispectral (MS) image for reference, which is not always readily available. Meanwhile, the fusion quality assessments using these indices may not be consistent with the Human Visual System (HVS). As an attempt to overcome this requirement and inconsistency, this paper proposes an HVS-consistent image fusion quality assessment index at the highest resolution without a reference MS image using Gaussian Scale Space (GSS) technology that could simulate the HVS. The spatial details and spectral information of original and fused images are first separated in GSS, and the qualities are evaluated using the proposed spatial and spectral quality index respectively. The overall quality is determined without a reference MS image by a combination of the proposed two indices. Experimental results on various remote sensing images indicate that the proposed index is more consistent with HVS evaluation compared with other widely used indices that may or may not require reference images.

Defect detection of helical gears based on time-frequency analysis and using multi-layer fusion network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi Orimi, H.; Esmaeili, M.; Refahi Oskouei, A.; Mirhadizadehd, S. A.; Tse, P. W.

2017-10-01

Condition monitoring of rotary devices such as helical gears is an issue of great significance in industrial projects. This paper introduces a feature extraction method for gear fault diagnosis using wavelet packet due to its higher frequency resolution. During this investigation, the mother wavelet Daubechies 10 (Db-10) was applied to calculate the coefficient entropy of each frequency band of 5th level (32 frequency bands) as features. In this study, the peak value of the signal entropies was selected as applicable features in order to improve frequency band differentiation and reduce feature vectors' dimension. Feature extraction is followed by the fusion network where four different structured multi-layer perceptron networks are trained to classify the recorded signals (healthy/faulty). The robustness of fusion network outputs is greater compared to perceptron networks. The results provided by the fusion network indicate a classification of 98.88 and 97.95% for healthy and faulty classes, respectively.

Generating bifunctional fusion enzymes composed of heat-active endoglucanase (Cel5A) and endoxylanase (XylT).

PubMed

Rizk, Mazen; Elleuche, Skander; Antranikian, Garabed

2015-01-01

Bifunctional enzyme constructs were generated comprising two genes encoding heat-active endoglucanase (cel5A) and endoxylanase (xylT). The fused proteins Cel5A-XylT and XylT-Cel5A were active on both β-glucan and beechwood xylan. An improvement in endoglucanase and endoxylanase catalytic activities was observed. The specific activity of the fusion towards xylan was significantly raised when compared to XylT. The fusion constructs were active from 40 to 100 °C for endoglucanase and from 40 to 90 °C for endoxylanase, but the temperature optima were lowered from 90 to 80 °C for the endoglucanase and from 80 to 70 °C for the endoxylanase. XylT in the construct XylT-Cel5A was less stable at higher temperatures compared to Cel5A-XylT. Due to the enzymatic performance, these fusion enzymes are attractive candidates for applications in biorefineries based on plant waste.

Fluoride salts as phase change materials for thermal energy storage in the temperature range 1000-1400 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Misra, Ajay K.

1988-01-01

Eutectic compositions and congruently melting intermediate compounds in binary and ternary fluoride salt systems were characterized for potential use as latent heat of fusion phase change materials to store thermal energy in the temperature range 1000-1400 K. The melting points and eutectic compositions for many systems with published phase diagrams were experimentally verified and new eutectic compositions having melting points between 1000 and 1400 K were identified. Heats of fusion of several binary and ternary eutectics and congruently melting compounds were experimentally measured by differential scanning calorimetry. For a few systems in which heats of mixing in the melts have been measured, heats of fusion of the eutectics were calculated from thermodynamic considerations and good agreement was obtained between the measured and calculated values. Several combinations of salts with high heats of fusion per unit mass (greater than 0.7 kJ/g) have been identified for possible use as phase change materials in advanced solar dynamic space power applications.

Multitask saliency detection model for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image and its application in SAR and optical image fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chunhui; Zhang, Duona; Zhao, Xintao

2018-03-01

Saliency detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is a difficult problem. This paper proposed a multitask saliency detection (MSD) model for the saliency detection task of SAR images. We extract four features of the SAR image, which include the intensity, orientation, uniqueness, and global contrast, as the input of the MSD model. The saliency map is generated by the multitask sparsity pursuit, which integrates the multiple features collaboratively. Detection of different scale features is also taken into consideration. Subjective and objective evaluation of the MSD model verifies its effectiveness. Based on the saliency maps obtained by the MSD model, we apply the saliency map of the SAR image to the SAR and color optical image fusion. The experimental results of real data show that the saliency map obtained by the MSD model helps to improve the fusion effect, and the salient areas in the SAR image can be highlighted in the fusion results.

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

Pewitt, E.G.

The ZGS community made basic contributions to the applications of superconducting magnets to high energy physics as well as to other technological areas. ZGS personnel pioneered many significant applications until the time the ZGS was shutdown in 1979. After the shutdown, former ZGS personnel developed magnets for new applications in high energy physics, fusion, and industrial uses. The list of superconducting magnet accomplishments of ZGS personnel is impressive.

Membrane fusion-competent virus-like proteoliposomes and proteinaceous supported bilayers made directly from cell plasma membranes.

PubMed

Costello, Deirdre A; Hsia, Chih-Yun; Millet, Jean K; Porri, Teresa; Daniel, Susan

2013-05-28

Virus-like particles are useful materials for studying virus-host interactions in a safe manner. However, the standard production of pseudovirus based on the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) backbone is an intricate procedure that requires trained laboratory personnel. In this work, a new strategy for creating virus-like proteoliposomes (VLPLs) and virus-like supported bilayers (VLSBs) is presented. This strategy uses a cell blebbing technique to induce the formation of nanoscale vesicles from the plasma membrane of BHK cells expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) fusion protein of influenza X-31. These vesicles and supported bilayers contain HA and are used to carry out single particle membrane fusion events, monitored using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The results of these studies show that the VLPLs and VLSBs contain HA proteins that are fully competent to carry out membrane fusion, including the formation of a fusion pore and the release of fluorophores loaded into vesicles. This new strategy for creating spherical and planar geometry virus-like membranes has many potential applications. VLPLs could be used to study fusion proteins of virulent viruses in a safe manner, or they could be used as therapeutic delivery particles to transport beneficial proteins coexpressed in the cells to a target cell. VLSBs could facilitate high throughput screening of antiviral drugs or pathogen-host cell interactions.

Rapid fusion between mesenchymal stem cells and cardiomyocytes yields electrically active, non-contractile hybrid cells.

PubMed

Shadrin, Ilya Y; Yoon, Woohyun; Li, Liqing; Shepherd, Neal; Bursac, Nenad

2015-07-10

Cardiac cell therapies involving bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown promising results, although their mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated direct interactions between hMSCs and cardiomyocytes in vitro. Using a genetic Ca(2+) indicator gCaMP3 to efficiently label hMSCs in co-cultures with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), we determined that 25-40% of hMSCs (from 4 independent donors) acquired periodic Ca(2+) transients and cardiac markers through spontaneous fusion with NRVMs. Sharp electrode and voltage-clamp recordings in fused cells showed action potential properties and Ca(2+) current amplitudes in between those of non-fused hMSCs and NRVMs. Time-lapse video-microscopy revealed the first direct evidence of active fusion between hMSCs and NRVMs within several hours of co-culture. Application of blebbistatin, nifedipine or verapamil caused complete and reversible inhibition of fusion, suggesting potential roles for actomyosin bridging and Ca(2+) channels in the fusion process. Immunostaining for Cx43, Ki67, and sarcomeric α-actinin showed that fused cells remain strongly coupled to surrounding NRVMs, but downregulate sarcomeric structures over time, acquiring a non-proliferative and non-contractile phenotype. Overall, these results describe the phenotype and mechanisms of hybrid cell formation via fusion of hMSCs and cardiomyocytes with potential implications for cardiac cell therapy.

[Experience of Fusion image guided system in endonasal endoscopic surgery].

PubMed

Wen, Jingying; Zhen, Hongtao; Shi, Lili; Cao, Pingping; Cui, Yonghua

2015-08-01

To review endonasal endoscopic surgeries aided by Fusion image guided system, and to explore the application value of Fusion image guided system in endonasal endoscopic surgeries. Retrospective research. Sixty cases of endonasal endoscopic surgeries aided by Fusion image guided system were analysed including chronic rhinosinusitis with polyp (n = 10), fungus sinusitis (n = 5), endoscopic optic nerve decompression (n = 16), inverted papilloma of the paranasal sinus (n = 9), ossifying fibroma of sphenoid bone (n = 1), malignance of the paranasal sinus (n = 9), cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 5), hemangioma of orbital apex (n = 2) and orbital reconstruction (n = 3). Sixty cases of endonasal endoscopic surgeries completed successfully without any complications. Fusion image guided system can help to identify the ostium of paranasal sinus, lamina papyracea and skull base. Fused CT-CTA images, or fused MR-MRA images can help to localize the optic nerve or internal carotid arteiy . Fused CT-MR images can help to detect the range of the tumor. It spent (7.13 ± 1.358) minutes for image guided system to do preoperative preparation and the surgical navigation accuracy reached less than 1mm after proficient. There was no device localization problem because of block or head set loosed. Fusion image guided system make endonasal endoscopic surgery to be a true microinvasive and exact surgery. It spends less preoperative preparation time, has high surgical navigation accuracy, improves the surgical safety and reduces the surgical complications.

A Preliminary Report on the CO2 Laser for Lumbar Fusion: Safety, Efficacy and Technical Considerations.

PubMed

Villavicencio, Alan T; Burneikiene, Sigita; Babuska, Jason M; Nelson, Ewell L; Mason, Alexander; Rajpal, Sharad

2015-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential technical advantages of the CO2 laser technology in mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgeries and report our preliminary clinical data on the safety and clinical outcomes. There is currently no literature discussing the recently redeveloped CO2 laser technology application for lumbar fusion. Safety and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups: 24 patients that underwent CO2 laser-assisted one-level TLIF surgeries and 30 patients that underwent standard one-level TLIF surgeries without the laser. There were no neural thermal injuries or other intraoperative laser-related complications encountered in this cohort of patients. At a mean follow-up of 17.4 months, significantly reduced lower back pain scores (P=0.013) were reported in the laser-assisted patient group compared to a standard fusion patient group. Lower extremity radicular pain intensity scores were similar in both groups. Laser-assisted TLIF surgeries showed a tendency (P = 0.07) of shorter operative times that was not statistically significant. Based on this preliminary clinical report, the safety of the CO2 laser device for lumbar fusion surgeries was assessed. There were no neural thermal injuries or other intraoperative laser-related complications encountered in this cohort of patients. Further investigation of CO2 laser-assisted lumbar fusion procedures is warranted in order to evaluate its effect on clinical outcomes.

Salicylic acid interferes with GFP fluorescence in vivo.

PubMed

de Jonge, Jennifer; Hofius, Daniel; Hennig, Lars

2017-03-01

Fluorescent proteins have become essential tools for cell biologists. They are routinely used by plant biologists for protein and promoter fusions to infer protein localization, tissue-specific expression and protein abundance. When studying the effects of biotic stress on chromatin, we unexpectedly observed a decrease in GFP signal intensity upon salicylic acid (SA) treatment in Arabidopsis lines expressing histone H1-GFP fusions. This GFP signal decrease was dependent on SA concentration. The effect was not specific to the linker histone H1-GFP fusion but was also observed for the nucleosomal histone H2A-GFP fusion. This result prompted us to investigate a collection of fusion proteins, which included different promoters, subcellular localizations and fluorophores. In all cases, fluorescence signals declined strongly or disappeared after SA application. No changes were detected in GFP-fusion protein abundance when fluorescence signals were lost indicating that SA does not interfere with protein stability but GFP fluorescence. In vitro experiments showed that SA caused GFP fluorescence reduction only in vivo but not in vitro, suggesting that SA requires cellular components to cause fluorescence reduction. Together, we conclude that SA can interfere with the fluorescence of various GFP-derived reporter constructs in vivo. Assays that measure relocation or turnover of GFP-tagged proteins upon SA treatment should therefore be evaluated with caution. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Facility Monitoring: A Qualitative Theory for Sensor Fusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Figueroa, Fernando

2001-01-01

Data fusion and sensor management approaches have largely been implemented with centralized and hierarchical architectures. Numerical and statistical methods are the most common data fusion methods found in these systems. Given the proliferation and low cost of processing power, there is now an emphasis on designing distributed and decentralized systems. These systems use analytical/quantitative techniques or qualitative reasoning methods for date fusion.Based on other work by the author, a sensor may be treated as a highly autonomous (decentralized) unit. Each highly autonomous sensor (HAS) is capable of extracting qualitative behaviours from its data. For example, it detects spikes, disturbances, noise levels, off-limit excursions, step changes, drift, and other typical measured trends. In this context, this paper describes a distributed sensor fusion paradigm and theory where each sensor in the system is a HAS. Hence, given the reach qualitative information from each HAS, a paradigm and formal definitions are given so that sensors and processes can reason and make decisions at the qualitative level. This approach to sensor fusion makes it possible the implementation of intuitive (effective) methods to monitor, diagnose, and compensate processes/systems and their sensors. This paradigm facilitates a balanced distribution of intelligence (code and/or hardware) to the sensor level, the process/system level, and a higher controller level. The primary application of interest is in intelligent health management of rocket engine test stands.

FUSION++: A New Data Assimilative Model for Electron Density Forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bust, G. S.; Comberiate, J.; Paxton, L. J.; Kelly, M.; Datta-Barua, S.

2014-12-01

There is a continuing need within the operational space weather community, both civilian and military, for accurate, robust data assimilative specifications and forecasts of the global electron density field, as well as derived RF application product specifications and forecasts obtained from the electron density field. The spatial scales of interest range from a hundred to a few thousand kilometers horizontally (synoptic large scale structuring) and meters to kilometers (small scale structuring that cause scintillations). RF space weather applications affected by electron density variability on these scales include navigation, communication and geo-location of RF frequencies ranging from 100's of Hz to GHz. For many of these applications, the necessary forecast time periods range from nowcasts to 1-3 hours. For more "mission planning" applications, necessary forecast times can range from hours to days. In this paper we present a new ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) specification and forecast model being developed at JHU/APL based upon the well-known data assimilation algorithms Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four Dimensional (IDA4D) and Estimating Model Parameters from Ionospheric Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE). This new forecast model, "Forward Update Simple IONosphere model Plus IDA4D Plus EMPIRE (FUSION++), ingests data from observations related to electron density, winds, electric fields and neutral composition and provides improved specification and forecast of electron density. In addition, the new model provides improved specification of winds, electric fields and composition. We will present a short overview and derivation of the methodology behind FUSION++, some preliminary results using real observational sources, example derived RF application products such as HF bi-static propagation, and initial comparisons with independent data sources for validation.

Radiological Determination of Postoperative Cervical Fusion: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Rhee, John M; Chapman, Jens R; Norvell, Daniel C; Smith, Justin; Sherry, Ned A; Riew, K Daniel

2015-07-01

Systematic review. To determine best criteria for radiological determination of postoperative subaxial cervical fusion to be applied to current clinical practice and ongoing future research assessing fusion to standardize assessment and improve comparability. Despite availability of multiple imaging modalities and criteria, there remains no method of determining cervical fusion with absolute certainty, nor clear consensus on specific criteria to be applied. A systematic search in MEDLINE/Cochrane Collaboration Library (through March 2014). Included studies assessed C2 to C7 via anterior or posterior approach, at 12 weeks or more postoperative, with any graft or implant. Overall body of evidence with respect to 6 posited key questions was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality precepts. Of plain radiographical modalities, there is moderate evidence that the interspinous process motion method (<1 mm) is more accurate than the Cobb angle method for assessing anterior cervical fusion. Of the advanced imaging modalities, there is moderate evidence that computed tomography (CT) is more accurate and reliable than magnetic resonance imaging in assessing anterior cervical fusion. There is insufficient evidence regarding the optimal modality and criteria for assessing posterior cervical fusions and insufficient evidence to support a single time point after surgery as being optimal for determining fusion, although some evidence suggest that reliability of radiography and CT improves with increasing time postoperatively. We recommend using less than 1-mm motion as the initial modality for determining anterior cervical arthrodesis for both clinical and research applications. If further imaging is needed because of indeterminate radiographical evaluation, we recommend CT, which has relatively high accuracy and reliability, but due to greater radiation exposure and cost, it is not routinely suggested. We recommend that plain radiographs also be the initial method of determining posterior cervical fusion but suggest a lower threshold for obtaining CT scans because dynamic radiographs may not be as useful if spinous processes have been removed by laminectomy. 1.

Application of imaging fusion combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detection of hepatic cellular carcinomas undetectable by conventional ultrasound.

PubMed

Dong, Yi; Wang, Wen-Ping; Mao, Feng; Ji, Zheng-Biao; Huang, Bei-Jian

2016-04-01

The aim of this study is to explore the value of volume navigation image fusion-assisted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detection for radiofrequency ablation guidance of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), which were undetectable on conventional ultrasound. From May 2012 to May 2014, 41 patients with 49 HCCs were included in this study. All lesions were detected by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and planned for radiofrequency ablation but were undetectable on conventional ultrasound. After a bolus injection of 2.4 ml SonoVue® (Bracco, Italy), LOGIQ E9 ultrasound system with volume navigation system (version R1.0.5, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) was used to fuse CEUS and MRI images. The fusion time, fusion success rate, lesion enhancement pattern, and detection rate were analyzed. Image fusions were conducted successfully in 49 HCCs, the technical success rate was 100%. The average fusion time was (9.2 ± 2.1) min (6-12 min). The mean diameter of HCCs was 25.2 ± 5.3 mm (mean ± SD), and mean depth was 41.8 ± 17.2 mm. The detection rate of HCCs using CEUS/MRI imaging fusion (95.9%, 47/49) was significantly higher than CEUS (42.9%, 21/49) (P < 0.05). For small HCCs (diameter, 1-2 cm), the detection rate using imaging fusion (96.9%, 32/33) was also significantly higher than CEUS (18.2%, 6/33) (P < 0.01). All HCCs displayed a rapid wash-in pattern in the arterial phase of CEUS. Imaging fusion combining CEUS and MRI is a promising technique to improve the detection, precise localization, and accurate diagnosis of undetectable HCCs on conventional ultrasound, especially small and atypical HCCs. © 2015 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Designing proteins for therapeutic applications.

PubMed

Lazar, Greg A; Marshall, Shannon A; Plecs, Joseph J; Mayo, Stephen L; Desjarlais, John R

2003-08-01

Protein design is becoming an increasingly useful tool for optimizing protein drugs and creating novel biotherapeutics. Recent progress includes the engineering of monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, enzymes and viral fusion inhibitors.

Surgical apgar score in patients undergoing lumbar fusion for degenerative spine diseases.

PubMed

Ou, Chien-Yu; Hsu, Shih-Yuan; Huang, Jian-Hao; Huang, Yu-Hua

2017-01-01

Lumbar fusion is a procedure broadly performed for degenerative diseases of spines, but it is not without significant morbidities. Surgical Apgar Score (SAS), based on intraoperative blood loss, blood pressure, and heart rate, was developed for prognostic prediction in general and vascular operations. We aimed to examine whether the application of SAS in patients undergoing fusion procedures for degeneration of lumbar spines predicts in-hospital major complications. One hundred and ninety-nine patients that underwent lumbar fusion operation for spine degeneration were enrolled in this retrospective study. Based on whether major complications were present (N=16) or not (N=183), the patients were subdivided. We identified the intergroup differences in SAS and clinical parameters. The incidence of in-hospital major complications was 8%. The duration of hospital stay for the morbid patents was significantly prolonged (p=0.04). In the analysis of multivariable logistic regression, SAS was an independent predicting factor of the complications after lumbar fusion for degenerative spine diseases [p=0.001; odds ratio (95% confidence interval)=0.35 (0.19-0.64)]. Lower scores were accompanied with higher rates of major complications, and the area was 0.872 under the receiver operating characteristic curve. SAS is an independent predicting factor of major complications in patients after fusion surgery for degenerative diseases of lumbar spines, and provides good risk discrimination. Since the scoring system is relatively simple, objective, and practical, we suggest that SAS be included as an indicator in the guidance for level of care after lumbar fusion surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-atlas segmentation with joint label fusion and corrective learning—an open source implementation

PubMed Central

Wang, Hongzhi; Yushkevich, Paul A.

2013-01-01

Label fusion based multi-atlas segmentation has proven to be one of the most competitive techniques for medical image segmentation. This technique transfers segmentations from expert-labeled images, called atlases, to a novel image using deformable image registration. Errors produced by label transfer are further reduced by label fusion that combines the results produced by all atlases into a consensus solution. Among the proposed label fusion strategies, weighted voting with spatially varying weight distributions derived from atlas-target intensity similarity is a simple and highly effective label fusion technique. However, one limitation of most weighted voting methods is that the weights are computed independently for each atlas, without taking into account the fact that different atlases may produce similar label errors. To address this problem, we recently developed the joint label fusion technique and the corrective learning technique, which won the first place of the 2012 MICCAI Multi-Atlas Labeling Challenge and was one of the top performers in 2013 MICCAI Segmentation: Algorithms, Theory and Applications (SATA) challenge. To make our techniques more accessible to the scientific research community, we describe an Insight-Toolkit based open source implementation of our label fusion methods. Our implementation extends our methods to work with multi-modality imaging data and is more suitable for segmentation problems with multiple labels. We demonstrate the usage of our tools through applying them to the 2012 MICCAI Multi-Atlas Labeling Challenge brain image dataset and the 2013 SATA challenge canine leg image dataset. We report the best results on these two datasets so far. PMID:24319427

Heterogeneous classifier fusion for ligand-based virtual screening: or, how decision making by committee can be a good thing.

PubMed

Riniker, Sereina; Fechner, Nikolas; Landrum, Gregory A

2013-11-25

The concept of data fusion - the combination of information from different sources describing the same object with the expectation to generate a more accurate representation - has found application in a very broad range of disciplines. In the context of ligand-based virtual screening (VS), data fusion has been applied to combine knowledge from either different active molecules or different fingerprints to improve similarity search performance. Machine-learning (ML) methods based on fusion of multiple homogeneous classifiers, in particular random forests, have also been widely applied in the ML literature. The heterogeneous version of classifier fusion - fusing the predictions from different model types - has been less explored. Here, we investigate heterogeneous classifier fusion for ligand-based VS using three different ML methods, RF, naïve Bayes (NB), and logistic regression (LR), with four 2D fingerprints, atom pairs, topological torsions, RDKit fingerprint, and circular fingerprint. The methods are compared using a previously developed benchmarking platform for 2D fingerprints which is extended to ML methods in this article. The original data sets are filtered for difficulty, and a new set of challenging data sets from ChEMBL is added. Data sets were also generated for a second use case: starting from a small set of related actives instead of diverse actives. The final fused model consistently outperforms the other approaches across the broad variety of targets studied, indicating that heterogeneous classifier fusion is a very promising approach for ligand-based VS. The new data sets together with the adapted source code for ML methods are provided in the Supporting Information .

Brief communication: timing of spheno-occipital closure in modern Western Australians.

PubMed

Franklin, Daniel; Flavel, Ambika

2014-01-01

The spheno-occipital synchondrosis is a craniofacial growth centre between the occipital and sphenoid bones-its ossification persists into adolescence, which for the skeletal biologist, means it has potential application for estimating subadult age. Based on previous research the timing of spheno-occipital fusion is widely variable between and within populations, with reports of complete fusion in individuals as young as 11 years of age and nonfusion in adults. The aim of this study is, therefore, to examine this structure in a mixed sex sample of Western Australian individuals that developmentally span late childhood to adulthood. The objective is to develop statistically quantified age estimation standards based on scoring the degree of spheno-occipital fusion. The sample comprises multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans of 312 individuals (169 male; 143 female) between 5 and 25 years of age. Each MDCT scan is visualized in a standardized sagittal plane using three-dimensional oblique multiplanar reformatting. Fusion status is scored according to a four-stage system. Transition analysis is used to calculate age ranges for each defined stage and determine the mean age for transition between an unfused, fusing and fused status. The maximum likelihood estimates for the transition from open to fusing in the endocranial half is 14.44 years (male) and 11.42 years (female); transition from fusion in the ectocranial half to complete fusion is 16.16 years (male) and 13.62 years (female). This study affirms the potential value of assessing the degree of fusion in the spheno-occipital synchondrosis as an indicator of skeletal age. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A multipurpose fusion tag derived from an unstructured and hyperacidic region of the amyloid precursor protein

PubMed Central

Sangawa, Takeshi; Tabata, Sanae; Suzuki, Kei; Saheki, Yasushi; Tanaka, Keiji; Takagi, Junichi

2013-01-01

Expression and purification of aggregation-prone and disulfide-containing proteins in Escherichia coli remains as a major hurdle for structural and functional analyses of high-value target proteins. Here, we present a novel gene-fusion strategy that greatly simplifies purification and refolding procedure at very low cost using a unique hyperacidic module derived from the human amyloid precursor protein. Fusion with this polypeptide (dubbed FATT for Flag-Acidic-Target Tag) results in near-complete soluble expression of variety of extracellular proteins, which can be directly refolded in the crude bacterial lysate and purified in one-step by anion exchange chromatography. Application of this system enabled preparation of functionally active extracellular enzymes and antibody fragments without the need for condition optimization. PMID:23526492

Summary of the IEA workshop/working group meeting on ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion

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

Klueh, R.L.

1997-04-01

An International Energy Agency (IEA) Working Group on Ferritic/Martensitic Steels for Fusion Applications, consisting of researchers from Japan, the European Union, the United States, and Switzerland, met at the headquarters of the Joint European Torus (JET), Culham, United Kingdom, 24-25 October 1996. At the meeting preliminary data generated on the large heats of steel purchased for the IEA program and on other heats of steels were presented and discussed. The second purpose of the meeting was to continue planning and coordinating the collaborative test program in progress on reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic steels. The next meeting will be held in conjunction withmore » the International Conference on Fusion Reactor Materials (ICFRM-8) in Sendai, Japan, 23-31 October 1997.« less

Application of Recommended Design Practices for Conceptual Nuclear Fusion Space Propulsion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Craig H.

2004-01-01

An AIAA Special Project Report was recently produced by AIAA's Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion Technical Committee and is currently in peer review. The Report provides recommended design practices for conceptual engineering studies of nuclear fusion space propulsion systems. Discussion and recommendations are made on key topics including design reference missions, degree of technological extrapolation and concomitant risk, thoroughness in calculating mass properties (nominal mass properties, weight-growth contingency and propellant margins, and specific impulse), and thoroughness in calculating power generation and usage (power-flow, power contingencies, specific power). The report represents a general consensus of the nuclear fusion space propulsion system conceptual design community and proposes 15 recommendations. This paper expands on the Report by providing specific examples illustrating how to apply each of the recommendations.

Thermal phase diagram of acetamide-benzoic acid and benzoic acid-phthalimide binary systems for solar thermal applications

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

Kumar, Rohitash, E-mail: dootrohit1976@gmail.com; Department of Physics & Center for Solar Energy, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India 342011, +91-291-2449045; Kumar, Ravindra

2016-05-06

Thermal properties of Acetamide (AM) – Benzoic acid (BA) and Benzoic acid (BA) – Phthalimide (PM) binary eutectic systems are theoretically calculated using thermodynamic principles. We found that the binary systems of AM-BA at 67.6 : 32.4 molar ratio, BA-PM at 89.7 : 10.3 molar ratio form eutectic mixtures with melting temperatures ~ 54.5 °C and 114.3 °C respectively. Calculated latent heat of fusion for these eutectic mixtures are 191 kJ/kg and 146.5 kJ/kg respectively. These melting temperatures and heat of fusions of these eutectic mixtures make them suitable for thermal energy storage applications in solar water heating and solarmore » cooking systems.« less

Recombinant protein expression and purification: a comprehensive review of affinity tags and microbial applications.

PubMed

Young, Carissa L; Britton, Zachary T; Robinson, Anne S

2012-05-01

Protein fusion tags are indispensible tools used to improve recombinant protein expression yields, enable protein purification, and accelerate the characterization of protein structure and function. Solubility-enhancing tags, genetically engineered epitopes, and recombinant endoproteases have resulted in a versatile array of combinatorial elements that facilitate protein detection and purification in microbial hosts. In this comprehensive review, we evaluate the most frequently used solubility-enhancing and affinity tags. Furthermore, we provide summaries of well-characterized purification strategies that have been used to increase product yields and have widespread application in many areas of biotechnology including drug discovery, therapeutics, and pharmacology. This review serves as an excellent literature reference for those working on protein fusion tags. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A comparative study of multi-sensor data fusion methods for highly accurate assessment of manufactured parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannachi, Ammar; Kohler, Sophie; Lallement, Alex; Hirsch, Ernest

2015-04-01

3D modeling of scene contents takes an increasing importance for many computer vision based applications. In particular, industrial applications of computer vision require efficient tools for the computation of this 3D information. Routinely, stereo-vision is a powerful technique to obtain the 3D outline of imaged objects from the corresponding 2D images. As a consequence, this approach provides only a poor and partial description of the scene contents. On another hand, for structured light based reconstruction techniques, 3D surfaces of imaged objects can often be computed with high accuracy. However, the resulting active range data in this case lacks to provide data enabling to characterize the object edges. Thus, in order to benefit from the positive points of various acquisition techniques, we introduce in this paper promising approaches, enabling to compute complete 3D reconstruction based on the cooperation of two complementary acquisition and processing techniques, in our case stereoscopic and structured light based methods, providing two 3D data sets describing respectively the outlines and surfaces of the imaged objects. We present, accordingly, the principles of three fusion techniques and their comparison based on evaluation criterions related to the nature of the workpiece and also the type of the tackled application. The proposed fusion methods are relying on geometric characteristics of the workpiece, which favour the quality of the registration. Further, the results obtained demonstrate that the developed approaches are well adapted for 3D modeling of manufactured parts including free-form surfaces and, consequently quality control applications using these 3D reconstructions.

Computation Methods for NASA Data-streams for Agricultural Efficiency Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, B.; O'Hara, C. G.; Mali, P.

2007-12-01

Temporal Map Algebra (TMA) is a novel technique for analyzing time-series of satellite imageries using simple algebraic operators that treats time-series imageries as a three-dimensional dataset, where two dimensions encode planimetric position on earth surface and the third dimension encodes time. Spatio-temporal analytical processing methods such as TMA that utilize moderate spatial resolution satellite imagery having high temporal resolution to create multi-temporal composites are data intensive as well as computationally intensive. TMA analysis for multi-temporal composites provides dramatically enhanced usefulness that will yield previously unavailable capabilities to user communities, if deployment is coupled with significant High Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities; and interfaces are designed to deliver the full potential for these new technological developments. In this research, cross-platform data fusion and adaptive filtering using TMA was employed to create highly useful daily datasets and cloud-free high-temporal resolution vegetation index (VI) composites with enhanced information content for vegetation and bio-productivity monitoring, surveillance, and modeling. Fusion of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data created from Aqua and Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface-reflectance data (MOD09) enables the creation of daily composites which are of immense value to a broad spectrum of global and national applications. Additionally these products are highly desired by many natural resources agencies like USDA/FAS/PECAD. Utilizing data streams collected by similar sensors on different platforms that transit the same areas at slightly different times of the day offers the opportunity to develop fused data products that have enhanced cloud-free and reduced noise characteristics. Establishing a Fusion Quality Confidence Code (FQCC) provides a metadata product that quantifies the method of fusion for a given pixel and enables a relative quality and confidence factor to be established for a given daily pixel value. When coupled with metadata that quantify the source sensor, day and time of acquisition, and the fusion method of each pixel to create the daily product; a wealth of information is available to assist in deriving new data and information products. These newly developed abilities to create highly useful daily data sets imply that temporal composites for a geographic area of interest may be created for user-defined temporal intervals that emphasize a user designated day of interest. At GeoResources Institute, Mississippi State University, solutions have been developed to create custom composites and cross-platform satellite data fusion using TMA which are useful for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Rapid Prototyping Capability (RPC) and Integrated System Solutions (ISS) experiments for agricultural applications.

The Terra Data Fusion Project: An Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Girolamo, L.; Bansal, S.; Butler, M.; Fu, D.; Gao, Y.; Lee, H. J.; Liu, Y.; Lo, Y. L.; Raila, D.; Turner, K.; Towns, J.; Wang, S. W.; Yang, K.; Zhao, G.

2017-12-01

Terra is the flagship of NASA's Earth Observing System. Launched in 1999, Terra's five instruments continue to gather data that enable scientists to address fundamental Earth science questions. By design, the strength of the Terra mission has always been rooted in its five instruments and the ability to fuse the instrument data together for obtaining greater quality of information for Earth Science compared to individual instruments alone. As the data volume grows and the central Earth Science questions move towards problems requiring decadal-scale data records, the need for data fusion and the ability for scientists to perform large-scale analytics with long records have never been greater. The challenge is particularly acute for Terra, given its growing volume of data (> 1 petabyte), the storage of different instrument data at different archive centers, the different file formats and projection systems employed for different instrument data, and the inadequate cyberinfrastructure for scientists to access and process whole-mission fusion data (including Level 1 data). Sharing newly derived Terra products with the rest of the world also poses challenges. As such, the Terra Data Fusion Project aims to resolve two long-standing problems: 1) How do we efficiently generate and deliver Terra data fusion products? 2) How do we facilitate the use of Terra data fusion products by the community in generating new products and knowledge through national computing facilities, and disseminate these new products and knowledge through national data sharing services? Here, we will provide an update on significant progress made in addressing these problems by working with NASA and leveraging national facilities managed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). The problems that we faced in deriving and delivering Terra L1B2 basic, reprojected and cloud-element fusion products, such as data transfer, data fusion, processing on different computer architectures, science, and sharing, will be presented with quantitative specifics. Results from several science-specific drivers for Terra fusion products will also be presented. We demonstrate that the Terra Data Fusion Project itself provides an excellent use-case for the community addressing Big Data and cyberinfrastructure problems.

Enhancing hyperspectral spatial resolution using multispectral image fusion: A wavelet approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jazaeri, Amin

High spectral and spatial resolution images have a significant impact in remote sensing applications. Because both spatial and spectral resolutions of spaceborne sensors are fixed by design and it is not possible to further increase the spatial or spectral resolution, techniques such as image fusion must be applied to achieve such goals. This dissertation introduces the concept of wavelet fusion between hyperspectral and multispectral sensors in order to enhance the spectral and spatial resolution of a hyperspectral image. To test the robustness of this concept, images from Hyperion (hyperspectral sensor) and Advanced Land Imager (multispectral sensor) were first co-registered and then fused using different wavelet algorithms. A regression-based fusion algorithm was also implemented for comparison purposes. The results show that the fused images using a combined bi-linear wavelet-regression algorithm have less error than other methods when compared to the ground truth. In addition, a combined regression-wavelet algorithm shows more immunity to misalignment of the pixels due to the lack of proper registration. The quantitative measures of average mean square error show that the performance of wavelet-based methods degrades when the spatial resolution of hyperspectral images becomes eight times less than its corresponding multispectral image. Regardless of what method of fusion is utilized, the main challenge in image fusion is image registration, which is also a very time intensive process. Because the combined regression wavelet technique is computationally expensive, a hybrid technique based on regression and wavelet methods was also implemented to decrease computational overhead. However, the gain in faster computation was offset by the introduction of more error in the outcome. The secondary objective of this dissertation is to examine the feasibility and sensor requirements for image fusion for future NASA missions in order to be able to perform onboard image fusion. In this process, the main challenge of image registration was resolved by registering the input images using transformation matrices of previously acquired data. The composite image resulted from the fusion process remarkably matched the ground truth, indicating the possibility of real time onboard fusion processing.

Nuclear fusion of advanced fuels using converging focused ion beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egle, Brian James

The Six Ion Gun Fusion Experiment (SIGFE) was designed and built to investigate a possible avenue to increase the reaction rate efficiency of the D-D and D-3He nuclear fusion reactions in Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) devices to the levels required for several non-electric applications of nuclear fusion. The SIGFE is based on the seminal IEC experiment published by Hirsch in 1967, and is the first experiment to recreate the results and unique features of the Hirsch device. The SIGFE used six identical ion beams to focus and converge deuterium and helium-3 ions into a sphere of less than 2 mm at nearly mono-energetic ion energies up to 150 keV. With improved ion optics and diagnostics, the SIGFE concluded that within the investigated parameter space, the region where the ion beams converged accounted for less than 0.2% of the total D-D fusion reactions. The maximum D-D fusion rates were observed when the ion beams were intentionally defocused to strike the inside surface of the cathode lenses. In this defocused state, the total D-D fusion rate increased when the chamber pressure was decreased. The maximum D-D fusion rate was 4.3 x 107 neutrons per second at a cathode voltage of -130 kV, a total cathode current of 10 mA, and a chamber pressure of 27 mPa. The D and 3He ion beams were produced in six self-contained ion gun modules. The modules were each capable of at least 4 mA of ion current while maintaining a main chamber pressure as low as 13 mPa. The theoretically calculated extractable ion current agreed with the experiment within a factor of 2. A concept was also developed and evaluated for the production of radioisotopes from the 14.7 MeV D-3He fusion protons produced in an IEC device. Monte Carlo simulations of this concept determined that a D-3He fusion rate on the order of 1011 s-1 would be required for an IEC device to produce 1 mCi of the 11C radioisotope.

Nuclear Fusion prize laudation Nuclear Fusion prize laudation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkart, W.

2011-01-01

Clean energy in abundance will be of critical importance to the pursuit of world peace and development. As part of the IAEA's activities to facilitate the dissemination of fusion related science and technology, the journal Nuclear Fusion is intended to contribute to the realization of such energy from fusion. In 2010, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the IAEA journal. The excellence of research published in the journal is attested to by its high citation index. The IAEA recognizes excellence by means of an annual prize awarded to the authors of papers judged to have made the greatest impact. On the occasion of the 2010 IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in Daejeon, Republic of Korea at the welcome dinner hosted by the city of Daejeon, we celebrated the achievements of the 2009 and 2010 Nuclear Fusion prize winners. Steve Sabbagh, from the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York is the winner of the 2009 award for his paper: 'Resistive wall stabilized operation in rotating high beta NSTX plasmas' [1]. This is a landmark paper which reports record parameters of beta in a large spherical torus plasma and presents a thorough investigation of the physics of resistive wall mode (RWM) instability. The paper makes a significant contribution to the critical topic of RWM stabilization. John Rice, from the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT, Cambridge is the winner of the 2010 award for his paper: 'Inter-machine comparison of intrinsic toroidal rotation in tokamaks' [2]. The 2010 award is for a seminal paper that analyzes results across a range of machines in order to develop a universal scaling that can be used to predict intrinsic rotation. This paper has already triggered a wealth of experimental and theoretical work. I congratulate both authors and their colleagues on these exceptional papers. W. Burkart Deputy Director General Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria References [1] Sabbagh S. et al 2006 Nucl. Fusion 46 635-44 [2] Rice J.E. et al 2007 Nucl. Fusion 47 1618-24

An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

ESD-TR-89-305 MTR-10542 An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking By John K. Barr August 1989...NO 11. TITLE (Include Security Classification) An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking 12...by block number) Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Scanner Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Fusion (continued) 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on

Application and evaluation of ISVR method in QuickBird image fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Bo; Song, Xiaolu

2014-05-01

QuickBird satellite images are widely used in many fields, and applications have put forward high requirements for the integration of the spatial information and spectral information of the imagery. A fusion method for high resolution remote sensing images based on ISVR is identified in this study. The core principle of ISVS is taking the advantage of radicalization targeting to remove the effect of different gain and error of satellites' sensors. Transformed from DN to radiance, the multi-spectral image's energy is used to simulate the panchromatic band. The linear regression analysis is carried through the simulation process to find a new synthetically panchromatic image, which is highly linearly correlated to the original panchromatic image. In order to evaluate, test and compare the algorithm results, this paper used ISVR and other two different fusion methods to give a comparative study of the spatial information and spectral information, taking the average gradient and the correlation coefficient as an indicator. Experiments showed that this method could significantly improve the quality of fused image, especially in preserving spectral information, to maximize the spectral information of original multispectral images, while maintaining abundant spatial information.

A hybrid model for computing nonthermal ion distributions in a long mean-free-path plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xianzhu; McDevitt, Chris; Guo, Zehua; Berk, Herb

2014-10-01

Non-thermal ions, especially the suprathermal ones, are known to make a dominant contribution to a number of important physics such as the fusion reactivity in controlled fusion, the ion heat flux, and in the case of a tokamak, the ion bootstrap current. Evaluating the deviation from a local Maxwellian distribution of these non-thermal ions can be a challenging task in the context of a global plasma fluid model that evolves the plasma density, flow, and temperature. Here we describe a hybrid model for coupling such constrained kinetic calculation to global plasma fluid models. The key ingredient is a non-perturbative treatment of the tail ions where the ion Knudsen number approaches or surpasses order unity. This can be sharply constrasted with the standard Chapman-Enskog approach which relies on a perturbative treatment that is frequently invalidated. The accuracy of our coupling scheme is controlled by the precise criteria for matching the non-perturbative kinetic model to perturbative solutions in both configuration space and velocity space. Although our specific application examples will be drawn from laboratory controlled fusion experiments, the general approach is applicable to space and astrophysical plasmas as well. Work supported by DOE.

Dust trajectories and diagnostic applications beyond strongly coupled dusty plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhehui; Ticoş, Cǎtǎlin M.; Wurden, Glen A.

2007-10-01

Plasma interaction with dust is of growing interest for a number of reasons. On the one hand, dusty plasma research has become one of the most vibrant branches of plasma science. On the other hand, substantially less is known about dust dynamics outside the laboratory strongly coupled dusty-plasma regime, which typically corresponds to 1015m-3 electron density with ions at room temperature. Dust dynamics is also important to magnetic fusion because of concerns about safety and potential dust contamination of the fusion core. Dust trajectories are measured under two plasma conditions, both of which have larger densities and hotter ions than in typical dusty plasmas. Plasma-flow drag force, dominating over other forces in flowing plasmas, can explain the dust motion. In addition, quantitative understanding of dust trajectories is the basis for diagnostic applications using dust. Observation of hypervelocity dust in laboratory enables dust as diagnostic tool (hypervelocity dust injection) in magnetic fusion. In colder plasmas (˜10eV or less), dust with known physical and chemical properties can be used as microparticle tracers to measure both the magnitude and directions of flows in plasmas with good spatial resolution as the microparticle tracer velocimetry.

Focus measure method based on the modulus of the gradient of the color planes for digital microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurtado-Pérez, Román; Toxqui-Quitl, Carina; Padilla-Vivanco, Alfonso; Aguilar-Valdez, J. Félix; Ortega-Mendoza, Gabriel

2018-02-01

The modulus of the gradient of the color planes (MGC) is implemented to transform multichannel information to a grayscale image. This digital technique is used in two applications: (a) focus measurements during autofocusing (AF) process and (b) extending the depth of field (EDoF) by means of multifocus image fusion. In the first case, the MGC procedure is based on an edge detection technique and is implemented in over 15 focus metrics that are typically handled in digital microscopy. The MGC approach is tested on color images of histological sections for the selection of in-focus images. An appealing attribute of all the AF metrics working in the MGC space is their monotonic behavior even up to a magnification of 100×. An advantage of the MGC method is its computational simplicity and inherent parallelism. In the second application, a multifocus image fusion algorithm based on the MGC approach has been implemented on graphics processing units (GPUs). The resulting fused images are evaluated using a nonreference image quality metric. The proposed fusion method reveals a high-quality image independently of faulty illumination during the image acquisition. Finally, the three-dimensional visualization of the in-focus image is shown.

Application of proton boron fusion reaction to radiation therapy: A Monte Carlo simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Do-Kun; Jung, Joo-Young; Suh, Tae Suk

2014-12-01

Three alpha particles are emitted from the point of reaction between a proton and boron. The alpha particles are effective in inducing the death of a tumor cell. After boron is accumulated in the tumor region, the emitted from outside the body proton can react with the boron in the tumor region. An increase of the proton's maximum dose level is caused by the boron and only the tumor cell is damaged more critically. In addition, a prompt gamma ray is emitted from the proton boron reaction point. Here, we show that the effectiveness of the proton boron fusion therapy was verified using Monte Carlo simulations. We found that a dramatic increase by more than half of the proton's maximum dose level was induced by the boron in the tumor region. This increase occurred only when the proton's maximum dose point was located within the boron uptake region. In addition, the 719 keV prompt gamma ray peak produced by the proton boron fusion reaction was positively detected. This therapy method features the advantages such as the application of Bragg-peak to the therapy, the accurate targeting of tumor, improved therapy effects, and the monitoring of the therapy region during treatment.

A Novel Remote Rehabilitation System with the Fusion of Noninvasive Wearable Device and Motion Sensing for Pulmonary Patients.

PubMed

Tey, Chuang-Kit; An, Jinyoung; Chung, Wan-Young

2017-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a type of lung disease caused by chronically poor airflow that makes breathing difficult. As a chronic illness, it typically worsens over time. Therefore, pulmonary rehabilitation exercises and patient management for extensive periods of time are required. This paper presents a remote rehabilitation system for a multimodal sensors-based application for patients who have chronic breathing difficulties. The process involves the fusion of sensory data-captured motion data by stereo-camera and photoplethysmogram signal by a wearable PPG sensor-that are the input variables of a detection and evaluation framework. In addition, we incorporated a set of rehabilitation exercises specific for pulmonary patients into the system by fusing sensory data. Simultaneously, the system also features medical functions that accommodate the needs of medical professionals and those which ease the use of the application for patients, including exercises for tracking progress, patient performance, exercise assignments, and exercise guidance. Finally, the results indicate the accurate determination of pulmonary exercises from the fusion of sensory data. This remote rehabilitation system provides a comfortable and cost-effective option in the healthcare rehabilitation system.

Generation of the neutron response function of an NE213 scintillator for fusion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binda, F.; Eriksson, J.; Ericsson, G.; Hellesen, C.; Conroy, S.; Nocente, M.; Sundén, E. Andersson; JET Contributors

2017-09-01

In this work we present a method to evaluate the neutron response function of an NE213 liquid scintillator. This method is particularly useful when the proton light yield function of the detector has not been measured, since it is based on a proton light yield function taken from literature, MCNPX simulations, measurements of gamma-rays from a calibration source and measurements of neutrons from fusion experiments with ohmic plasmas. The inclusion of the latter improves the description of the proton light yield function in the energy range of interest (around 2.46 MeV). We apply this method to an NE213 detector installed at JET, inside the radiation shielding of the magnetic proton recoil (MPRu) spectrometer, and present the results from the calibration along with some examples of application of the response function to perform neutron emission spectroscopy (NES) of fusion plasmas. We also investigate how the choice of the proton light yield function affects the NES analysis, finding that the result does not change significantly. This points to the fact that the method for the evaluation of the neutron response function is robust and gives reliable results.

Novel splice techniques and micro-hole collapse effect in photonic crystal fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Limin

Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) represent one of the most active research areas today in the field of fiber optics. Because of the freedom they offer in their design and novel wave-guiding properties, PCFs have resulted in a number of applications that are difficult to achieve with conventional fibers. In practical applications, low-loss connection PCFs with conventional fibers is a key issue for integrating PCF devices into existing fiber optic systems. However, connecting PCFs to conventional fibers without incurring too much loss is a very challenging problem. Two novel techniques were proposed to solve this problem in the thesis. One is fusion splicing technique; the other is micro-tip technique. First, fusion splicing technique for PCFs is investigated. For fusion splicing SMFs and PCFs having similar mode field diameters, a low-loss joint with good mechanical strength can be formed by choosing a suitably weak fusion current, short fusion time, offset and overlap to minimize the collapse of air holes and well melt two fibers together. For small-core PCFs, an optimum mode field match and an adiabatic mode field variation can be achieved by repeated arc discharges. Low-loss fusion splicing of five different PCFs with SMFs are achieved, including large mode PCF, hollow-core PCF, nonlinear PCFs with low and high air-filling fraction and polarization maintaining PCF. The other novel technique is using micro-tips. The method is based on growing photopolymer micro-tips directly on the end face of SMFs. The shape and the size of the tips can be controlled, by adjusting the laser power, the exposure time and the oxygen diffusion concentration for polymerization, to match its mode field to the small-core PCFs. Micro-hole collapse effect can be used to fabricate selective injection PCFs. The suitable arc discharge energy can cause the cladding holes to collapse while leaving the central hollow core to remain open. Thus a simple method for selective filling the central hole of PCFs is developed. Hybrid PCF guides light by a novel guiding mechanism, which is a combination of index-guiding and bandgap-guiding. The properties of the hybrid PCF are systematically investigated.

Identifying and Tracking Pedestrians Based on Sensor Fusion and Motion Stability Predictions

PubMed Central

Musleh, Basam; García, Fernando; Otamendi, Javier; Armingol, José Mª; de la Escalera, Arturo

2010-01-01

The lack of trustworthy sensors makes development of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) applications a tough task. It is necessary to develop intelligent systems by combining reliable sensors and real-time algorithms to send the proper, accurate messages to the drivers. In this article, an application to detect and predict the movement of pedestrians in order to prevent an imminent collision has been developed and tested under real conditions. The proposed application, first, accurately measures the position of obstacles using a two-sensor hybrid fusion approach: a stereo camera vision system and a laser scanner. Second, it correctly identifies pedestrians using intelligent algorithms based on polylines and pattern recognition related to leg positions (laser subsystem) and dense disparity maps and u-v disparity (vision subsystem). Third, it uses statistical validation gates and confidence regions to track the pedestrian within the detection zones of the sensors and predict their position in the upcoming frames. The intelligent sensor application has been experimentally tested with success while tracking pedestrians that cross and move in zigzag fashion in front of a vehicle. PMID:22163639

Identifying and tracking pedestrians based on sensor fusion and motion stability predictions.

PubMed

Musleh, Basam; García, Fernando; Otamendi, Javier; Armingol, José Maria; de la Escalera, Arturo

2010-01-01

The lack of trustworthy sensors makes development of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) applications a tough task. It is necessary to develop intelligent systems by combining reliable sensors and real-time algorithms to send the proper, accurate messages to the drivers. In this article, an application to detect and predict the movement of pedestrians in order to prevent an imminent collision has been developed and tested under real conditions. The proposed application, first, accurately measures the position of obstacles using a two-sensor hybrid fusion approach: a stereo camera vision system and a laser scanner. Second, it correctly identifies pedestrians using intelligent algorithms based on polylines and pattern recognition related to leg positions (laser subsystem) and dense disparity maps and u-v disparity (vision subsystem). Third, it uses statistical validation gates and confidence regions to track the pedestrian within the detection zones of the sensors and predict their position in the upcoming frames. The intelligent sensor application has been experimentally tested with success while tracking pedestrians that cross and move in zigzag fashion in front of a vehicle.

HaloTag Technology: A Versatile Platform for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Exploration of protein function and interaction is critical for discovering links among genomics, proteomics, and disease state; yet, the immense complexity of proteomics found in biological systems currently limits our investigational capacity. Although affinity and autofluorescent tags are widely employed for protein analysis, these methods have been met with limited success because they lack specificity and require multiple fusion tags and genetic constructs. As an alternative approach, the innovative HaloTag protein fusion platform allows protein function and interaction to be comprehensively analyzed using a single genetic construct with multiple capabilities. This is accomplished using a simplified process, in which a variable HaloTag ligand binds rapidly to the HaloTag protein (usually linked to the protein of interest) with high affinity and specificity. In this review, we examine all current applications of the HaloTag technology platform for biomedical applications, such as the study of protein isolation and purification, protein function, protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions, biological assays, in vitro cellular imaging, and in vivo molecular imaging. In addition, novel uses of the HaloTag platform are briefly discussed along with potential future applications. PMID:25974629

Chain Rule Approach for Calculating the Time-Derivative of Flux

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

Langenbrunner, James R.; Booker, Jane M.

The reaction history (gamma-flux observable) is mathematically studied by using the chain rule for taking the total-time derivatives. That is, the total time-derivative of flux is written as the product of the ion temperature derivative with respect to time and the derivative of the flux with respect to ion temperature. Some equations are derived using the further simplification that the fusion reactivity is a parametrized function of ion temperature, T. Deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion is used as the application with reactivity calculations from three established reactivity parametrizations.

Next-generation laser for Inertial Confinement Fusion

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

Marshall, C.D.; Deach, R.J.; Bibeau, C.

1997-09-29

We report on the progress in developing and building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of a new generation of diode- pumped solid-state Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) lasers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Mercury will be the first integrated demonstration of a scalable laser architecture compatible with advanced high energy density (HED) physics applications. Primary performance goals include 10% efficiencies at 10 Hz and a 1-10 ns pulse with 1 omega energies of 100 J and with 2 omega/3 omega frequency conversion.

Lasers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schewe, Phillip F.

1981-01-01

Examines the nature of laser light. Topics include: (1) production and characteristics of laser light; (2) nine types of lasers; (3) five laser techniques including holography; (4) laser spectroscopy; and (5) laser fusion and other applications. (SK)

[Construction, expression and characterization of the fusion gene of super-antigen SEA and single chain Fv of the ND-1 monoclonal antibody against human colorectal cancer].

PubMed

Chen, Hang; Li, Li; Fang, Jin

2012-04-01

To construct and express the recombinant ND-1-scFv/SEA, a fusion protein of superantigen (staphylococcal enterotoxinA, SEA) and single-chain variable fragment of monoclonal antibody ND-1 against human clolorectal carcinoma, and to enhance the targeted killing effect of SEA. The expression of the fusion protein was induced in E.coli M15 by IPTG. Ni-NTA resin affinity chromatography was used to separate and purify the expressed product. The specific binding activity of the purified ND-1-scFv/SEA protein was examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay and the targeted-cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. The expressing vector of fusion gene ND-1scFv/SEA was constructed successfully. ND-1-scFv/SEA protein retained a high binding affinity to antigen-positive human colorectal cancer cell CCL-187 and had a stronger capability to activate PBMC and kill the target cells compared to SEA alone, with a killing rate of 91% at 4 μg/mL. ND-1-scFv/SEA fusion protein could specifically target colorectal cancer cell, enhance the activity of kill tumor cell and has potential applications in the targeted therapy of colorectal cancer.

Quark-level analogue of nuclear fusion with doubly heavy baryons.

PubMed

Karliner, Marek; Rosner, Jonathan L

2017-11-01

The essence of nuclear fusion is that energy can be released by the rearrangement of nucleons between the initial- and final-state nuclei. The recent discovery of the first doubly charmed baryon , which contains two charm quarks (c) and one up quark (u) and has a mass of about 3,621 megaelectronvolts (MeV) (the mass of the proton is 938 MeV) also revealed a large binding energy of about 130 MeV between the two charm quarks. Here we report that this strong binding enables a quark-rearrangement, exothermic reaction in which two heavy baryons (Λ c ) undergo fusion to produce the doubly charmed baryon and a neutron n (), resulting in an energy release of 12 MeV. This reaction is a quark-level analogue of the deuterium-tritium nuclear fusion reaction (DT → 4 He n). The much larger binding energy (approximately 280 MeV) between two bottom quarks (b) causes the analogous reaction with bottom quarks () to have a much larger energy release of about 138 MeV. We suggest some experimental setups in which the highly exothermic nature of the fusion of two heavy-quark baryons might manifest itself. At present, however, the very short lifetimes of the heavy bottom and charm quarks preclude any practical applications of such reactions.