Bidirectional transfer between joint and individual actions in a task of discrete force production.

PubMed

Masumoto, Junya; Inui, Nobuyuki

2017-07-01

The present study examined bidirectional learning transfer between joint and individual actions involving discrete isometric force production with the right index finger. To examine the effects of practice of joint action on performance of the individual action, participants performed a pre-test (individual condition), practice blocks (joint condition), and a post-test (individual condition) (IJI task). To examine the effects of practice of the individual action on performance during the joint action, the participants performed a pre-test (joint condition), practice blocks (individual condition), and a post-test (joint condition) (JIJ task). Whereas one participant made pressing movements with a target peak force of 10% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in the individual condition, two participants produced the target force of the sum of 10% MVC produced by each of them in the joint condition. In both the IJI and JIJ tasks, absolute errors and standard deviations of peak force were smaller post-test than pre-test, indicating bidirectional transfer between individual and joint conditions for force accuracy and variability. Although the negative correlation between forces produced by two participants (complementary force production) became stronger with practice blocks in the IJI task, there was no difference between the pre- and post-tests for the negative correlation in the JIJ task. In the JIJ task, the decrease in force accuracy and variability during the individual action did not facilitate complementary force production during the joint action. This indicates that practice performed by two people is essential for complementary force production in joint action.

Design and control of a prosthetic leg for above-knee amputees operated in semi-active and active modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jinhyuk; Yoon, Gun-Ha; Kang, Je-Won; Choi, Seung-Bok

2016-08-01

This paper proposes a new prosthesis operated in two different modes; the semi-active and active modes. The semi-active mode is achieved from a flow mode magneto-rheological (MR) damper, while the active mode is obtained from an electronically commutated (EC) motor. The knee joint part of the above knee prosthesis is equipped with the MR damper and EC motor. The MR damper generates reaction force by controlling the field-dependent yield stress of the MR fluid, while the EC motor actively controls the knee joint angle during gait cycle. In this work, the MR damper is designed as a two-end type flow mode mechanism without air chamber for compact size. On other hand, in order to predict desired knee joint angle to be controlled by EC motor, a polynomial prediction function using a statistical method is used. A nonlinear proportional-derivative controller integrated with the computed torque method is then designed and applied to both MR damper and EC motor to control the knee joint angle. It is demonstrated that the desired knee joint angle is well achieved in different walking velocities on the ground ground.

Assessing interactions of binary mixtures of Penicillium mycotoxins (PMs) by using a bovine macrophage cell line (BoMacs)

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

Oh, Se-Young, E-mail: ohs@uoguelph.ca

Penicillium mycotoxins (PMs) are toxic contaminants commonly found as mixtures in animal feed. Therefore, it is important to investigate potential joint toxicity of PM mixtures. In the present study, we assessed the joint effect of binary combinations of the following PMs: citrinin (CIT), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), mycophenolic acid (MPA) and penicillic acid (PA) using independent action (IA) and concentration addition (CA) concepts. Previously published toxicity data (i.e. IC25; PM concentration that inhibited bovine macrophage (BoMacs) proliferation by 25%) were initially analyzed, and both concepts agreed that OTA + PA demonstrated synergism (p < 0.05), while PAT + PAmore » showed antagonism (p < 0.05). When a follow-up dilution study was carried out using binary combinations of PMs at three different dilution levels (i.e. IC25, 0.5 ∗ IC25, 0.25 ∗ IC25), only the mixture of CIT + OTA at 0.5 ∗ IC25 was determined to have synergism by both IA and CA concepts with Model Deviation Ratios (MDRs; the ratio of predicted versus observed effect concentrations) of 1.4 and 1.7, respectively. The joint effect of OTA + MPA, OTA + PA and CIT + PAT complied with the IA concept, while CIT + PA, PAT + MPA and PAT + PA were better predicted with the CA over the IA concept. The present study suggests to test both IA and CA concepts using multiple doses when assessing risk of mycotoxin mixtures if the mode of action is unknown. In addition, the study showed that the tested PMs could be predicted by IA or CA within an approximate two-fold certainty, raising the possibility for a joint risk assessment of mycotoxins in food and feed. - Highlights: • We investigated the potential joint toxicity of Penicillium mycotoxin (PM) mixtures. • Independent action (IA) and concentration addition (CA) concepts were used. • 7 out of 10 mixtures followed joint toxicity described by IA or CA concepts. • Both concepts agreed that CIT + OTA mixture had synergistic interaction.« less

Experimental Robot Position Sensor Fault Tolerance Using Accelerometers and Joint Torque Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aldridge, Hal A.; Juang, Jer-Nan

1997-01-01

Robot systems in critical applications, such as those in space and nuclear environments, must be able to operate during component failure to complete important tasks. One failure mode that has received little attention is the failure of joint position sensors. Current fault tolerant designs require the addition of directly redundant position sensors which can affect joint design. The proposed method uses joint torque sensors found in most existing advanced robot designs along with easily locatable, lightweight accelerometers to provide a joint position sensor fault recovery mode. This mode uses the torque sensors along with a virtual passive control law for stability and accelerometers for joint position information. Two methods for conversion from Cartesian acceleration to joint position based on robot kinematics, not integration, are presented. The fault tolerant control method was tested on several joints of a laboratory robot. The controllers performed well with noisy, biased data and a model with uncertain parameters.

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dattaguru, B.; Everett, R. A., Jr.; Whitcomb, J. D.; Johnson, W. S.

1982-01-01

A geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of cohesive failure in typical joints is presented. Cracked-lap-shear joints were chosen for analysis. Results obtained from linear and nonlinear analysis show that nonlinear effects, due to large rotations, significantly affect the calculated mode 1, crack opening, and mode 2, inplane shear, strain-energy-release rates. The ratio of the mode 1 to mode 2 strain-energy-relase rates (G1/G2) was found to be strongly affected by he adhesive modulus and the adherend thickness. The ratios between 0.2 and 0.8 can be obtained by varying adherend thickness and using either a single or double cracked-lap-shear specimen configuration. Debond growth rate data, together with the analysis, indicate that mode 1 strain-energy-release rate governs debond growth. Results from the present analysis agree well with experimentally measured joint opening displacements.

Demonstration of reconfigurable joint orbital angular momentum mode and space switching

PubMed Central

Liu, Jun; Wang, Jian

2016-01-01

We propose and demonstrate space-selective switch functions employing orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in the space domain for switching network. One is the switching among different OAM modes having different spatial phase structures, called OAM mode switching. The other is the switching among different space locations, called space switching. The switching operation mechanism relies on linear optics. Reconfigurable 4 × 4 OAM mode switching, space switching, and joint OAM mode and space switching fabric using a single spatial light modulator (SLM) are all demonstrated in the experiment. In addition, the presented OAM-incorporated space-selective switch might be further extended to N × N joint OAM mode and space switching with fast response, scalability, cascading ability and compability to facilitate robust switching applications. PMID:27869133

Demonstration of reconfigurable joint orbital angular momentum mode and space switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jun; Wang, Jian

2016-11-01

We propose and demonstrate space-selective switch functions employing orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in the space domain for switching network. One is the switching among different OAM modes having different spatial phase structures, called OAM mode switching. The other is the switching among different space locations, called space switching. The switching operation mechanism relies on linear optics. Reconfigurable 4 × 4 OAM mode switching, space switching, and joint OAM mode and space switching fabric using a single spatial light modulator (SLM) are all demonstrated in the experiment. In addition, the presented OAM-incorporated space-selective switch might be further extended to N × N joint OAM mode and space switching with fast response, scalability, cascading ability and compability to facilitate robust switching applications.

Demonstration of reconfigurable joint orbital angular momentum mode and space switching.

PubMed

Liu, Jun; Wang, Jian

2016-11-21

We propose and demonstrate space-selective switch functions employing orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in the space domain for switching network. One is the switching among different OAM modes having different spatial phase structures, called OAM mode switching. The other is the switching among different space locations, called space switching. The switching operation mechanism relies on linear optics. Reconfigurable 4 × 4 OAM mode switching, space switching, and joint OAM mode and space switching fabric using a single spatial light modulator (SLM) are all demonstrated in the experiment. In addition, the presented OAM-incorporated space-selective switch might be further extended to N × N joint OAM mode and space switching with fast response, scalability, cascading ability and compability to facilitate robust switching applications.

Joint Chiefs of Staff > About > Joint Staff Inspector General

Science.gov Websites

DD Form 2949, Joint Inspector General Action Request (available at the link below). However, if you action if you intentionally make false statements. When you sign a DD Form 2949, you are signing a . DD Form 2949, Joint Inspector General Action Request Click here to expand content Click here to

Chimpanzee ankle and foot joint kinematics: Arboreal versus terrestrial locomotion.

PubMed

Holowka, Nicholas B; O'Neill, Matthew C; Thompson, Nathan E; Demes, Brigitte

2017-09-01

Many aspects of chimpanzee ankle and midfoot joint morphology are believed to reflect adaptations for arboreal locomotion. However, terrestrial travel also constitutes a significant component of chimpanzee locomotion, complicating functional interpretations of chimpanzee and fossil hominin foot morphology. Here we tested hypotheses of foot motion and, in keeping with general assumptions, we predicted that chimpanzees would use greater ankle and midfoot joint ranges of motion during travel on arboreal supports than on the ground. We used a high-speed motion capture system to measure three-dimensional kinematics of the ankle and midfoot joints in two male chimpanzees during three locomotor modes: terrestrial quadrupedalism on a flat runway, arboreal quadrupedalism on a horizontally oriented tree trunk, and climbing on a vertically oriented tree trunk. Chimpanzees used relatively high ankle joint dorsiflexion angles during all three locomotor modes, although dorsiflexion was greatest in arboreal modes. They used higher subtalar joint coronal plane ranges of motion during terrestrial and arboreal quadrupedalism than during climbing, due in part to their use of high eversion angles in the former. Finally, they used high midfoot inversion angles during arboreal locomotor modes, but used similar midfoot sagittal plane kinematics across all locomotor modes. The results indicate that chimpanzees use large ranges of motion at their various ankle and midfoot joints during both terrestrial and arboreal locomotion. Therefore, we argue that chimpanzee foot anatomy enables a versatile locomotor repertoire, and urge caution when using foot joint morphology to reconstruct arboreal behavior in fossil hominins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Summary of Publications on the Development of Mode-of ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Chemical contaminants are formed as a consequence of chemical disinfection of public drinking waters. Chemical disinfectants, which are used to kill harmful microorganisms, react with natural organic matter (NOM), bromide, iodide, and other compounds, forming complex mixtures of potentially toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The types and concentrations of DBPs formed during disinfection and the relative proportions of the components vary depending on factors such as source water conditions (e.g., types of NOM present), disinfectant type (e.g., chlorine, ozone, chloramine), and treatment conditions (e.g., pH and temperature). To date, over 500 DBPs have been detected in treated waters. However, typically more than 50% of the organic halide mass produced by chlorination disinfection consists of unidentified chemicals, which are not measured by routine analyses of DBPs. The protocols and methods typically used to evaluate chemical mixtures are best applied to simple defined mixtures consisting of relatively few chemicals. These approaches rely on assumptions (e.g., common mode of action, independent toxic action) regarding the type of joint toxic action (e.g., dose-additivity, synergism) that might be observed. Such methods, used for site assessments or toxicological studies, are often not sufficient to estimate health risk for complex drinking water DBP mixtures. Actual drinking water exposures involve multiple chemicals, many of w

The Development of Action Planning in a Joint Action Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paulus, Markus

2016-01-01

The ability to act jointly with another person is a fundamental requirement for participation in social life. The current study examines the development of action planning in a joint action context. In 4 experiments, 3-, 5-, and 7-year-old children as well as a group of adults (n = 196) interacted with another person to operate a novel apparatus.…

Detection of damage in welded structure using experimental modal data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abu Husain, N.; Ouyang, H.

2011-07-01

A typical automotive structure could contain thousands of spot weld joints that contribute significantly to the vehicle's structural stiffness and dynamic characteristics. However, some of these joints may be imperfect or even absent during the manufacturing process and they are also highly susceptible to damage due to operational and environmental conditions during the vehicle lifetime. Therefore, early detection and estimation of damage are important so necessary actions can be taken to avoid further problems. Changes in physical parameters due to existence of damage in a structure often leads to alteration of vibration modes; thus demonstrating the dependency between the vibration characteristics and the physical properties of structures. A sensitivity-based model updating method, performed using a combination of MATLAB and NASTRAN, has been selected for the purpose of this work. The updating procedure is regarded as parameter identification which aims to bring the numerical prediction to be as closely as possible to the measured natural frequencies and mode shapes data of the damaged structure in order to identify the damage parameters (characterised by the reductions in the Young's modulus of the weld patches to indicate the loss of material/stiffness at the damage region).

Neuro-cognitive mechanisms of decision making in joint action: a human-robot interaction study.

PubMed

Bicho, Estela; Erlhagen, Wolfram; Louro, Luis; e Silva, Eliana Costa

2011-10-01

In this paper we present a model for action preparation and decision making in cooperative tasks that is inspired by recent experimental findings about the neuro-cognitive mechanisms supporting joint action in humans. It implements the coordination of actions and goals among the partners as a dynamic process that integrates contextual cues, shared task knowledge and predicted outcome of others' motor behavior. The control architecture is formalized by a system of coupled dynamic neural fields representing a distributed network of local but connected neural populations. Different pools of neurons encode task-relevant information about action means, task goals and context in the form of self-sustained activation patterns. These patterns are triggered by input from connected populations and evolve continuously in time under the influence of recurrent interactions. The dynamic model of joint action is evaluated in a task in which a robot and a human jointly construct a toy object. We show that the highly context sensitive mapping from action observation onto appropriate complementary actions allows coping with dynamically changing joint action situations. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical Model for the Study of the Strength and Failure Modes of Rock Containing Non-Persistent Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergara, Maximiliano R.; Van Sint Jan, Michel; Lorig, Loren

2016-04-01

The mechanical behavior of rock containing parallel non-persistent joint sets was studied using a numerical model. The numerical analysis was performed using the discrete element software UDEC. The use of fictitious joints allowed the inclusion of non-persistent joints in the model domain and simulating the progressive failure due to propagation of existing fractures. The material and joint mechanical parameters used in the model were obtained from experimental results. The results of the numerical model showed good agreement with the strength and failure modes observed in the laboratory. The results showed the large anisotropy in the strength resulting from variation of the joint orientation. Lower strength of the specimens was caused by the coalescence of fractures belonging to parallel joint sets. A correlation was found between geometrical parameters of the joint sets and the contribution of the joint sets strength in the global strength of the specimen. The results suggest that for the same dip angle with respect to the principal stresses; the uniaxial strength depends primarily on the joint spacing and the angle between joints tips and less on the length of the rock bridges (persistency). A relation between joint geometrical parameters was found from which the resulting failure mode can be predicted.

On the Nature of the Semiotic Structure of the Didactic Action: The Joint Action Theory in Didactics within a Comparative Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sensevy, Gérard; Gruson, Brigitte; Forest, Dominique

2015-01-01

In this paper, we first sketch the joint action theory paradigm from a general viewpoint in sciences of culture. Then we specify this generic description by focusing on the joint action theory in didactics (JATD). We elaborate on three currently developed elements of the theory: the reticence-expression dialectics; the contract-milieu dialectics,…

Joint inversion of fundamental and higher mode Rayleigh waves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luo, Y.-H.; Xia, J.-H.; Liu, J.-P.; Liu, Q.-S.

2008-01-01

In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of the phase velocity of fundamental and higher mode Rayleigh waves in a six-layer earth model. The results show that fundamental mode is more sensitive to the shear velocities of shallow layers (< 7 m) and concentrated in a very narrow band (around 18 Hz) while higher modes are more sensitive to the parameters of relatively deeper layers and distributed over a wider frequency band. These properties provide a foundation of using a multi-mode joint inversion to define S-wave velocity. Inversion results of both synthetic data and a real-world example demonstrate that joint inversion with the damped least squares method and the SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) technique to invert Rayleigh waves of fundamental and higher modes can effectively reduce the ambiguity and improve the accuracy of inverted S-wave velocities.

Debonding of Stitched Composite Joints: Testing and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaessgen, E. H.; Raju, I. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.

1999-01-01

The effect of stitches on the failure of a single lap joint configuration was determined in a combined experimental and analytical study. The experimental study was conducted to determine debond growth under static monotonic loading. The stitches were shown to delay the initiation ofthe debond and provide load transfer beyond the load necessary to completely debond the stitched lap joint. The strain energy release rates at the debond front were calculated using a finite element-based technique. Models of the unstitched configuration showed significant values of modes I and II across the width of the joint and showed that mode III is zero at the centerline but increases near the free edge. Models of the stitched configuration showed that the stitches effectively reduced mode I to zero, but had less of an effect on modes II and III.

Cooperative Engineering as a Joint Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joffredo-Le Brun, Sophie; Morellato, Mireille; Sensevy, Gérard; Quilio, Serge

2018-01-01

This paper describes some elements of a specific kind of design-based research, cooperative engineering. In the first part of the paper, we argue that cooperative engineering can be analyzed through a joint action framework. We first present some conceptual tools that the Joint Action Theory in Didactics proposes in order to understand didactic…

Joint Remote State Preparation Schemes for Two Different Quantum States Selectively

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jin

2018-05-01

The scheme for joint remote state preparation of two different one-qubit states according to requirement is proposed by using one four-dimensional spatial-mode-entangled KLM state as quantum channel. The scheme for joint remote state preparation of two different two-qubit states according to requirement is also proposed by using one four-dimensional spatial-mode-entangled KLM state and one three-dimensional spatial-mode-entangled GHZ state as quantum channels. Quantum non-demolition measurement, Hadamard gate operation, projective measurement and unitary transformation are included in the schemes.

Experimental Investigation on the Joining of Aluminum Alloy Sheets Using Improved Clinching Process.

PubMed

Chen, Chao; Zhao, Shengdun; Han, Xiaolan; Zhao, Xuzhe; Ishida, Tohru

2017-08-01

Aluminum alloy sheets have been widely used to build the thin-walled structures by mechanical clinching technology in recent years. However, there is an exterior protrusion located on the lower sheet and a pit on the upper sheet, which may restrict the application of the clinching technology in visible areas. In the present study, an improved clinched joint used to join aluminum alloy sheets was investigated by experimental method. The improved clinching process used for joining aluminum alloy evolves through four phases: (a) localized deformation; (b) drawing; (c) backward extrusion; and (d) mechanical interlock forming. A flat surface can be produced using the improved clinching process. Shearing strength, tensile strength, material flow, main geometrical parameters, and failure mode of the improved clinched joint were investigated. The sheet material was compressed to flow radially and upward using a punch, which generated a mechanical interlock by producing severe localized plastic deformation. The neck thickness and interlock of the improved clinched joint were increased by increasing the forming force, which also contributed to increase the strength of the clinched joint. The improved clinched joint can get high shearing strength and tensile strength. Three main failure modes were observed in the failure process, which were neck fracture mode, button separation mode, and mixed failure mode. The improved clinched joint has better joining quality to join aluminum alloy sheets on the thin-walled structures.

Experimental Investigation on the Joining of Aluminum Alloy Sheets Using Improved Clinching Process

PubMed Central

Chen, Chao; Zhao, Shengdun; Han, Xiaolan; Zhao, Xuzhe; Ishida, Tohru

2017-01-01

Aluminum alloy sheets have been widely used to build the thin-walled structures by mechanical clinching technology in recent years. However, there is an exterior protrusion located on the lower sheet and a pit on the upper sheet, which may restrict the application of the clinching technology in visible areas. In the present study, an improved clinched joint used to join aluminum alloy sheets was investigated by experimental method. The improved clinching process used for joining aluminum alloy evolves through four phases: (a) localized deformation; (b) drawing; (c) backward extrusion; and (d) mechanical interlock forming. A flat surface can be produced using the improved clinching process. Shearing strength, tensile strength, material flow, main geometrical parameters, and failure mode of the improved clinched joint were investigated. The sheet material was compressed to flow radially and upward using a punch, which generated a mechanical interlock by producing severe localized plastic deformation. The neck thickness and interlock of the improved clinched joint were increased by increasing the forming force, which also contributed to increase the strength of the clinched joint. The improved clinched joint can get high shearing strength and tensile strength. Three main failure modes were observed in the failure process, which were neck fracture mode, button separation mode, and mixed failure mode. The improved clinched joint has better joining quality to join aluminum alloy sheets on the thin-walled structures. PMID:28763027

Numerical simulation study on air quality in aircraft cabins.

PubMed

Zhao, Yingjie; Dai, Bingrong; Yu, Qi; Si, Haiqing; Yu, Gang

2017-06-01

Air pollution is one of the main factors that affect the air quality in aircraft cabins, and the use of different air supply modes could influence the distribution of air pollutants in cabins. Based on the traditional ceiling air supply mode used on the B737NG, this study investigated another 3 different kinds of air supply modes for comparison: luggage rack air supply mode, joint mode combining ceiling and luggage rack air supply, and joint mode combining ceiling and individual air supply. Under the above 4 air supply modes, the air velocity, temperature and distribution of air pollutants in a cabin full of passengers were studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and formaldehyde were selected as 2 kinds of representative air pollutants. The simulation results show that the joint mode combining ceiling and individual air supply can create a more uniform distribution of air velocity and temperature, has a better effect on the removal of CO 2 and formaldehyde, and can provide better air quality in cabins than the other 3 modes. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Modeling the Influence of Stitching on Delamination Growth in Stitched Warp-Knit Composite Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaessgen, E. H.; Raju, I. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.

1999-01-01

The effect of stitches on the failure of a single lap joint configuration was determined in a combined experimental and analytical study. The experimental study was conducted to determine debond growth under static monotonic loading. The stitches were shown to delay the initiation of the debond and provide load transfer beyond the load necessary to completely debond the stitched lap joint. The strain energy release rates at the debond front were calculated using a finite element-based technique. Models of the unstitched configuration showed significant values of modes I and II across the width of the joint and showed that mode III is zero at the centerline but increases near the free edge. Models of the stitched configuration showed that the stitches effectively reduced mode I to zero, but had less of an effect on modes II and III.

A Functional Model of the Digital Extensor Mechanism: Demonstrating Biomechanics with Hair Bands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cloud, Beth A.; Youdas, James W.; Hellyer, Nathan J.; Krause, David A.

2010-01-01

The action of muscles about joints can be explained through analysis of their spatial relationship. A functional model of these relationships can be valuable in learning and understanding the muscular action about a joint. A model can be particularly helpful when examining complex actions across multiple joints such as in the digital extensor…

Do joints initiate as sharp mode I fractures or finite thickness dilatancy bands? Insights from laboratory experiments and field data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petit, J.; Chemenda, A. I.; Jorand, C.

2011-12-01

Terminology on fracture and discontinuities in geological objects mainly relies on distinguishing between tabular and sharp forms of deformation localization/failure structures (Aydin et al, JSG 2006; Shultz and Fossen, AAPG, 2009). On this basis joints (considered as mode I fractures) and dilation bands (very rarely observed) are distinguished among extension discontinuities. The former propagate with the separation of the fracture walls due to strong stress concentration at the fracture tips. The plumose features or hackles typical of joints (these terms cover a wide variety of diverging fractographic features) are believed to result from the fracture front breakdown due to the loading mode change (the origin of this change remains unclear). This view is called into question by recent experimental results of extension tests conducted on a synthetic physical rock analogue (granular, frictional, cohesive and dilatant) material (GRAM1) and by field observations of embryonic (not yet open) joints in highly jointed dolomicrite Chemenda et al., JGR, 2011). The initial porosity and grain size of both materials are very different, but at SEM scale, both experimental and natural unopened discontinuities reveal a comparable dilatancy (dilation) band structure with a porosity increase over a width of several grains. This suggests that the distinction between tabular and sharp is a matter of observation scale. Both axisymetric and poly-axial extension tests show that dilatancy bands form at elevated mean stress and have plumose morphology. Mode I cracking occurs only at very low mean stres and the forming fractures do not bear plumose features. Thus the absence of plumose structures can be considered as the signature of mode I fracturing. Consequently, we propose that non- plumose bearing natural joints (provided their fractography is not eroded) could originate as mode I fractures and call them "mode I joints". We call the joints formed as closed dilatancy bands propagating at relatively high pressure (depth) conditions and generating the plumose fractography "dilatancy joints". These joints obtained in poly-axial experiments can be very tight as is also often observed in nature. Joint spacing was shown to depend on the loading conditions but not on the sample thickness, which is another argument against the mode I mechanism. There are two main reasons for which the dilatancy joints were not detected previously: (1) the dilatancy band tends to open during exhumation (it is a weakness zone) leading to the separation of the two walls with destruction of the dilatancy band texture and mineral infilling; (2) if no opening occurs, as soon as the band of increased permeability is formed, diagenetic/epigenetic processes can rapidly cancel the initial structure, the trace of the band appearing at great magnification as a tiny mineralized vein. Such transformation must be very frequent in sedimentary rocks, but it can be absent when the mineral solubility is limited, as for the dolomicrite example presented.

Joint Actions of Developmental Toxicants.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

antagonistic response may have been the result of poorer absorption of hydroxyurea by the severly malformed embryos, as isoniazid had a much greater...chain carboxylic acids showed concentration additive joint actions for induction of malformation . Combinations of DNA synthesis inhibitors showed...response additive to antagonistic joint actions at malformation -inducing con- centrations. Since each compound inhibits a different enzyme in the process of

Sliding mode control for a two-joint coupling nonlinear system based on extended state observer.

PubMed

Zhao, Ling; Cheng, Haiyan; Wang, Tao

2018-02-01

A two-joint coupling nonlinear system driven by pneumatic artificial muscles is introduced in this paper. A sliding mode controller with extended state observer is proposed to cope with nonlinearities and disturbances for the two-joint coupling nonlinear system. In addition, convergence of the extended state observer is presented and stability analysis of the closed-loop system is also demonstrated with the sliding mode controller. Lastly, some experiments are carried out to show the reality effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Initial evaluation of developmental malformation as an end point in mixture toxicity hazard assessment for aquatic vertebrates

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

Dawson, D.A.; Wilke, T.S.

1991-04-01

The joint toxic action of three binary mixtures was determined for the embryo malformation endpoint of the aquatic FETAX (frog embryo teratogenesis assay: Xenopus) test system. Osteolathyrogenic compounds and short-chain carboxylic acids, representing separate, distinct modes of action for induction of malformation, were selected for testing in 96-hr, static-renewal tests. Three mixtures were tested for each combination, with each combination being tested on three separate occasions. Using toxic unit analysis, the combination of osteolathyrogens and the combination of carboxylic acids produced strictly additive (concentration addition) rates of malformation, while the combination of an osteolathyrogen and a carboxylic acid was less-than-additivemore » (response addition) for induction of malformation. Therefore, developmental malformation may have value as an endpoint in mixture toxicity hazard assessment.« less

Locomotion mode identification for lower limbs using neuromuscular and joint kinematic signals.

PubMed

Afzal, Taimoor; White, Gannon; Wright, Andrew B; Iqbal, Kamran

2014-01-01

Recent development in lower limb prosthetics has seen an emergence of powered prosthesis that have the capability to operate in different locomotion modes. However, these devices cannot transition seamlessly between modes such as level walking, stair ascent and descent and up slope and down slope walking. They require some form of user input that defines the human intent. The purpose of this study was to develop a locomotion mode detection system and evaluate its performance for different sensor configurations and to study the effect of locomotion mode detection with and without electromyography (EMG) signals while using kinematic data from hip joint of non-dominant/impaired limb and an accelerometer. Data was collected from four able bodied subjects that completed two circuits that contained standing, level-walking, ramp ascent and descent and stair ascent and descent. By using only the kinematic data from the hip joint and accelerometer data the system was able to identify the transitions, stance and swing phases with similar performance as compared to using only EMG and accelerometer data. However, significant improvement in classification error was observed when EMG, kinematic and accelerometer data were used together to identify the locomotion modes. The higher recognition rates when using the kinematic data along with EMG shows that the joint kinematics could be beneficial in intent recognition systems of locomotion modes.

Searching for roots of entrainment and joint action in early musical interactions.

PubMed

Phillips-Silver, Jessica; Keller, Peter E

2012-01-01

When people play music and dance together, they engage in forms of musical joint action that are often characterized by a shared sense of rhythmic timing and affective state (i.e., temporal and affective entrainment). In order to understand the origins of musical joint action, we propose a model in which entrainment is linked to dual mechanisms (motor resonance and action simulation), which in turn support musical behavior (imitation and complementary joint action). To illustrate this model, we consider two generic forms of joint musical behavior: chorusing and turn-taking. We explore how these common behaviors can be founded on entrainment capacities established early in human development, specifically during musical interactions between infants and their caregivers. If the roots of entrainment are found in early musical interactions which are practiced from childhood into adulthood, then we propose that the rehearsal of advanced musical ensemble skills can be considered to be a refined, mimetic form of temporal and affective entrainment whose evolution begins in infancy.

Searching for Roots of Entrainment and Joint Action in Early Musical Interactions

PubMed Central

Phillips-Silver, Jessica; Keller, Peter E.

2012-01-01

When people play music and dance together, they engage in forms of musical joint action that are often characterized by a shared sense of rhythmic timing and affective state (i.e., temporal and affective entrainment). In order to understand the origins of musical joint action, we propose a model in which entrainment is linked to dual mechanisms (motor resonance and action simulation), which in turn support musical behavior (imitation and complementary joint action). To illustrate this model, we consider two generic forms of joint musical behavior: chorusing and turn-taking. We explore how these common behaviors can be founded on entrainment capacities established early in human development, specifically during musical interactions between infants and their caregivers. If the roots of entrainment are found in early musical interactions which are practiced from childhood into adulthood, then we propose that the rehearsal of advanced musical ensemble skills can be considered to be a refined, mimetic form of temporal and affective entrainment whose evolution begins in infancy. PMID:22375113

An under-actuated origami gripper with adjustable stiffness joints for multiple grasp modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firouzeh, Amir; Paik, Jamie

2017-05-01

Under-actuated robots offer multiple degrees of freedom without much added complexity to the actuation and control. Utilizing adjustable stiffness joints in these robots allows us to control their stable configurations and their mode of interaction with the environment. In this paper, we present the design of tendon-driven robotic origami (robogami) joints with adjustable stiffness. The proposed designs allow us to place joints along any direction in the plane of the robot and in the normal direction to the plane. The layer-by-layer manufacturing of robogamis facilitates the design and manufacturing of robots with different arrangement of joints for different applications. We use thermally activated shape memory polymer to control the joint stiffness. The manufacturing of the polymer layer is compatible with the layer-by-layer manufacturing process of the robogamis which results in scalable and customizable robots. To demonstrate, we prototyped an under-actuated gripper with three fingers and only one input actuation. The grasp mode of the gripper is set by adjusting the configuration of the locked joints and modulating the stiffness of the active joints. We present a model to estimate the configuration and the contact forces of the gripper at different settings that will assist us in design and control of future generation of under-actuated robogamis.

OVERVIEW: USING MODE OF ACTION AND LIFE STAGE INFORMATION TO EVALUATE THE HUMAN RELEVANCE OF ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA.

EPA Science Inventory

A manuscript summarizes a workshop aimed at developing a framework to determine the relevancy of animal modes-of-action for extrapolation to humans. A complete mode of action human relevance analysis - as distinct from mode of action (MOA) analysis alone - depends on robust info...

Ductile fracture mechanism of low-temperature In-48Sn alloy joint under high strain rate loading.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Woong; Jung, Seung-Boo

2012-04-01

The failure behaviors of In-48Sn solder ball joints under various strain rate loadings were investigated with both experimental and finite element modeling study. The bonding force of In-48Sn solder on an Ni plated Cu pad increased with increasing shear speed, mainly due to the high strain-rate sensitivity of the solder alloy. In contrast to the cases of Sn-based Pb-free solder joints, the transition of the fracture mode from a ductile mode to a brittle mode was not observed in this solder joint system due to the soft nature of the In-48Sn alloy. This result is discussed in terms of the relationship between the strain-rate of the solder alloy, the work-hardening effect and the resulting stress concentration at the interfacial regions.

Comparative toxicity of 20 herbicides to 5 periphytic algae and the relationship with mode of action.

PubMed

Nagai, Takashi; Taya, Kiyoshi; Yoda, Ikuko

2016-02-01

The authors used 5 species of periphytic algae to conduct toxicity assays of 20 herbicides. The 5 tested species represent riverine primary producers most likely to be affected by herbicides. A fluorescence microplate toxicity assay was used as an efficient and economical high-throughput assay. Toxicity characteristics were analyzed, focusing on their relationship to herbicide mode of action. The relative differences between 50% and 10% effect concentrations depended on herbicide mode of action, rather than tested species. Moreover, a clear relationship between sensitive species and herbicide mode of action was also observed. Green alga was most sensitive to herbicides of 2 mode of action groups: inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen oxidase and very long-chain fatty acid synthesis. Diatoms were most sensitive to herbicides of 1 mode of action group: 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase inhibitors. Cyanobacterium was most sensitive to herbicides of 1 mode of action group: inhibitors of acetolactate synthase. The species sensitivity distribution based on obtained data was also analyzed. The slopes of the species sensitivity distribution significantly differed among modes of action, suggesting that difference in species sensitivity is specific to the mode of action. In particular, differences in species sensitivity were markedly large for inhibitors of acetolactate synthase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, and very long-chain fatty acid synthesis. The results clearly showed that a single algal species cannot represent the sensitivity of an algal assemblage. Therefore, multispecies algal toxicity data are essential for substances with specific modes of action. © 2015 SETAC.

Relaxation times and modes of disturbed aggregate distribution in micellar solutions with fusion and fission of micelles

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

Zakharov, Anatoly I.; Adzhemyan, Loran Ts.; Shchekin, Alexander K., E-mail: akshch@list.ru

2015-09-28

We have performed direct numerical calculations of the kinetics of relaxation in the system of surfactant spherical micelles under joint action of the molecular mechanism with capture and emission of individual surfactant molecules by molecular aggregates and the mechanism of fusion and fission of the aggregates. As a basis, we have taken the difference equations of aggregation and fragmentation in the form of the generalized kinetic Smoluchowski equations for aggregate concentrations. The calculations have been made with using the droplet model of molecular surfactant aggregates and two modified Smoluchowski models for the coefficients of aggregate-monomer and aggregate-aggregate fusions which takemore » into account the effects of the aggregate size and presence of hydrophobic spots on the aggregate surface. A full set of relaxation times and corresponding relaxation modes for nonequilibrium aggregate distribution in the aggregation number has been found. The dependencies of these relaxation times and modes on the total concentration of surfactant in the solution and the special parameter controlling the probability of fusion in collisions of micelles with other micelles have been studied.« less

77 FR 26549 - Workshop on Using Mode of Action To Support the Development of a Multipollutant Science Assessment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-04

... which mode- of-action and toxicity pathways approaches may contribute to interpretation of cumulative... NAAQS Review Process. One of the sessions focused on using mode-of-action and toxicity pathways... possible ways by which mode-of-action and toxicity pathways approaches may contribute to interpretation of...

Efficient strategy for detecting gene × gene joint action and its application in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Won, Sungho; Kwon, Min-Seok; Mattheisen, Manuel; Park, Suyeon; Park, Changsoon; Kihara, Daisuke; Cichon, Sven; Ophoff, Roel; Nöthen, Markus M; Rietschel, Marcella; Baur, Max; Uitterlinden, Andre G; Hofmann, A; Lange, Christoph

2014-01-01

We propose a new approach to detect gene × gene joint action in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for case-control designs. This approach offers an exhaustive search for all two-way joint action (including, as a special case, single gene action) that is computationally feasible at the genome-wide level and has reasonable statistical power under most genetic models. We found that the presence of any gene × gene joint action may imply differences in three types of genetic components: the minor allele frequencies and the amounts of Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium may differ between cases and controls, and between the two genetic loci the degree of linkage disequilibrium may differ between cases and controls. Using Fisher's method, it is possible to combine the different sources of genetic information in an overall test for detecting gene × gene joint action. The proposed statistical analysis is efficient and its simplicity makes it applicable to GWASs. In the current study, we applied the proposed approach to a GWAS on schizophrenia and found several potential gene × gene interactions. Our application illustrates the practical advantage of the proposed method. © 2013 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

13-Series resolvins mediate the leukocyte-platelet actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in inflammatory arthritis.

PubMed

Walker, Mary E; Souza, Patricia R; Colas, Romain A; Dalli, Jesmond

2017-08-01

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterized by overzealous inflammation that leads to joint damage and is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Statins are frontline therapeutics for patients with cardiovascular disease and exert beneficial actions in rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanism that mediates the beneficial actions of statins in rheumatoid arthritis remains of interest. In the present study, we found that the administration of 2 clinically relevant statins-atorvastatin (0.2 mg/kg) or pravastatin (0.2 mg/kg)-to mice during inflammatory arthritis up-regulated systemic and tissue amounts of a novel family of proresolving mediators, termed 13-series resolvins (RvTs), and significantly reduced joint disease. Of note, administration of simvastatin (0.2 mg/kg) did not significantly up-regulate RvTs or reduce joint inflammation. We also found that atorvastatin and pravastatin each reduced systemic leukocyte activation, including platelet-monocyte aggregates (∼25-60%). These statins decreased neutrophil trafficking to the joint as well as joint monocyte and macrophage numbers. Atorvastatin and pravastatin produced significant reductions (∼30-50%) in expression of CD11b and major histocompatibility complex class II on both monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in joints. Administration of an inhibitor to cyclooxygenase-2, the initiating enzyme in the RvT pathway, reversed the protective actions of these statins on both joint and systemic inflammation. Together, these findings provide evidence for the role of RvTs in mediating the protective actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in reducing local and vascular inflammation, and suggest that RvTs may be useful in measuring the anti-inflammatory actions of statins.-Walker, M. E., Souza, P. R., Colas, R. A., Dalli, J. 13-Series resolvins mediate the leukocyte-platelet actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in inflammatory arthritis. © The Author(s).

Joint inversion of high-frequency surface waves with fundamental and higher modes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luo, Y.; Xia, J.; Liu, J.; Liu, Q.; Xu, S.

2007-01-01

Joint inversion of multimode surface waves for estimating the shear (S)-wave velocity has received much attention in recent years. In this paper, we first analyze sensitivity of phase velocities of multimodes of surface waves for a six-layer earth model, and then we invert surface-wave dispersion curves of the theoretical model and a real-world example. Sensitivity analysis shows that fundamental mode data are more sensitive to the S-wave velocities of shallow layers and are concentrated on a very narrow frequency band, while higher mode data are more sensitive to the parameters of relatively deeper layers and are distributed over a wider frequency band. These properties provide a foundation of using a multimode joint inversion to define S-wave velocities. Inversion results of both synthetic data and a real-world example demonstrate that joint inversion with the damped least-square method and the singular-value decomposition technique to invert high-frequency surface waves with fundamental and higher mode data simultaneously can effectively reduce the ambiguity and improve the accuracy of S-wave velocities. ?? 2007.

Delamination and Stitched Failure in Stitched Composite Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaessgen, E. H.; Raju, I. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.

1999-01-01

The effect of stitches on the failure of a single lap joint configuration was determined in a combined experimental and finite element study. The experimental program was conducted to determine debond growth under static monotonic loading. The stitches were shown to delay the initiation of the debond and provide load transfer beyond the load necessary to completely debond the stitched lap joint. The experimentally determined debond length vs. applied load was used as an input parameter in the finite element analysis of both configurations. The strain energy release rates at the debond from were calculated using plate finite elements. Nonlinear fastener elements were used to model the stitches and multipoint constraints were used to model the contact problem. Models of the unstitched configuration showed significant values of modes I and II across the width of the joint and showed that mode III is zero at the centerline but increases near the free edge. Models of the stitched configuration showed that the stitches were effective in reducing mode I to zero, but had less of an effect on modes II and III.

Dynamic testing of a two-dimensional box truss beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Charles W.

1987-01-01

Testing to determine the effects of joint freeplay and pretensioning of diagonal members on the dynamic characteristics of a two-dimensional box truss beam was conducted. The test article was ten bays of planar truss suspended by long wires at each joint. Each bay measured 2 meters per side. Pins of varying size were used to simulate various joint freeplay conditions. Single-point random excitation was the primary method of test. The rational fraction polynomial method was used to extract modal characteristics from test data. A finite element model of the test article was generated from which modal characteristics were predicted. These were compared with those obtained from tests. With the exception of the fundamental mode, correlation of theoretical and experimental results was poor, caused by the resonant coupling of local truss member bending modes with global truss beam modes. This coupling introduced many modes in the frequency range of interest whose frequencies were sensitive to joint boundary conditions. It was concluded that local/global coupling must be avoided in the frequency range where accurate modal characteristics are required.

Joint effects of salinity and the antidepressant sertraline on the estuarine decapod Carcinus maenas.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Aurélie P; Santos, Lúcia H M L M; Oliva-Teles, Maria Teresa; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Guimarães, Laura

2014-11-01

Concurrent exposure of estuarine organisms to man-made and natural stressors has become a common occurrence. Numerous interactions of multiple stressors causing synergistic or antagonistic effects have been described. However, limited information is available on combined effects of emerging pharmaceuticals and natural stressors. This study investigated the joint effects of the antidepressant sertraline and salinity on Carcinus maenas. To improve knowledge about interactive effects and potential vulnerability, experiments were performed with organisms from two estuaries with differing histories of exposure to environmental contamination. Biomarkers related to mode of action of sertraline were employed to assess effects of environmentally realistic concentrations of sertraline at two salinity levels. Synergism and antagonism were identified for biomarkers of cholinergic neurotransmission, energy production, anti-oxidant defences and oxidative damage. Different interactions were found for the two study sites highlighting the need to account for differences in tolerance of local ecological receptors in risk evaluations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of metacognition in human social interactions

PubMed Central

Frith, Chris D.

2012-01-01

Metacognition concerns the processes by which we monitor and control our own cognitive processes. It can also be applied to others, in which case it is known as mentalizing. Both kinds of metacognition have implicit and explicit forms, where implicit means automatic and without awareness. Implicit metacognition enables us to adopt a we-mode, through which we automatically take account of the knowledge and intentions of others. Adoption of this mode enhances joint action. Explicit metacognition enables us to reflect on and justify our behaviour to others. However, access to the underlying processes is very limited for both self and others and our reports on our own and others' intentions can be very inaccurate. On the other hand, recent experiments have shown that, through discussions of our perceptual experiences with others, we can detect sensory signals more accurately, even in the absence of objective feedback. Through our willingness to discuss with others the reasons for our actions and perceptions, we overcome our lack of direct access to the underlying cognitive processes. This creates the potential for us to build more accurate accounts of the world and of ourselves. I suggest, therefore, that explicit metacognition is a uniquely human ability that has evolved through its enhancement of collaborative decision-making. PMID:22734064

The Cultural Context of Learning in International Joint Ventures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Shimin; Vince, Russ

1999-01-01

A study of Chinese-Western joint business ventures showed that cultural context and different modes of managing and organizing must be considered. Successful joint ventures involve a process of collective, two-way learning. (SK)

Barriers to success: physical separation optimizes event-file retrieval in shared workspaces.

PubMed

Klempova, Bibiana; Liepelt, Roman

2017-07-08

Sharing tasks with other persons can simplify our work and life, but seeing and hearing other people's actions may also be very distracting. The joint Simon effect (JSE) is a standard measure of referential response coding when two persons share a Simon task. Sequential modulations of the joint Simon effect (smJSE) are interpreted as a measure of event-file processing containing stimulus information, response information and information about the just relevant control-state active in a given social situation. This study tested effects of physical (Experiment 1) and virtual (Experiment 2) separation of shared workspaces on referential coding and event-file processing using a joint Simon task. In Experiment 1, participants performed this task in individual (go-nogo), joint and standard Simon task conditions with and without a transparent curtain (physical separation) placed along the imagined vertical midline of the monitor. In Experiment 2, participants performed the same tasks with and without receiving background music (virtual separation). For response times, physical separation enhanced event-file retrieval indicated by an enlarged smJSE in the joint Simon task with curtain than without curtain (Experiment1), but did not change referential response coding. In line with this, we also found evidence for enhanced event-file processing through physical separation in the joint Simon task for error rates. Virtual separation did neither impact event-file processing, nor referential coding, but generally slowed down response times in the joint Simon task. For errors, virtual separation hampered event-file processing in the joint Simon task. For the cognitively more demanding standard two-choice Simon task, we found music to have a degrading effect on event-file retrieval for response times. Our findings suggest that adding a physical separation optimizes event-file processing in shared workspaces, while music seems to lead to a more relaxed task processing mode under shared task conditions. In addition, music had an interfering impact on joint error processing and more generally when dealing with a more complex task in isolation.

LDPC-based iterative joint source-channel decoding for JPEG2000.

PubMed

Pu, Lingling; Wu, Zhenyu; Bilgin, Ali; Marcellin, Michael W; Vasic, Bane

2007-02-01

A framework is proposed for iterative joint source-channel decoding of JPEG2000 codestreams. At the encoder, JPEG2000 is used to perform source coding with certain error-resilience (ER) modes, and LDPC codes are used to perform channel coding. During decoding, the source decoder uses the ER modes to identify corrupt sections of the codestream and provides this information to the channel decoder. Decoding is carried out jointly in an iterative fashion. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method requires fewer iterations and improves overall system performance.

Joint quantum measurement using unbalanced array detection.

PubMed

Beck, M; Dorrer, C; Walmsley, I A

2001-12-17

We have measured the joint Q-function of a highly multimode field using unbalanced heterodyne detection with a charge-coupled device array detector. We use spectral interferometry between a weak signal field and a strong, 100 fs duration local oscillator pulse to reconstruct the joint quadrature amplitude statistics of about 25 temporal modes. By adjusting the time delay between the signal and local oscillator pulses we are able to shift all the classical noise to modes distinct from the signal. This obviates the need to use a balanced detector.

Robotic Arm Manipulator Using Active Control for Sample Acquisition and Transfer, and Passive Mode for Surface Compliance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Jun; Underhill, Michael L.; Trease, Brian P.; Lindemann, Randel A.

2010-01-01

A robotic arm that consists of three joints with four degrees of freedom (DOF) has been developed. It can carry an end-effector to acquire and transfer samples by using active control and comply with surface topology in a passive mode during a brief surface contact. The three joints are arranged in such a way that one joint of two DOFs is located at the shoulder, one joint of one DOF is located at the elbow, and one joint of one DOF is located at the wrist. Operationally, three DOFs are moved in the same plane, and the remaining one on the shoulder is moved perpendicular to the other three for better compliance with ground surface and more flexibility of sample handling. Three out of four joints are backdriveable, making the mechanism less complex and more cost effective

Effects of beam configurations on wire melting and transfer behaviors in dual beam laser welding with filler wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Guolong; Li, Liqun; Chen, Yanbin

2017-06-01

Butt joints of 2 mm thick stainless steel with 0.5 mm gap were fabricated by dual beam laser welding with filler wire technique. The wire melting and transfer behaviors with different beam configurations were investigated detailedly in a stable liquid bridge mode and an unstable droplet mode. A high speed video system assisted by a high pulse diode laser as an illumination source was utilized to record the process in real time. The difference of welding stability between single and dual beam laser welding with filler wire was also compartively studied. In liquid bridge transfer mode, the results indicated that the transfer process and welding stability were disturbed in the form of "broken-reformed" liquid bridge in tandem configuration, while improved by stabilizing the molten pool dynamics with a proper fluid pattern in side-by-side configuration, compared to sigle beam laser welding with filler wire. The droplet transfer period and critical radius were studied in droplet transfer mode. The transfer stability of side-by-side configuration with the minium transfer period and critical droplet size was better than the other two configurations. This was attributed to that the action direction and good stability of the resultant force which were beneficial to transfer process in this case. The side-by-side configuration showed obvious superiority on improving welding stability in both transfer modes. An acceptable weld bead was successfully generated even in undesirable droplet transfer mode under the present conditions.

Health technology assessment of medical devices: What is different? An overview of three European projects.

PubMed

Schnell-Inderst, Petra; Mayer, Julia; Lauterberg, Jörg; Hunger, Theresa; Arvandi, Marjan; Conrads-Frank, Annette; Nachtnebel, Anna; Wild, Claudia; Siebert, Uwe

2015-01-01

With the growing use and importance of health technology assessment (HTA) in decision making during recent years, health technology assessors, decision makers and stakeholders are confronted with methodological challenges due to specific characteristics of health technologies (e. g., pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tests, screening programs), their developmental environment, and their regulation process. Being aware of the necessity to use HTA as a policy instrument for sustainable health care systems in a regulatory environment of decentralized Conformité Européenne (CE) marking, the European Union (EU) is increasingly supporting the development of methods for the assessment of medical devices (MD) on different levels: within the scope of European research projects and within joint assessment activities of the member states of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA). First, this article describes three projects: MedtecHTA-Methods for Health Technology Assessment of Medical Devices, a European Perspective Work Package 3 (WP3), Comparative Effectiveness of Medical Devices led by the University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology (UMIT). Second, we discuss the experiences of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Health Technology Assessment (LBI HTA) with the joint production of rapid assessments of medical devices by several European HTA agencies within EUnetHTA. Third, a brief outline is given of the framework of joint methodological guideline elaboration by the EUnetHTA partner organizations because a guideline for therapeutic MD is also being developed here. We will describe aims, methods and some preliminary results of MedtecHTA and EUnetHTA Joint Action 2 Work Package 5 Strand B (WP5B) applying the HTA Core Model for Rapid Assessment for national adaptation and reporting, and give an overview of the development process of methodological guidelines within WP 7 of EUnetHTA Joint Action 2. Based on a literature review in MedtecHTA WP3 incremental development, context dependency and the physical mode of action of MD were identified as those characteristics making therapeutic MD different from drugs with regard to evaluation methods. In addition, regulation does not stipulate clinical trials. These characteristics were also identified as challenges for the production of joint assessments of MD within the HTA network EUnetHTA. Furthermore, adequate timing of assessment production, the variety of involved manufacturers, the non-transparent regulation process of MD in Europe and the often poor evidence base pose a challenge to EUnetHTA assessors. As a consequence, processes and methods for the joint production of rapid assessments must be continuously adapted and improved. Research on HTA methods for the assessment of MD tries to provide tools to deal with rapidly developing devices during evidence generation, dependence of clinical effectiveness of MD on user experience and context factors. There are also tools to integrate evidence from different sources adjusting for different levels of validity, but these methods are not established and need high epidemiological and statistical expertise. A framework for deciding whether additional evidence is needed to reduce uncertainty regarding safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness will be adapted to MD. The whole process of evidence generation before and after market access has to be considered to provide an environment for conclusive HTA recommendations informing health care decision making. In Joint Action 2, EUnetHTA develops transparent processes for the early dialogue with stakeholders and fosters dissemination of appropriate HTA methods. In the case of MD, there are special accumulated needs for such efforts. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Mode of action characterization for adverse effect of propranolol in Daphnia magna based on behavior and physiology monitoring and metabolite profiling.

PubMed

Jeong, Tae-Yong; Yoon, Dahye; Kim, Suhkmann; Kim, Hyun Young; Kim, Sang Don

2018-02-01

Studies are underway to gather information about the mode of action (MOA) of emerging pollutants that could guide practical environmental decision making. Previously, we showed that propranolol, an active pharmaceutical ingredient, had adverse effects on Daphnia magna that were similar to its pharmaceutical action. In order to characterize the mode of action of propranolol in D. magna, which is suspected to be organ-specific pharmaceutical action or baseline toxicity, we performed time-series monitoring of behavior along with heart rate measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based metabolite profiling. Principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were used to categorize the mode of action of propranolol among 5 chemicals with different modes of action. The findings showed that the mode of action of propranolol in D. magna is organ-specific and vastly different from those of narcotics, even though metabolite regulation is similar between narcotic and non-narcotic candidates. The method applied in this study seems applicable to rapid characterization of the MOA of other cardiovascular pharmaceutical ingredients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Comparative evolution surgical accesses to temporo-mandibular joint].

PubMed

Sysoliatin, P G; Novikov, A I; Sysoliatin, S P; Bobylev, N G; Brega, I N

2007-01-01

In experiment on 30 corpses of adult people criteria of an operational wound (depth of a wound, a corner of operational action, an axis of operational action, a corner of an inclination of operational action) were studied at preauricularis, intrauricularis, intrauriculo-temporalis and posterior mandibullaris access to temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). New surgical intrauriculo-temporalis access to the joint is substantrated. On the basis of the analysis of 289 operations at 268 patients the indications to a choice of surgical access were developed at various diseases and damages of TMJ.

Structure and properties of fixed joints formed by ultrasonic-assisted friction-stir welding

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

Fortuna, S. V., E-mail: s-fortuna@ispms.ru; Ivanov, K. V., E-mail: ikv@ispms.ru; Eliseev, A. A., E-mail: alan@ispms.ru

2015-10-27

This paper deals with structure and properties of aluminum alloy 7475 and its joints obtained by friction stir welding including under ultrasonic action. Microhardness measurements show that ultrasonic action increases strength properties of the joints. Optical and transmission electron microscopy reveals that this effect is related to the precipitation of tertiary coherent S-and T-phase particles.

Joint strength of a solid oxide fuel cell glass-ceramic sealant with metallic interconnect in a reducing environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chih-Kuang; Liu, Yu-An; Wu, Si-Han; Liu, Chien-Kuo; Lee, Ruey-Yi

2015-04-01

Effects of reducing environment and thermal aging on the joint strength of a BaO-B2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 glass-ceramic sealant (GC-9) with a ferritic-stainless-steel interconnect (Crofer 22 H) for planar solid oxide fuel cells are investigated. A technique is developed for conducting mechanical tests at room temperature and 800 °C in H2-7 vol% H2O under shear and tensile loadings. Given an aged condition and loading mode, the joint strength at 800 °C is lower than that at room temperature in the given humidified hydrogen atmosphere. A thermal aging at 800 °C in H2-7 vol% H2O for 100 h or 1000 h enhances both shear and tensile joint strengths at room temperature but degrades them at 800 °C in the same reducing environment. Non-aged specimens show a comparable joint strength and fracture mode when tested in humidified hydrogen and in air under a given loading mode and testing temperature. The shear strength at 800 °C for joint specimens after a 1000-h thermal aging at 800 °C in air or humidified hydrogen is reduced by a similar extent of 19%, compared to the counterpart of non-aged joint specimens tested in the same oxidizing or reducing environment.

13-Series resolvins mediate the leukocyte-platelet actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in inflammatory arthritis

PubMed Central

Walker, Mary E.; Souza, Patricia R.; Colas, Romain A.; Dalli, Jesmond

2017-01-01

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterized by overzealous inflammation that leads to joint damage and is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Statins are frontline therapeutics for patients with cardiovascular disease and exert beneficial actions in rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanism that mediates the beneficial actions of statins in rheumatoid arthritis remains of interest. In the present study, we found that the administration of 2 clinically relevant statins—atorvastatin (0.2 mg/kg) or pravastatin (0.2 mg/kg)—to mice during inflammatory arthritis up-regulated systemic and tissue amounts of a novel family of proresolving mediators, termed 13-series resolvins (RvTs), and significantly reduced joint disease. Of note, administration of simvastatin (0.2 mg/kg) did not significantly up-regulate RvTs or reduce joint inflammation. We also found that atorvastatin and pravastatin each reduced systemic leukocyte activation, including platelet-monocyte aggregates (∼25–60%). These statins decreased neutrophil trafficking to the joint as well as joint monocyte and macrophage numbers. Atorvastatin and pravastatin produced significant reductions (∼30–50%) in expression of CD11b and major histocompatibility complex class II on both monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in joints. Administration of an inhibitor to cyclooxygenase-2, the initiating enzyme in the RvT pathway, reversed the protective actions of these statins on both joint and systemic inflammation. Together, these findings provide evidence for the role of RvTs in mediating the protective actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in reducing local and vascular inflammation, and suggest that RvTs may be useful in measuring the anti-inflammatory actions of statins.—Walker, M. E., Souza, P. R., Colas, R. A., Dalli, J. 13-Series resolvins mediate the leukocyte-platelet actions of atorvastatin and pravastatin in inflammatory arthritis. PMID:28465323

Are You Ready to Jump? Predictive Mechanisms in Interpersonal Coordination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vesper, Cordula; van der Wel, Robrecht P. R. D.; Knoblich, Gunther; Sebanz, Natalie

2013-01-01

When two or more individuals intend to achieve a joint outcome, they often need to time their own actions carefully with respect to those of their coactors. Online perceptual feedback supports coordination by allowing coactors to entrain with and predict each other's actions. However, joint actions are still possible when no or little online…

Infant Manipulative Actions upon Customary and Uncustomary Objects in Independent and Joint Activity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aureli, Tiziana; De Tommasi, Emilia

1999-01-01

Observed 12-month olds, with their mothers and independently, acting on objects from home and objects brought by the experimenter as new exemplars of previous toys. Found that conventional actions were more frequent in joint than in independent activity. In independent activity, conventional actions were more frequent with customary than with…

Finite element normal mode analysis of resistance welding jointed of dissimilar plate hat structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazri, N. A.; Sani, M. S. M.

2017-10-01

Structural joints offer connection between structural element (beam, plate, solid etc.) in order to build a whole assembled structure. The complex behaviour of connecting elements plays a valuable role in characteristics of dynamic such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. In automotive structures, the trustworthiness arrangement of the structure extremely depends on joints. In this paper, top hat structure is modelled and designed with spot welding joint using dissimilar materials which is mild steel 1010 and stainless steel 304, using finite element software. Different types of connector elements such as rigid body element (RBE2), welding joint element (CWELD), and bar element (CBAR) are applied to represent real connection between two dissimilar plates. Normal mode analysis is simulated with different types of joining element in order to determine modal properties. Natural frequencies using RBE2, CBAR and CWELD are compared to equivalent rigid body method. Connection that gives the lowest percentage error among these three will be selected as the most reliable joining for resistance spot weld. From the analysis, it is shown that CWELD is better compared to others in term of weld joining among dissimilar plate materials. It is expected that joint modelling of finite element plays significant role in structural dynamics.

Building Shared Experience to Advance Practical Application of Pathway-Based Toxicology: Liver Toxicity Mode-of-Action

PubMed Central

Willett, Catherine; Rae, Jessica Caverly; Goyak, Katy O.; Minsavage, Gary; Westmoreland, Carl; Andersen, Melvin; Avigan, Mark; Duché, Daniel; Harris, Georgina; Hartung, Thomas; Jaeschke, Hartmut; Kleensang, Andre; Landesmann, Brigitte; Martos, Suzanne; Matevia, Marilyn; Toole, Colleen; Rowan, Andrew; Schultz, Terry; Seed, Jennifer; Senior, John; Shah, Imran; Subramanian, Kalyanasundaram; Vinken, Mathieu; Watkins, Paul

2016-01-01

Summary A workshop sponsored by the Human Toxicology Project Consortium (HTPC), “Building Shared Experience to Advance Practical Application of Pathway-Based Toxicology: Liver Toxicity Mode-of-Action” brought together experts from a wide range of perspectives to inform the process of pathway development and to advance two prototype pathways initially developed by the European Commission Joint Research Center (JRC): liver-specific fibrosis and steatosis. The first half of the workshop focused on the theory and practice of pathway development; the second on liver disease and the two prototype pathways. Participants agreed pathway development is extremely useful for organizing information and found that focusing the theoretical discussion on a specific AOP is helpful. It is important to include several perspectives during pathway development, including information specialists, pathologists, human health and environmental risk assessors, and chemical and product manufacturers, to ensure the biology is well captured and end use is considered. PMID:24535319

Dynamic analysis to evaluate viscoelastic passive damping augmentation for the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alberts, Thomas E.; Xia, Houchun; Chen, Yung

1992-01-01

The effectiveness of constrained viscoelastic layer damping treatment designs is evaluated separately as passive control measures for low frequency joint dominated modes and higher frequency boom flexure dominated modes using a NASTRAN finite element analysis. Passive damping augmentation is proposed which is based on a constrained viscoelastic layer damping treatment applied to the surface of the manipulators's flexible booms. It is pointed out that even the joint compliance dominated modes can be damped to some degree through appropriate design of the treatment.

Causal Role of Motor Simulation in Turn-Taking Behavior.

PubMed

Hadley, Lauren V; Novembre, Giacomo; Keller, Peter E; Pickering, Martin J

2015-12-16

Overlap between sensory and motor representations has been documented for a range of human actions, from grasping (Rizzolatti et al., 1996b) to playing a musical instrument (Novembre and Keller, 2014). Such overlap suggests that individuals use motor simulation to predict the outcome of observed actions (Wolpert, 1997). Here we investigate motor simulation as a basis of human communication. Using a musical turn-taking task, we show that pianists call on motor representations of their partner's part to predict when to come in for their own turn. Pianists played alternating solos with a videoed partner, and double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied around the turn-switch to temporarily disrupt processing in two cortical regions implicated previously in different forms of motor simulation: (1) the dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), associated with automatic motor resonance during passive observation of hand actions, especially when the actions are familiar (Lahav et al., 2007); and (2) the supplementary motor area (SMA), involved in active motor imagery, especially when the actions are familiar (Baumann et al., 2007). Stimulation of the right dPMC decreased the temporal accuracy of pianists' (right-hand) entries relative to sham when the partner's (left-hand) part had been rehearsed previously. This effect did not occur for dPMC stimulation without rehearsal or for SMA stimulation. These findings support the role of the dPMC in predicting the time course of observed actions via resonance-based motor simulation during turn-taking. Because turn-taking spans multiple modes of human interaction, we suggest that simulation is a foundational mechanism underlying the temporal dynamics of joint action. Even during passive observation, seeing or hearing somebody execute an action from within our repertoire activates motor cortices of our brain. But what is the functional relevance of such "motor simulation"? By combining a musical duet task with a real-time repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol, we provide evidence indicating that the dorsal premotor cortex plays a causal role in accurate turn-taking coordination between a pianist and their observed interaction partner. Given that turn-taking behavior is a fundamental feature of human communication, we suggest that simulation is a foundational mechanism underlying the temporal dynamics of communicative joint action. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3516516-05$15.00/0.

Mechanical Behavior of CFRP Lattice Core Sandwich Bolted Corner Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xiaolei; Liu, Yang; Wang, Yana; Lu, Xiaofeng; Zhu, Lingxue

2017-12-01

The lattice core sandwich structures have drawn more attention for the integration of load capacity and multifunctional applications. However, the connection of carbon fibers reinforced polymer composite (CFRP) lattice core sandwich structure hinders its application. In this paper, a typical connection of two lattice core sandwich panels, named as corner joint or L-joint, was investigated by experiment and finite element method (FEM). The mechanical behavior and failure mode of the corner joints were discussed. The results showed that the main deformation pattern and failure mode of the lattice core sandwich bolted corner joints structure were the deformation of metal connector and indentation of the face sheet in the bolt holes. The metal connectors played an important role in bolted corner joints structure. In order to save the calculation resource, a continuum model of pyramid lattice core was used to replace the exact structure. The computation results were consistent with experiment, and the maximum error was 19%. The FEM demonstrated the deflection process of the bolted corner joints structure visually. So the simplified FEM can be used for further analysis of the bolted corner joints structure in engineering.

Tensile strength of simulated and welded butt joints in W-Cu composite sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Thomas J.; Watson, Gordon K.

1994-01-01

The weldability of W-Cu composite sheet was investigated using simulated and welded joints. The welded joints were produced in a vacuum hot press. Tensile test results showed that simulated joints can provide strength and failure mode data which can be used in joint design for actual weldments. Although all of the welded joints had flaws, a number of these joints were as strong as the W-Cu composite base material.

Action-Effect Associations in Voluntary and Cued Task-Switching.

PubMed

Sommer, Angelika; Lukas, Sarah

2017-01-01

The literature of action control claims that humans control their actions in two ways. In the stimulus-based approach, actions are triggered by external stimuli. In the ideomotor approach, actions are elicited endogenously and controlled by the intended goal. In the current study, our purpose was to investigate whether these two action control modes affect task-switching differently. We combined a classical task-switching paradigm with action-effect learning. Both experiments consisted of two experimental phases: an acquisition phase, in which associations between task, response and subsequent action effects were learned and a test phase, in which the effects of these associations were tested on task performance by presenting the former action effects as preceding effects, prior to the task (called practiced effects ). Subjects either chose freely between tasks (ideomotor action control mode) or they were cued as to which task to perform (sensorimotor action control mode). We aimed to replicate the consistency effect (i.e., task is chosen according to the practiced task-effect association) and non-reversal advantage (i.e., better task performance when the practiced effect matches the previously learned task-effect association). Our results suggest that participants acquired stable action-effect associations independently of the learning mode. The consistency effect (Experiment 1) could be shown, independent of the learning mode, but only on the response-level. The non-reversal advantage (Experiment 2) was only evident in the error rates and only for participants who had practiced in the ideomotor action control mode.

Action-Effect Associations in Voluntary and Cued Task-Switching

PubMed Central

Sommer, Angelika; Lukas, Sarah

2018-01-01

The literature of action control claims that humans control their actions in two ways. In the stimulus-based approach, actions are triggered by external stimuli. In the ideomotor approach, actions are elicited endogenously and controlled by the intended goal. In the current study, our purpose was to investigate whether these two action control modes affect task-switching differently. We combined a classical task-switching paradigm with action-effect learning. Both experiments consisted of two experimental phases: an acquisition phase, in which associations between task, response and subsequent action effects were learned and a test phase, in which the effects of these associations were tested on task performance by presenting the former action effects as preceding effects, prior to the task (called practiced effects). Subjects either chose freely between tasks (ideomotor action control mode) or they were cued as to which task to perform (sensorimotor action control mode). We aimed to replicate the consistency effect (i.e., task is chosen according to the practiced task-effect association) and non-reversal advantage (i.e., better task performance when the practiced effect matches the previously learned task-effect association). Our results suggest that participants acquired stable action-effect associations independently of the learning mode. The consistency effect (Experiment 1) could be shown, independent of the learning mode, but only on the response-level. The non-reversal advantage (Experiment 2) was only evident in the error rates and only for participants who had practiced in the ideomotor action control mode. PMID:29387027

Response to Comment on “Mode of Action (MOA) Assignment Classifications for Ecotoxicology: An Evaluation of Approaches”

EPA Science Inventory

This letter to the editor that does not have an abstract. It explains mode of action in aquatic toxicology, and rebuts comments about our mode of action classification caused by confusion of the commenter.

Further characterization of Bacillus subtilis antibiotic biosensors and their use for antibacterial mode-of-action studies.

PubMed

Mariner, Katherine R; Ooi, Nicola; Roebuck, Deborah; O'Neill, Alex J; Chopra, Ian

2011-04-01

We further examined the usefulness of previously reported Bacillus subtilis biosensors for antibacterial mode-of-action studies. The biosensors could not detect the tRNA synthetase inhibitors mupirocin, indolmycin, and borrelidin, some inhibitors of peptidoglycan synthesis, and most membrane-damaging agents. However, the biosensors confirmed the modes of action of several RNA polymerase inhibitors and DNA intercalators and provided new insights into the possible modes of action of ciprofloxacin, anhydrotetracycline, corralopyronin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, and juglone.

Investigation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Continuous and Pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welded alloy 600

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srikanth, A.; Manikandan, M.

2018-02-01

The present study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of joints fabricated by Continuous and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welded alloy 600. Welding was done by autogenous mode. The macro examination was carried out to evaluate the welding defects in the weld joints. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were performed to assess the microstructural changes in the fusion zone. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was carried to evaluate the microsegregation of alloying elements in the fusion zone. The tensile test was conducted to assess the strength of the weld joints. The results show that no welding defects were observed in the fusion zones of Continuous and Pulsed current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. The refined microstructure was found in the pulsed current compared to continuous current mode. Microsegregation was not noticed in the weld grain boundary of continuous and pulsed current mode. The pulsed current shows improved mechanical properties compared to the continuous current mode.

Using speech for mode selection in control of multifunctional myoelectric prostheses.

PubMed

Fang, Peng; Wei, Zheng; Geng, Yanjuan; Yao, Fuan; Li, Guanglin

2013-01-01

Electromyogram (EMG) recorded from residual muscles of limbs is considered as suitable control information for motorized prostheses. However, in case of high-level amputations, the residual muscles are usually limited, which may not provide enough EMG for flexible control of myoelectric prostheses with multiple degrees of freedom of movements. Here, we proposed a control strategy, where the speech signals were used as additional information and combined with the EMG signals to realize more flexible control of multifunctional prostheses. By replacing the traditional "sequential mode-switching (joint-switching)", the speech signals were used to select a mode (joint) of the prosthetic arm, and then the EMG signals were applied to determine a motion class involved in the selected joint and to execute the motion. Preliminary results from three able-bodied subjects and one transhumeral amputee demonstrated the proposed strategy could achieve a high mode-selection rate and enhance the operation efficiency, suggesting the strategy may improve the control performance of commercial myoelectric prostheses.

Analysing the Continuity of Teaching and Learning in Classroom Actions: When the Joint Action Framework in Didactics Meets the Pragmatist Approach to Classroom Discourses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ligozat, Florence; Lundqvist, Eva; Amade-Escot, Chantal

2018-01-01

One strand of comparative didactics aims at discussing the relationships between the theoretical constructions developed within subject didactics and how these can contribute to research about teaching and learning. This article explores the relationships between categories for analysing joint actions of teacher and students (didactic contract,…

Ultrasonic guided wave monitoring of composite wing skin-to-spar bonded joints in aerospace structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matt, Howard; Bartoli, Ivan; Lanza di Scalea, Francesco

2005-10-01

The monitoring of adhesively bonded joints by ultrasonic guided waves is the general topic of this paper. Specifically, composite-to-composite joints representative of the wing skin-to-spar bonds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are examined. This research is the first step towards the development of an on-board structural health monitoring system for UAV wings based on integrated ultrasonic sensors. The study investigates two different lay-ups for the wing skin and two different types of bond defects, namely poorly cured adhesive and disbonded interfaces. The assessment of bond state is based on monitoring the strength of transmission through the joints of selected guided modes. The wave propagation problem is studied numerically by a semi-analytical finite element method that accounts for viscoelastic damping, and experimentally by ultrasonic testing that uses small PZT disks preferably exciting and detecting the single-plate s0 mode. Both the models and the experiments confirm that the ultrasonic energy transmission through the joint is highly dependent on the bond conditions, with defected bonds resulting in increased transmission strength. Large sensitivity to the bond conditions is found at mode coupling points, as a result of the large interlayer energy transfer.

Lamb Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring on Composite Bolted Joints under Tensile Load

PubMed Central

Yang, Bin; Xuan, Fu-Zhen; Xiang, Yanxun; Li, Dan; Zhu, Wujun; Tang, Xiaojun; Xu, Jichao; Yang, Kang; Luo, Chengqiang

2017-01-01

Online and offline monitoring of composite bolted joints under tensile load were investigated using piezoelectric transducers. The relationships between Lamb wave signals, pre-tightening force, the applied tensile load, as well as the failure modes were investigated. Results indicated that S0/A0 wave amplitudes decrease with the increasing of load. Relationships between damage features and S0/A0 mode were built based on the finite element (FE) simulation and experimental results. The possibility of application of Lamb wave-based structure health monitoring in bolted joint-like composite structures was thus achieved. PMID:28773014

A numerical study on the limitations of modal Iwan models for impulsive excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacayo, Robert M.; Deaner, Brandon J.; Allen, Matthew S.

2017-03-01

Structures with mechanical joints are difficult to model accurately. Even if the natural frequencies of the system remain essentially constant, the damping introduced by the joints is often observed to change dramatically with amplitude. Although models for individual joints have been employed with some success, accurately modeling a structure with many joints remains a significant obstacle. To this end, Segalman proposed a modal Iwan model, which simplifies the analysis by modeling a system with a linear superposition of weakly-nonlinear, uncoupled single degree-of-freedom systems or modes. Given a simulation model with discrete joints, one can identify the model for each mode by selectively exciting each mode one at a time and observing how the transient response decays. However, in the environment of interest several modes may be excited simultaneously, such as in an experiment when an impulse is applied at a discrete point. In this work, the modal Iwan model framework is assessed numerically to understand how well it captures the dynamic response of typical structures with joints when they are excited with impulsive forces applied at point locations. This is done by comparing the effective natural frequency and modal damping of the uncoupled modal models with those of truth models that include nonlinear modal coupling. These concepts are explored for two structures, a simple spring-mass system and a finite element model of a beam, both of which contain physical Iwan elements to model joint nonlinearity. The results show that modal Iwan models can effectively capture the variations in frequency and damping with amplitude, which, for damping, can increase by as much as two orders of magnitude in the microslip regime. However, even in the microslip regime the accuracy of a modal Iwan model is found to depend on whether the mode in question is dominant in the response; in some cases the effective damping that the uncoupled model predicts is found to be in error by tens of percent. Nonetheless, the modal model captures the response qualitatively and is still far superior to a linear model.

A novel large thrust-weight ratio V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor with a flexible joint.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoniu; Yao, Zhiyuan; Yang, Mojian

2017-06-01

A novel large thrust-weight ratio V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor with a flexible joint is proposed in this paper. The motor is comprised of a V-shaped transducer, a slider, a clamp, and a base. The V-shaped transducer consists of two piezoelectric beams connected through a flexible joint to form an appropriate coupling angle. The V-shaped motor is operated in the coupled longitudinal-bending mode. Longitudinal and bending movements are transferred by the flexible joint between the two beams. Compared with the coupled longitudinal-bending mode of the single piezoelectric beam or the symmetrical and asymmetrical modes of the previous V-shaped transducer, the coupled longitudinal-bending mode of the V-shaped transducer with a flexible joint provides higher vibration efficiency and more convenient mode conformance adjustment. A finite element model of the V-shaped transducer is created to numerically study the influence of geometrical parameters and to determine the final geometrical parameters. In this paper, three prototypes were then fabricated and experimentally investigated. The modal test results match well with the finite element analysis. The motor mechanical output characteristics of three different coupling angles θ indicate that V-90 (θ = 90°) is the optimal angle. The mechanical output experiments conducted using the V-90 prototype (Size: 59.4 mm × 30.7 mm × 4 mm) demonstrate that the maximum unloaded speed is 1.2 m/s under a voltage of 350 Vpp, and the maximum output force is 15 N under a voltage of 300 Vpp. The proposed novel V-shaped linear ultrasonic motor has a compact size and a simple structure with a large thrust-weight ratio (0.75 N/g) and high speed.

Rhythm in joint action: psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms for real-time interpersonal coordination

PubMed Central

Keller, Peter E.; Novembre, Giacomo; Hove, Michael J.

2014-01-01

Human interaction often requires simultaneous precision and flexibility in the coordination of rhythmic behaviour between individuals engaged in joint activity, for example, playing a musical duet or dancing with a partner. This review article addresses the psychological processes and brain mechanisms that enable such rhythmic interpersonal coordination. First, an overview is given of research on the cognitive-motor processes that enable individuals to represent joint action goals and to anticipate, attend and adapt to other's actions in real time. Second, the neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin rhythmic interpersonal coordination are sought in studies of sensorimotor and cognitive processes that play a role in the representation and integration of self- and other-related actions within and between individuals' brains. Finally, relationships between social–psychological factors and rhythmic interpersonal coordination are considered from two perspectives, one concerning how social-cognitive tendencies (e.g. empathy) affect coordination, and the other concerning how coordination affects interpersonal affiliation, trust and prosocial behaviour. Our review highlights musical ensemble performance as an ecologically valid yet readily controlled domain for investigating rhythm in joint action. PMID:25385772

A Common Force-Sharing Pattern in Joint Action That Consists of Four People.

PubMed

Masumoto, Junya; Inui, Nobuyuki

2017-12-20

The authors examined the force-sharing patterns in a joint action performed by a group of two, three, or four people compared with a solo action. In the joint actions, 28 participants produced periodic isometric forces such that the sum of forces they produced cycled between 5% and 10% maximum voluntary contraction with the right hand at 1 Hz. In both the three- and four-person tasks, the correlation between forces produced by two of the three or four participants was negative, and the remaining one or two participants produced intermediate forces. The errors of force and interval and force variabilities were smaller in four- and three-people groups than individuals. Four- and three-people groups thus performed better than individuals.

Time- and temperature-dependent failures of a bonded joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sihn, Sangwook

This dissertation summarizes my study of time- and temperature-dependent behavior of a tubular lap bonded joint to provide a design methodology for windmill blade structures. The bonded joint is between a cast-iron rod and a GFRP composite pipe. The adhesive material is an epoxy containing chopped glass fibers. We proposed a new fabrication method to make concentric and void-less specimens of the tubular joint with a thick adhesive bondline to stimulate the root bond of a blade. The thick bondline facilitates the joint assembly of actual blades. For a better understanding of the behavior of the bonded joint, we studied viscoelastic behavior of the adhesive materials by measuring creep compliance at several temperatures during loading period. We observed that the creep compliance depends highly on the period of loading and the temperature. We applied time-temperature equivalence to the creep compliance of the adhesive material to obtain time-temperature shift factors. We also performed constant-rate of monotonically increased uniaxial tensile tests to measure static strength of the tubular lap joint at several temperatures and different strain-rates. We observed two failure modes from load-deflection curves and failed specimens. One is the brittle mode, which was caused by weakness of the interfacial strength occurring at low temperature and short period of loading. The other is the ductile mode, which was caused by weakness of the adhesive material at high temperature and long period of loading. Transition from the brittle to the ductile mode appeared as the temperature or the loading period increased. We also performed tests under uniaxial tensile-tensile cyclic loadings to measure fatigue strength of the bonded joint at several temperatures, frequencies and stress ratios. The fatigue data are analyzed statistically by applying the residual strength degradation model to calculate statistical distribution of the fatigue life. Combining the time-temperature equivalence and the residual strength degradation model enables us to estimate the fatigue life of the bonded joint at different load levels, frequencies and temperatures with a certain probability. A numerical example shows how to apply the life estimation method to a structure subjected to a random load history by rainflow cycle counting.

Kinematics fingerprints of leader and follower role-taking during cooperative joint actions.

PubMed

Sacheli, Lucia Maria; Tidoni, Emmanuele; Pavone, Enea Francesco; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria; Candidi, Matteo

2013-05-01

Performing online complementary motor adjustments is quintessential to joint actions since it allows interacting people to coordinate efficiently and achieve a common goal. We sought to determine whether, during dyadic interactions, signaling strategies and simulative processes are differentially implemented on the basis of the interactional role played by each partner. To this aim, we recorded the kinematics of the right hand of pairs of individuals who were asked to grasp as synchronously as possible a bottle-shaped object according to an imitative or complementary action schedule. Task requirements implied an asymmetric role assignment so that participants performed the task acting either as (1) Leader (i.e., receiving auditory information regarding the goal of the task with indications about where to grasp the object) or (2) Follower (i.e., receiving instructions to coordinate their movements with their partner's by performing imitative or complementary actions). Results showed that, when acting as Leader, participants used signaling strategies to enhance the predictability of their movements. In particular, they selectively emphasized kinematic parameters and reduced movement variability to provide the partner with implicit cues regarding the action to be jointly performed. Thus, Leaders make their movements more "communicative" even when not explicitly instructed to do so. Moreover, only when acting in the role of Follower did participants tend to imitate the Leader, even in complementary actions where imitation is detrimental to joint performance. Our results show that mimicking and signaling are implemented in joint actions according to the interactional role of the agent, which in turn is reflected in the kinematics of each partner.

Omics methods for probing the mode of action of natural phytotoxins

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For a little over a decade, omics methods (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and physionomics) have been used to discover and probe the mode of action of both synthetic and natural phytotoxins. For mode of action discovery, the strategy for each of these approaches is to generate an omics...

Genetically altered mice for evaluation of mode-of-action (MOA)

EPA Science Inventory

Genetically altered mice for evaluation of mode-of-action (MOA). Barbara D. Abbott, Cynthia J. Wolf, Kaberi P. Das, Christopher S. Lau. (Presented by B. Abbott). This presentation provides an example of the use of genetically modified mice to determine the mode-of-action of r...

Adaptive torque estimation of robot joint with harmonic drive transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhiguo; Li, Yuankai; Liu, Guangjun

2017-11-01

Robot joint torque estimation using input and output position measurements is a promising technique, but the result may be affected by the load variation of the joint. In this paper, a torque estimation method with adaptive robustness and optimality adjustment according to load variation is proposed for robot joint with harmonic drive transmission. Based on a harmonic drive model and a redundant adaptive robust Kalman filter (RARKF), the proposed approach can adapt torque estimation filtering optimality and robustness to the load variation by self-tuning the filtering gain and self-switching the filtering mode between optimal and robust. The redundant factor of RARKF is designed as a function of the motor current for tolerating the modeling error and load-dependent filtering mode switching. The proposed joint torque estimation method has been experimentally studied in comparison with a commercial torque sensor and two representative filtering methods. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed torque estimation technique.

Effect of Continuous and Pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding on Dissimilar Weldments Between Hastelloy C-276/AISI 321 Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Sumitra; Taiwade, Ravindra V.; Vashishtha, Himanshu

2017-03-01

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to join Hastelloy C-276 nickel-based superalloy and AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel using ERNiCrMo-4 filler. The joints were fabricated by continuous and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding processes. Experimental studies to ascertain the structure-property co-relationship with or without pulsed current mode were carried out using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Further, the energy-dispersive spectroscope was used to evaluate the extent of microsegregation. The microstructure of fusion zone was obtained as finer cellular dendritic structure for pulsed current mode, whereas columnar structure was formed with small amount of cellular structure for continuous current mode. The scanning electron microscope examination witnessed the existence of migrated grain boundaries at the weld interfaces. Moreover, the presence of secondary phases such as P and μ was observed in continuous current weld joints, whereas they were absent in pulsed current weld joints, which needs to be further characterized. Moreover, pulsed current joints resulted in narrower weld bead, refined morphology, reduced elemental segregation and improved strength of the welded joints. The outcomes of the present investigation would help in obtaining good quality dissimilar joints for industrial applications and AISI 321 ASS being cheaper consequently led to cost-effective design also.

Parameter identification and optimization of slide guide joint of CNC machine tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, S.; Sun, B. B.

2017-11-01

The joint surface has an important influence on the performance of CNC machine tools. In order to identify the dynamic parameters of slide guide joint, the parametric finite element model of the joint is established and optimum design method is used based on the finite element simulation and modal test. Then the mode that has the most influence on the dynamics of slip joint is found through harmonic response analysis. Take the frequency of this mode as objective, the sensitivity analysis of the stiffness of each joint surface is carried out using Latin Hypercube Sampling and Monte Carlo Simulation. The result shows that the vertical stiffness of slip joint surface constituted by the bed and the slide plate has the most obvious influence on the structure. Therefore, this stiffness is taken as the optimization variable and the optimal value is obtained through studying the relationship between structural dynamic performance and stiffness. Take the stiffness values before and after optimization into the FEM of machine tool, and it is found that the dynamic performance of the machine tool is improved.

Inhibition in motor imagery: a novel action mode switching paradigm.

PubMed

Rieger, Martina; Dahm, Stephan F; Koch, Iring

2017-04-01

Motor imagery requires that actual movements are prevented (i.e., inhibited) from execution. To investigate at what level inhibition takes place in motor imagery, we developed a novel action mode switching paradigm. Participants imagined (indicating only start and end) and executed movements from start buttons to target buttons, and we analyzed trial sequence effects. Trial sequences depended on current action mode (imagination or execution), previous action mode (pure blocks/same mode, mixed blocks/same mode, or mixed blocks/other mode), and movement sequence (action repetition, hand repetition, or hand alternation). Results provided evidence for global inhibition (indicated by switch benefits in execution-imagination (E-I)-sequences in comparison to I-I-sequences), effector-specific inhibition (indicated by hand repetition costs after an imagination trial), and target inhibition (indicated by target repetition benefits in I-I-sequences). No evidence for subthreshold motor activation or action-specific inhibition (inhibition of the movement of an effector to a specific target) was obtained. Two (global inhibition and effector-specific inhibition) of the three observed mechanisms are active inhibition mechanisms. In conclusion, motor imagery is not simply a weaker form of execution, which often is implied in views focusing on similarities between imagination and execution.

The role of shared visual information for joint action coordination.

PubMed

Vesper, Cordula; Schmitz, Laura; Safra, Lou; Sebanz, Natalie; Knoblich, Günther

2016-08-01

Previous research has identified a number of coordination processes that enable people to perform joint actions. But what determines which coordination processes joint action partners rely on in a given situation? The present study tested whether varying the shared visual information available to co-actors can trigger a shift in coordination processes. Pairs of participants performed a movement task that required them to synchronously arrive at a target from separate starting locations. When participants in a pair received only auditory feedback about the time their partner reached the target they held their movement duration constant to facilitate coordination. When they received additional visual information about each other's movements they switched to a fundamentally different coordination process, exaggerating the curvature of their movements to communicate their arrival time. These findings indicate that the availability of shared perceptual information is a major factor in determining how individuals coordinate their actions to obtain joint outcomes. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Research on Joint Sealant Materials to Improve Installation and Performance : Final Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-01

The objectives of this project were to 1) identify failure modes and their mechanisms in joint seals in Texas, and to 2) identify what needs to be done to minimize the failures and improve joint seal performance. To achieve these objectives efficient...

Use of omics methods to determine the mode of action of natural phytotoxins

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Technology has greatly increased the power of omics methods to profile transcription, protein, and metabolite responses to phytotoxins. These methods hold promise as a tool for providing clues to the modes of action of such compounds. However, to date, only two putative modes of action have been fou...

Development of an in vitro Hepatocyte Model to Investigate Chemical Mode of Action

EPA Science Inventory

There is a clear need to identify and characterize the potential of liver in vitro models that can be used to replace animals for mode of action analysis. Our goal is to use in vitro models for mode of action prediction which recapitulate critical cellular processes underlying in...

Mixed-mode cyclic debonding of adhesively bonded composite joints. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rezaizadeh, M. A.; Mall, S.

1985-01-01

A combined experimental-analytical investigation to characterize the cyclic failure mechanism of a simple composite-to-composite bonded joint is conducted. The cracked lap shear (CLS) specimens of graphite/epoxy adherend bonded with EC-3445 adhesive are tested under combined mode 1 and 2 loading. In all specimens tested, fatigue failure occurs in the form of cyclic debonding. The cyclic debond growth rates are measured. The finite element analysis is employed to compute the mode 1, mode 2, and total strain energy release rates (i.e., GI, GII, and GT). A wide range of mixed-mode loading, i.e., GI/GII ranging from 0.03 to 0.38, is obtained. The total strain energy release rate, G sub T, appeared to be the driving parameter for cyclic debonding in the tested composite bonded system.

75 FR 33306 - Notice of Meeting Location Change and Joint Meeting of FASAB and GASB

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

... meeting is to discuss: --Measurement Attributes, --Reporting Model, --Cost Accounting, and --Governance... FEDERAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADVISORY BOARD Notice of Meeting Location Change and Joint Meeting of FASAB and GASB AGENCY: Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board. ACTION: Notice. Board Action...

Analytical formulation of orbiter-payload models coupled by trunnion joints with Coulomb friction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Frank C.

1987-01-01

An orbiter and its payload substructure are linked together by five trunnion joints which have thirty degrees-of-freedom. Geometric compatibility conditions require fourteen of the interface physical coordinates of the orbiter and payload to be equal to each other and the remaining sixteen are free to have relative motions under Coulomb friction. The component modes synthesis method using fourteen inertia relief attachment modes for the formulation of the coupled system is presented. The exact nonlinear friction function is derived based on the characteristics of the joints. Formulation is applicable to an orbiter that carries any number of payload substructures.

Analytical formulation of orbiter-payload coupled by trunnion joints with Coulomb friction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Frank C.

1986-01-01

An orbiter and its payload substructure are linked together by five trunnion joints which have thirty degrees-of-freedom. Geometric compatibility conditions require fourteen of the interface physical coordinates of the orbiter and payload to be equal to each other and the remaining sixteen are free to have relative motions under Coulomb friction. The component modes synthesis method using fourteen inertia relief attachment modes for the formulation of the coupled system is presented. The exact nonlinear friction function is derived based on the characteristics of the joints. Formulation is applicable to an orbiter that carries any number of payload substructures.

Experimental Investigation on the Fatigue Mechanical Properties of Intermittently Jointed Rock Models Under Cyclic Uniaxial Compression with Different Loading Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Dai, Feng; Dong, Lu; Xu, Nuwen; Feng, Peng

2018-01-01

Intermittently jointed rocks, widely existing in many mining and civil engineering structures, are quite susceptible to cyclic loading. Understanding the fatigue mechanism of jointed rocks is vital to the rational design and the long-term stability analysis of rock structures. In this study, the fatigue mechanical properties of synthetic jointed rock models under different cyclic conditions are systematically investigated in the laboratory, including four loading frequencies, four maximum stresses, and four amplitudes. Our experimental results reveal the influence of the three cyclic loading parameters on the mechanical properties of jointed rock models, regarding the fatigue deformation characteristics, the fatigue energy and damage evolution, and the fatigue failure and progressive failure behavior. Under lower loading frequency or higher maximum stress and amplitude, the jointed specimen is characterized by higher fatigue deformation moduli and higher dissipated hysteresis energy, resulting in higher cumulative damage and lower fatigue life. However, the fatigue failure modes of jointed specimens are independent of cyclic loading parameters; all tested jointed specimens exhibit a prominent tensile splitting failure mode. Three different crack coalescence patterns are classified between two adjacent joints. Furthermore, different from the progressive failure under static monotonic loading, the jointed rock specimens under cyclic compression fail more abruptly without evident preceding signs. The tensile cracks on the front surface of jointed specimens always initiate from the joint tips and then propagate at a certain angle with the joints toward the direction of maximum compression.

Finite element thermal analysis for PMMA/st.st.304 laser direct joining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, Furat I.; Salloomi, Kareem N.; Akman, E.; Hajim, K. I.; Demir, A.

2017-01-01

This work is concerned with building a three-dimensional (3D) ab-initio models that is capable of predicting the thermal distribution of laser direct joining processes between Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and stainless steel 304(st.st.304). ANSYS® simulation based on finite element analysis (FEA) was implemented for materials joining in two modes; laser transmission joining (LTJ) and conduction joining (CJ). ANSYS® simulator was used to explore the thermal environment of the joints during joining (heating time) and after joining (cooling time). For both modes, the investigation is carried out when the laser spot is at the middle of the joint width, at 15 mm from the commencement point (joint edge) at traveling time of 3.75 s. Process parameters involving peak power (Pp=3 kW), pulse duration (τ=5 ms), pulse repetition rate (PRR=20 Hz) and scanning speed (v=4 mm/s) are applied for both modes.

Omics methods for probing the mode of action of natural and synthetic phytotoxins.

PubMed

Duke, Stephen O; Bajsa, Joanna; Pan, Zhiqiang

2013-02-01

For a little over a decade, omics methods (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and physionomics) have been used to discover and probe the mode of action of both synthetic and natural phytotoxins. For mode of action discovery, the strategy for each of these approaches is to generate an omics profile for phytotoxins with known molecular targets and to compare this library of responses to the responses of compounds with unknown modes of action. Using more than one omics approach enhances the probability of success. Generally, compounds with the same mode of action generate similar responses with a particular omics method. Stress and detoxification responses to phytotoxins can be much clearer than effects directly related to the target site. Clues to new modes of action must be validated with in vitro enzyme effects or genetic approaches. Thus far, the only new phytotoxin target site discovered with omics approaches (metabolomics and physionomics) is that of cinmethylin and structurally related 5-benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazolines. These omics approaches pointed to tyrosine amino-transferase as the target, which was verified by enzyme assays and genetic methods. In addition to being a useful tool of mode of action discovery, omics methods provide detailed information on genetic and biochemical impacts of phytotoxins. Such information can be useful in understanding the full impact of natural phytotoxins in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Rhythm in joint action: psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms for real-time interpersonal coordination.

PubMed

Keller, Peter E; Novembre, Giacomo; Hove, Michael J

2014-12-19

Human interaction often requires simultaneous precision and flexibility in the coordination of rhythmic behaviour between individuals engaged in joint activity, for example, playing a musical duet or dancing with a partner. This review article addresses the psychological processes and brain mechanisms that enable such rhythmic interpersonal coordination. First, an overview is given of research on the cognitive-motor processes that enable individuals to represent joint action goals and to anticipate, attend and adapt to other's actions in real time. Second, the neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin rhythmic interpersonal coordination are sought in studies of sensorimotor and cognitive processes that play a role in the representation and integration of self- and other-related actions within and between individuals' brains. Finally, relationships between social-psychological factors and rhythmic interpersonal coordination are considered from two perspectives, one concerning how social-cognitive tendencies (e.g. empathy) affect coordination, and the other concerning how coordination affects interpersonal affiliation, trust and prosocial behaviour. Our review highlights musical ensemble performance as an ecologically valid yet readily controlled domain for investigating rhythm in joint action. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

A Cross-Species Mode of Action (Moa) Information Assessment: A Case Study of Bisphenol a (BPA)

EPA Science Inventory

EPA has released a report entitled, A Cross-Species Mode of Action Information Assessment: A Case Study of Bisphenol A [EPA/600/R-50/044F] . This report describes an approach to predict chemical effects and mode of action (MOA) for animal species without data from MOA i...

A Bayesian network model for predicting aquatic toxicity mode of action using two dimensional theoretical molecular descriptors-abstract

EPA Science Inventory

The mode of toxic action (MoA) has been recognized as a key determinant of chemical toxicity but MoA classification in aquatic toxicology has been limited. We developed a Bayesian network model to classify aquatic toxicity mode of action using a recently published dataset contain...

Investigation of antibacterial mode of action for traditional and amphiphilic aminoglycosides.

PubMed

Udumula, Venkatareddy; Ham, Young Wan; Fosso, Marina Y; Chan, Ka Yee; Rai, Ravi; Zhang, Jianjun; Li, Jie; Chang, Cheng-Wei Tom

2013-03-15

Aminoglycoside represents a class of versatile and broad spectrum antibacterial agents. In an effort to revive the antibacterial activity against aminoglycoside resistant bacteria, our laboratory has developed two new classes of aminoglycoside, pyranmycin and amphiphilic neomycin (NEOF004). The former resembles the traditional aminoglycoside, neomycin. The latter, albeit derived from neomycin, appears to exert antibacterial action via a different mode of action. In order to discern that these aminoglycoside derivatives have distinct antibacterial mode of action, RNA-binding affinity and fluorogenic dye were employed. These studies, together with our previous investigation, confirm that pyranmycin exhibit the traditional antibacterial mode of action of aminoglycosides by binding toward the bacterial rRNA. On the other hand, the amphiphilic neomycin, NEOF004 disrupts the bacterial cell wall. In a broader perspective, it verifies that structurally modified neomycin can exert different antibacterial mode of action leading to the revival of activity against aminoglycoside resistant bacteria. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructural evolution of SiC joints soldered using Zn-Al filler metals with the assistance of ultrasound.

PubMed

Wu, Bingzhi; Leng, Xuesong; Xiu, Ziyang; Yan, Jiuchun

2018-06-01

SiC ceramics were successfully soldered with the assistance of ultrasound. Two kinds of filler metals, namely non-eutectic Zn-5Al-3Cu and eutectic Zn-5Al alloys, were used. The effects of ultrasonic action on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the soldered joints were investigated. The results showed that ultrasound could promote the wetting and bonding between the SiC ceramic and filler metals within tens of seconds. For the Zn-5Al-3Cu solder, a fully grain-refined structure in the bond layer was obtained as the ultrasonic action time increased. This may lead to a substantial enhancement in the strength of the soldered joints. For the Zn-5Al solder, the shear strength of the soldered joints was only ∼102 MPa when the ultrasonic action time was shorter, and fractures occurred in the brittle lamellar eutectic phases in the center of the bond layer. With increasing ultrasonic action time, the lamellar eutectic phase in the bond layer of SiC joints could be completely transformed to a fine non-lamellar eutectic structure. Meanwhile, the grains in the bond layer were obviously refined. Those results led to the remarkable enhancement of the shear strength of the joints (∼138 MPa) using the Zn-5Al solder, which had approached that enhancement using the Zn-5Al-3Cu solder. The enhanced mechanical properties of the joints were attributed to the significant refinement of the grains and the change in the eutectic structure in the bond layer. Prolonged enhanced heterogeneous nucleation triggered by ultrasonic cavitation is the predominant refinement mechanism of the bond metals of the SiC joints. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Current status and rational therapeutic use.

PubMed

Hart, F D; Huskisson, E C

1984-03-01

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), the first of the NSAIDs (introduced in 1899), was initially never referred to as an anti-inflammatory agent. It was the advent of cortisone in 1949 that demonstrated dramatically that corticosteroids had anti-inflammatory properties and the term 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug' was first used when phenylbutazone was introduced 3 years later. Since then, the NSAIDs have proliferated. There is to date no good evidence that they halt progression of rheumatoid disease, but by easing pain and diminishing swelling they make life much easier in osteoarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many other types of arthritis, and are the drugs of first choice in acute gout. Their mode (or modes) of action are obscure and though inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (prostaglandin synthetase) is clearly important, other mechanisms are also involved. The assessment of the anti-inflammatory action of these agents has received considerable attention in clinical trials because, whatever their action may be in experimental animal models, their action in inflamed joints in human patients must be ascertained, since there may be little parallel between the two. Different experimental animal models give different results with various agents and often bear little relation to their therapeutic action in man. No attempt has been made here to review in depth all the NSAIDs that have appeared since 1952. All have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity and all can cause gastrointestinal side effects, though effectiveness and toxicity vary from drug to drug and patient to patient, there being very great interpatient variability. Non-reactors, patients who apparently fail to respond to certain agents, need further study, for it seems that these subjects may metabolise these agents differently from others. Considerable ingenuity has been shown not only in evolving new NSAIDs but in finding new ways of administering them. The number and variety of NSAIDs in their various forms varies greatly from country to country, depending largely on the regulatory bodies of those countries. In the meantime, the search for a better, less toxic compound continues with the hope that one may be found which has a deeper and more basic action on the underlying disease process.

Recognizing human actions by learning and matching shape-motion prototype trees.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhuolin; Lin, Zhe; Davis, Larry S

2012-03-01

A shape-motion prototype-based approach is introduced for action recognition. The approach represents an action as a sequence of prototypes for efficient and flexible action matching in long video sequences. During training, an action prototype tree is learned in a joint shape and motion space via hierarchical K-means clustering and each training sequence is represented as a labeled prototype sequence; then a look-up table of prototype-to-prototype distances is generated. During testing, based on a joint probability model of the actor location and action prototype, the actor is tracked while a frame-to-prototype correspondence is established by maximizing the joint probability, which is efficiently performed by searching the learned prototype tree; then actions are recognized using dynamic prototype sequence matching. Distance measures used for sequence matching are rapidly obtained by look-up table indexing, which is an order of magnitude faster than brute-force computation of frame-to-frame distances. Our approach enables robust action matching in challenging situations (such as moving cameras, dynamic backgrounds) and allows automatic alignment of action sequences. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach achieves recognition rates of 92.86 percent on a large gesture data set (with dynamic backgrounds), 100 percent on the Weizmann action data set, 95.77 percent on the KTH action data set, 88 percent on the UCF sports data set, and 87.27 percent on the CMU action data set.

Ultrasonic guided wave propagation across waveguide transitions: energy transfer and mode conversion.

PubMed

Puthillath, Padmakumar; Galan, Jose M; Ren, Baiyang; Lissenden, Cliff J; Rose, Joseph L

2013-05-01

Ultrasonic guided wave inspection of structures containing adhesively bonded joints requires an understanding of the interaction of guided waves with geometric and material discontinuities or transitions in the waveguide. Such interactions result in mode conversion with energy being partitioned among the reflected and transmitted modes. The step transition between an aluminum layer and an aluminum-adhesive-aluminum multi-layer waveguide is analyzed as a model structure. Dispersion analysis enables assessment of (i) synchronism through dispersion curve overlap and (ii) wavestructure correlation. Mode-pairs in the multi-layer waveguide are defined relative to a prescribed mode in a single layer as being synchronized and having nearly perfect wavestructure matching. Only a limited number of mode-pairs exist, and each has a unique frequency range. A hybrid model based on semi-analytical finite elements and the normal mode expansion is implemented to assess mode conversion at a step transition in a waveguide. The model results indicate that synchronism and wavestructure matching is associated with energy transfer through the step transition, and that the energy of an incident wave mode in a single layer is transmitted almost entirely to the associated mode-pair, where one exists. This analysis guides the selection of incident modes that convert into transmitted modes and improve adhesive joint inspection with ultrasonic guided waves.

Position and mode dependent optical detection back-action in cantilever beam resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, T.; Schmid, S.; Dohn, S.; Sader, J. E.; Boisen, A.; Villanueva, L. G.

2017-03-01

Optical detection back-action in cantilever resonant or static detection presents a challenge when striving for state-of-the-art performance. The origin and possible routes for minimizing optical back-action have received little attention in literature. Here, we investigate the position and mode dependent optical back-action on cantilever beam resonators. A high power heating laser (100 µW) is scanned across a silicon nitride cantilever while its effect on the first three resonance modes is detected via a low-power readout laser (1 µW) positioned at the cantilever tip. We find that the measured effect of back-action is not only dependent on position but also the shape of the resonance mode. Relevant silicon nitride material parameters are extracted by fitting finite element (FE) simulations to the temperature-dependent frequency response of the first three modes. In a second round of simulations, using the extracted parameters, we successfully fit the FEM results with the measured mode and position dependent back-action. From the simulations, we can conclude that the observed frequency tuning is due to temperature induced changes in stress. Effects of changes in material properties and dimensions are negligible. Finally, different routes for minimizing the effect of this optical detection back-action are described, allowing further improvements of cantilever-based sensing in general.

Automatic control of positioning along the joint during EBW in conditions of action of magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druzhinina, A. A.; Laptenok, V. D.; Murygin, A. V.; Laptenok, P. V.

2016-11-01

Positioning along the joint during the electron beam welding is a difficult scientific and technical problem to achieve the high quality of welds. The final solution of this problem is not found. This is caused by weak interference protection of sensors of the joint position directly in the welding process. Frequently during the electron beam welding magnetic fields deflect the electron beam from the optical axis of the electron beam gun. The collimated X-ray sensor is used to monitor the beam deflection caused by the action of magnetic fields. Signal of X-ray sensor is processed by the method of synchronous detection. Analysis of spectral characteristics of the X-ray sensor showed that the displacement of the joint from the optical axis of the gun affects on the output signal of sensor. The authors propose dual-circuit system for automatic positioning of the electron beam on the joint during the electron beam welding in conditions of action of magnetic interference. This system includes a contour of joint tracking and contour of compensation of magnetic fields. The proposed system is stable. Calculation of dynamic error of system showed that error of positioning does not exceed permissible deviation of the electron beam from the joint plane.

Predicting herbicide mixture effects on multiple algal species using mixture toxicity models.

PubMed

Nagai, Takashi

2017-10-01

The validity of the application of mixture toxicity models, concentration addition and independent action, to a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) for calculation of a multisubstance potentially affected fraction was examined in laboratory experiments. Toxicity assays of herbicide mixtures using 5 species of periphytic algae were conducted. Two mixture experiments were designed: a mixture of 5 herbicides with similar modes of action and a mixture of 5 herbicides with dissimilar modes of action, corresponding to the assumptions of the concentration addition and independent action models, respectively. Experimentally obtained mixture effects on 5 algal species were converted to the fraction of affected (>50% effect on growth rate) species. The predictive ability of the concentration addition and independent action models with direct application to SSD depended on the mode of action of chemicals. That is, prediction was better for the concentration addition model than the independent action model for the mixture of herbicides with similar modes of action. In contrast, prediction was better for the independent action model than the concentration addition model for the mixture of herbicides with dissimilar modes of action. Thus, the concentration addition and independent action models could be applied to SSD in the same manner as for a single-species effect. The present study to validate the application of the concentration addition and independent action models to SSD supports the usefulness of the multisubstance potentially affected fraction as the index of ecological risk. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2624-2630. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Dissecting modes of action of non-genotoxic carcinogens in primary mouse hepatocytes.

PubMed

Schaap, Mirjam M; Zwart, Edwin P; Wackers, Paul F K; Huijskens, Ilse; van de Water, Bob; Breit, Timo M; van Steeg, Harry; Jonker, Martijs J; Luijten, Mirjam

2012-11-01

Under REACH, the European Community Regulation on chemicals, the testing strategy for carcinogenicity is based on in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays. Given that non-genotoxic carcinogens are negative for genotoxicity and chronic bioassays are no longer regularly performed, this class of carcinogens will go undetected. Therefore, test systems detecting non-genotoxic carcinogens, or even better their modes of action, are required. Here, we investigated whether gene expression profiling in primary hepatocytes can be used to distinguish different modes of action of non-genotoxic carcinogens. For this, primary mouse hepatocytes were exposed to 16 non-genotoxic carcinogens with diverse modes of action. Upon profiling, pathway analysis was performed to obtain insight into the biological relevance of the observed changes in gene expression. Subsequently, both a supervised and an unsupervised comparison approach were applied to recognize the modes of action at the transcriptomic level. These analyses resulted in the detection of three of eight compound classes, that is, peroxisome proliferators, metalloids and skin tumor promotors. In conclusion, gene expression profiles in primary hepatocytes, at least in rodent hepatocytes, appear to be useful to detect some, certainly not all, modes of action of non-genotoxic carcinogens.

Phenomena of nonlinear oscillation and special resonance of a dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure rotary joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jianwen; Niu, Junyang; McCoul, David; Ren, Zhi; Pei, Qibing

2015-03-01

The dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure can realize large angular deformations by a small voltage-induced strain of the dielectric elastomer, so it is a suitable candidate to make a rotary joint for a soft robot. Driven with an alternating electric field, the joint deformation vibrational frequency follows the input voltage frequency. However, the authors find that if the rotational inertia increases such that the inertial torque makes the frame deform over a negative angle, then the joint motion will become complicated and the vibrational mode will alter with the change of voltage frequency. The vibration with the largest amplitude does not occur while the voltage frequency is equal to natural response frequency of the joint. Rather, the vibrational amplitude will be quite large over a range of other frequencies at which the vibrational frequency is half of the voltage frequency. This phenomenon was analyzed by a comparison of the timing sequences between voltage and joint vibration. This vibrational mode with the largest amplitude can be applied to the generation lift in a flapping wing actuated by dielectric elastomers.

An EMAT-based shear horizontal (SH) wave technique for adhesive bond inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, K.; Dhayalan, R.; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan; Maxfield, Bruce; Peres, Patrick; Barnoncel, David

2012-05-01

The evaluation of adhesively bonded structures has been a challenge over the several decades that these structures have been used. Applications within the aerospace industry often call for particularly high performance adhesive bonds. Several techniques have been proposed for the detection of disbonds and cohesive weakness but a reliable NDE method for detecting interfacial weakness (also sometimes called a kissing bond) has been elusive. Different techniques, including ultrasonic, thermal imaging and shearographic methods, have been proposed; all have had some degree of success. In particular, ultrasonic methods, including those based upon shear and guided waves, have been explored for the assessment of interfacial bond quality. Since 3-D guided shear horizontal (SH) waves in plates have predominantly shear displacement at the plate surfaces, we conjectured that SH guided waves should be influenced by interfacial conditions when they propagate between adhesively bonded plates of comparable thickness. This paper describes a new technique based on SH guided waves that propagate within and through a lap joint. Through mechanisms we have yet to fully understand, the propagation of an SH wave through a lap joint gives rise to a reverberation signal that is due to one or more reflections of an SH guided wave mode within that lap joint. Based upon a combination of numerical simulations and measurements, this method shows promise for detecting and classifying interfacial bonds. It is also apparent from our measurements that the SH wave modes can discriminate between adhesive and cohesive bond weakness in both Aluminum-Epoxy-Aluminum and Composite-Epoxy-Composite lap joints. All measurements reported here used periodic permanent magnet (PPM) Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMATs) to generate either or both of the two lowest order SH modes in the plates that comprise the lap joint. This exact configuration has been simulated using finite element (FE) models to describe the SH mode generation, propagation and reception. Of particular interest is that one SH guided wave mode (probably SH0) reverberates within the lap joint. Moreover, in both simulations and measurements, features of this so-called reverberation signal appear to be related to interfacial weakness between the plate (substrate) and the epoxy bond. The results of a hybrid numerical (FE) approach based on using COMSOL to calculate the driving forces within an elastic solid and ABAQUS to propagate the resulting elastic disturbances (waves) within the plates and lap joint are compared with measurements of SH wave generation and reception in lap joint specimens having different interfacial and cohesive bonding conditions.

The joint Simon effect: a review and theoretical integration

PubMed Central

Dolk, Thomas; Hommel, Bernhard; Colzato, Lorenza S.; Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Prinz, Wolfgang; Liepelt, Roman

2014-01-01

The social or joint Simon effect has been developed to investigate how and to what extent people mentally represent their own and other persons' action/task and how these cognitive representations influence an individual's own behavior when interacting with another person. Here, we provide a review of the available evidence and theoretical frameworks. Based on this review, we suggest a comprehensive theory that integrates aspects of earlier approaches–the Referential Coding Account. This account provides an alternative to the social interpretation of the (joint) go-nogo Simon effect (aka the social Simon effect) and is able to integrate seemingly opposite findings on joint action. PMID:25249991

Sociocultural Settings Influence the Emergence of Prelinguistic Deictic Gestures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salomo, Dorothe; Liszkowski, Ulf

2013-01-01

Daily activities of forty-eight 8- to 15-month-olds and their interlocutors were observed to test for the presence and frequency of triadic joint actions and deictic gestures across three different cultures: Yucatec-Mayans (Mexico), Dutch (Netherlands), and Shanghai-Chinese (China). The amount of joint action and deictic gestures to which infants…

10 CFR 1021.216 - Procurement, financial assistance, and joint ventures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... competitive solicitations, unless the action is categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS under...-source joint ventures, unless the action is categorically excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS under... environmental data and analyses as a discrete part of the offeror's proposal. DOE shall specify in its...

Modes of action of microbially-produced phytotoxins.

PubMed

Duke, Stephen O; Dayan, Franck E

2011-08-01

Some of the most potent phytotoxins are synthesized by microbes. A few of these share molecular target sites with some synthetic herbicides, but many microbial toxins have unique target sites with potential for exploitation by the herbicide industry. Compounds from both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes are discussed. Microbial phytotoxins with modes of action the same as those of commercial herbicides and those with novel modes of action of action are covered. Examples of the compounds discussed are tentoxin, AAL-toxin, auscaulitoxin aglycone, hydantocidin, thaxtomin, and tabtoxin.

Influence of the parameters of a high-frequency acoustic wave on the structure, properties, and plastic flow of metal in the zone of a joint of materials welded by ultrasound-assisted explosive welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peev, A. P.; Kuz'min, S. V.; Lysak, V. I.; Kuz'min, E. V.; Dorodnikov, A. N.

2017-05-01

The results of an investigation of the influence of the parameters of high-frequency acoustic wave on the structure and properties of the zone of joint of homogeneous metals bonded by explosive welding under the action of ultrasound have been presented. The influence of the frequency and amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations on the structure and properties of the explosively welded joints compared with the samples welded without the application of ultrasound has been established. The action of high-frequency acoustic waves on the metal leads to a reduction in the dynamic yield stress, which changes the properties of the surface layers of the metal and the conditions of the formation of the joint of the colliding plates upon the explosive welding. It has been shown that the changes in the length and amplitude of waves that arise in the weld joint upon the explosive welding with the simultaneous action of ultrasonic vibrations are connected with a decrease in the magnitude of the deforming pulse and time of action of the compressive stresses that exceed the dynamic yield stress beyond the point of contact.

Planning for Multiagent Using ASP-Prolog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Tran Cao; Pontelli, Enrico; Nguyen, Ngoc-Hieu

This paper presents an Answer Set Programming based approach to multiagent planning. The proposed methodology extends the action language \\cal B in [12] to represent and reason about plans with cooperative actions of an individual agent operating in a multiagent environment. This language is used to formalize multiagent planning problems and the notion of a joint plan for multiagent in the presence of cooperative actions. Finally, the paper presents a system for computing joint plans based on the ASP-Prolog system.

Neural mechanisms and models underlying joint action.

PubMed

Chersi, Fabian

2011-06-01

Humans, in particular, and to a lesser extent also other species of animals, possess the impressive capability of smoothly coordinating their actions with those of others. The great amount of work done in recent years in neuroscience has provided new insights into the processes involved in joint action, intention understanding, and task sharing. In particular, the discovery of mirror neurons, which fire both when animals execute actions and when they observe the same actions done by other individuals, has shed light on the intimate relationship between perception and action elucidating the direct contribution of motor knowledge to action understanding. Up to date, however, a detailed description of the neural processes involved in these phenomena is still mostly lacking. Building upon data from single neuron recordings in monkeys observing the actions of a demonstrator and then executing the same or a complementary action, this paper describes the functioning of a biologically constraint neural network model of the motor and mirror systems during joint action. In this model, motor sequences are encoded as independent neuronal chains that represent concatenations of elementary motor acts leading to a specific goal. Action execution and recognition are achieved through the propagation of activity within specific chains. Due to the dual property of mirror neurons, the same architecture is capable of smoothly integrating and switching between observed and self-generated action sequences, thus allowing to evaluate multiple hypotheses simultaneously, understand actions done by others, and to respond in an appropriate way.

78 FR 49242 - Relief From Joint and Several Liability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-13

... Relief From Joint and Several Liability AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice... joint and several tax liability under section 6015 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and relief from... are husband and wife to file a joint Federal income tax return. Married individuals who choose to file...

Shared action spaces: a basis function framework for social re-calibration of sensorimotor representations supporting joint action

PubMed Central

Pezzulo, Giovanni; Iodice, Pierpaolo; Ferraina, Stefano; Kessler, Klaus

2013-01-01

The article explores the possibilities of formalizing and explaining the mechanisms that support spatial and social perspective alignment sustained over the duration of a social interaction. The basic proposed principle is that in social contexts the mechanisms for sensorimotor transformations and multisensory integration (learn to) incorporate information relative to the other actor(s), similar to the “re-calibration” of visual receptive fields in response to repeated tool use. This process aligns or merges the co-actors’ spatial representations and creates a “Shared Action Space” (SAS) supporting key computations of social interactions and joint actions; for example, the remapping between the coordinate systems and frames of reference of the co-actors, including perspective taking, the sensorimotor transformations required for lifting jointly an object, and the predictions of the sensory effects of such joint action. The social re-calibration is proposed to be based on common basis function maps (BFMs) and could constitute an optimal solution to sensorimotor transformation and multisensory integration in joint action or more in general social interaction contexts. However, certain situations such as discrepant postural and viewpoint alignment and associated differences in perspectives between the co-actors could constrain the process quite differently. We discuss how alignment is achieved in the first place, and how it is maintained over time, providing a taxonomy of various forms and mechanisms of space alignment and overlap based, for instance, on automaticity vs. control of the transformations between the two agents. Finally, we discuss the link between low-level mechanisms for the sharing of space and high-level mechanisms for the sharing of cognitive representations. PMID:24324425

Minimalist Social-Affective Value for Use in Joint Action: A Neural-Computational Hypothesis

PubMed Central

Lowe, Robert; Almér, Alexander; Lindblad, Gustaf; Gander, Pierre; Michael, John; Vesper, Cordula

2016-01-01

Joint Action is typically described as social interaction that requires coordination among two or more co-actors in order to achieve a common goal. In this article, we put forward a hypothesis for the existence of a neural-computational mechanism of affective valuation that may be critically exploited in Joint Action. Such a mechanism would serve to facilitate coordination between co-actors permitting a reduction of required information. Our hypothesized affective mechanism provides a value function based implementation of Associative Two-Process (ATP) theory that entails the classification of external stimuli according to outcome expectancies. This approach has been used to describe animal and human action that concerns differential outcome expectancies. Until now it has not been applied to social interaction. We describe our Affective ATP model as applied to social learning consistent with an “extended common currency” perspective in the social neuroscience literature. We contrast this to an alternative mechanism that provides an example implementation of the so-called social-specific value perspective. In brief, our Social-Affective ATP mechanism builds upon established formalisms for reinforcement learning (temporal difference learning models) nuanced to accommodate expectations (consistent with ATP theory) and extended to integrate non-social and social cues for use in Joint Action. PMID:27601989

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy: The Effect of Welding Energy

PubMed Central

Peng, He; Chen, Daolun; Jiang, Xianquan

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructures, tensile lap shear strength, and fatigue resistance of 6022-T43 aluminum alloy joints welded via a solid-state welding technique–ultrasonic spot welding (USW)–at different energy levels. An ultra-fine necklace-like equiaxed grain structure is observed along the weld line due to the occurrence of dynamic crystallization, with smaller grain sizes at lower levels of welding energy. The tensile lap shear strength, failure energy, and critical stress intensity of the welded joints first increase, reach their maximum values, and then decrease with increasing welding energy. The tensile lap shear failure mode changes from interfacial fracture at lower energy levels, to nugget pull-out at intermediate optimal energy levels, and to transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at higher energy levels. The fatigue life is longer for the joints welded at an energy of 1400 J than 2000 J at higher cyclic loading levels. The fatigue failure mode changes from nugget pull-out to TTT crack growth with decreasing cyclic loading for the joints welded at 1400 J, while TTT crack growth mode remains at all cyclic loading levels for the joints welded at 2000 J. Fatigue crack basically initiates from the nugget edge, and propagates with “river-flow” patterns and characteristic fatigue striations. PMID:28772809

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Ultrasonic Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy: The Effect of Welding Energy.

PubMed

Peng, He; Chen, Daolun; Jiang, Xianquan

2017-04-25

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructures, tensile lap shear strength, and fatigue resistance of 6022-T43 aluminum alloy joints welded via a solid-state welding technique-ultrasonic spot welding (USW)-at different energy levels. An ultra-fine necklace-like equiaxed grain structure is observed along the weld line due to the occurrence of dynamic crystallization, with smaller grain sizes at lower levels of welding energy. The tensile lap shear strength, failure energy, and critical stress intensity of the welded joints first increase, reach their maximum values, and then decrease with increasing welding energy. The tensile lap shear failure mode changes from interfacial fracture at lower energy levels, to nugget pull-out at intermediate optimal energy levels, and to transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at higher energy levels. The fatigue life is longer for the joints welded at an energy of 1400 J than 2000 J at higher cyclic loading levels. The fatigue failure mode changes from nugget pull-out to TTT crack growth with decreasing cyclic loading for the joints welded at 1400 J, while TTT crack growth mode remains at all cyclic loading levels for the joints welded at 2000 J. Fatigue crack basically initiates from the nugget edge, and propagates with "river-flow" patterns and characteristic fatigue striations.

Interactive robot control system and method of use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdallah, Muhammad E. (Inventor); Sanders, Adam M. (Inventor); Platt, Robert (Inventor); Reiland, Matthew J. (Inventor); Linn, Douglas Martin (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A robotic system includes a robot having joints, actuators, and sensors, and a distributed controller. The controller includes command-level controller, embedded joint-level controllers each controlling a respective joint, and a joint coordination-level controller coordinating motion of the joints. A central data library (CDL) centralizes all control and feedback data, and a user interface displays a status of each joint, actuator, and sensor using the CDL. A parameterized action sequence has a hierarchy of linked events, and allows the control data to be modified in real time. A method of controlling the robot includes transmitting control data through the various levels of the controller, routing all control and feedback data to the CDL, and displaying status and operation of the robot using the CDL. The parameterized action sequences are generated for execution by the robot, and a hierarchy of linked events is created within the sequence.

NASA-DoD Lead-Free Electronics Project: Vibration Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodrow, Thomas A.

2010-01-01

Vibration testing was conducted by Boeing Research and Technology (Seattle) for the NASA-DoD Lead-Free Electronics Solder Project. This project is a follow-on to the Joint Council on Aging Aircraft/Joint Group on Pollution Prevention (JCAA/JG-PP) Lead-Free Solder Project which was the first group to test the reliability of lead-free solder joints against the requirements of the aerospace/miLItary community. Twenty seven test vehicles were subjected to the vibration test conditions (in two batches). The random vibration Power Spectral Density (PSD) input was increased during the test every 60 minutes in an effort to fail as many components as possible within the time allotted for the test. The solder joints on the components were electrically monitored using event detectors and any solder joint failures were recorded on a Labview-based data collection system. The number of test minutes required to fail a given component attached with SnPb solder was then compared to the number of test minutes required to fail the same component attached with lead-free solder. A complete modal analysis was conducted on one test vehicle using a laser vibrometer system which measured velocities, accelerations, and displacements at one . hundred points. The laser vibrometer data was used to determine the frequencies of the major modes of the test vehicle and the shapes of the modes. In addition, laser vibrometer data collected during the vibration test was used to calculate the strains generated by the first mode (using custom software). After completion of the testing, all of the test vehicles were visually inspected and cross sections were made. Broken component leads and other unwanted failure modes were documented.

Quasi-interferometric scheme improved by fiber Bragg grating written on macrostructure defect in silica multimode optical fiber operating in a few-mode regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evtushenko, Alexander S.; Faskhutdinov, Lenar M.; Kafarova, Anastasia M.; Kuznetzov, Artem A.; Minaeva, Alina Yu.; Sevruk, Nikita L.; Nureev, Ilnur I.; Vasilets, Alexander A.; Andreev, Vladimir A.; Morozov, Oleg G.; Burdin, Vladimir A.; Bourdine, Anton V.

2017-04-01

This work presents results of experimental approbation of earlier on proposed modified fiber optic stress sensor based on a few-mode effects occurring during laser-excited optical signal propagation over silica multimode optical fiber (MMF). Modification is concerned with a passage to quasi-interferometric scheme realized by two multimode Y-couplers with equalized arm lengths improved by fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written on preliminary formed precision macrostructure defects in silica multimode graded-index optical fibers and special offset launching conditions providing laser-based excitation of higher-order modes. The "arms" of quasi-interferometer are two equalized lengths of MMF Cat. OM2 with great central dip of refractive index profile and strong pulse splitting due to high differential mode delay (DMD). We tested FBGs with Bragg wavelength both 1310 nm and 1550 nm written over tapers or up-tapers preliminary formed in short pieces of MMF Cat. OM2+/OM3 and further jointed to the end of one of the arms before output Y-coupler. Researches were focused on comparison analysis of pulse responses under changing of selected excited mode mixing and power diffusion processes due to stress distributed action to sensor fiber depending. Here we considered FBGs not only as particular wavelength reflector during spectral response measurement but also as local periodic microstructure defect which strongly effects on few-mode signal components mixing process also improved by combination with macro-defect like taper or up-taper that should provide response variation. Some results pulse response measurements produced for different scheme configuration and their comparison analysis are represented.

Conceptual Framework of Modes of Problem Solving Action (MPSA): Implications for Internet Teaching and Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lai, Su-Huei

The conceptual framework of the Modes of Problem Solving Action (MPSA) model integrates Dewey's pragmatism, critical science theory, and theory regarding the three modes of inquiry. The MPSA model is formulated in the shape of a matrix. Horizontally, there are the following modes: technical, interpretive, and emancipating. Vertically, there are…

Agenda. Recommendations for National Action in Higher Education. The 96th Congress. A Joint Statement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, Washington, DC.

Recommendations for national action in higher education are offered by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The joint policy statement focuses on issues that the federal government needs to consider including: how to broaden educational opportunity…

Social task switching: On the automatic social engagement of executive functions.

PubMed

Dudarev, Veronica; Hassin, Ran R

2016-01-01

Humans are quintessentially social, yet much of cognitive psychology has focused on the individual, in individual settings. The literature on joint action is one of the most prominent exceptions. Joint-action research studies the sociality of our mental representations by examining how the tasks of other people around us affect our own task performance. In this paper we go beyond examining whether we represent others and their tasks, by asking whether we also automatically do their tasks with them, even if they require effortful executive functions. To this end we examine one of the core executive functions, shifting, in a new paradigm that allows us to investigate task-switching in a joint-action setup. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exploring the acquisition and production of grammatical constructions through human-robot interaction with echo state networks.

PubMed

Hinaut, Xavier; Petit, Maxime; Pointeau, Gregoire; Dominey, Peter Ford

2014-01-01

One of the principal functions of human language is to allow people to coordinate joint action. This includes the description of events, requests for action, and their organization in time. A crucial component of language acquisition is learning the grammatical structures that allow the expression of such complex meaning related to physical events. The current research investigates the learning of grammatical constructions and their temporal organization in the context of human-robot physical interaction with the embodied sensorimotor humanoid platform, the iCub. We demonstrate three noteworthy phenomena. First, a recurrent network model is used in conjunction with this robotic platform to learn the mappings between grammatical forms and predicate-argument representations of meanings related to events, and the robot's execution of these events in time. Second, this learning mechanism functions in the inverse sense, i.e., in a language production mode, where rather than executing commanded actions, the robot will describe the results of human generated actions. Finally, we collect data from naïve subjects who interact with the robot via spoken language, and demonstrate significant learning and generalization results. This allows us to conclude that such a neural language learning system not only helps to characterize and understand some aspects of human language acquisition, but also that it can be useful in adaptive human-robot interaction.

Exploring the acquisition and production of grammatical constructions through human-robot interaction with echo state networks

PubMed Central

Hinaut, Xavier; Petit, Maxime; Pointeau, Gregoire; Dominey, Peter Ford

2014-01-01

One of the principal functions of human language is to allow people to coordinate joint action. This includes the description of events, requests for action, and their organization in time. A crucial component of language acquisition is learning the grammatical structures that allow the expression of such complex meaning related to physical events. The current research investigates the learning of grammatical constructions and their temporal organization in the context of human-robot physical interaction with the embodied sensorimotor humanoid platform, the iCub. We demonstrate three noteworthy phenomena. First, a recurrent network model is used in conjunction with this robotic platform to learn the mappings between grammatical forms and predicate-argument representations of meanings related to events, and the robot's execution of these events in time. Second, this learning mechanism functions in the inverse sense, i.e., in a language production mode, where rather than executing commanded actions, the robot will describe the results of human generated actions. Finally, we collect data from naïve subjects who interact with the robot via spoken language, and demonstrate significant learning and generalization results. This allows us to conclude that such a neural language learning system not only helps to characterize and understand some aspects of human language acquisition, but also that it can be useful in adaptive human-robot interaction. PMID:24834050

What should I do next? Using shared representations to solve interaction problems.

PubMed

Pezzulo, Giovanni; Dindo, Haris

2011-06-01

Studies on how "the social mind" works reveal that cognitive agents engaged in joint actions actively estimate and influence another's cognitive variables and form shared representations with them. (How) do shared representations enhance coordination? In this paper, we provide a probabilistic model of joint action that emphasizes how shared representations help solving interaction problems. We focus on two aspects of the model. First, we discuss how shared representations permit to coordinate at the level of cognitive variables (beliefs, intentions, and actions) and determine a coherent unfolding of action execution and predictive processes in the brains of two agents. Second, we discuss the importance of signaling actions as part of a strategy for sharing representations and the active guidance of another's actions toward the achievement of a joint goal. Furthermore, we present data from a human-computer experiment (the Tower Game) in which two agents (human and computer) have to build together a tower made of colored blocks, but only the human knows the constellation of the tower to be built (e.g., red-blue-red-blue-…). We report evidence that humans use signaling strategies that take another's uncertainty into consideration, and that in turn our model is able to use humans' actions as cues to "align" its representations and to select complementary actions.

Mini Review: Mode of Action of Mosquito Repellents

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Mini review: Mode of action of mosquito repellents Joseph C. Dickens ⇑, Jonathan D. Bohbot United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural...Modulation a b s t r a c t The mode of action of mosquito repellents remains a controversial topic. However, electrophysiological studies and molecular...annoyance that can disrupt outdoor activities. The use of repellents decreases contacts between mosquitoes and their hosts, and may even lower the rate of

Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Constructs with Various Fixation Options: Based on a Validated Finite Element Model.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenjun; Fogel, Guy R; Liao, Zhenhua; Sun, Yitao; Liu, Weiqiang

2018-06-01

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion using cage supplemented with fixation has been used widely in the treatment of lumbar disease. A combined fixation (CF) of lateral plate and spinous process plate may provide multiplanar stability similar to that of bilateral pedicle screws (BPS) and may reduce morbidity. The biomechanical influence of the CF on cage subsidence and facet joint stress has not been well described. The aim of this study was to compare biomechanics of various fixation options and to verify biomechanical effects of the CF. The surgical finite element models with various fixation options were constructed based on computed tomography images. The lateral plate and posterior spinous process plate were applied (CF). The 6 motion modes were simulated. Range of motion (ROM), cage stress, endplate stress, and facet joint stress were compared. For the CF model, ROM, cage stress, and endplate stress were the minimum in almost all motion modes. Compared with BPS, the CF reduced ROM, cage stress, and endplate stress in all motion modes. The ROM was reduced by more than 10% in all motion modes except for flexion; cage stress and endplate stress were reduced more than 10% in all motion modes except for rotation-left. After interbody fusion, facet joint stress was reduced substantially compared with the intact conditions in all motion modes except for flexion. The combined plate fixation may offer an alternative to BPS fixation in lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mode of action of mosquito repellents

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The mode of action of mosquito repellents remains a controversial topic. However, electrophysiological studies and molecular approaches have provided a better understanding of how repellents exert their effects. Here, we briefly discuss various notions of repellent action and present the current sta...

Modes of Action of Microbially-Produced Phytotoxins

PubMed Central

Duke, Stephen O.; Dayan, Franck E.

2011-01-01

Some of the most potent phytotoxins are synthesized by microbes. A few of these share molecular target sites with some synthetic herbicides, but many microbial toxins have unique target sites with potential for exploitation by the herbicide industry. Compounds from both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes are discussed. Microbial phytotoxins with modes of action the same as those of commercial herbicides and those with novel modes of action of action are covered. Examples of the compounds discussed are tentoxin, AAL-toxin, auscaulitoxin aglycone, hydantocidin, thaxtomin, and tabtoxin. PMID:22069756

Descending and Local Network Interactions Control Adaptive Locomotion

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-04

segment). The thorax-coxa ( ThC ) joint swings dramatically in the front leg, but hardly moves at all in the middle and hind legs. These observations...changes in the three degree of freedom thorax-coxa joint ( ThC ) (Fig. 1). Indeed we were able to describe which of the three degrees of freedom were...these actions are distinct. The T1 leg relies heavily on actions of the second and third degree of freedom of the ThC joint ( ThC 2 and ThC3) whereas in

77 FR 12354 - Meeting of the Joint Forum on Environmental Technical Cooperation Pursuant to the United States...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7809] Meeting of the Joint Forum on Environmental Technical Cooperation Pursuant to the United States-Jordan Joint Statement on Environmental Technical Cooperation ACTION: Notice of the meeting of the Joint Forum on Environmental Technical Cooperation and request for comments...

Treatment with Biologicals in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview.

PubMed

Rein, Philipp; Mueller, Ruediger B

2017-12-01

Management and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been revolutionized by the development and approval of the first biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α at the end of the last century. Today, numerous efficacious agents with different modes of action are available and achievement of clinical remission or, at least, low disease activity is the target of therapy. Early therapeutic interventions aiming at a defined goal of therapy (treat to target) are supposed to halt inflammation, improving symptoms and signs, and preserving structural integrity of the joints in RA. Up to now, bDMARDs approved for therapy in RA include agents with five different modes of action: TNF inhibition, T cell co-stimulation blockade, IL-6 receptor inhibition, B cell depletion, and interleukin 1 inhibition. Furthermore, targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) inhibiting Janus kinase (JAK) and biosimilars also are approved for RA. The present review focuses on bDMARDs and tsDMARDS regarding similarities and possible drug-specific advantages in the treatment of RA. Furthermore, compounds not yet approved in RA and biosimilars are discussed. Following the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations, specific treatment of the disease will be discussed with respect to safety and efficacy. In particular, we discuss the question of favoring specific bDMARDs or tsDMARDs in the two settings of insufficient response to methotrexate and to the first bDMARD, respectively.

The joint Simon effect depends on perceived agency, but not intentionality, of the alternative action

PubMed Central

Stenzel, Anna; Dolk, Thomas; Colzato, Lorenza S.; Sellaro, Roberta; Hommel, Bernhard; Liepelt, Roman

2014-01-01

A co-actor's intentionality has been suggested to be a key modulating factor for joint action effects like the joint Simon effect (JSE). However, in previous studies intentionality has often been confounded with agency defined as perceiving the initiator of an action as being the causal source of the action. The aim of the present study was to disentangle the role of agency and intentionality as modulating factors of the JSE. In Experiment 1, participants performed a joint go/nogo Simon task next to a co-actor who either intentionally controlled a response button with own finger movements (agency+/intentionality+) or who passively placed the hand on a response button that moved up and down on its own as triggered by computer signals (agency−/intentionality−). In Experiment 2, we included a condition in which participants believed that the co-actor intentionally controlled the response button with a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) while placing the response finger clearly besides the response button, so that the causal relationship between agent and action effect was perceptually disrupted (agency−/intentionality+). As a control condition, the response button was computer controlled while the co-actor placed the response finger besides the response button (agency−/intentionality−). Experiment 1 showed that the JSE is present with an intentional co-actor and causality between co-actor and action effect, but absent with an unintentional co-actor and a lack of causality between co-actor and action effect. Experiment 2 showed that the JSE is absent with an intentional co-actor, but no causality between co-actor and action effect. Our findings indicate an important role of the co-actor's agency for the JSE. They also suggest that the attribution of agency has a strong perceptual basis. PMID:25140144

The joint Simon effect depends on perceived agency, but not intentionality, of the alternative action.

PubMed

Stenzel, Anna; Dolk, Thomas; Colzato, Lorenza S; Sellaro, Roberta; Hommel, Bernhard; Liepelt, Roman

2014-01-01

A co-actor's intentionality has been suggested to be a key modulating factor for joint action effects like the joint Simon effect (JSE). However, in previous studies intentionality has often been confounded with agency defined as perceiving the initiator of an action as being the causal source of the action. The aim of the present study was to disentangle the role of agency and intentionality as modulating factors of the JSE. In Experiment 1, participants performed a joint go/nogo Simon task next to a co-actor who either intentionally controlled a response button with own finger movements (agency+/intentionality+) or who passively placed the hand on a response button that moved up and down on its own as triggered by computer signals (agency-/intentionality-). In Experiment 2, we included a condition in which participants believed that the co-actor intentionally controlled the response button with a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) while placing the response finger clearly besides the response button, so that the causal relationship between agent and action effect was perceptually disrupted (agency-/intentionality+). As a control condition, the response button was computer controlled while the co-actor placed the response finger besides the response button (agency-/intentionality-). Experiment 1 showed that the JSE is present with an intentional co-actor and causality between co-actor and action effect, but absent with an unintentional co-actor and a lack of causality between co-actor and action effect. Experiment 2 showed that the JSE is absent with an intentional co-actor, but no causality between co-actor and action effect. Our findings indicate an important role of the co-actor's agency for the JSE. They also suggest that the attribution of agency has a strong perceptual basis.

Human sensorimotor communication: a theory of signaling in online social interactions.

PubMed

Pezzulo, Giovanni; Donnarumma, Francesco; Dindo, Haris

2013-01-01

Although the importance of communication is recognized in several disciplines, it is rarely studied in the context of online social interactions and joint actions. During online joint actions, language and gesture are often insufficient and humans typically use non-verbal, sensorimotor forms of communication to send coordination signals. For example, when playing volleyball, an athlete can exaggerate her movements to signal her intentions to her teammates (say, a pass to the right) or to feint an adversary. Similarly, a person who is transporting a table together with a co-actor can push the table in a certain direction to signal where and when he intends to place it. Other examples of "signaling" are over-articulating in noisy environments and over-emphasizing vowels in child-directed speech. In all these examples, humans intentionally modify their action kinematics to make their goals easier to disambiguate. At the moment no formal theory exists of these forms of sensorimotor communication and signaling. We present one such theory that describes signaling as a combination of a pragmatic and a communicative action, and explains how it simplifies coordination in online social interactions. We cast signaling within a "joint action optimization" framework in which co-actors optimize the success of their interaction and joint goals rather than only their part of the joint action. The decision of whether and how much to signal requires solving a trade-off between the costs of modifying one's behavior and the benefits in terms of interaction success. Signaling is thus an intentional strategy that supports social interactions; it acts in concert with automatic mechanisms of resonance, prediction, and imitation, especially when the context makes actions and intentions ambiguous and difficult to read. Our theory suggests that communication dynamics should be studied within theories of coordination and interaction rather than only in terms of the maximization of information transmission.

Hand and Grasp Selection in a Preferential Reaching Task: The Effects of Object Location, Orientation, and Task Intention.

PubMed

Scharoun, Sara M; Scanlan, Kelly A; Bryden, Pamela J

2016-01-01

As numerous movement options are available in reaching and grasping, of particular interest are what factors influence an individual's choice of action. In the current study a preferential reaching task was used to assess the propensity for right handers to select their preferred hand and grasp a coffee mug by the handle in both independent and joint action object manipulation contexts. Mug location (right-space, midline, and left-space) and handle orientation (toward, away, to left, and to right of the participant) varied in four tasks that differed as a function of intention: (1) pick-up (unimanual, independent); (2) pick-up and pour (bimanual, independent); (3) pick-up and pass (unimanual, joint action); and (4) pick-up, pour and pass (bimanual, joint action). In line with previous reports, a right-hand preference for unimanual tasks was observed. Furthermore, extending existing literature to a preferential reaching task, role differentiation between the hands in bimanual tasks (i.e., preferred hand mobilizing, non-preferred hand stabilizing) was displayed. Finally, right-hand selection was greatest in right space, albeit lower in bimanual tasks compared to what is typically reported in unimanual tasks. Findings are attributed to the desire to maximize biomechanical efficiency in reaching. Grasp postures were also observed to reflect consideration of efficiency. More specifically, within independent object manipulation (pick-up; pick-up and pour) participants only grasped the mug by the handle when it afforded a comfortable posture. Furthermore, in joint action (pick-up and pass; pick-up, pour and pass), the confederate was only offered the handle if the intended action of the confederate was similar or required less effort than that of the participant. Together, findings from the current study add to our knowledge of hand and grasp selection in unimanual and bimanual object manipulation, within the context of both independent and joint action tasks.

75 FR 13131 - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Sale of Plum Island, NY

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-18

..., GSA, as the operational Joint Lead Agency, announces its Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS for... York. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will act as a Joint Lead Agency in ongoing...-Action Alternative''). The Action Alternative will be further refined into a series of reasonably...

JOINT ACTION OF O3 AND SO2 IN MODIFYING PLANT GAS EXCHANGE

EPA Science Inventory

The joint action of O3 and SO2 stress on plants was investigated. Gas exchange measurements of O3, SO2, and H2O vapor were made for garden pea. Plants were grown under controlled environments; O3, SO2, H2O vapor fluxes were evaluated with a whole-plant gas exchange chamber using ...

22 CFR 41.3 - Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. 41.3 Section 41.3 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF... Passport and Visas Not Required for Certain Nonimmigrants § 41.3 Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the...

22 CFR 41.3 - Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. 41.3 Section 41.3 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF... Passport and Visas Not Required for Certain Nonimmigrants § 41.3 Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the...

22 CFR 41.3 - Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. 41.3 Section 41.3 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF... Passport and Visas Not Required for Certain Nonimmigrants § 41.3 Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the...

22 CFR 41.3 - Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. 41.3 Section 41.3 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF... Passport and Visas Not Required for Certain Nonimmigrants § 41.3 Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the...

22 CFR 41.3 - Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. 41.3 Section 41.3 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF... Passport and Visas Not Required for Certain Nonimmigrants § 41.3 Waiver by joint action of consular and immigration officers of passport and/or visa requirements. Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the...

Characterizing Teaching Effectiveness in the Joint Action Theory in Didactics: An Exploratory Study in Primary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sensevy, Gérard

2014-01-01

This paper presents an exploratory study of two consecutive reading sessions conducted in primary school by two different teachers. Our purpose is twofold. From a theoretical viewpoint, we propose a tentative set of conditions of teaching effectiveness by relying on the Joint Action Theory in Didactics. From a methodological viewpoint, drawing on…

Variability common to first leaf dates and snowpack in the western conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCabe, Gregory J.; Betancourt, Julio L.; Pederson, Gregory T.; Schwartz, Mark D.

2013-01-01

Singular value decomposition is used to identify the common variability in first leaf dates (FLDs) and 1 April snow water equivalent (SWE) for the western United States during the period 1900–2012. Results indicate two modes of joint variability that explain 57% of the variability in FLD and 69% of the variability in SWE. The first mode of joint variability is related to widespread late winter–spring warming or cooling across the entire west. The second mode can be described as a north–south dipole in temperature for FLD, as well as in cool season temperature and precipitation for SWE, that is closely correlated to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Additionally, both modes of variability indicate a relation with the Pacific–North American atmospheric pattern. These results indicate that there is a substantial amount of common variance in FLD and SWE that is related to large-scale modes of climate variability.

Compact Reconfigurable Antenna with an Omnidirectional Pattern and Four Directional Patterns for Wireless Sensor Systems.

PubMed

Wang, Ren; Wang, Bing-Zhong; Huang, Wei-Ying; Ding, Xiao

2016-04-16

A compact reconfigurable antenna with an omnidirectional mode and four directional modes is proposed. The antenna has a main radiator and four parasitic elements printed on a dielectric substrate. By changing the status of diodes soldered on the parasitic elements, the proposed antenna can generate four directional radiation patterns and one omnidirectional radiation pattern. The main beam directions of the four directional modes are almost orthogonal and the four directional beams can jointly cover a 360° range in the horizontal plane, i.e., the main radiation plane of omnidirectional mode. The whole volume of the antenna and the control network is approximately 0.70 λ × 0.53 λ × 0.02 λ, where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency. The proposed antenna has a simple structure and small dimensions under the requirement that the directional radiation patterns can jointly cover the main radiation plane of the omnidirectional mode, therefore, it can be used in smart wireless sensor systems for different application scenarios.

Failure Mechanisms of SAC/Fe-Ni Solder Joints During Thermal Cycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Li-Yin; Liu, Zhi-Quan; Li, Cai-Fu

2017-08-01

Thermal cycling tests have been conducted on Sn-Ag-Cu/Fe- xNi ( x = 73 wt.% or 45 wt.%) and Sn-Ag-Cu/Cu solder joints according to the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council industrial standard to study their interfacial reliability under thermal stress. The interfacial intermetallic compounds formed for solder joints on Cu, Fe-73Ni, and Fe-45Ni were 4.5 μm, 1.7 μm, and 1.4 μm thick, respectively, after 3000 cycles, demonstrating excellent diffusion barrier effect of Fe-Ni under bump metallization (UBM). Also, two deformation modes, viz. solder extrusion and fatigue crack formation, were observed by scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional x-ray microscopy. Solder extrusion dominated for solder joints on Cu, while fatigue cracks dominated for solder joints on Fe-45Ni and both modes were detected for those on Fe-73Ni. Solder joints on Fe-Ni presented inferior reliability during thermal cycling compared with those on Cu, with characteristic lifetime of 3441 h, 3190 h, and 1247 h for Cu, Fe-73Ni, and Fe-45Ni UBM, respectively. This degradation of the interfacial reliability for solder joints on Fe-Ni is attributed to the mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at interconnection level. The CTE mismatch at microstructure level was also analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction for clearer identification of recrystallization-related deformation mechanisms.

Bidirectional tornado modes on the Joint European Torus

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

Sandquist, P.; Sharapov, S. E.; Lisak, M.

In discharges on the Joint European Torus [P. H. Rebut and B. E. Keen, Fusion Technol. 11, 13 (1987)] with safety factor q(0)<1 and high-power ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH), monster sawtooth crashes are preceded by frequency sweeping 'tornado modes' in the toroidal Alfven eigenmode frequency range. A suite of equilibrium and spectral magnetohydrodynamical codes is used for explaining the observed evolution of the tornado mode frequency and for identifying temporal evolution of the safety factor inside the q=1 radius just before sawtooth crashes. In some cases, the tornado modes are observed simultaneously with both positive and negative toroidal modemore » numbers. Hence, a free energy source other than the radial gradient of the energetic ion pressure exciting these modes is sought. The distribution function of the ICRH-accelerated ions is assessed with the SELFO code [J. Hedin et al., Nucl. Fusion 42, 527 (2002)] and energetic particle drive due to the velocity space anisotropy of ICRH-accelerated ions is considered analytically as the possible source for excitation of bidirectional tornado modes.« less

Prejudiced interactions: implicit racial bias reduces predictive simulation during joint action with an out-group avatar.

PubMed

Sacheli, Lucia Maria; Christensen, Andrea; Giese, Martin A; Taubert, Nick; Pavone, Enea Francesco; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria; Candidi, Matteo

2015-02-17

During social interactions people automatically apply stereotypes in order to rapidly categorize others. Racial differences are among the most powerful cues that drive these categorizations and modulate our emotional and cognitive reactivity to others. We investigated whether implicit racial bias may also shape hand kinematics during the execution of realistic joint actions with virtual in- and out-group partners. Caucasian participants were required to perform synchronous imitative or complementary reach-to-grasp movements with avatars that had different skin color (white and black) but showed identical action kinematics. Results demonstrate that stronger visuo-motor interference (indexed here as hand kinematics differences between complementary and imitative actions) emerged: i) when participants were required to predict the partner's action goal in order to on-line adapt their own movements accordingly; ii) during interactions with the in-group partner, indicating the partner's racial membership modulates interactive behaviors. Importantly, the in-group/out-group effect positively correlated with the implicit racial bias of each participant. Thus visuo-motor interference during joint action, likely reflecting predictive embodied simulation of the partner's movements, is affected by cultural inter-individual differences.

You cannot speak and listen at the same time: a probabilistic model of turn-taking.

PubMed

Donnarumma, Francesco; Dindo, Haris; Iodice, Pierpaolo; Pezzulo, Giovanni

2017-04-01

Turn-taking is a preverbal skill whose mastering constitutes an important precondition for many social interactions and joint actions. However, the cognitive mechanisms supporting turn-taking abilities are still poorly understood. Here, we propose a computational analysis of turn-taking in terms of two general mechanisms supporting joint actions: action prediction (e.g., recognizing the interlocutor's message and predicting the end of turn) and signaling (e.g., modifying one's own speech to make it more predictable and discriminable). We test the hypothesis that in a simulated conversational scenario dyads using these two mechanisms can recognize the utterances of their co-actors faster, which in turn permits them to give and take turns more efficiently. Furthermore, we discuss how turn-taking dynamics depend on the fact that agents cannot simultaneously use their internal models for both action (or messages) prediction and production, as these have different requirements-or, in other words, they cannot speak and listen at the same time with the same level of accuracy. Our results provide a computational-level characterization of turn-taking in terms of cognitive mechanisms of action prediction and signaling that are shared across various interaction and joint action domains.

Small angle X-ray scattering as a high-throughput method to classify antimicrobial modes of action.

PubMed

von Gundlach, A R; Garamus, V M; Gorniak, T; Davies, H A; Reischl, M; Mikut, R; Hilpert, K; Rosenhahn, A

2016-05-01

Multi-drug resistant bacteria are currently undermining our health care system worldwide. While novel antimicrobial drugs, such as antimicrobial peptides, are urgently needed, identification of new modes of action is money and time consuming, and in addition current approaches are not available in a high throughput manner. Here we explore how small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as high throughput method can contribute to classify the mode of action for novel antimicrobials and therefore supports fast decision making in drug development. Using data bases for natural occurring antimicrobial peptides or predicting novel artificial peptides, many candidates can be discovered that will kill a selected target bacterium. However, in order to narrow down the selection it is important to know if these peptides follow all the same mode of action. In addition, the mode of action should be different from conventional antibiotics, in consequence peptide candidates can be developed further into drugs against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Here we used one short antimicrobial peptide with unknown mode of action and compared the ultrastructural changes of Escherichia coli cells after treatment with the peptide to cells treated with classic antibiotics. The key finding is that SAXS as a structure sensitive tool provides a rapid feedback on drug induced ultrastructural alterations in whole E. coli cells. We could demonstrate that ultrastructural changes depend on the used antibiotics and their specific mode of action. This is demonstrated using several well characterized antimicrobial compounds and the analysis of resulting SAXS curves by principal component analysis. To understand the result of the PCA analysis, the data is correlated with TEM images. In contrast to real space imaging techniques, SAXS allows to obtain nanoscale information averaged over approximately one million cells. The measurement takes only seconds, while conventional tests to identify a mode of action require days or weeks per single substance. The antimicrobial peptide showed a different mode of action as all tested antibiotics including polymyxin B and is therefore a good candidate for further drug development. We envision SAXS to become a useful tool within the high-throughput screening pipeline of modern drug discovery. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antimicrobial peptides edited by Karl Lohner and Kai Hilpert. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mode(s) of action of arsenic-induced tumors and toxicity.

EPA Science Inventory

Although arsenic has long been known for its toxicity and carcinogenicity, it is unknown exactly how these adverse health effects ocurr. Three of the biggest unresolved issues in arsenic exposures and adverse health effects are (a) what is (are) the mode of action (MOA)(s) of ar...

Effect of Thermal Aging on the Mechanical Properties of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/Cu Solder Joints Under High Strain Rate Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Van Luong; Kim, Ho-Kyung

2015-07-01

Shear tests with velocities between 0.5 m/s and 2.5 m/s were conducted to investigate the deformation characteristics of 0.76 mm lead-free Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu solder ball joints after thermal aging at 373 K up to 1000 h. A scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy was then used to examine the fracture surfaces and microstructures of the solder joints. The results showed that the main failure mode of the solder joints was the brittle interfacial fracture mode with cleavage failure in the intermetallic compound (IMC). The maximum shear strength and the fracture toughness ( K C) of the solder joint decreased substantially after aging for the initial aging time, after which they decreased gradually with further aging or an increase in the strain rate. The evolution of the IMC layer when it was thicker and had coarser nodules due to thermal aging was the primary cause of the reduction in the shear strength and fracture toughness in this study.

Bridging the Gap to Non-toxic Fungal Control: Lupinus-Derived Blad-Containing Oligomer as a Novel Candidate to Combat Human Pathogenic Fungi

PubMed Central

Pinheiro, Ana M.; Carreira, Alexandra; Prescott, Thomas A. K.; Ferreira, Ricardo B.; Monteiro, Sara A.

2017-01-01

The lack of antifungal drugs with novel modes of action reaching the clinic is a serious concern. Recently a novel antifungal protein referred to as Blad-containing oligomer (BCO) has received regulatory approval as an agricultural antifungal agent. Interestingly its spectrum of antifungal activity includes human pathogens such as Candida albicans, however, its mode of action has yet to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that BCO exerts its antifungal activity through inhibition of metal ion homeostasis which results in apoptotic cell death in C. albicans. HIP HOP profiling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a panel of signature strains that are characteristic for common modes of action identified hypersensitivity in yeast lacking the iron-dependent transcription factor Aft1 suggesting restricted iron uptake as a mode of action. Furthermore, global transcriptome profiling in C. albicans also identified disruption of metal ion homeostasis as a potential mode of action. Experiments were carried out to assess the effect of divalent metal ions on the antifungal activity of BCO revealing that BCO activity is antagonized by metal ions such as Mn2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+. The transcriptome profile also implicated sterol synthesis as a possible secondary mode of action which was subsequently confirmed in sterol synthesis assays in C. albicans. Animal models for toxicity showed that BCO is generally well tolerated and presents a promising safety profile as a topical applied agent. Given its potent broad spectrum antifungal activity and novel multitarget mode of action, we propose BCO as a promising new antifungal agent for the topical treatment of fungal infections. PMID:28702011

Bridging the Gap to Non-toxic Fungal Control: Lupinus-Derived Blad-Containing Oligomer as a Novel Candidate to Combat Human Pathogenic Fungi.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Ana M; Carreira, Alexandra; Prescott, Thomas A K; Ferreira, Ricardo B; Monteiro, Sara A

2017-01-01

The lack of antifungal drugs with novel modes of action reaching the clinic is a serious concern. Recently a novel antifungal protein referred to as Blad-containing oligomer (BCO) has received regulatory approval as an agricultural antifungal agent. Interestingly its spectrum of antifungal activity includes human pathogens such as Candida albicans , however, its mode of action has yet to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that BCO exerts its antifungal activity through inhibition of metal ion homeostasis which results in apoptotic cell death in C. albicans . HIP HOP profiling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a panel of signature strains that are characteristic for common modes of action identified hypersensitivity in yeast lacking the iron-dependent transcription factor Aft1 suggesting restricted iron uptake as a mode of action. Furthermore, global transcriptome profiling in C. albicans also identified disruption of metal ion homeostasis as a potential mode of action. Experiments were carried out to assess the effect of divalent metal ions on the antifungal activity of BCO revealing that BCO activity is antagonized by metal ions such as Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Fe 2+ . The transcriptome profile also implicated sterol synthesis as a possible secondary mode of action which was subsequently confirmed in sterol synthesis assays in C. albicans . Animal models for toxicity showed that BCO is generally well tolerated and presents a promising safety profile as a topical applied agent. Given its potent broad spectrum antifungal activity and novel multitarget mode of action, we propose BCO as a promising new antifungal agent for the topical treatment of fungal infections.

AFOSR Indo-UK -US Joint Physics Initiative for Study of Angular Optical Mode Fiber Amplification

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-20

AFRL -AFOSR-UK-TR-2017-0011 AFOSR Indo-UK -US Joint Physics Initiative for study of angular optical mode fiber amplification Johan Nilsson UNIVERSITY...ES) EOARD Unit 4515 APO AE 09421-4515 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) AFRL /AFOSR IOE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) AFRL -AFOSR-UK-TR-2017-0011...this travel, he had the opportunity to visit the Kirtland Air Force Base and interact with Dr Leanne Henry as well as Dr Iyad Dajani to discuss

Improved Abutting Edges For Welding In Keyhole Mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harwing, Dennis D.; Sanders, John M.

1994-01-01

Welds of better quality made, and/or heat input reduced. Improved shapes devised for abutting edges of metal pieces to be joined by plasma arc welding in keyhole mode, in which gas jet maintains molten hole ("keyhole") completely through thickness of weld joint. Edges of metal pieces to be welded together machined to provide required combination gap and shaped, thin sections. Shapes and dimensions chosen to optimize weld in various respects; e.g., to enhance penetration of keyhole or reduce heat input to produce joint of given thickness.

Joint Facial Action Unit Detection and Feature Fusion: A Multi-conditional Learning Approach.

PubMed

Eleftheriadis, Stefanos; Rudovic, Ognjen; Pantic, Maja

2016-10-05

Automated analysis of facial expressions can benefit many domains, from marketing to clinical diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Facial expressions are typically encoded as a combination of facial muscle activations, i.e., action units. Depending on context, these action units co-occur in specific patterns, and rarely in isolation. Yet, most existing methods for automatic action unit detection fail to exploit dependencies among them, and the corresponding facial features. To address this, we propose a novel multi-conditional latent variable model for simultaneous fusion of facial features and joint action unit detection. Specifically, the proposed model performs feature fusion in a generative fashion via a low-dimensional shared subspace, while simultaneously performing action unit detection using a discriminative classification approach. We show that by combining the merits of both approaches, the proposed methodology outperforms existing purely discriminative/generative methods for the target task. To reduce the number of parameters, and avoid overfitting, a novel Bayesian learning approach based on Monte Carlo sampling is proposed, to integrate out the shared subspace. We validate the proposed method on posed and spontaneous data from three publicly available datasets (CK+, DISFA and Shoulder-pain), and show that both feature fusion and joint learning of action units leads to improved performance compared to the state-of-the-art methods for the task.

Attitudes Regarding Action Learning: Undergraduate vs. Graduate Business Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenstein, Alvin; Ashley, Allan; Gupta, Rakesh; Ulin, Kristin

2008-01-01

Previous research in our Action Learning Program demonstrated that although undergraduates preferred the Action Learning mode to the traditional lecture and discussion mode of instruction, they missed the familiar structure of the more traditional pedagogy. Consequently increased structure was implemented in both an undergraduate and graduate…

How benthic diatoms within natural communities respond to eight common herbicides with different modes of action.

PubMed

Wood, Rebecca J; Mitrovic, Simon M; Lim, Richard P; Kefford, Ben J

2016-07-01

Herbicides are common pollutants of rivers in agricultural regions. These contaminants include various types of chemicals with different modes of toxic action. Herbicides can have toxic effects on freshwater benthic diatoms, the base of the aquatic food web. We examined the effects of (non-mixture) herbicide exposure to the health of diatoms for eight common herbicides with three different modes of action; the photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors: atrazine, simazine, hexazinone, tebuthiuron and diuron; two auxinic herbicides: MCPA and 2,4-D; and the EPSP synthase inhibitor: glyphosate. Benthic diatoms within riverine communities were exposed to each herbicide in rapid toxicity tests at concentrations of 50, 200 and 500μgL(-1). The most sensitive taxa were Gomphonema spp. and Encyonema gracilis. Navicula cryptotenella was the most tolerant to herbicide exposure. There was no significant effect of the different herbicide modes of action at the community level. Herbicide mode of action did not alter which taxa were most sensitive within the community and sensitivity rankings of the dominant diatom taxa were similar for each of the eight herbicides. The consistency of the results between herbicides suggests that freshwater benthic diatoms may be suitable in situ indicators for detecting the toxicity of herbicides with differing modes of action. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanical end joint system for structural column elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bush, H. G.; Wallsom, R. E. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

A mechanical end joint system, useful for the transverse connection of strut elements to a common node, comprises a node joint half with a semicircular tongue and groove, and a strut joint half with a semicircular tongue and groove. The two joint halves are engaged transversely and the connection is made secure by the inherent physical property characteristics of locking latches and/or by a spring-actioned shaft. A quick release mechanism provides rapid disengagement of the joint halves.

Effects of surface preparation on the long-term durability of adhesively bonded composite joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardis, Jason Dante

The long-term durability of adhesively bonded composite joints is critical to modern aircraft structures, which are increasingly adopting bonding as an alternative option to mechanical fastening. The effects of the surface preparation of the adherends are critical, affecting initial strength, long-term durability, fracture toughness, and failure modes of bonded joints. In this study, several potential factors are evaluated, with focus on the following: (1) Effects of possible chemical contamination from release fabrics, release films, and peel plies during adherend cure. (2) Chemical and mechanical effects of abrasion on the fracture toughness and failure mode. (3) Characterization of paste and film adhesives. There are several standard test methods used to evaluate specimen fracture, but the majority concentrate on bonded metals and interlaminar composite fracture. Testing concentrated on mode I tests; a custom double cantilever beam specimen was devised and utilized, and two forms of a wedge crack test (traveling and static) were also used. Additionally, single lap shear tests were run to contrast the mode I tests. Non-destructive testing included X-ray photography of crack fronts, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface chemistry analyses, and scanning electron microscope imaging of prepared surfaces. All mode I test methods tended to be in agreement in the ranking of different surface preparation methods. Test results revealed that release agents deposited on adherend surfaces during their cure cycle prevented proper adhesion. While mechanical abrasion did improve their fracture toughness and lower their contamination greatly, the test values did not reach the levels of samples that were not contaminated before bonding, and the interfacial modes of failure did not always change to desirable modes.

Does ankle joint power reflect type of muscle action of soleus and gastrocnemius during walking in cats and humans?

PubMed

Cronin, Neil J; Prilutsky, Boris I; Lichtwark, Glen A; Maas, Huub

2013-04-26

The main objective of this paper is to highlight the difficulties of identifying shortening and lengthening contractions based on analysis of power produced by resultant joint moments. For that purpose, we present net ankle joint powers and muscle fascicle/muscle-tendon unit (MTU) velocities for medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SO) muscles during walking in species of different size (humans and cats). For the cat, patterns of ankle joint power and MTU velocity of MG and SO during stance were similar: negative power (ankle moment×angular velocity<0), indicating absorption of mechanical energy, was associated with MTU lengthening, and positive power (generation of mechanical energy) was found during MTU shortening. This was also found for the general fascicle velocity pattern in SO. In contrast, substantial differences between ankle joint power and fascicle velocity patterns were observed for MG muscle. In humans, like cats, the patterns of ankle joint power and MTU velocity of SO and MG were similar. Unlike the cat, there were substantial differences between patterns of fascicle velocity and ankle joint power during stance in both muscles. These results indicate that during walking, only a small fraction of mechanical work of the ankle moment is either generated or absorbed by the muscle fascicles, thus confirming the contribution of in-series elastic structures and/or energy transfer via two-joint muscles. We conclude that ankle joint negative power does not necessarily indicate eccentric action of muscle fibers and that positive power cannot be exclusively attributed to muscle concentric action, especially in humans. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of loading rate-dependent injury modes in a murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Lockwood, Kevin A.; Chu, Bryce T.; Anderson, Matthew J.; Haudenschild, Dominik R.; Christiansen, Blaine A.

2014-01-01

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common long-term consequence of joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. In this study we used a tibial compression overload mouse model to compare knee injury induced at low speed (1 mm/s), which creates an avulsion fracture, to injury induced at high speed (500 mm/s), which induces midsubstance tear of the ACL. Mice were sacrificed at 0 days, 10 days, 12 weeks, or 16 weeks post-injury, and joints were analyzed with micro-computed tomography, whole joint histology, and biomechanical laxity testing. Knee injury with both injury modes caused considerable trabecular bone loss by 10 days post-injury, with the Low Speed Injury group (avulsion) exhibiting a greater amount of bone loss than the High Speed Injury group (midsubstance tear). Immediately after injury, both injury modes resulted in greater than 2-fold increases in total AP joint laxity relative to control knees. By 12 and 16 weeks post-injury, total AP laxity was restored to uninjured control values, possibly due to knee stabilization via osteophyte formation. This model presents an opportunity to explore fundamental questions regarding the role of bone turnover in PTOA, and the findings of this study support a biomechanical mechanism of osteophyte formation following injury. PMID:24019199

Investigation on the Cracking Character of Jointed Rock Mass Beneath TBM Disc Cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Haiqing; Liu, Junfeng; Liu, Bolong

2018-04-01

With the purpose to investigate the influence of joint dip angle and spacing on the TBM rock-breaking efficacy and cracking behaviour, experiments that include miniature cutter head tests are carried out on sandstone rock material. In the experiment, prefabricated joints of different forms are made in rock samples. Then theoretical analysis is conducted to improve the calculating models of the fractured work and crack length of rock in the TBM process. The experimental results indicate that lower rupture angles appear for specimens with joint dip angles between 45° and 60°. Meanwhile, rock-breaking efficacy for rock mass with joint dip angles in this interval is also higher. Besides, the fracture patterns are transformed from compressive shear mode to tensile shear mode as the joint spacing decreases. As a result, failure in a greater extent is resulted for specimens with smaller joint spacings. The results above suggest that joint dip angle between 45° and 60° and joint spacing of 1 cm are the optimal rock-breaking conditions for the tested specimens. Combining the present experimental data and taking the joint dip angle and spacing into consideration, the calculating model for rock fractured work that proposed by previous scholars is improved. Finally, theoretical solution of rock median and side crack length is also derived based on the analytical method of elastoplastic invasion fracture for indenter. The result of the analytical solution is also in good agreement with the actual measured experimental result. The present study may provide some primary knowledge about the rock cracking character and breaking efficacy under different engineering conditions.

Ultrasonography and detection of subclinical joints and tendons involvements in Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

PubMed

Salliot, Carine; Denis, Amélie; Dernis, Emmanuelle; Andre, Vincent; Perdriger, Aleth; Albert, Jean-David; Mammou Mraghni, Saloua; Griffoul-Espitalier, Isabelle; Hamidou, Mohamed; Le Goff, Benoit; Joulin, Sandrine Jousse; Marhadour, Thierry; Richez, Christophe; Poursac, Nicolas; Lazaro, Estebaliz; Rist, Stéphanie; Corondan, Anca; Quinten, Clara; Martaillé, Virginie; Valéry, Antoine; Ducourau, Emilie

2018-02-15

The aims of this study in SLE population were (1) to describe ultrasonography (US) joint abnormalities, (2) to estimate the reliability of clinical swollen joint count (C-SJC) and SLEDAI (C-SLEDAI) versus US-SJC and US-SLEDAI scores, (3) to highlight specific patterns of lupus patients with Power Doppler (PD) abnormalities. For this cross-sectional multicenter study, 151 consecutive adult SLE patients were recruited. Evaluation included a clinical standardized joint assessment, B-mode and PD US of 40 joints and 26 tendons blinded for clinical examination. Reliability and agreement between clinical and B-mode US were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [95% Confidence Interval]). We found a very high frequency of subclinical US abnormalities in asymptomatic patients: 85% of patients without joint symptoms had at least 1 US abnormality. Among them 46 patients (87%) had a history of joint involvement. The most frequent abnormalities were joint effusmaions (108 patients), synovial hypertrophy (SH, 109 patients) and synovitis (61 patients). Joint or tendon PD signal (grade>1) was found in 44% of patients (67/151). Synovitis were mainly located especially on MCPs and wrists. Even if reliability between clinical and grey-scale US SJC assessments was poor, reliability between clinical and US SLEDAI was good. Comparison between SLE patients with and without PD signal did not show any specific SLE pattern. US may be useful to assess joint involvement in SLE patients but did not significantly change SLEDAI score. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Bone shape difference between control and osteochondral defect groups of the ankle joint.

PubMed

Tümer, N; Blankevoort, L; van de Giessen, M; Terra, M P; de Jong, P A; Weinans, H; Tuijthof, G J M; Zadpoor, A A

2016-12-01

The etiology of osteochondral defects (OCDs), for which the ankle (talocrural) joint is one of the common sites, is not yet fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized that bone shape plays a role in development of OCDs. Therefore, we quantitatively compared the morphology of the talus and the distal tibia between an OCD group and a control group. The shape variations of the talus and distal tibia were described separately by constructing two statistical shape models (SSMs) based on the segmentation of the bones from ankle computed tomography (CT) scans obtained from control (i.e., 35 CT scans) and OCD (i.e., 37 CT scans) groups. The first five modes of shape variation for the SSM corresponding to each bone were statistically compared between control and OCD groups using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) corrected with the Bonferroni for multiple comparisons. The first five modes of variation in the SSMs respectively represented 49% and 40% of the total variance of talus and tibia. Less than 5% of the variance per mode was described by the higher modes. Mode 5 of the talus (P = 0.004) primarily describing changes in the vertical neck angle and Mode 1 of the tibia (P < 0.0001) representing variations at the medial malleolus, showed statistically significant difference between the control and OCD groups. Shape differences exist between control and OCD groups. This indicates that a geometry modulated biomechanical behavior of the talocrural joint may be a risk factor for OCD. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Analysis of a Preloaded Bolted Joint in a Ceramic Composite Combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hissam, D. Andy; Bower, Mark V.

2003-01-01

This paper presents the detailed analysis of a preloaded bolted joint incorporating ceramic materials. The objective of this analysis is to determine the suitability of a joint design for a ceramic combustor. The analysis addresses critical factors in bolted joint design including preload, preload uncertainty, and load factor. The relationship between key joint variables is also investigated. The analysis is based on four key design criteria, each addressing an anticipated failure mode. The criteria are defined in terms of margin of safety, which must be greater than zero for the design criteria to be satisfied. Since the proposed joint has positive margins of safety, the design criteria are satisfied. Therefore, the joint design is acceptable.

Study on Treatment with Respect to Idiopathic Scoliosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Kenzen; Azegami, Hideyuki; Murachi, Shunji; Kitoh, Junzoh; Ishida, Yoshito; Kawakami, Noriaki; Makino, Mitsunori

A hypothesis that the thoracic idiopathic scoliosis is buckling phenomenon of the fourth mode induced by the growth of thoracic vertebral bodies was presented in the previous work by the authors using numerical simulations with finite element model of the spine. If the hypothesis is acceptable, sensitivity function with respect to the critical growth of thoracic vertebrae on the maximization problem of buckling load with the fourth buckling mode gives us useful information to improve and develop treatments for the idiopathic scoliosis. The numerical results analyzed by the finite element method demonstrated that the sensitivity function is high at the articular capsules of the intervertebral joints, the intervertebral disks, the costotransverse joints and the constovertebral joints around the apex of the curvature in the case of the thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Application of Bionic Design to FRP T-Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Guang-Min; Kuo, Chia-Hung

2017-09-01

We applied the concepts of bionics to enhance the mechanical strength of fiberglass reinforced plastic T-joints. The failure modes of the designed arthrosis-like and gum-like joints were determined using three-point bending tests and numerical simulations and compared with those of normal T-joints bonded using structural adhesives. In the simulation, we used cohesive elements to simulate the adhesive interface of the structural adhesive. The experimental and simulation results show that the arthrosis-like joint can effectively delay the failure progress and enhance the bonding strength of T-joints, thus confirming that an appropriate bionic design can effectively control the bonding properties of structural adhesives.

Influence of Mode of Metal Transfer on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Gas Metal Arc-Welded Modified Ferritic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Manidipto; Pal, Tapan Kumar

2012-06-01

This article describes in detail the effect of the modes of metal transfer on the microstructure and mechanical properties of gas metal arc-welded modified ferritic stainless steel (SSP 409M) sheets (as received) of 4 mm thickness. The welded joints were prepared under three modes of metal transfer, i.e., short-circuit (SC), spray (S), transfer, and mix (M) mode transfer using two different austenitic filler wires (308L and 316L) and shielding gas composition of Ar + 5 pct CO2. The welded joints were evaluated by means of microstructural, hardness, notched tensile strength, Charpy impact toughness, and high cycle fatigue. The dependence of weld metal microstructure on modes of metal transfer and filler wires has been determined by dilution calculation, WRC-1992 diagram, Creq/Nieq ratio, stacking fault energy (SFE), optical microscopy (OM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that the microstructure as well as the tensile, Charpy impact, and high cycle fatigue of weld metal is significantly affected by the mode of metal transfer and filler wire used. However, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is affected only by the modes of metal transfer. The results have been correlated with the microstructures of weld and HAZ developed under different modes of metal transfer.

Synchrony in Joint Action Is Directed by Each Participant’s Motor Control System

PubMed Central

Noy, Lior; Weiser, Netta; Friedman, Jason

2017-01-01

In this work, we ask how the probability of achieving synchrony in joint action is affected by the choice of motion parameters of each individual. We use the mirror game paradigm to study how changes in leader’s motion parameters, specifically frequency and peak velocity, affect the probability of entering the state of co-confidence (CC) motion: a dyadic state of synchronized, smooth and co-predictive motions. In order to systematically study this question, we used a one-person version of the mirror game, where the participant mirrored piece-wise rhythmic movements produced by a computer on a graphics tablet. We systematically varied the frequency and peak velocity of the movements to determine how these parameters affect the likelihood of synchronized joint action. To assess synchrony in the mirror game we used the previously developed marker of co-confident (CC) motions: smooth, jitter-less and synchronized motions indicative of co-predicative control. We found that when mirroring movements with low frequencies (i.e., long duration movements), the participants never showed CC, and as the frequency of the stimuli increased, the probability of observing CC also increased. This finding is discussed in the framework of motor control studies showing an upper limit on the duration of smooth motion. We confirmed the relationship between motion parameters and the probability to perform CC with three sets of data of open-ended two-player mirror games. These findings demonstrate that when performing movements together, there are optimal movement frequencies to use in order to maximize the possibility of entering a state of synchronized joint action. It also shows that the ability to perform synchronized joint action is constrained by the properties of our motor control systems. PMID:28443047

Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis.

PubMed

Funk, Janet L; Frye, Jennifer B; Oyarzo, Janice N; Kuscuoglu, Nesrin; Wilson, Jonathan; McCaffrey, Gwen; Stafford, Gregory; Chen, Guanjie; Lantz, R Clark; Jolad, Shivanand D; Sólyom, Aniko M; Kiela, Pawel R; Timmermann, Barbara N

2006-11-01

Scientific evidence is lacking for the antiarthritic efficacy of turmeric dietary supplements that are being promoted for arthritis treatment. Therefore, we undertook studies to determine the antiarthritic efficacy and mechanism of action of a well-characterized turmeric extract using an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The composition of commercial turmeric dietary supplements was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. A curcuminoid-containing turmeric extract similar in composition to these supplements was isolated and administered intraperitoneally to female Lewis rats prior to or after the onset of streptococcal cell wall-induced arthritis. Efficacy in preventing joint swelling and destruction was determined clinically, histologically, and by measurement of bone mineral density. Mechanism of action was elucidated by analysis of turmeric's effect on articular transcription factor activation, microarray analysis of articular gene expression, and verification of the physiologic effects of alterations in gene expression. A turmeric fraction depleted of essential oils profoundly inhibited joint inflammation and periarticular joint destruction in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo treatment prevented local activation of NF-kappaB and the subsequent expression of NF-kappaB-regulated genes mediating joint inflammation and destruction, including chemokines, cyclooxygenase 2, and RANKL. Consistent with these findings, inflammatory cell influx, joint levels of prostaglandin E(2), and periarticular osteoclast formation were inhibited by turmeric extract treatment. These translational studies demonstrate in vivo efficacy and identify a mechanism of action for a well-characterized turmeric extract that supports further clinical evaluation of turmeric dietary supplements in the treatment of RA.

75 FR 33613 - Notice of the Carbon Sequestration-Geothermal Energy-Science Joint Workshop

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-14

... Sequestration--Geothermal Energy--Science Joint Workshop AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, DOE. ACTION: Notice of the Carbon Sequestration--Geothermal Energy--Science Joint Workshop... Carbon Storage and Geothermal Energy, June 15-16, 2010. Experts from industry, academia, national labs...

Mortuary Affairs in Joint Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-05

regulations, and doctrine. For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: WALTER L. SHARP Lieutenant General , USA Director, Joint Staff SUMMARY OF...Introduction ........................................................................................................... VII-1 • General Guidance...disposition of human remains ( PADD ); maintaining temporary interment sites including the recording of interment and disinterment actions; operation of the

77 FR 69619 - Draft Recommendations of Joint Outreach Team

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-20

... Team AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice of Availability of draft recommendations of Western/DOE Joint Outreach Team. SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western), a... recommendations of the Western/DOE Joint Outreach Team (JOT) for review and comment by Western's customers, Tribes...

Interaction vs. observation: distinctive modes of social cognition in human brain and behavior? A combined fMRI and eye-tracking study.

PubMed

Tylén, Kristian; Allen, Micah; Hunter, Bjørk K; Roepstorff, Andreas

2012-01-01

Human cognition has usually been approached on the level of individual minds and brains, but social interaction is a challenging case. Is it best thought of as a self-contained individual cognitive process aiming at an "understanding of the other," or should it rather be approached as an collective, inter-personal process where individual cognitive components interact on a moment-to-moment basis to form coupled dynamics? In a combined fMRI and eye-tracking study we directly contrasted these models of social cognition. We found that the perception of situations affording social contingent responsiveness (e.g., someone offering or showing you an object) elicited activations in regions of the right posterior temporal sulcus and yielded greater pupil dilation corresponding to a model of coupled dynamics (joint action). In contrast, the social-cognitive perception of someone "privately" manipulating an object elicited activation in medial prefrontal cortex, the right inferior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal lobus, regions normally associated with Theory of Mind and with the mirror neuron system. Our findings support a distinction in social cognition between social observation and social interaction, and demonstrate that simple ostensive cues may shift participants' experience, behavior, and brain activity between these modes. The identification of a distinct, interactive mode has implications for research on social cognition, both in everyday life and in clinical conditions.

Note: Progress on the use of MgB2 superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB2 magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PubMed

Kim, Y G; Song, J B; Kim, J C; Kim, J M; Yoo, B H; Yun, S B; Hwang, D Y; Lee, H G

2017-08-01

This note presents a superconducting joint technique for the development of MgB 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets. The MgB 2 superconducting joint was fabricated by a powder processing method using Mg and B powders to establish a wire-bulk-wire connection. The joint resistance measured using a field-decay method was <10 -14 Ω, demonstrating that the proposed joint technique could be employed for developing "next-generation" MgB 2 MRI magnets operating in the persistent current mode.

Design fabrication and test of graphite/polyimide composite joints and attachments for advanced aerospace vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI) bolted and bonded joints were investigated. Possible failure modes and the design loads for the four generic joint types are discussed. Preliminary sizing of a type 1 joint, bonded and bolted configuration is described, including assumptions regarding material properties and sizing methodology. A general purpose finite element computer code is described that was formulated to analyze single and double lap joints, with and without tapered adherends, and with user-controlled variable element size arrangements. An initial order of Celion 6000/PMR-15 prepreg was received and characterized.

Explanation of non-additive effects in mixtures of similar mode of action chemicals.

PubMed

Kamo, Masashi; Yokomizo, Hiroyuki

2015-09-01

Many models have been developed to predict the combined effect of drugs and chemicals. Most models are classified into two additive models: independent action (IA) and concentration addition (CA). It is generally considered if the modes of action of chemicals are similar then the combined effect obeys CA; however, many empirical studies report nonlinear effects deviating from the predictions by CA. Such deviations are termed synergism and antagonism. Synergism, which leads to a stronger toxicity, requires more careful management, and hence it is important to understand how and which combinations of chemicals lead to synergism. In this paper, three types of chemical reactions are mathematically modeled and the cause of the nonlinear effects among chemicals with similar modes of action was investigated. Our results show that combined effects obey CA only when the modes of action are exactly the same. Contrary to existing knowledge, combined effects are generally nonlinear even if the modes of action of the chemicals are similar. Our results further show that the nonlinear effects vanish out when the chemical concentrations are low, suggesting that the current management procedure of assuming CA is rarely inappropriate because environmental concentrations of chemicals are generally low. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dual use display systems for telerobotics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massimino, Michael J.; Meschler, Michael F.; Rodriguez, Alberto A.

1994-01-01

This paper describes a telerobotics display system, the Multi-mode Manipulator Display System (MMDS), that has applications for a variety of remotely controlled tasks. Designed primarily to assist astronauts with the control of space robotics systems, the MMDS has applications for ground control of space robotics as well as for toxic waste cleanup, undersea, remotely operated vehicles, and other environments which require remote operations. The MMDS has three modes: (1) Manipulator Position Display (MPD) mode, (2) Joint Angle Display (JAD) mode, and (3) Sensory Substitution (SS) mode. These three modes are discussed in the paper.

Modeling the excitation of global Alfven modes by an external antenna in the Joint European Torus (JET)

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

Huysmans, G.T.A.; Kerner, W.; Borba, D.

1995-05-01

The active excitation of global Alfven modes using the saddle coils in the Joint European Torus (JET) [{ital Plasma} {ital Physics} {ital and} {ital Controlled} {ital Nuclear} {ital Fusion} {ital Research} 1984, Proceedings of the 10th International Conference, London (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1985), Vol. 1, p. 11] as the external antenna, will provide information on the damping of global modes without the need to drive the modes unstable. For the modeling of the Alfven mode excitation, the toroidal resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code CASTOR (Complex Alfven Spectrum in TORoidal geometry) [18{ital th} {ital EPS} {ital Conference} {ital On} {italmore » Controlled} {ital Fusion} {ital and} {ital Plasma} {ital Physics}, Berlin, 1991, edited by P. Bachmann and D. C. Robinson (The European Physical Society, Petit-Lancy, 1991), Vol. 15, Part IV, p. 89] has been extended to calculate the response to an external antenna. The excitation of a high-performance, high beta JET discharge is studied numerically. In particular, the influence of a finite pressure is investigated. Weakly damped low-{ital n} global modes do exist in the gaps in the continuous spectrum at high beta. A pressure-driven global mode is found due to the interaction of Alfven and slow modes. Its frequency scales solely with the plasma temperature, not like a pure Alfven mode with a density and magnetic field.« less

Lamb wave propagation in Z-pin reinforced co-cured composite pi-joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swenson, Eric D.; Soni, Som R.; Kapoor, Hitesh

2010-04-01

This paper presents an initial study on Lamb wave propagation characteristics in z-pin reinforced, co-cured composite pi-joints for the purposes of structural health monitoring (SHM). Pi-joint test articles were designed and created to replicate a co-cured, all composite skin-spar joint found within a typical aircraft wing structure. Because pi-joints exhibit various complex damage modes, formal studies are required if SHM systems are to be developed to monitor these types of joints for potential damage. Experiments were conducted on a undamaged (healthy) and damaged test articles where Lamb waves were excited using one lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer. A three-dimensional (3D) scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) was used to collect high-density scans of both the in-plane and out-of-plane velocity measurements. In the damaged test article, where delamination, matrix cracking, and fiber breakage can clearly be seen, changes in both the fundamental antisymmetric A0 and symmetric S0 Lamb wave modes are apparent. In both test articles, the effects of narrow geometry, discontinuity due to the attachment of the web, and thickness has detectable effects on Lamb wave propagation. From the comparisons between Lamb waves propagating through the undamaged and damaged test articles, it is clear that damage can be detected using Lamb waves in z-pin reinforced, co-cured composite pi-joints for this case of extensive damage.

ODYSSEUS autonomous walking robot: The leg/arm design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bourbakis, N. G.; Maas, M.; Tascillo, A.; Vandewinckel, C.

1994-01-01

ODYSSEUS is an autonomous walking robot, which makes use of three wheels and three legs for its movement in the free navigation space. More specifically, it makes use of its autonomous wheels to move around in an environment where the surface is smooth and not uneven. However, in the case that there are small height obstacles, stairs, or small height unevenness in the navigation environment, the robot makes use of both wheels and legs to travel efficiently. In this paper we present the detailed hardware design and the simulated behavior of the extended leg/arm part of the robot, since it plays a very significant role in the robot actions (movements, selection of objects, etc.). In particular, the leg/arm consists of three major parts: The first part is a pipe attached to the robot base with a flexible 3-D joint. This pipe has a rotated bar as an extended part, which terminates in a 3-D flexible joint. The second part of the leg/arm is also a pipe similar to the first. The extended bar of the second part ends at a 2-D joint. The last part of the leg/arm is a clip-hand. It is used for selecting several small weight and size objects, and when it is in a 'closed' mode, it is used as a supporting part of the robot leg. The entire leg/arm part is controlled and synchronized by a microcontroller (68CH11) attached to the robot base.

Taking two to tango: fMRI analysis of improvised joint action with physical contact

PubMed Central

Belyk, Michel; Brown, Steven

2018-01-01

Many forms of joint action involve physical coupling between the participants, such as when moving a sofa together or dancing a tango. We report the results of a novel two-person functional MRI study in which trained couple dancers engaged in bimanual contact with an experimenter standing next to the bore of the magnet, and in which the two alternated between being the leader and the follower of joint improvised movements. Leading showed a general pattern of self-orientation, being associated with brain areas involved in motor planning, navigation, sequencing, action monitoring, and error correction. In contrast, following showed a far more sensory, externally-oriented pattern, revealing areas involved in somatosensation, proprioception, motion tracking, social cognition, and outcome monitoring. We also had participants perform a “mutual” condition in which the movement patterns were pre-learned and the roles were symmetric, thereby minimizing any tendency toward either leading or following. The mutual condition showed greater activity in brain areas involved in mentalizing and social reward than did leading or following. Finally, the analysis of improvisation revealed the dual importance of motor-planning and working-memory areas. We discuss these results in terms of theories of both joint action and improvisation. PMID:29324862

Bacteriocins from Lactobacillus plantarum – production, genetic organization and mode of action

PubMed Central

Todorov, Svetoslav D.

2009-01-01

Bacteriocins are biologically active proteins or protein complexes that display a bactericidal mode of action towards usually closely related species. Numerous strains of bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus plantarum have been isolated in the last two decades from different ecological niches including meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and milk and cereal products. Several of these plantaricins have been characterized and the aminoacid sequence determined. Different aspects of the mode of action, fermentation optimization and genetic organization of the bacteriocin operon have been studied. However, numerous of bacteriocins produced by different Lactobacillus plantarum strains have not been fully characterized. In this article, a brief overview of the classification, genetics, characterization, including mode of action and production optimization for bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in general, and where appropriate, with focus on bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, is presented. PMID:24031346

Why Does Joint Attention Look Atypical in Autism?

PubMed Central

Gernsbacher, Morton Ann; Stevenson, Jennifer L.; Khandakar, Suraiya; Goldsmith, H. Hill

2014-01-01

This essay answers the question of why autistic children are less likely to initiate joint attention (e.g., use their index finger to point to indicate interest in something) and why they are less likely to respond to bids for their joint attention (e.g., turn their heads to look at something to which another person points). It reviews empirical evidence that autistic toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults can attend covertly, even to social stimuli, such as the direction in which another person’s eyes are gazing. It also reviews empirical evidence that autistics of various ages understand the intentionality of other persons’ actions. The essay suggests that autistics’ atypical resistance to distraction, atypical skill at parallel perception, and atypical execution of volitional actions underlie their atypical manifestations of joint attention. PMID:25520747

Balancing Acts: Adolescents' and Mothers' Friendship Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Sheila K.; Young, Richard A.; Tilton-Weaver, Lauree C.

2008-01-01

This investigation describes the joint goal-directed series of actions, or joint friendship projects, of 19 mothers and their adolescents. Data were collected through videotaped conversations, video recall interviews, and self-report logs collected over an 8-month period. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed joint projects characterized by…

Hybrid time-frequency domain equalization based on sign-sign joint decision multimodulus algorithm for 6 × 6 mode division multiplexing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiao; Hu, Guijun; Gong, Caili; Li, Li

2018-02-01

In this paper, we propose a hybrid time-frequency domain sign-sign joint decision multimodulus algorithm (Hybrid-SJDMMA) for mode-demultiplexing in a 6 × 6 mode division multiplexing (MDM) system with high-order QAM modulation. The equalization performance of Hybrid-SJDMMA was evaluated and compared with the frequency domain multimodulus algorithm (FD-MMA) and the hybrid time-frequency domain sign-sign multimodulus algorithm (Hybrid-SMMA). Simulation results revealed that Hybrid-SJDMMA exhibits a significantly lower computational complexity than FD-MMA, and its convergence speed is similar to that of FD-MMA. Additionally, the bit-error-rate performance of Hybrid-SJDMMA was obviously better than FD-MMA and Hybrid-SMMA for 16 QAM and 64 QAM.

DIFFICULTY OF MODE OF ACTION DETERMINATION FOR TRICHLOROETHYLENE: AN EXAMPLE OF COMPLEX INTERACTIONS OF METABOLITES AND OTHER CHEMICAL EXPOSURES (Journal Article)

EPA Science Inventory

The mode(s) of action (MOA) of a pollutant for adverse health effects may be dependent on the mixture of metabolites resulting from exposure to a single agent and may also be affected by co-exposure to pollutants that have similar targets or affected pathways. Trichloroethylene ...

Cone-Deciphered Modes of Problem Solving Action (MPSA Cone): Alternative Perspectives on Diversified Professions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lai, Su-Huei

A conceptual framework of the modes of problem-solving action has been developed on the basis of a simple relationship cone to assist individuals in diversified professions in inquiry and implementation of theory and practice in their professional development. The conceptual framework is referred to as the Cone-Deciphered Modes of Problem Solving…

Efficiency in Rule- vs. Plan-Based Movements Is Modulated by Action-Mode.

PubMed

Scheib, Jean P P; Stoll, Sarah; Thürmer, J Lukas; Randerath, Jennifer

2018-01-01

The rule/plan motor cognition (RPMC) paradigm elicits visually indistinguishable motor outputs, resulting from either plan- or rule-based action-selection, using a combination of essentially interchangeable stimuli. Previous implementations of the RPMC paradigm have used pantomimed movements to compare plan- vs. rule-based action-selection. In the present work we attempt to determine the generalizability of previous RPMC findings to real object interaction by use of a grasp-to-rotate task. In the plan task, participants had to use prospective planning to achieve a comfortable post-handle rotation hand posture. The rule task used implementation intentions (if-then rules) leading to the same comfortable end-state. In Experiment A, we compare RPMC performance of 16 healthy participants in pantomime and real object conditions of the experiment, within-subjects. Higher processing efficiency of rule- vs. plan-based action-selection was supported by diffusion model analysis. Results show a significant response-time increase in the pantomime condition compared to the real object condition and a greater response-time advantage of rule-based vs. plan-based actions in the pantomime compared to the real object condition. In Experiment B, 24 healthy participants performed the real object RPMC task in a task switching vs. a blocked condition. Results indicate that plan-based action-selection leads to longer response-times and less efficient information processing than rule-based action-selection in line with previous RPMC findings derived from the pantomime action-mode. Particularly in the task switching mode, responses were faster in the rule compared to the plan task suggesting a modulating influence of cognitive load. Overall, results suggest an advantage of rule-based action-selection over plan-based action-selection; whereby differential mechanisms appear to be involved depending on the action-mode. We propose that cognitive load is a factor that modulates the advantageous effect of implementation intentions in motor cognition on different levels as illustrated by the varying speed advantages and the variation in diffusion parameters per action-mode or condition, respectively.

Engineering studies on joint bar integrity, part I : field surveys and observed failure modes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-02

This paper is the first of a two-part series describing a : research project, sponsored by the Federal Railroad : Administration (FRA), to study the structural integrity of joint : bars. In Part I of this series, observations from field surveys : con...

Skeleton-Based Human Action Recognition With Global Context-Aware Attention LSTM Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jun; Wang, Gang; Duan, Ling-Yu; Abdiyeva, Kamila; Kot, Alex C.

2018-04-01

Human action recognition in 3D skeleton sequences has attracted a lot of research attention. Recently, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks have shown promising performance in this task due to their strengths in modeling the dependencies and dynamics in sequential data. As not all skeletal joints are informative for action recognition, and the irrelevant joints often bring noise which can degrade the performance, we need to pay more attention to the informative ones. However, the original LSTM network does not have explicit attention ability. In this paper, we propose a new class of LSTM network, Global Context-Aware Attention LSTM (GCA-LSTM), for skeleton based action recognition. This network is capable of selectively focusing on the informative joints in each frame of each skeleton sequence by using a global context memory cell. To further improve the attention capability of our network, we also introduce a recurrent attention mechanism, with which the attention performance of the network can be enhanced progressively. Moreover, we propose a stepwise training scheme in order to train our network effectively. Our approach achieves state-of-the-art performance on five challenging benchmark datasets for skeleton based action recognition.

Compact Reconfigurable Antenna with an Omnidirectional Pattern and Four Directional Patterns for Wireless Sensor Systems

PubMed Central

Wang, Ren; Wang, Bing-Zhong; Huang, Wei-Ying; Ding, Xiao

2016-01-01

A compact reconfigurable antenna with an omnidirectional mode and four directional modes is proposed. The antenna has a main radiator and four parasitic elements printed on a dielectric substrate. By changing the status of diodes soldered on the parasitic elements, the proposed antenna can generate four directional radiation patterns and one omnidirectional radiation pattern. The main beam directions of the four directional modes are almost orthogonal and the four directional beams can jointly cover a 360° range in the horizontal plane, i.e., the main radiation plane of omnidirectional mode. The whole volume of the antenna and the control network is approximately 0.70 λ × 0.53 λ × 0.02 λ, where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency. The proposed antenna has a simple structure and small dimensions under the requirement that the directional radiation patterns can jointly cover the main radiation plane of the omnidirectional mode, therefore, it can be used in smart wireless sensor systems for different application scenarios. PMID:27092512

Fully three-dimensional ideal magnetohydrodynamic stability analysis of low- n modes and Mercier modes in stellarators

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

Fu, G.Y.; Cooper, W.A.; Gruber, R.

1992-06-01

The TERPSICHORE three-dimensional linear ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability code ({ital Theory} {ital of} {ital Fusion} {ital Plasmas}, Proceedings of the Joint Varenna--Lausanne International Workshop, Chexbres, Switzerland, 1988 (Editrice Compositori, Bologna, Italy, 1989), p. 93; {ital Controlled} {ital Fusion} {ital and} {ital Plasma} {ital Heating}, Proceedings of the 17th European Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (European Physical Society, Petit-Lancy, Switzerland, 1990), Vol. 14B, Part II, p. 931; {ital Theory} {ital of} {ital Fusion} {ital Plasmas}, Proceedings of the Joint Varenna--Lausanne International Workshop, Valla Monastero, Varenna, Italy, 1990 (Editrice Compositori, Bologna, Italy, 1990), p. 655) has been extended to the full MHD equations.more » The new code is used to calculate the physical growth rates of nonlocal low-{ital n} modes for {ital l}=2 torsatron configurations. A comprehensive investigation of the relation between the Mercier modes and the low-{ital n} modes has been performed. The unstable localized low-{ital n} modes are found to be correlated with the Mercier criterion. Finite growth rates of the low-{ital n} modes correspond to finite values of the Mercier criterion parameter. Near the Mercier marginal stability boundary, the low-{ital n} modes tend to be weakly unstable with very small growth rates. However, the stability of global-type low-{ital n} modes is found to be decorrelated from that of Mercier modes. The low-{ital n} modes with global radial structures can be more stable or more unstable than Mercier modes.« less

Cervical joint position sense in neck pain. Immediate effects of muscle vibration versus mental training interventions: a RCT.

PubMed

Beinert, K; Preiss, S; Huber, M; Taube, W

2015-12-01

Impaired cervical joint position sense is a feature of chronic neck pain and is commonly argued to rely on abnormal cervical input. If true, muscle vibration, altering afferent input, but not mental interventions, should have an effect on head repositioning acuity and neck pain perception. The aim of the present study was to determine the short-term effects of neck muscle vibration, motor imagery, and action observation on cervical joint position sense and pressure pain threshold in people with chronic neck pain. Forty-five blinded participants with neck pain received concealed allocation and were randomized in three treatment groups. A blinded assessor performed pre- and post-test measurement. Patients were recruited from secondary outpatient clinics in the southwest of Germany. Chronic, non specific neck pain patients without arm pain were recruited for this study. A single intervention session of 5 minutes was delivered to each blinded participant. Patients were either allocated to one of the following three interventions: (1) neck muscle vibration; (2) motor imagery; (3) action observation. Primary outcomes were cervical joint position sense acuity and pressure pain threshold. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to evaluate differences between groups and subjects. Repositioning acuity displayed significant time effects for vibration, motor imagery, and action observation (all P<0.05), but revealed no time*group effect. Pressure pain threshold demonstrated a time*group effect (P=0.042) as only vibration significantly increased pressure pain threshold (P=0.01). Although motor imagery and action observation did not modulate proprioceptive, afferent input, they nevertheless improved cervical joint position sense acuity. This indicates that, against the common opinion, changes in proprioceptive input are not prerequisite to improve joint repositioning performance. However, the short-term applications of these cognitive treatments had no effect on pressure pain thresholds, whereas vibration reduced pressure pain thresholds. This implies different underlying mechanisms after vibration and mental training. Mental interventions were effective in improving cervical joint position sense and are easy to integrate in rehabilitation regimes. Neck muscle vibration is effective in improving cervical joint position sense and pressure pain thresholds within 5 minutes of application.

Analysis and testing of a space crane articulating joint testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutter, Thomas R.; Wu, K. Chauncey

1992-01-01

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include: space crane concept with mobile base; mechanical versus structural articulating joint; articulating joint test bed and reference truss; static and dynamic characterization completed for space crane reference truss configuration; improved linear actuators reduce articulating joint test bed backlash; 1-DOF space crane slew maneuver; boom 2 tip transient response finite element dynamic model; boom 2 tip transient response shear-corrected component modes torque driver profile; peak root member force vs. slew time torque driver profile; and open loop control of space crane motion.

[Experience in organization of joint actions of expert divisions during the accident at P.S. Podporozniy Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station].

PubMed

Kolkutin, V V; Ivanov, P L; Fetisov, V A; Afanas'ev, S A; Dorozhkin, O A; Vognerubov, R N; Kuznetsov, T L

2010-01-01

The authors illustrate positive experience in organization and coordination of joint actions of expert divisions of different sectors during the accident at P.S. Podporozniy Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station in August 2009. Special emphasis is laid on the participation of experts of quick-reaction teams formed by territorial forensic medical bureaus, mobile and supporting forces from the adjacent regions.

Defense AT and L. Volume 39, Number 4. July August 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

basis in a joint life cycle management review, which is open to all of our stake- holders. Program assessments cover systems engineering, logistics...contacted the JPEO-CBD’s Joint Project Management Office for Chemical Biological Medical Systems to request DoD’s assistance in developing a way for...consequence management and course of action analysis tools. Can you further discuss those warning tools and provide examples of them in action? A When

Durability of building joint sealants

Treesearch

Christopher C. White; Kar Tean Tan; Donald L. Hunston; R. Sam Williams

2009-01-01

Predicting the service life of building joint sealants exposed to service environments in less than real time has been a need of the sealant community for many decades. Despite extensive research efforts to design laboratory accelerated tests to duplicate the failure modes occurring in field exposures, little success has been achieved using conventional durability...

Bacteriocins from Lactobacillus plantarum - production, genetic organization and mode of action: produção, organização genética e modo de ação.

PubMed

Todorov, Svetoslav D

2009-04-01

Bacteriocins are biologically active proteins or protein complexes that display a bactericidal mode of action towards usually closely related species. Numerous strains of bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus plantarum have been isolated in the last two decades from different ecological niches including meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and milk and cereal products. Several of these plantaricins have been characterized and the aminoacid sequence determined. Different aspects of the mode of action, fermentation optimization and genetic organization of the bacteriocin operon have been studied. However, numerous of bacteriocins produced by different Lactobacillus plantarum strains have not been fully characterized. In this article, a brief overview of the classification, genetics, characterization, including mode of action and production optimization for bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in general, and where appropriate, with focus on bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, is presented.

Nonclassicality and Entanglement in multimode radiation fields under the action of classicality preserving devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaturvedi, S.

2011-09-01

In this work we examine the possibilities of converting quantum optical nonclassicality into entanglement in multimode under the action of classicality preserving devices such as beamsplitters. While the single mode case is amenable to a complete analysis, non availability of certain crucial results in the classical theory of moments in the multimode situations forces us to treat these cases with lesser degree of generality by taking recourse to the familiar Mandel matrix and its extensions. We generalize the Mandel matrix from one-mode states to the two-mode situation, leading to a natural classification of states with varying levels of nonclassicality. For two-mode states we present a single test which, if successful, simultaneouly witnesses nonclassicality as well as NPT entanglement. We develop a test for NPT entanglement after beamsplitter action on a nonclassical state, designed in such a way that it remains `close' to that for nonclassicality. In the same spirit we analyse the result of three-mode `beamsplitter' action after coupling to an ancilla in the Fock ground state. The concept of genuine tripartite entanglement and scalar measures of nonclassicality at the Mandel level for two mode systems are discussed and illustrated with the help of several examples.

75 FR 38950 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727 Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-07

... such as antennas, and the skin at decals and fairings; and related investigative and corrective actions... joints, around external repairs and antennas, and at locations where external decals had been cut. We are... lines found at skin lap joints, butt joints, around external repairs and antennas, and at locations...

Final Environmental Assessment: For Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Master Plan District of Columbia

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-30

the impacts of vehicle travel and facilitate alternative modes of transportation that would reduce air pollutants . Noise: There would be...ltlb•nKM nr~t~~G.,~ StEiiubetlls Fort McNair East Potomac Pari < Poplar Point "" Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Master Plan Environmental...Industrial $uppon Eost Potomac Pari < Poplar Point Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Master Plan Environmental Assessment pg. 16 Several general

Special Features of Induction Annealing of Friction Stir Welded Joints of Medium-Alloy Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priymak, E. Yu.; Stepanchukova, A. V.; Bashirova, E. V.; Fot, A. P.; Firsova, N. V.

2018-01-01

Welded joints of medium-alloy steels XJY750 and 40KhN2MA are studied in the initial condition and after different variants of annealing. Special features of the phase transformations occurring in the welded steels are determined. Optimum modes of annealing are recommended for the studied welded joints of drill pipes, which provide a high level of mechanical properties including the case of impact loading.

Preloaded joint analysis methodology for space flight systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, Jeffrey A.

1995-01-01

This report contains a compilation of some of the most basic equations governing simple preloaded joint systems and discusses the more common modes of failure associated with such hardware. It is intended to provide the mechanical designer with the tools necessary for designing a basic bolted joint. Although the information presented is intended to aid in the engineering of space flight structures, the fundamentals are equally applicable to other forms of mechanical design.

Neural alpha oscillations index the balance between self-other integration and segregation in real-time joint action.

PubMed

Novembre, Giacomo; Sammler, Daniela; Keller, Peter E

2016-08-01

Shared knowledge and interpersonal coordination are prerequisites for most forms of social behavior. Influential approaches to joint action have conceptualized these capacities in relation to the separate constructs of co-representation (knowledge) and self-other entrainment (coordination). Here we investigated how brain mechanisms involved in co-representation and entrainment interact to support joint action. To do so, we used a musical joint action paradigm to show that the neural mechanisms underlying co-representation and self-other entrainment are linked via a process - indexed by EEG alpha oscillations - regulating the balance between self-other integration and segregation in real time. Pairs of pianists performed short musical items while action familiarity and interpersonal (behavioral) synchronization accuracy were manipulated in a factorial design. Action familiarity referred to whether or not pianists had rehearsed the musical material performed by the other beforehand. Interpersonal synchronization was manipulated via congruent or incongruent tempo change instructions that biased performance timing towards the impending, new tempo. It was observed that, when pianists were familiar with each other's parts, millisecond variations in interpersonal synchronized behavior were associated with a modulation of alpha power over right centro-parietal scalp regions. Specifically, high behavioral entrainment was associated with self-other integration, as indexed by alpha suppression. Conversely, low behavioral entrainment encouraged reliance on internal knowledge and thus led to self-other segregation, indexed by alpha enhancement. These findings suggest that alpha oscillations index the processing of information about self and other depending on the compatibility of internal knowledge and external (environmental) events at finely resolved timescales. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of a telerobotic controller with joint torque sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jansen, J. F.; Herndon, J. N.

1990-01-01

The purpose was to analytically show how to design a joint controller for a telerobotic system when joint torque sensors are available. Other sensors such as actuator position, actuator velocity, joint position, and joint velocity are assumed to be accessible; however, the results will also be useful when only partial measurements are available. The controller presented can be applied to either mode of operation of a manipulator (i.e., teleoperation or robotic). Mechanical manipulators with high levels of friction are assumed. The results are applied to a telerobotic system built for NASA. Very high levels of friction have been reduced using high-gain feedback while avoiding limit cycles.

ORTHOPEDIC LEG BRACE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, William Neil (Inventor)

2005-01-01

Knee braces generally have been rigid in both the knee bending direction and in the knee straightening direction unless a manually operated release is incorporated in them to allow the knee to bend. Desirably a braced knee joint should effectively duplicate the compound, complex, actions of a normal knee. The key to knee braces is the knee joint housing. The housing herein carries a number of cam action pawls. with teeth adapted to engage the internal teeth of a ratchet ring mounted in the housing. Cam action return springs and the shape of the cam action pawl teeth allow rotation of the ratchet ring in a leg straightening direction while still supporting a load. The leg can then be extended during walking while at the same time being prevented by the cam action pawls from buckling in the knee bending direction.

Motor command inhibition and the representation of response mode during motor imagery.

PubMed

Scheil, Juliane; Liefooghe, Baptist

2018-05-01

Research on motor imagery proposes that overt actions during motor imagery can be avoided by proactively signaling subthreshold motor commands to the effectors and by invoking motor-command inhibition. A recent study by Rieger, Dahm, and Koch (2017) found evidence in support of motor command inhibition, which indicates that MI cannot be completed on the sole basis of subthreshold motor commands. However, during motor imagery, participants know in advance when a covert response is to be made and it is thus surprising such additional motor-command inhibition is needed. Accordingly, the present study tested whether the demand to perform an action covertly can be proactively integrated by investigating the formation of task-specific action rules during motor imagery. These task-specific action rules relate the decision rules of a task to the mode in which these rules need to be applied (e.g., if smaller than 5, press the left key covertly). To this end, an experiment was designed in which participants had to switch between two numerical judgement tasks and two response modes: covert responding and overt responding. First, we observed markers of motor command inhibition and replicated the findings of Rieger and colleagues. Second, we observed evidence suggesting that task-specific action rules are created for the overt response mode (e.g., if smaller than 5, press the left key). In contrast, for the covert response mode, no task-specific action rules are formed and decision rules do not include mode-specific information (e.g., if smaller than 5, left). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parental Involvement in the Habilitation Process Following Children's Cochlear Implantation: An Action Theory Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaidman-Zait, Anat; Young, Richard A.

2008-01-01

Action theory and the qualitative action-project method are used in this study to address and illustrate the complexity of parenting children who have received cochlear implants (CIs) as well as the intentionality of parents engaged in that process. "Action" refers to individual and joint goal-directed and intentional behaviors. Action theory has…

Predictive Mechanisms Are Not Involved the Same Way during Human-Human vs. Human-Machine Interactions: A Review

PubMed Central

Sahaï, Aïsha; Pacherie, Elisabeth; Grynszpan, Ouriel; Berberian, Bruno

2017-01-01

Nowadays, interactions with others do not only involve human peers but also automated systems. Many studies suggest that the motor predictive systems that are engaged during action execution are also involved during joint actions with peers and during other human generated action observation. Indeed, the comparator model hypothesis suggests that the comparison between a predicted state and an estimated real state enables motor control, and by a similar functioning, understanding and anticipating observed actions. Such a mechanism allows making predictions about an ongoing action, and is essential to action regulation, especially during joint actions with peers. Interestingly, the same comparison process has been shown to be involved in the construction of an individual's sense of agency, both for self-generated and observed other human generated actions. However, the implication of such predictive mechanisms during interactions with machines is not consensual, probably due to the high heterogeneousness of the automata used in the experimentations, from very simplistic devices to full humanoid robots. The discrepancies that are observed during human/machine interactions could arise from the absence of action/observation matching abilities when interacting with traditional low-level automata. Consistently, the difficulties to build a joint agency with this kind of machines could stem from the same problem. In this context, we aim to review the studies investigating predictive mechanisms during social interactions with humans and with automated artificial systems. We will start by presenting human data that show the involvement of predictions in action control and in the sense of agency during social interactions. Thereafter, we will confront this literature with data from the robotic field. Finally, we will address the upcoming issues in the field of robotics related to automated systems aimed at acting as collaborative agents. PMID:29081744

A computational method for comparing the behavior and possible failure of prosthetic implants

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

Nielsen, C.; Hollerbach, K.; Perfect, S.

1995-05-01

Prosthetic joint implants currently in use exhibit high Realistic computer modeling of prosthetic implants provides an opportunity for orthopedic biomechanics researchers and physicians to understand possible in vivo failure modes, without having to resort to lengthy and costly clinical trials. The research presented here is part of a larger effort to develop realistic models of implanted joint prostheses. The example used here is the thumb carpo-metacarpal (cmc) joint. The work, however, can be applied to any other human joints for which prosthetic implants have been designed. Preliminary results of prosthetic joint loading, without surrounding human tissue (i.e., simulating conditions undermore » which the prosthetic joint has not yet been implanted into the human joint), are presented, based on a three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element analysis of three different joint implant designs.« less

Simulation and Experiment Research on Fatigue Life of High Pressure Air Pipeline Joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Jin; Xie, Jianghui; Yu, Jian; Zhang, Deman

2017-12-01

High pressure air pipeline joint is important part of high pressure air system, whose reliability is related to the safety and stability of the system. This thesis developed a new type-high pressure air pipeline joint, carried out dynamics research on CB316-1995 and new type-high pressure air pipeline joint with finite element method, deeply analysed the join forms of different design schemes and effect of materials on stress, tightening torque and fatigue life of joint. Research team set up vibration/pulse test bench, carried out joint fatigue life contrast test. The result shows: the maximum stress of the joint is inverted in the inner side of the outer sleeve nut, which is consistent with the failure mode of the crack on the outer sleeve nut in practice. Simulation and experiment of fatigue life and tightening torque of new type-high pressure air pipeline joint are better than CB316-1995 joint.

Mode coupling at connectors in mode-division multiplexed transmission over few-mode fiber.

PubMed

Vuong, Jordi; Ramantanis, Petros; Frignac, Yann; Salsi, Massimiliano; Genevaux, Philippe; Bendimerad, Djalal F; Charlet, Gabriel

2015-01-26

In mode-division multiplexed (MDM) transmission systems, mode coupling is responsible for inter-modal crosstalk. We consider the transmission of modulated signals over a few-mode fiber (FMF) having low mode coupling and large differential mode group delay in the presence of a non-ideal fiber connection responsible for extra mode coupling. In this context, we first analytically derive the coupling matrix of the multimode connector and we numerically study the dependence of the matrix coefficients as a function of the butt-joint connection characteristics. The numerical results are then validated through an experiment with a five-mode setup. Finally, through numerical simulations, we assess the impact of the connector on the signal quality investigating different receiver digital signal processing (DSP) schemes.

The Use of Mode of Action Information in Risk Assessment: Quantitative Key Events/Dose-Response Framework for Modeling the Dose-Response for Key Events

EPA Science Inventory

The HESI RISK21 project formed the Dose-Response/Mode-of-Action Subteam to develop strategies for using all available data (in vitro, in vivo, and in silico) to advance the next-generation of chemical risk assessments. A goal of the Subteam is to enhance the existing Mode of Act...

PHYSIOLOCIGALLY BASED PHARMACOKINETIC (PBPK) MODELING AND MODE OF ACTION IN DOSE-RESPONSE ASSESSMENT

EPA Science Inventory

PHYSIOLOGICALLY BASED PHARMACOKINETIC (PBPK) MODELING AND MODE OF ACTION IN DOSE-RESPONSE ASSESSMENT. Barton HA. Experimental Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA
Dose-response analysis requires quantitatively linking infor...

Mode of action from dose-response microarray data: case study using 10 environmental chemicals

EPA Science Inventory

Ligand-activated nuclear receptors regulate many biological processes through complex interactions with biological macromolecules. Certain xenobiotics alter nuclear receptor signaling through direct or indirect interactions. Defining the mode of action of such xenobiotics is di...

Recent developments in naturally derived antimalarials: cryptolepine analogues.

PubMed

Wright, Colin W

2007-06-01

Increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to commonly used antimalarial drugs has made the need for new agents increasingly urgent. In this paper, the potential of cryptolepine, an alkaloid from the West African shrub Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, as a lead towards new antimalarial agents is discussed. Several cryptolepine analogues have been synthesized that have promising in-vitro and in-vivo antimalarial activity. Studies on the antimalarial modes of action of these analogues indicate that they may have different or additional modes of action to the parent compound. Elucidation of the mode of action may facilitate the development of more potent antimalarial cryptolepine analogues.

Perspectives for elucidating the ethylenediurea (EDU) mode of action for protection against O3 phytotoxicity.

PubMed

Agathokleous, Evgenios

2017-08-01

Ethylenediurea (EDU) has been widely studied for its effectiveness to protect plants against injuries caused by surface ozone (O 3 ), however its mode of action remains unclear. So far, there is not a unified methodological approach and thus the methodology is quite arbitrary, thereby making it more difficult to generalize findings and understand the EDU mode of action. This review examines the question of whether potential N addition to plants by EDU is a fundamental underlying mechanism in protecting against O 3 phytotoxicity. Yet, this review proposes an evidence-based hypothesis that EDU may protect plants against O 3 deleterious effects upon generation of EDU-induced hormesis, i.e. by activating plant defense at low doses. This hypothesis challenges the future research directions. Revealing a hormesis-based EDU mode of action in protecting plants against O 3 toxicity would have further implications to ecotoxicology and environmental safety. Furthermore, this review discusses the need for further studies on plant metabolism under EDU treatment through relevant experimental approach, and attempts to set the bases for approaching a unified methodology that will contribute in revealing the EDU mode of action. In this framework, focus is given to the main EDU application methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solving an emergency rescue materials problem under the joint reserves mode of government and framework agreement suppliers

PubMed Central

Sun, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Rui; Li, Ming; Miao, Wang

2017-01-01

Emergency rescue material reserves are vital for the success of emergency rescue activities. In this study, we consider a situation where a government owned distribution center and framework agreement suppliers jointly store emergency rescue materials. Using a scenario-based approach to represent demand uncertainty, we propose a comprehensive transportation pattern for the following supply chain: “suppliers—government distribution center—disaster area.” Using a joint reserves model that includes the government and framework agreement suppliers, we develop a non-linear mathematic model that determines the choices of the framework suppliers, the corresponding optimal commitment quantities, and the quantity of materials that are stored at a government distribution center. Finally, we use IBM ILOG CPLEX to solve the numerical examples to verify the effectiveness of the mode and perform sensitivity analyses on the relevant parameters. PMID:29077722

Multipacting-free quarter-wavelength choke joint design for BNL SRF

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

Xu, W.; Belomestnykh, S.; Ben-Zvi, I.

The BNL SRF gun cavity operated well in CW mode up to 2 MV. However, its performance suffered due to multipacting in the quarter-wavelength choke joint. A new multipacting-free cathode stalk was designed and conditioned. This paper describes RF and thermal design of the new cathode stalk and its conditioning results.

Networked simulation for team training of Space Station astronauts, ground controllers, and scientists - A training and development environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hajare, Ankur R.; Wick, Daniel T.; Bovenzi, James J.

1991-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe plans for the Space Station Training Facility (SSTF) which has been designed to meet the envisioned training needs for Space Station Freedom. To meet these needs, the SSTF will integrate networked simulators with real-world systems in five training modes: Stand-Alone, Combined, Joint-Combined, Integrated, and Joint-Integrated. This paper describes the five training modes within the context of three training scenaries. In addition, this paper describes an authoring system which will support the rapid integration of new real-world system changes in the Space Station Freedom Program.

Effects of damping on mode shapes, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gates, R. M.

1977-01-01

Displacement, velocity, and acceleration admittances were calculated for a realistic NASTRAN structural model of space shuttle for three conditions: liftoff, maximum dynamic pressure and end of solid rocket booster burn. The realistic model of the orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket motors included the representation of structural joint transmissibilities by finite stiffness and damping elements. Methods developed to incorporate structural joints and their damping characteristics into a finite element model of the space shuttle, to determine the point damping parameters required to produce realistic damping in the primary modes, and to calculate the effect of distributed damping on structural resonances through the calculation of admittances.

Wavelength calibration of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer on Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak

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

Yan, W.; Chen, Z. Y., E-mail: zychen@hust.edu.cn; Jin, W.

2014-11-15

The wavelength calibration of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer is a key issue for the measurements of plasma rotation. For the lack of available standard radiation source near 3.95 Å and there is no other diagnostics to measure the core rotation for inter-calibration, an indirect method by using tokamak plasma itself has been applied on joint Texas experimental tokamak. It is found that the core toroidal rotation velocity is not zero during locked mode phase. This is consistent with the observation of small oscillations on soft x-ray signals and electron cyclotron emission during locked-mode phase.

A Novel Optimal Joint Resource Allocation Method in Cooperative Multicarrier Networks: Theory and Practice

PubMed Central

Gao, Yuan; Zhou, Weigui; Ao, Hong; Chu, Jian; Zhou, Quan; Zhou, Bo; Wang, Kang; Li, Yi; Xue, Peng

2016-01-01

With the increasing demands for better transmission speed and robust quality of service (QoS), the capacity constrained backhaul gradually becomes a bottleneck in cooperative wireless networks, e.g., in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario in joint processing mode of LTE-Advanced Pro. This paper focuses on resource allocation within capacity constrained backhaul in uplink cooperative wireless networks, where two base stations (BSs) equipped with single antennae serve multiple single-antennae users via multi-carrier transmission mode. In this work, we propose a novel cooperative transmission scheme based on compress-and-forward with user pairing to solve the joint mixed integer programming problem. To maximize the system capacity under the limited backhaul, we formulate the joint optimization problem of user sorting, subcarrier mapping and backhaul resource sharing among different pairs (subcarriers for users). A novel robust and efficient centralized algorithm based on alternating optimization strategy and perfect mapping is proposed. Simulations show that our novel method can improve the system capacity significantly under the constraint of the backhaul resource compared with the blind alternatives. PMID:27077865

The Shear Strength and Fracture Behavior of Sn-Ag- xSb Solder Joints with Au/Ni-P/Cu UBM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwa-Teng; Hu, Shuen-Yuan; Hong, Ting-Fu; Chen, Yin-Fa

2008-06-01

This study investigates the effects of Sb addition on the shear strength and fracture behavior of Sn-Ag-based solders with Au/Ni-P/Cu underbump metallization (UBM) substrates. Sn-3Ag- xSb ternary alloy solder joints were prepared by adding 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% Sb to a Sn-3.5Ag alloy and joining them with Au/Ni-P/Cu UBM substrates. The solder joints were isothermally stored at 150°C for up to 625 h to study their microstructure and interfacial reaction with the UBM. Single-lap shear tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and failure behavior. The results show that UBM effectively suppressed intermetallic compound (IMC) formation and growth during isothermal storage. The Sb addition helped to refine the Ag3Sn compounds, further improving the shear strength and thermal resistance of the solders. The fracture behavior evolved from solder mode toward the mixed mode and finally to the IMC mode with increasing added Sb and isothermal storage time. However, SnSb compounds were found in the solder with 10 wt.% Sb; they may cause mechanical degradation of the solder after long-term isothermal storage.

An integrated theory of language production and comprehension.

PubMed

Pickering, Martin J; Garrod, Simon

2013-08-01

Currently, production and comprehension are regarded as quite distinct in accounts of language processing. In rejecting this dichotomy, we instead assert that producing and understanding are interwoven, and that this interweaving is what enables people to predict themselves and each other. We start by noting that production and comprehension are forms of action and action perception. We then consider the evidence for interweaving in action, action perception, and joint action, and explain such evidence in terms of prediction. Specifically, we assume that actors construct forward models of their actions before they execute those actions, and that perceivers of others' actions covertly imitate those actions, then construct forward models of those actions. We use these accounts of action, action perception, and joint action to develop accounts of production, comprehension, and interactive language. Importantly, they incorporate well-defined levels of linguistic representation (such as semantics, syntax, and phonology). We show (a) how speakers and comprehenders use covert imitation and forward modeling to make predictions at these levels of representation, (b) how they interweave production and comprehension processes, and (c) how they use these predictions to monitor the upcoming utterances. We show how these accounts explain a range of behavioral and neuroscientific data on language processing and discuss some of the implications of our proposal.

Efficiency in Rule- vs. Plan-Based Movements Is Modulated by Action-Mode

PubMed Central

Scheib, Jean P. P.; Stoll, Sarah; Thürmer, J. Lukas; Randerath, Jennifer

2018-01-01

The rule/plan motor cognition (RPMC) paradigm elicits visually indistinguishable motor outputs, resulting from either plan- or rule-based action-selection, using a combination of essentially interchangeable stimuli. Previous implementations of the RPMC paradigm have used pantomimed movements to compare plan- vs. rule-based action-selection. In the present work we attempt to determine the generalizability of previous RPMC findings to real object interaction by use of a grasp-to-rotate task. In the plan task, participants had to use prospective planning to achieve a comfortable post-handle rotation hand posture. The rule task used implementation intentions (if-then rules) leading to the same comfortable end-state. In Experiment A, we compare RPMC performance of 16 healthy participants in pantomime and real object conditions of the experiment, within-subjects. Higher processing efficiency of rule- vs. plan-based action-selection was supported by diffusion model analysis. Results show a significant response-time increase in the pantomime condition compared to the real object condition and a greater response-time advantage of rule-based vs. plan-based actions in the pantomime compared to the real object condition. In Experiment B, 24 healthy participants performed the real object RPMC task in a task switching vs. a blocked condition. Results indicate that plan-based action-selection leads to longer response-times and less efficient information processing than rule-based action-selection in line with previous RPMC findings derived from the pantomime action-mode. Particularly in the task switching mode, responses were faster in the rule compared to the plan task suggesting a modulating influence of cognitive load. Overall, results suggest an advantage of rule-based action-selection over plan-based action-selection; whereby differential mechanisms appear to be involved depending on the action-mode. We propose that cognitive load is a factor that modulates the advantageous effect of implementation intentions in motor cognition on different levels as illustrated by the varying speed advantages and the variation in diffusion parameters per action-mode or condition, respectively. PMID:29593612

THE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS) THEORY OF ARSENIC CARCINOGENESIS

EPA Science Inventory

At this time, there is not a scientific consensus on the mechanisms/modes of action for arsenic carcinogenesis. Proposed mechanisms/modes of action for arsenic carcinogenesis include but are not limited to clastogenic effects, mutation, oxidative stress (via ROS and other chemic...

OXIDATIVE STRESS AS A POSSIBLE MODE OF ACTION FOR ARSENIC CARCINOGENESIS

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract

Many modes of action for arsenic carcinogenesis have been proposed, but few theories have a substantial mass of supporting data. Three stronger theories of arsenic carcinogenesis are production of chromosomal abnormalities, promotion of carcinogenesis and oxidati...

Sleeve Expansion of Bolt Holes in Railroad Rail : Volume I, Description and Planning

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-02-01

The most predominant failure mode of rails with bolt joints is a web crack initiating at the rail bolt hole. This failure mode is of a classical fatigue nature induced by web stress concentration around the bolt hole. This program was conducted to ap...

Electromigration in solder joints and solder lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, H.; Choi, W. J.; Xu, G.; Tu, K. N.

2002-06-01

Electromigration may affect the reliability of flip-chip solder joints. Eutectic solder is a two-phase alloy, so its electromigration behavior is different from that in aluminum or copper interconnects. In addition, a flipchip solder joint has a built-in currentcrowding configuration to enhance electromigration failure. To better understand electromigration in SnPb and lead-free solder alloys, the authors prepared solder lines in v-grooves etched on Si (001). This article discusses the results of those tests and compares the electromigration failure modes of eutectic SnPb and SnAgCu flip-chip solder joints along with the mean-timeto-failure.

Meniscal Preservation is Important for the Knee Joint

PubMed Central

Patil, Shantanu Sudhakar; Shekhar, Anshu; Tapasvi, Sachin Ramchandra

2017-01-01

Native joint preservation has gained importance in recent years. This is mostly to find solutions for limitations of arthroplasty. In the knee joint, the menisci perform critical functions, adding stability during range of motion and efficiently transferring load across the tibiofemoral articulation while protecting the cartilage. The menisci are the most common injury seen by orthopedicians, especially in the younger active patients. Advances in technology and our knowledge on functioning of the knee joint have made meniscus repair an important mode of treatment. This review summarizes the various techniques of meniscus tear repair and also describes biological enhancements of healing. PMID:28966381

Joint loads resulting in ACL rupture: Effects of age, sex, and body mass on injury load and mode of failure in a mouse model.

PubMed

Blaker, Carina L; Little, Christopher B; Clarke, Elizabeth C

2017-08-01

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common knee injury with a known but poorly understood association with secondary joint injuries and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Female sex and age are known risk factors for ACL injury but these variables are rarely explored in mouse models of injury. This study aimed to further characterize a non-surgical ACL injury model to determine its clinical relevance across a wider range of mouse specifications. Cadaveric and anesthetized C57BL/6 mice (9-52 weeks of age) underwent joint loading to investigate the effects of age, sex, and body mass on ACL injury mechanisms. The ACL injury load (whole joint load required to rupture the ACL) was measured from force-displacement data, and mode of failure was assessed using micro-dissection and histology. ACL injury load was found to increase with body mass and age (p < 0.001) but age was not significant when controlling for mass. Sex had no effect. In contrast, the mode of ACL failure varied with both age and sex groups. Avulsion fractures (complete or mixed with mid-substance tears) were common in all age groups but the proportion of mixed and mid-substance failures increased with age. Females were more likely than males to have a major avulsion relative to a mid-substance tear (p < 0.01). This data compliments studies in human cadaveric knees, and provides a basis for determining the severity of joint injury relative to a major ACL tear in mice, and for selecting joint loading conditions in future experiments using this model. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1754-1763, 2017. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A method of depth image based human action recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Pei; Cheng, Wanli

2017-05-01

In this paper, we propose an action recognition algorithm framework based on human skeleton joint information. In order to extract the feature of human motion, we use the information of body posture, speed and acceleration of movement to construct spatial motion feature that can describe and reflect the joint. On the other hand, we use the classical temporal pyramid matching algorithm to construct temporal feature and describe the motion sequence variation from different time scales. Then, we use bag of words to represent these actions, which is to present every action in the histogram by clustering these extracted feature. Finally, we employ Hidden Markov Model to train and test the extracted motion features. In the experimental part, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model are comprehensively verified on two well-known datasets.

Spontaneous bacteriocin resistance in Listeria monocytogenes as a susceptibility screen for identifying different mechanisms of resistance and modes of action by bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria.

PubMed

Macwana, Sunita; Muriana, Peter M

2012-01-01

A practical system was devised for grouping bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based on mode of action as determined by changes in inhibitory activity to spontaneously-acquired bacteriocin resistance (Bac(R)). Wild type Listeria monocytogenes 39-2 was sensitive to five bacteriocins produced by 3 genera of LAB: pediocin PA-1 and pediocin Bac3 (Pediococcus), lacticin FS97 and lacticin FS56 (Lactococcus), and curvaticin FS47 (Lactobacillus). A spontaneous Bac(R) derivative of L. monocytogenes 39-2 obtained by selective recovery against lacticin FS56 provided complete resistance to the bacteriocin made by Lactococcus lactis FS56. The lacticin FS56-resistant strain of L. monocyotgenes 39-2 was also cross-resistant to curvaticin FS47 and pediocin PA-1, but not to lacticin FS97 or pediocin Bac3. The same pattern of cross-resistance was also observed with Bac(R) isolates obtained with L. monocytogenes Scott A-2. A spontaneous mutation that renders a strain cross-resistant to different bacteriocins indicates that they share a common mechanism of resistance due to similar modes of action of the bacteriocins. Spontaneous resistance was acquired to other bacteriocins (in aggregate) by following the same procedure against which the Bac(R) strain was still sensitive. In subsequent challenge assays, mixtures of bacteriocins of different modes of action provided greater inhibition than mixtures of bacteriocins of the same mode of action (as determined by our screening method). This study identifies a methodical approach to classify bacteriocins into functional groups based on mechanism of resistance (i.e., mode of action) that could be used for identifying the best mixture of bacteriocins for use as biopreservatives. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New developments in the evolution and application of the WHO/IPCS framework on mode of action/species concordance analysis.

PubMed

Meek, M E; Boobis, A; Cote, I; Dellarco, V; Fotakis, G; Munn, S; Seed, J; Vickers, C

2014-01-01

The World Health Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety mode of action/human relevance framework has been updated to reflect the experience acquired in its application and extend its utility to emerging areas in toxicity testing and non-testing methods. The underlying principles have not changed, but the framework's scope has been extended to enable integration of information at different levels of biological organization and reflect evolving experience in a much broader range of potential applications. Mode of action/species concordance analysis can also inform hypothesis-based data generation and research priorities in support of risk assessment. The modified framework is incorporated within a roadmap, with feedback loops encouraging continuous refinement of fit-for-purpose testing strategies and risk assessment. Important in this construct is consideration of dose-response relationships and species concordance analysis in weight of evidence. The modified Bradford Hill considerations have been updated and additionally articulated to reflect increasing experience in application for cases where the toxicological outcome of chemical exposure is known. The modified framework can be used as originally intended, where the toxicological effects of chemical exposure are known, or in hypothesizing effects resulting from chemical exposure, using information on putative key events in established modes of action from appropriate in vitro or in silico systems and other lines of evidence. This modified mode of action framework and accompanying roadmap and case examples are expected to contribute to improving transparency in explicitly addressing weight of evidence considerations in mode of action/species concordance analysis based on both conventional data sources and evolving methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.

Deciphering the Mode of Action of the Processive Polysaccharide Modifying Enzyme Dermatan Sulfate Epimerase 1 by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Tykesson, Emil; Mao, Yang; Maccarana, Marco; Pu, Yi; Gao, Jinshan; Lin, Cheng; Zaia, Joseph; Westergren-Thorsson, Gunilla; Ellervik, Ulf; Malmström, Lars; Malmström, Anders

2016-02-01

Distinct from template-directed biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, the enzymatic synthesis of heterogeneous polysaccharides is a complex process that is difficult to study using common analytical tools. Therefore, the mode of action and processivity of those enzymes are largely unknown. Dermatan sulfate epimerase 1 (DS-epi1) is the predominant enzyme during the formation of iduronic acid residues in the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate. Using recombinant DS-epi1 as a model enzyme, we describe a tandem mass spectrometry-based method to study the mode of action of polysaccharide processing enzymes. The enzyme action on the substrate was monitored by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and the sequence information was then fed into mathematical models with two different assumptions of the mode of action for the enzyme: processive reducing end to non-reducing end, and processive non-reducing end to reducing end. Model data was scored by correlation to experimental data and it was found that DS-epi1 attacks its substrate on a random position, followed by a processive mode of modification towards the non-reducing end and that the substrate affinity of the enzyme is negatively affected by each additional epimerization event. It could also be shown that the smallest active substrate was the reducing end uronic acid in a tetrasaccharide and that octasaccharides and longer oligosaccharides were optimal substrates. The method of using tandem mass spectrometry to generate sequence information of the complex enzymatic products in combination with in silico modeling can be potentially applied to study the mode of action of other enzymes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis.

Determining the mode of action of anti-mycobacterial C17 diyne natural products using expression profiling: evidence for fatty acid biosynthesis inhibition.

PubMed

Li, Haoxin; Cowie, Andrew; Johnson, John A; Webster, Duncan; Martyniuk, Christopher J; Gray, Christopher A

2016-08-11

The treatment of microbial infections is becoming increasingly challenging because of limited therapeutic options and the growing number of pathogenic strains that are resistant to current antibiotics. There is an urgent need to identify molecules with novel modes of action to facilitate the development of new and more effective therapeutic agents. The anti-mycobacterial activity of the C17 diyne natural products falcarinol and panaxydol has been described previously; however, their mode of action remains largely undetermined in microbes. Gene expression profiling was therefore used to determine the transcriptomic response of Mycobacterium smegmatis upon treatment with falcarinol and panaxydol to better characterize the mode of action of these C17 diynes. Our analyses identified 704 and 907 transcripts that were differentially expressed in M. smegmatis after treatment with falcarinol and panaxydol respectively. Principal component analysis suggested that the C17 diynes exhibit a mode of action that is distinct to commonly used antimycobacterial drugs. Functional enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that cell processes such as ectoine biosynthesis and cyclopropane-fatty-acyl-phospholipid synthesis were responsive to falcarinol and panaxydol treatment at the transcriptome level in M. smegmatis. The modes of action of the two C17 diynes were also predicted through Prediction of Activity Spectra of Substances (PASS). Based upon convergence of these three independent analyses, we hypothesize that the C17 diynes inhibit fatty acid biosynthesis, specifically phospholipid synthesis, in mycobacteria. Based on transcriptomic responses, it is suggested that the C17 diynes act differently than other anti-mycobacterial compounds in M. smegmatis, and do so by inhibiting phospholipid biosynthesis.

The Joint Commission calls for comprehensive action on poor health literacy.

PubMed

2007-03-01

A new call to action on poor health literacy. Maintaining that the problem is costing the country dearly in dollars as well as quality of life, The Joint Commission has put out a new policy white paper calling on all key players to take steps to deal with the problem of poor health literacy. Although changes at the top are sorely needed, policy makers maintain that there is much that individual providers can do to alleviate the problem.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Policy: 1965-1968 (History of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

Johnson was under fire from "doves" on the left who had turned against the Vietnam War and "hawks" on the right who claimed that stronger action... resisting a major assault in Europe. In addition, conduct specialized counterinsurgency operations or a stabilizing action, as in the Dominican...unprotected, 120-140 SLBM tubes which were mostly short-range and surface- fired , and about 200 heavy bombers.2 Secretary McNamara planned to level

History of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Policy. Volume 8, 1961 - 1964

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Focusing on Internal Security and Civic Action 22" Concentrating on Civic Action 227 Case Studies 231 Cuba: Threat and Target 232 16. Middle East...colleagues, and particularly with senior civilians—more so, possibly, than was actually the case . The Chief Executive extended General LeMay’s term until 1...in order to make his program more palatable politically. In any case , his testimony triggered—or perhaps provided the pretext for—another JCS debate

Influence of Joint Flexibility on Vibration Analysis of Free-Free Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunda, Jagadish Babu; Krishna, Y.

2014-12-01

In present work, joint flexibility (or looseness) of the free-free beam is investigated by using a two noded beam finite element formulation with transverse displacement and joint rotations as the degrees of freedom per node at joint location. Flexibility of the joint is primarily represented by means of a rotational spring analogy, where the stiffness of the rotational spring characterizes the looseness of the flexible joint for an applied bending moment. Influence of joint location as well as joint stiffness on modal behavior of first five modes of slender, uniform free-free beams are discussed for various values of non-dimensional rotational spring stiffness parameter. Numerical accuracy of the results obtained from the present finite element formulation are validated by using the commercially available finite element software which shows the confidence gained on the numerical results discussed in the present study.

Detection of rheumatoid arthritis using infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frize, Monique; Adéa, Cynthia; Payeur, Pierre; Di Primio, Gina; Karsh, Jacob; Ogungbemile, Abiola

2011-03-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints; it is difficult to diagnose in early stages. An early diagnosis and treatment can delay the onset of severe disability. Infrared (IR) imaging offers a potential approach to detect changes in degree of inflammation. In 18 normal subjects and 13 patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), thermal images were collected from joints of hands, wrists, palms, and knees. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually selected from all subjects and all parts imaged. For each subject, values were calculated from the temperature measurements: Mode/Max, Median/Max, Min/Max, Variance, Max-Min, (Mode-Mean), and Mean/Min. The data sets did not have a normal distribution, therefore non parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Ranksum) were applied to assess if the data from the control group and the patient group were significantly different. Results indicate that: (i) thermal images can be detected on patients with the disease; (ii) the best joints to image are the metacarpophalangeal joints of the 2nd and 3rd fingers and the knees; the difference between the two groups was significant at the 0.05 level; (iii) the best calculations to differentiate between normal subjects and patients with RA are the Mode/Max, Variance, and Max-Min. We concluded that it is possible to reliably detect RA in patients using IR imaging. Future work will include a prospective study of normal subjects and patients that will compare IR results with Magnetic Resonance (MR) analysis.

75 FR 3205 - Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-20

... Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: The... regulations with some initial reactions which the drafters may take into account as they complete the draft... subcommittee action during this meeting. Joint subcommittee action will be restricted to those issues...

THE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS) THEORY OF ARSENIC CARCINOGENESIS

EPA Science Inventory

Arsenic is a human carcinogen in skin, lung, liver, urinary bladder
and kidney. At this time, there is not a scientific consensus on the
mechanisms/modes of action for arsenic carcinogenesis. Proposed
mechanisms/modes of action for arsenic carcinogenesi...

Mode of Action (MOA) Assignment Classifications for Ecotoxicology: An Evaluation of approaches

EPA Science Inventory

The mode of toxic action (MOA) is recognized as a key determinant of chemical toxicity and as an alternative to chemical class-based predictive toxicity modeling. However, MOA classification has never been standardized in ecotoxicology, and a comprehensive comparison of classific...

Discovering modes of action for therapeutic compounds using a genome-wide screen of yeast heterozygotes.

PubMed

Lum, Pek Yee; Armour, Christopher D; Stepaniants, Sergey B; Cavet, Guy; Wolf, Maria K; Butler, J Scott; Hinshaw, Jerald C; Garnier, Philippe; Prestwich, Glenn D; Leonardson, Amy; Garrett-Engele, Philip; Rush, Christopher M; Bard, Martin; Schimmack, Greg; Phillips, John W; Roberts, Christopher J; Shoemaker, Daniel D

2004-01-09

Modern medicine faces the challenge of developing safer and more effective therapies to treat human diseases. Many drugs currently in use were discovered without knowledge of their underlying molecular mechanisms. Understanding their biological targets and modes of action will be essential to design improved second-generation compounds. Here, we describe the use of a genome-wide pool of tagged heterozygotes to assess the cellular effects of 78 compounds in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Specifically, lanosterol synthase in the sterol biosynthetic pathway was identified as a target of the antianginal drug molsidomine, which may explain its cholesterol-lowering effects. Further, the rRNA processing exosome was identified as a potential target of the cell growth inhibitor 5-fluorouracil. This genome-wide screen validated previously characterized targets or helped identify potentially new modes of action for over half of the compounds tested, providing proof of this principle for analyzing the modes of action of clinically relevant compounds.

A Mini HIP HOP Assay Uncovers a Central Role for Copper and Zinc in the Antifungal Mode of Action of Allicin.

PubMed

Prescott, Thomas A K; Panaretou, Barry

2017-05-10

Garlic contains the organosulfur compound allicin which exhibits potent antifungal activity. Here we demonstrate the use of a highly simplified yeast chemical genetic screen to characterize its mode of action. By screening 24 validated yeast gene deletion "signature" strains for which hypersensitivity is characteristic for common antifungal modes of action, yeast lacking the high affinity Cu 2+ transporter Ctr1 was found to be hypersensitive to allicin. Focusing on transition metal related genes identified two more hypersensitive strains lacking the Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ transcription factors Mac1 and Zap1. Hypersensitivity in these strains was reversed by the addition of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ions, respectively. The results suggest the antifungal activity of allicin is mediated through restricted Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ uptake or inhibition of Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ metalloproteins. As certain antimicrobial modes of action are much more common than others, the approach taken here provides a useful way to identify them early on.

Interaction vs. observation: distinctive modes of social cognition in human brain and behavior? A combined fMRI and eye-tracking study

PubMed Central

Tylén, Kristian; Allen, Micah; Hunter, Bjørk K.; Roepstorff, Andreas

2012-01-01

Human cognition has usually been approached on the level of individual minds and brains, but social interaction is a challenging case. Is it best thought of as a self-contained individual cognitive process aiming at an “understanding of the other,” or should it rather be approached as an collective, inter-personal process where individual cognitive components interact on a moment-to-moment basis to form coupled dynamics? In a combined fMRI and eye-tracking study we directly contrasted these models of social cognition. We found that the perception of situations affording social contingent responsiveness (e.g., someone offering or showing you an object) elicited activations in regions of the right posterior temporal sulcus and yielded greater pupil dilation corresponding to a model of coupled dynamics (joint action). In contrast, the social-cognitive perception of someone “privately” manipulating an object elicited activation in medial prefrontal cortex, the right inferior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal lobus, regions normally associated with Theory of Mind and with the mirror neuron system. Our findings support a distinction in social cognition between social observation and social interaction, and demonstrate that simple ostensive cues may shift participants' experience, behavior, and brain activity between these modes. The identification of a distinct, interactive mode has implications for research on social cognition, both in everyday life and in clinical conditions. PMID:23267322

[Study on the 3D mathematical mode of the muscle groups applied to human mandible by a linear programming method].

PubMed

Wang, Dongmei; Yu, Liniu; Zhou, Xianlian; Wang, Chengtao

2004-02-01

Four types of 3D mathematical mode of the muscle groups applied to the human mandible have been developed. One is based on electromyography (EMG) and the others are based on linear programming with different objective function. Each model contains 26 muscle forces and two joint forces, allowing simulation of static bite forces and concomitant joint reaction forces for various bite point locations and mandibular positions. In this paper, the method of image processing to measure the position and direction of muscle forces according to 3D CAD model was built with CT data. Matlab optimization toolbox is applied to solve the three modes based on linear programming. Results show that the model with an objective function requiring a minimum sum of the tensions in the muscles is reasonable and agrees very well with the normal physiology activity.

ACOSS Fifteen (Active Control of Space Structures).

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

185680. The three uniform beams are com - bined through the process of modal synthesis to form the equipment section model. This results in mass and...review and com - -_ ment by the VCOSS contractors and others. The data can be quickly changed to emphasize characteristics of LSS that are not sufficiently...JOINT 42 JOINT 46 JOINT 47 ACTUATOR SENSOR MODE = N FREG = X.XXXX HZ X Translation Xnxx :<x:...... . N...X.X....... Y Tr3rslat ior ::. >X .x:x : x ::x;: X

dRGT theory of massive gravity from spontaneous symmetry breaking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torabian, Mahdi

2018-05-01

In this note we propose a topological action for a Poincare times diffeomorphism invariant gauge theory. We show that there is Higgs phase where the gauge symmetry is spontaneous broken to a diagonal Lorentz subgroup and gives the Einstein-Hilbert action plus the dRGT potential terms. In this vacuum, there are five (three from Goldstone modes) propagating degrees of freedom which form polarizations of a massive spin 2 particle, an extra healthy heavy scalar (Higgs) mode and no Boulware-Deser ghost mode. We further show that the action can be derived in a limit from a topological de Sitter invariant gauge theory in 4 dimensions.

Lattice gauge action suppressing near-zero modes of H{sub W}

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

Fukaya, Hidenori; Hashimoto, Shoji; Kaneko, Takashi

2006-11-01

We propose a lattice action including unphysical Wilson fermions with a negative mass m{sub 0} of the order of the inverse lattice spacing. With this action, the exact zero mode of the Hermitian Wilson-Dirac operator H{sub W}(m{sub 0}) cannot appear and near-zero modes are strongly suppressed. By measuring the spectral density {rho}({lambda}{sub W}), we find a gap near {lambda}{sub W}=0 on the configurations generated with the standard and improved gauge actions. This gap provides a necessary condition for the proof of the exponential locality of the overlap-Dirac operator by Hernandez, Jansen, and Luescher. Since the number of near-zero modes ismore » small, the numerical cost to calculate the matrix sign function of H{sub W}(m{sub 0}) is significantly reduced, and the simulation including dynamical overlap fermions becomes feasible. We also introduce a pair of twisted mass pseudofermions to cancel the unwanted higher mode effects of the Wilson fermions. The gauge coupling renormalization due to the additional fields is then minimized. The topological charge measured through the index of the overlap-Dirac operator is conserved during continuous evolutions of gauge field variables.« less

Comparison of Global and Mode of Action-Based Models for Aquatic Toxicity

EPA Science Inventory

The ability to estimate aquatic toxicity for a wide variety of chemicals is a critical need for ecological risk assessment and chemical regulation. The consensus in the literature is that mode of action (MOA) based QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) models yield ...

Mode of Action for Reproductive and Hepatic Toxicity Inferred from a Genomic Study of Triazole Antifungals

EPA Science Inventory

The mode of action for the reproductive toxicity of triazole antifungals have been previously characterized by an observed increased in serum testosterone, hepatotoxicity, and reduced insemination and fertility indices. In order to refine our mechanistic understanding of these m...

Mode of Action Profiles for Pesticide Compounds with Rodent Liver Tumor Outcomes

EPA Science Inventory

Mode of action (MOA) provides a central framework for assessing human relevance of adverse health outcomes observed in nonclinical safety studies. The goal of this study was to characterize MOA profiles for known rodent liver tumorigens identified from a database of pesticides as...

Use of Gene Expression Changes in Blood to Elucidate Mechanistic Indicators of Childhood Asthma (MICA)

EPA Science Inventory

Risk assessment increasingly relies more heavily on mode of action, thus the identification of human bioindicators of disease becomes all the more important. Genomic methods represent a tool for both mode of action determination and bioindicator identification. The Mechanistic In...

U.S. EPA framework for determining mutagenic mode of action for carcinogens

EPA Science Inventory

U.S. EPA's Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (Cancer Guidelines) specify that information on a chemical's mode of action (MOA) is key to the risk assessment process. MOA determines conditions under which a chemical is considered to be carcinogenic, appropriate low dose ex...

A Critical Review of Mode of Action (MOA) Assignment Classifications for Ecotoxicology

EPA Science Inventory

There are various structure-based classification schemes to categorize chemicals based on mode of action (MOA) which have been applied for both eco and human health toxicology. With increasing calls to assess thousands of chemicals, some of which have little available informatio...

INSIGHTS INTO THE CARCINOGENIC MODE OF ACTION OF ARSENIC

EPA Science Inventory

That arsenic can induce cancer in humans has been known since the late 17th century, yet how arsenic induces cancer has been the subject of numerous scientific publications. Various modes of action (MOA) have been proposed for arsenic's carcinogenicity. In this paper we review o...

A TOXICOLOGICAL VIEW OF ISSUES AND APPROACHES

EPA Science Inventory

Mode of action (MOA) is a powerful approach which can be used to improve extrapolations and understanding of relevance from studies of animals to humans, to inform differential susceptible states, and from high to low doses. In using mode of action, a key event is identified whi...

ARSENIC MODE OF ACTION AND DEVELOPING A BBDR MODEL

EPA Science Inventory

The current USEPA cancer risk assessment for inorganic arsenic is based on a linear extrapolation of the epidemiological data from exposed populations in Taiwan. However, proposed key events in the mode of action (MoA) for arsenic-induced cancer (which may include altered DNA me...

Computational Chemistry-based Acute Aquatic Toxicity Mode of Action Assignment

EPA Science Inventory

The ability to determine the mode of action (MOA) for a diverse group of chemicals is a critical part of ecological risk assessment and chemical regulation. However, existing MOA assignment approaches in ecotoxicology have been limited to a relatively few MOAs, have high uncertai...

Systems Biology & Mode of Action Based Risk Assessment

EPA Science Inventory

The application of systems biology for risk assessment of environmental chemicals is a national extension of its use in pharmaceutical research. The basis for this is the concept of a key event network that builds on existing mode of action frameworks for risk assessment. The a...

Consistency of FMEA used in the validation of analytical procedures.

PubMed

Oldenhof, M T; van Leeuwen, J F; Nauta, M J; de Kaste, D; Odekerken-Rombouts, Y M C F; Vredenbregt, M J; Weda, M; Barends, D M

2011-02-20

In order to explore the consistency of the outcome of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in the validation of analytical procedures, an FMEA was carried out by two different teams. The two teams applied two separate FMEAs to a High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) analytical procedure used in the quality control of medicines. Each team was free to define their own ranking scales for the probability of severity (S), occurrence (O), and detection (D) of failure modes. We calculated Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) and we identified the failure modes above the 90th percentile of RPN values as failure modes needing urgent corrective action; failure modes falling between the 75th and 90th percentile of RPN values were identified as failure modes needing necessary corrective action, respectively. Team 1 and Team 2 identified five and six failure modes needing urgent corrective action respectively, with two being commonly identified. Of the failure modes needing necessary corrective actions, about a third were commonly identified by both teams. These results show inconsistency in the outcome of the FMEA. To improve consistency, we recommend that FMEA is always carried out under the supervision of an experienced FMEA-facilitator and that the FMEA team has at least two members with competence in the analytical method to be validated. However, the FMEAs of both teams contained valuable information that was not identified by the other team, indicating that this inconsistency is not always a drawback. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A maximum entropy fracture model for low and high strain-rate fracture in TinSilverCopper alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Dennis K.

SnAgCu solder alloys exhibit significant rate-dependent constitutive behavior. Solder joints made of these alloys exhibit failure modes that are also rate-dependent. Solder joints are an integral part of microelectronic packages and are subjected to a wide variety of loading conditions which range from thermo-mechanical fatigue to impact loading. Consequently, there is a need for non-empirical rate-dependent failure theory that is able to accurately predict fracture in these solder joints. In the present thesis, various failure models are first reviewed. But, these models are typically empirical or are not valid for solder joints due to limiting assumptions such as elastic behavior. Here, the development and validation of a maximum entropy fracture model (MEFM) valid for low strain-rate fracture in SnAgCu solders is presented. To this end, work on characterizing SnAgCu solder behavior at low strain-rates using a specially designed tester to estimate parameters for constitutive models is presented. Next, the maximum entropy fracture model is reviewed. This failure model uses a single damage accumulation parameter and relates the risk of fracture to accumulated inelastic dissipation. A methodology is presented to extract this model parameter through a custom-built microscale mechanical tester for Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu solder. This single parameter is used to numerically simulate fracture in two solder joints with entirely different geometries. The simulations are compared to experimentally observed fracture in these same packages. Following the simulations of fracture at low strain rate, the constitutive behavior of solder alloys across nine decades of strain rates through MTS compression tests and split-Hopkinson bar are presented. Preliminary work on using orthogonal machining as novel technique of material characterization at high strain rates is also presented. The resultant data from the MTS compression and split-Hopkinson bar tester is used to demonstrate the localization of stress to the interface of solder joints at high strain rates. The MEFM is further extended to predict failure in brittle materials. Such an extension allows for fracture prediction within intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in solder joints. It has been experimentally observed that the failure mode shifts from bulk solder to the IMC layer with increasing loading rates. The extension of the MEFM would allow for prediction of the fracture mode within the solder joint under different loading conditions. A fracture model capable of predicting failure modes at higher strain rates is necessary, as mobile electronics are becoming ubiquitous. Mobile devices are prone to being dropped which can induce loading rates within solder joints that are much larger than experienced under thermo-mechanical fatigue. A range of possible damage accumulation parameters for Cu6Sn 5 is determined for the MEFM. A value within the aforementioned range is used to demonstrate the increasing likelihood of IMC fracture in solder joints with larger loading rates. The thesis is concluded with remarks about ongoing work that include determining a more accurate damage accumulation parameter for Cu6Sn 5 IMC, and on using machining as a technique for extracting failure parameters for the MEFM.

Botulinum toxin: A review of the mode of action in migraine.

PubMed

Do, T P; Hvedstrup, J; Schytz, H W

2018-05-01

Botulinum toxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was originally used in neurology for the treatment of dystonia and blepharospasms, but is now clinically used worldwide for the treatment of chronic migraine. Still, the possible mode of action of BoNT/A in migraine is not fully known. However, the mode of action of BoNT/A has been investigated in experimental pain as well as migraine models, which may elucidate the underlying mechanisms in migraine. The aim of this study was to review studies on the possible mode of action of BoNT/A in relation to chronic migraine treatment. Observations suggest that the mode of action of BoNT/A may not be limited to the injection site, but also includes anatomically connected sites due to axonal transport. The mechanisms behind the effect of BoNT/A in chronic migraine may also include modulation of neurotransmitter release, changes in surface expression of receptors and cytokines as well as enhancement of opioidergic transmission. Clinical and experimental studies with botulinum toxin in the last decade have advanced our understanding of headache and other pain states. More research into botulinum toxin as treatment for headache is warranted as it can be an attractive alternative for patients who do not respond positively to other drugs. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Colloidal Nanomolybdenum Influence upon the Antioxidative Reaction of Chickpea Plants ( Cicer arietinum L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taran, Nataliya; Batsmanova, Ludmila; Kosyk, Oksana; Smirnov, Oleksandr; Kovalenko, Mariia; Honchar, Liubov; Okanenko, Alexander

2016-10-01

The use of colloidal solutions of metals as micronutrients enhances plant resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions and ensures high yields of food crops. The purpose of the study was a comparative evaluation of presowing treatment with nanomolybdenum and microbiological preparation impact upon the development of adaptive responses in chickpea plants. Oxidative processes did not develop in all variants of the experiment but in variants treated with microbial preparation, and joint action of microbial and nanopreparations even declined, as evidenced by the reduction of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in photosynthetic tissues by 15 %. The activity of superoxide dismutase increased (by 15 %) in variant "nanomolybdenum" and joint action "microbial + nanomolybdenum," but it decreased by 20 % in variants with microbial preparation treatment. The same dependence was observed in changes of catalase activity. Antioxidant status factor, which takes into account the ratio of antioxidant to pro-oxidant, was the highest in variants with joint action of microbial preparation and nanomolybdenum (0.7), the lowest in variants with microbial treatment only (0.1). Thus, the results show that the action of nanoparticles of molybdenum activated antioxidant enzymes and decreased oxidative processes, thus promoting adaptation of plants.

Beyond Synchrony: Joint Action in a Complex Production Task Reveals Beneficial Effects of Decreased Interpersonal Synchrony

PubMed Central

Mitkidis, Panagiotis; Roepstorff, Andreas

2016-01-01

A variety of joint action studies show that people tend to fall into synchronous behavior with others participating in the same task, and that such synchronization is beneficial, leading to greater rapport, satisfaction, and performance. It has been noted that many of these task environments require simple interactions that involve little planning of action coordination toward a shared goal. The present study utilized a complex joint construction task in which dyads were instructed to build model cars while their hand movements and heart rates were measured. Participants built these models under varying conditions, delimiting how freely they could divide labor during a build session. While hand movement synchrony was sensitive to the different tasks and outcomes, the heart rate measure did not show any effects of interpersonal synchrony. Results for hand movements show that the more participants were constrained by a particular building strategy, the greater their behavioral synchrony. Within the different conditions, the degree of synchrony was predictive of subjective satisfaction and objective product outcomes. However, in contrast to many previous findings, synchrony was negatively associated with superior products, and, depending on the constraints on the interaction, positively or negatively correlated with higher subjective satisfaction. These results show that the task context critically shapes the role of synchronization during joint action, and that in more complex tasks, not synchronization of behavior, but rather complementary types of behavior may be associated with superior task outcomes. PMID:27997558

A Hierarchical Bayesian Procedure for Two-Mode Cluster Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSarbo, Wayne S.; Fong, Duncan K. H.; Liechty, John; Saxton, M. Kim

2004-01-01

This manuscript introduces a new Bayesian finite mixture methodology for the joint clustering of row and column stimuli/objects associated with two-mode asymmetric proximity, dominance, or profile data. That is, common clusters are derived which partition both the row and column stimuli/objects simultaneously into the same derived set of clusters.…

77 FR 72296 - Public Meeting of the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) Motor Vehicles Working Group

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-05

... February 4, 2011. After private sector consultations and bilateral negotiations, the RCC released the Joint... bilateral negotiations, the RCC released the Joint Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation on December 7, 2011...

MODE OF ACTION: NEUROTOXICITY INDUCED BY THYROID HORMONE DISRUPTION DURING DEVELOPMENT - HEARING LOSS RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO PHAHS.

EPA Science Inventory

A manuscript summarizes a workshop aimed at developing a framework to determine the relevancy of animal modes-of-action for extrapolation to humans. This specific report used animal data on the neurodevelopmental effects of hypothyroidism to test the framework. Propylthiouracil,...

Predicting modes of toxic action from chemical structure

EPA Science Inventory

Like many of the papers in the ET&C top 100 list, the development of the fathead minnow database and the assignment of modes of action to the 617 chemicals therein was the result of a comprehensive research effort by a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in quant...

An evaluation of the mode of action framework for mutagenic carcinogens: chromium (VI)

EPA Science Inventory

In response to the 2005 revised U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cancer Guidelines, a strategy is being developed to determine whether a carcinogen operates through a mutagenic mode of action (MOA). This information is necessary for EPA to decide whether age-dependent ...

Discovery of new herbicide modes of action with natural phytotoxins

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

About 20 modes of action (MOAs) are utilized by commercial herbicides, and almost 30 years have passed since the last new MOA was introduced. Rapidly increasing evolution of resistance to herbicides with these MOAs has greatly increased the need for herbicides with new MOAs. Combinatorial chemistry ...

Development of a Quantitative Model Incorporating Key Events in a Hepatoxic Mode of Action to Predict Tumor Incidence

EPA Science Inventory

Biologically-Based Dose Response (BBDR) modeling of environmental pollutants can be utilized to inform the mode of action (MOA) by which compounds elicit adverse health effects. Chemicals that produce tumors are typically described as either genotoxic or non-genotoxic. One common...

Relationships between aquatic toxicity, chemical hydrophobicity and mode of action: log kow QSARs revisited

EPA Science Inventory

Relationships between chemical hydrophobicity and toxicity have been shown for nearly 100 years in both mammals and fish, typically using the log of the octanol:water partition coefficient (kow). The current study reassessed the influence of mode of action (MOA) on aquatic toxici...

Mode of action of insect repellents

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The mode of action of DEET and other insect repellents has been a topic of interest since the discovery of DEET in the mid twentieth century. Nearly 60 years have passed since DEET applied topically to the skin was shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites. With the discovery and characte...

An evaluation of the mode of action framework for mutagenic carcinogens: Chromium (VI): SOT.

EPA Science Inventory

In response to the 2005 revised U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cancer Guidelines, a strategy is being developed to determine whether a carcinogen operates through a mutagenic mode of action (MOA). This information is necessary for EPA to decide whether age-dependent ...

MODE OF ACTION: NEUROTOXICITY INDUCED BY DEVELOPMENTAL THYROID HORMONE INSUFFICIENCY -- NEUROLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO PROPYLTHIOURACIL.

EPA Science Inventory

A manuscript summarizes a workshop aimed at developing a framework to determine the relevancy of animal modes-of-action for extrapolation to humans. This specific report used animal data on neurodevelopmental effects of thyroid hormone disruption to test the framework. Polyhaloge...

MOAtox: A comprehensive mode of action and acute aquatic toxicity database for predictive model development (SETAC abstract)

EPA Science Inventory

The mode of toxic action (MOA) has been recognized as a key determinant of chemical toxicity and as an alternative to chemical class-based predictive toxicity modeling. However, the development of quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and other models has been limit...

MOAtox: A Comprehensive Mode of Action and Acute Aquatic Toxicity Database for Predictive Model Development

EPA Science Inventory

tThe mode of toxic action (MOA) has been recognized as a key determinant of chemical toxicity andas an alternative to chemical class-based predictive toxicity modeling. However, the development ofquantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and other models has been limite...

Mode of Action (MOA) Assignment Classifications for Ecotoxicology: Evaluation of Available Methods

EPA Science Inventory

There are various structure-based classification schemes to categorize chemicals based on mode of action (MOA) which have been applied for both eco and human toxicology. With increasing calls to assess 1000s of chemicals, some of which have little available information other tha...

Prediction of aquatic toxicity mode of action using linear discriminant and random forest models

EPA Science Inventory

The ability to determine the mode of action (MOA) for a diverse group of chemicals is a critical part of ecological risk assessment and chemical regulation. However, existing MOA assignment approaches in ecotoxicology have been limited to a relatively few MOAs, have high uncertai...

Photoacoustic and ultrasound dual-modality imaging of human peripheral joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Guan; Rajian, Justin R.; Girish, Gandikota; Kaplan, Mariana J.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Carson, Paul L.; Wang, Xueding

2013-01-01

A photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) dual modality system, for imaging human peripheral joints, is introduced. The system utilizes a commercial US unit for both US control imaging and PA signal acquisition. Preliminary in vivo evaluation of the system, on normal volunteers, revealed that this system can recover both the structural and functional information of intra- and extra-articular tissues. Confirmed by the control US images, the system, on the PA mode, can differentiate tendon from surrounding soft tissue based on the endogenous optical contrast. Presenting both morphological and pathological information in joint, this system holds promise for diagnosis and characterization of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Evaluation of the fuselage lap joint fatigue and terminating action repair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samavedam, Gopal; Thomson, Douglas; Jeong, David Y.

1994-01-01

Terminating action is a remedial repair which entails the replacement of shear head countersunk rivets with universal head rivets which have a larger shank diameter. The procedure was developed to eliminate the risk of widespread fatigue damage (WFD) in the upper rivet row of a fuselage lap joint. A test and evaluation program has been conducted by Foster-Miller, Inc. (FMI) to evaluate the terminating action repair of the upper rivet row of a commercial aircraft fuselage lap splice. Two full scale fatigue tests were conducted on fuselage panels using the growth of fatigue cracks in the lap joint. The second test was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the terminating action repair. In both tests, cyclic pressurization loading was applied to the panels while crack propagation was recorded at all rivet locations at regular intervals to generate detailed data on conditions of fatigue crack initiation, ligament link-up, and fuselage fracture. This program demonstrated that the terminating action repair substantially increases the fatigue life of a fuselage panel structure and effectively eliminates the occurrence of cracking in the upper rivet row of the lap joint. While high cycle crack growth was recorded in the middle rivet row during the second test, failure was not imminent when the test was terminated after cycling to well beyond the service life. The program also demonstrated that the initiation, propagation, and linkup of WFD in full-scale fuselage structures can be simulated and quantitatively studied in the laboratory. This paper presents an overview of the testing program and provides a detailed discussion of the data analysis and results. Crack distribution and propagation rates and directions as well as frequency of cracking are presented for both tests. The progression of damage to linkup of adjacent cracks and to eventual overall panel failure is discussed. In addition, an assessment of the effectiveness of the terminating action repair and the occurrence of cracking in the middle rivet row is provided, and conclusions of practical interest are drawn.

Development of design and analysis methodology for composite bolted joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, Peter; Sawicki, Adam

1991-05-01

This paper summarizes work performed to develop composite joint design methodology for use on rotorcraft primary structure, determine joint characteristics which affect joint bearing and bypass strength, and develop analytical methods for predicting the effects of such characteristics in structural joints. Experimental results have shown that bearing-bypass interaction allowables cannot be defined using a single continuous function due to variance of failure modes for different bearing-bypass ratios. Hole wear effects can be significant at moderate stress levels and should be considered in the development of bearing allowables. A computer program has been developed and has successfully predicted bearing-bypass interaction effects for the (0/+/-45/90) family of laminates using filled hole and unnotched test data.

Durability of polyimide adhesives and their bonded joints for high-temperature applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvatareddy, Hari

The objective of this study was to evaluate and develop an understanding of durability of an adhesive bonded system, for application in a future high speed civil transport (HSCT) aircraft structure. The system under study was comprised of Ti-6Al-4V metal adherends and a thermosetting polyimide adhesive, designated as FM-5, supplied by Cytec Engineered Materials, Inc. An approach based on fracture mechanics was employed to assess Ti-6Al-4V/FM-5 bond durability. Initially, wedge tests were utilized to find a durable surface pretreatment for the titanium adherends. Based on an extensive screening study, chromic acid anodization (CAA) was chosen as the standard pretreatment for this research project. Double cantilever beam specimens (DCB) were then made and aged at 150sp°C, 177sp°C, and 204sp°C in three different environments; ambient atmospheric air (14.7 psia), and reduced air pressures of 2 psia (13.8 KPa) and 0.2 psia (1.38 KPa). Joints were aged for up to 18 months (including several intermediate aging times) in the above environments. The strain energy release rate (G) of the adhesive joints was monitored as a function of exposure time in the different environments. A 40% drop in fracture toughness was noted over the 18 month period, with the greatest degradation observed in samples aged at 204sp°C in ambient atmospheric air pressure. The loss in adhesive bond performance with time was attributable to a combination of physical and chemical aging phenomena in the FM-5 resin, and possible degradation of the metal-adhesive interface(s). Several mechanical and material tests, performed on the bonded joints and neat FM-5 resin specimens, confirmed the above statement. It was also noted that physical aging could be "erased" by thermal rejuvenation, partially restoring the toughness of the FM-5 adhesive material. The FM-5 adhesive material displayed good chemical resistance towards organic solvents and other aircraft fluids such as jet fuel and hydraulic fluid. The results from the FM-5 adhesive and its bonded joints were compared and contrasted with VT Ultem and REGULUSspTM polyimide adhesives. The FM-5 adhesive showed the best performance among the three adhesive systems. The effect of mode-mixity on the fracture toughness of the Ti-6Al-4V/FM-5 adhesive bonded system was also evaluated. DCB tests in conjunction with end-notched flexure (ENF) and mixed-mode flexure (MMF) tests, were used to fracture the bonded joints under pure mode I, pure mode II, and a combination of mode I and II loadings. The results showed that the mode I fracture toughness was twice as large as the mode II toughness. This was a rather surprising find, in sharp contrast to what several researchers have observed in the past. Our current understanding is that the crack path selection during the failure process plays a significant role in explaining this anomalous behavior. Finally, failure envelopes were generated for the titanium/FM-S bonded system, both prior to and following thermal aging. These envelopes could serve as useful tools for engineers designing with Ti-6Al-4V/FM-5 bonds.

Maintaining the Dialogue: Joint Involvement in a Stand-Alone CD-Rom Chinese Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orton, Jane

2003-01-01

Presents a stand-alone CD-Rom version of a Web-based course in Modern Standard Chinese and addresses the problem of losing opportunities for negotiation in joint involvement episodes with teachers and peers in the CD-ROM course. Demonstrates trials of a mode of self-assessment in tasks using annotated sample texts generated by other students. (VWL)

Tomographic measurement of joint photon statistics of the twin-beam quantum state

PubMed

Vasilyev; Choi; Kumar; D'Ariano

2000-03-13

We report the first measurement of the joint photon-number probability distribution for a two-mode quantum state created by a nondegenerate optical parametric amplifier. The measured distributions exhibit up to 1.9 dB of quantum correlation between the signal and idler photon numbers, whereas the marginal distributions are thermal as expected for parametric fluorescence.

The movements made by performers in a skilled quartet: a distinctive pattern, and the function that it serves

PubMed Central

Glowinski, Donald; Mancini, Maurizio; Cowie, Roddy; Camurri, Antonio; Chiorri, Carlo; Doherty, Cian

2013-01-01

When people perform a task as part of a joint action, their behavior is not the same as it would be if they were performing the same task alone, since it has to be adapted to facilitate shared understanding (or sometimes to prevent it). Joint performance of music offers a test bed for ecologically valid investigations of the way non-verbal behavior facilitates joint action. Here we compare the expressive movement of violinists when playing in solo and ensemble conditions. The first violinists of two string quartets (SQs), professional and student, were asked to play the same musical fragments in a solo condition and with the quartet. Synchronized multimodal recordings were created from the performances, using a specially developed software platform. Different patterns of head movement were observed. By quantifying them using an appropriate measure of entropy, we showed that head movements are more predictable in the quartet scenario. Rater evaluations showed that the change does not, as might be assumed, entail markedly reduced expression. They showed some ability to discriminate between solo and ensemble performances, but did not distinguish them in terms of emotional content or expressiveness. The data raise provocative questions about joint action in realistically complex scenarios. PMID:24312065

The Joint Damping Experiment (JDX)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folkman, Steven L.; Bingham, Jeff G.; Crookston, Jess R.; Dutson, Joseph D.; Ferney, Brook D.; Ferney, Greg D.; Rowsell, Edwin A.

1997-01-01

The Joint Damping Experiment (JDX), flown on the Shuttle STS-69 Mission, is designed to measure the influence of gravity on the structural damping of a high precision three bay truss. Principal objectives are: (1) Measure vibration damping of a small-scale, pinjointed truss to determine how pin gaps give rise to gravity-dependent damping rates; (2) Evaluate the applicability of ground and low-g aircraft tests for predicting on-orbit behavior; and (3) Evaluate the ability of current nonlinear finite element codes to model the dynamic behavior of the truss. Damping of the truss was inferred from 'Twang' tests that involve plucking the truss structure and recording the decay of the oscillations. Results are summarized as follows. (1) Damping, rates can change by a factor of 3 to 8 through changing the truss orientation; (2) The addition of a few pinned joints to a truss structure can increase the damping by a factor as high as 30; (3) Damping is amplitude dependent; (4) As gravity induced preloads become large (truss long axis perpendicular to gravity vector) the damping is similar to non-pinjointed truss; (5) Impacting in joints drives higher modes in structure; (6) The torsion mode disappears if gravity induced preloads are low.

40 CFR 6.202 - Interagency cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-federal agencies to be joint lead or cooperating agencies as a means of encouraging early coordination and... jurisdiction by law or special expertise. (b) For an EPA action related to an action of any other federal...

40 CFR 6.202 - Interagency cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...-federal agencies to be joint lead or cooperating agencies as a means of encouraging early coordination and... jurisdiction by law or special expertise. (b) For an EPA action related to an action of any other federal...

40 CFR 6.202 - Interagency cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...-federal agencies to be joint lead or cooperating agencies as a means of encouraging early coordination and... jurisdiction by law or special expertise. (b) For an EPA action related to an action of any other federal...

40 CFR 6.202 - Interagency cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...-federal agencies to be joint lead or cooperating agencies as a means of encouraging early coordination and... jurisdiction by law or special expertise. (b) For an EPA action related to an action of any other federal...

40 CFR 6.202 - Interagency cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-federal agencies to be joint lead or cooperating agencies as a means of encouraging early coordination and... jurisdiction by law or special expertise. (b) For an EPA action related to an action of any other federal...

Linguistic analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication in the operating room.

PubMed

Moore, Alison; Butt, David; Ellis-Clarke, Jodie; Cartmill, John

2010-12-01

Surgery can be a triumph of co-operation, the procedure evolving as a result of joint action between multiple participants. The communication that mediates the joint action of surgery is conveyed by verbal but particularly by non-verbal signals. Competing priorities superimposed by surgical learning must also be negotiated within this context and this paper draws on techniques of systemic functional linguistics to observe and analyse the flow of information during such a phase of surgery. © 2010 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2010 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing Echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar.

PubMed

Wüstenberg, P; Henneicke-von Zepelin, H H; Köhler, G; Stammwitz, U

1999-01-01

Using the example of an allopathic herbal combined preparation containing Echinacea root, wild indigo root, and white cedar leaf tips (Echinaceae radix + Baptisiae tinctoriae radix + Thujae occidentalis herba = Esberitox N), the efficacy and mode of action of a phytoimmunomodulator, or immune system enhancer, is described. Efficacy of the immunomodulator has been demonstrated in studies of acute viral respiratory tract infections and infections requiring antibiotic therapy. In a recent study compliant to GCP, the therapeutic superiority of the herbal immunomodulator over placebo was confirmed as statistically significant and clinically relevant. The present overview describes a model of the antigen-independent mode of action of phytoimmunomodulation ("immunobalancing").

An fMRI study of joint action–varying levels of cooperation correlates with activity in control networks

PubMed Central

Chaminade, Thierry; Marchant, Jennifer L.; Kilner, James; Frith, Christopher D.

2012-01-01

As social agents, humans continually interact with the people around them. Here, motor cooperation was investigated using a paradigm in which pairs of participants, one being scanned with fMRI, jointly controlled a visually presented object with joystick movements. The object oscillated dynamically along two dimensions, color and width of gratings, corresponding to the two cardinal directions of joystick movements. While the overall control of each participant on the object was kept constant, the amount of cooperation along the two dimensions varied along four levels, from no (each participant controlled one dimension exclusively) to full (each participant controlled half of each dimension) cooperation. Increasing cooperation correlated with BOLD signal in the left parietal operculum and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), while decreasing cooperation correlated with activity in the right inferior frontal and superior temporal gyri, the intraparietal sulci and inferior temporal gyri bilaterally, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. As joint performance improved with the level of cooperation, we assessed the brain responses correlating with behavior, and found that activity in most of the areas associated with levels of cooperation also correlated with the joint performance. The only brain area found exclusively in the negative correlation with cooperation was in the dorso medial frontal cortex, involved in monitoring action outcome. Given the cluster location and condition-related signal change, we propose that this region monitored actions to extract the level of cooperation in order to optimize the joint response. Our results, therefore, indicate that, in the current experimental paradigm involving joint control of a visually presented object with joystick movements, the level of cooperation affected brain networks involved in action control, but not mentalizing. PMID:22715326

A tight Cramér-Rao bound for joint parameter estimation with a pure two-mode squeezed probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradshaw, Mark; Assad, Syed M.; Lam, Ping Koy

2017-08-01

We calculate the Holevo Cramér-Rao bound for estimation of the displacement experienced by one mode of an two-mode squeezed vacuum state with squeezing r and find that it is equal to 4 exp ⁡ (- 2 r). This equals the sum of the mean squared error obtained from a dual homodyne measurement, indicating that the bound is tight and that the dual homodyne measurement is optimal.

Neurotoxicity of Persistent Organic Pollutants: Possible Mode(s) of Action and Further Considerations

PubMed Central

Kodavanti, Prasada Rao S.

2005-01-01

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are long-lived toxic organic compounds and are of major concern for human and ecosystem health. Although the use of most POPs is banned in most countries, some organochlorine pesticides are still being used in several parts of the world. Although environmental levels of some POPs such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have declined, newly emerging POPs such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been increasing considerably. Exposure to POPs has been associated with a wide spectrum of effects including reproductive, developmental, immunologic, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic effects. It is of particular concern that neurotoxic effects of some POPs have been observed in humans at low environmental concentrations. This review focuses on PCBs as a representative chemical class of POPs and discusses the possible mode(s) of action for the neurotoxic effects with emphasis on comparing dose-response and structure-activity relationships (SAR) with other structurally related chemicals. There is sufficient epidemiological and experimental evidence showing that PCB exposure is associated with motor and cognitive deficits in humans and animal models. Although several potential mode(s) of actions were postulated for PCB-induced neurotoxic effects, changes in neurotransmitter systems, altered intracellular signalling processes, and thyroid hormone imbalance are predominant ones. These three potential mechanisms are discussed in detail in vitro and in vivo. In addition, SAR was conducted on other structurally similar chemicals to see if they have a common mode(s) of action. Relative potency factors for several of these POPs were calculated based on their effects on intracellular signalling processes. This is a comprehensive review comparing molecular effects at the cellular level to the neurotoxic effects seen in the whole animal for environmentally relevant POPs. PMID:18648619

Joint inversion of phase velocity dispersion and H/V ratio curves from seismic noise recordings using a genetic algorithm, considering higher modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parolai, S.; Picozzi, M.; Richwalski, S. M.; Milkereit, C.

2005-01-01

Seismic noise contains information on the local S-wave velocity structure, which can be obtained from the phase velocity dispersion curve by means of array measurements. The H/V ratio from single stations also contains information on the average S-wave velocity and the total thickness of the sedimentary cover. A joint inversion of the two data sets therefore might allow constraining the final model well. We propose a scheme that does not require a starting model because of usage of a genetic algorithm. Furthermore, we tested two suitable cost functions for our data set, using a-priori and data driven weighting. The latter one was more appropriate in our case. In addition, we consider the influence of higher modes on the data sets and use a suitable forward modeling procedure. Using real data we show that the joint inversion indeed allows for better fitting the observed data than using the dispersion curve only.

Failure modes of single and multi-bolted joint in the pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite members

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. Y.; Yoo, J. H.; Kim, H. K.; Shin, K. Y.; Yoon, S. J.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we discussed the structural behavior of bolted lap-joint connections in pultruded FRP structural members. Especially, bolted connections in pultruded FRP members are investigated for their failure modes and strength. Specimens with single and multiple bolt-holes are tested in tension under bolt-loading conditions. All of the specimens are instrumented with strain gages and the load-strain responses are monitored. The failed specimens are examined for the cracks and failure patterns. The purpose of this paper is to predict the failure strength by using the ratio of the results obtained by the experiment and the finite element analysis. In the study, several tests are conducted to determine the mechanical properties of pultruded FRP materials before the main experiment. The results are used in the finite element analysis for single and multiple bolted lap-joint specimens. The results obtained by the experiment are compared with the results obtained by the finite element analysis.

Functional genomic approaches for understanding the mode of action of Bacillus sp biocontrol strains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Complete genome sequencing of several Bacillus sp. strains has shed new light on the mode of action of these antagonists of plant pathogens. The use of genomic data mining tools provided the ability to quickly determine the potential of these strains to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Our B...

Triclosan Decreases Rat Thyroxine: Mode-of-Action, Developmental Susceptibility and Human Relevance

EPA Science Inventory

Triclosan (TCS) decreases serum thyroxine (T4) in the rat. In vivo and in vitro approaches were used to address three uncertainties: by what mode-of-action (MOA) does TCS decrease T4; does TCS decrease T4 developmentally; and, are effects observed in rats relevant to humans? To t...

Triclosan Disrupts Thyroxine: Contribution of Hepatic Transport to the Mode of Action

EPA Science Inventory

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) (TCS) decreases serum thyroxine (T4) in rats. In previous work, TCS upregulated Phase I and II hepatic metabolism after 4-day exposures in rats. A major data gap in our characterization of the mode of action (MOA) of TCS-induced ...

Developmental Triclosan Exposure Decreases Maternal,Fetal, and Early Neonatal Thyroxine: Dynamic and Kinetic Data Support for a Mode-of-Action

EPA Science Inventory

This work tests the mode-of-action (MOA) hypothesis that perinatal triclosan (TCS) exposure decreases circulating thyroxine (T4) concentrations via activation of pregnane X and/or constitutive androstane receptors (PXR, CAR), resulting in up-regulation of hepatic catabolism and e...

USE OF BIOLOGICALLY BASED COMPUTATIONAL MODELING IN MODE OF ACTION-BASED RISK ASSESSMENT – AN EXAMPLE OF CHLOROFORM

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of current work is to develop a new cancer dose-response assessment for chloroform using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model. The PBPK/PD model is based on a mode of action in which the cytolethality of chloroform occurs when the ...

Transcriptional profile of diurnon-induces toxicity on the urinary bladder of male wistar rats to inform mode of action

EPA Science Inventory

Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) is a substituted urea herbicide that induces rat urinary bladder urothelial tumors at high dietary levels (2500 ppm). The specific mode of action and molecular alterations triggered by diuron, however, have not been clarified. Th...

Evaluation of key events in the mode of action for a carry-over carcinogen in mice

EPA Science Inventory

Evaluation of key events in the mode of action for a carry-over carcinogen in mice Charles E. Wood, April D. Lake, Greg Olson, Michael H. George, Susan D. Hester, Anthony B. DeAngelo Introduction: Early life environmental exposures are established determinants for adverse health...

Cognitive Restructuring in the Treatment of Social Phobia: Efficacy and Mode of Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Steven; Woody, Sheila; Koch, William J.; McLean, Peter; Paterson, Randy J.; Anderson, Kent W.

1997-01-01

Examines whether cognitive restructuring (CR) contributes to treatment efficacy and investigates its mode of action for therapeutic effects. Results, based on 60 persons with generalized social phobia, indicate that CR reduced social phobia and negative social cognitions and increased positive cognitions. CR did not enhance the effects of…

77 FR 58213 - Actions on Special Permit Applications

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-19

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Actions on.... ACTION: Notice of actions on Special Permit Applications. SUMMARY: In accordance with the procedures... actions on special permits applications in (August to August 2012). The mode of transportation involved...

Internal Friction And Instabilities Of Rotors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walton, J.; Artiles, A.; Lund, J.; Dill, J.; Zorzi, E.

1992-01-01

Report describes study of effects of internal friction on dynamics of rotors prompted by concern over instabilities in rotors of turbomachines. Theoretical and experimental studies described. Theoretical involved development of nonlinear mathematical models of internal friction in three joints found in turbomachinery - axial splines, Curvic(TM) splines, and interference fits between smooth cylindrical surfaces. Experimental included traction tests to determine the coefficients of friction of rotor alloys at various temperatures, bending-mode-vibration tests of shafts equipped with various joints and rotordynamic tests of shafts with axial-spline and interference-fit joints.

75 FR 41240 - NASA Advisory Council; Technology and Innovation Committee; Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-15

... and Innovation Committee; Meeting AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: N... Innovation Committee of the NASA Advisory Council. It will include a joint session with the Exploration... Open Collaboration and Innovation Presentation Update on Human Exploration Framework Team (HEFT) (joint...

The Failure Models of Lead Free Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder Joint Reliability Under Low-G and High-G Drop Impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jian; Lei, YongPing; Lin, Jian; Fu, HanGuang; Wu, Zhongwei

2017-02-01

The reliability of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC 305) solder joint under a broad level of drop impacts was studied. The failure performance of solder joint, failure probability and failure position were analyzed under two shock test conditions, i.e., 1000 g for 1 ms and 300 g for 2 ms. The stress distribution on the solder joint was calculated by ABAQUS. The results revealed that the dominant reason was the tension due to the difference in stiffness between the print circuit board and ball grid array, and the maximum tension of 121.1 MPa and 31.1 MPa, respectively, under both 1000 g or 300 g drop impact, was focused on the corner of the solder joint which was located in the outmost corner of the solder ball row. The failure modes were summarized into the following four modes: initiation and propagation through the (1) intermetallic compound layer, (2) Ni layer, (3) Cu pad, or (4) Sn-matrix. The outmost corner of the solder ball row had a high failure probability under both 1000 g and 300 g drop impact. The number of failures of solder ball under the 300 g drop impact was higher than that under the 1000 g drop impact. The characteristic drop values for failure were 41 and 15,199, respectively, following the statistics.

The influence of the Japanese waving cat on the joint spatial compatibility effect: A replication and extension of Dolk, Hommel, Prinz, and Liepelt (2013).

PubMed

Puffe, Lydia; Dittrich, Kerstin; Klauer, Karl Christoph

2017-01-01

In a joint go/no-go Simon task, each of two participants is to respond to one of two non-spatial stimulus features by means of a spatially lateralized response. Stimulus position varies horizontally and responses are faster and more accurate when response side and stimulus position match (compatible trial) than when they mismatch (incompatible trial), defining the social Simon effect or joint spatial compatibility effect. This effect was originally explained in terms of action/task co-representation, assuming that the co-actor's action is automatically co-represented. Recent research by Dolk, Hommel, Prinz, and Liepelt (2013) challenged this account by demonstrating joint spatial compatibility effects in a task-setting in which non-social objects like a Japanese waving cat were present, but no real co-actor. They postulated that every sufficiently salient object induces joint spatial compatibility effects. However, what makes an object sufficiently salient is so far not well defined. To scrutinize this open question, the current study manipulated auditory and/or visual attention-attracting cues of a Japanese waving cat within an auditory (Experiment 1) and a visual joint go/no-go Simon task (Experiment 2). Results revealed that joint spatial compatibility effects only occurred in an auditory Simon task when the cat provided auditory cues while no joint spatial compatibility effects were found in a visual Simon task. This demonstrates that it is not the sufficiently salient object alone that leads to joint spatial compatibility effects but instead, a complex interaction between features of the object and the stimulus material of the joint go/no-go Simon task.

75 FR 73979 - Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Discard Provision for Herring Midwater Trawl Vessels...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-30

.... The publication of this action is part of a Court-approved joint motion to stay pending litigation...), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: Through this action, NMFS removes a regulatory exemption for midwater trawl herring vessels, which was originally...

Scalable Active Optical Access Network Using Variable High-Speed PLZT Optical Switch/Splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashizawa, Kunitaka; Sato, Takehiro; Tokuhashi, Kazumasa; Ishii, Daisuke; Okamoto, Satoru; Yamanaka, Naoaki; Oki, Eiji

This paper proposes a scalable active optical access network using high-speed Plumbum Lanthanum Zirconate Titanate (PLZT) optical switch/splitter. The Active Optical Network, called ActiON, using PLZT switching technology has been presented to increase the number of subscribers and the maximum transmission distance, compared to the Passive Optical Network (PON). ActiON supports the multicast slot allocation realized by running the PLZT switch elements in the splitter mode, which forces the switch to behave as an optical splitter. However, the previous ActiON creates a tradeoff between the network scalability and the power loss experienced by the optical signal to each user. It does not use the optical power efficiently because the optical power is simply divided into 0.5 to 0.5 without considering transmission distance from OLT to each ONU. The proposed network adopts PLZT switch elements in the variable splitter mode, which controls the split ratio of the optical power considering the transmission distance from OLT to each ONU, in addition to PLZT switch elements in existing two modes, the switching mode and the splitter mode. The proposed network introduces the flexible multicast slot allocation according to the transmission distance from OLT to each user and the number of required users using three modes, while keeping the advantages of ActiON, which are to support scalable and secure access services. Numerical results show that the proposed network dramatically reduces the required number of slots and supports high bandwidth efficiency services and extends the coverage of access network, compared to the previous ActiON, and the required computation time for selecting multicast users is less than 30msec, which is acceptable for on-demand broadcast services.

SU-E-T-87: A TG-100 Approach for Quality Improvement of Associated Dosimetry Equipment

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

Manger, R; Pawlicki, T; Kim, G

2015-06-15

Purpose: Dosimetry protocols devote so much time to the discussion of ionization chamber choice, use and performance that is easy to forget about the importance of the associated dosimetry equipment (ADE) in radiation dosimetry - barometer, thermometer, electrometer, phantoms, triaxial cables, etc. Improper use and inaccuracy of these devices may significantly affect the accuracy of radiation dosimetry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors in the monthly output dosimetry procedure and recommend corrective actions using a TG-100 approach. Methods: A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) of the monthly linac output check procedure was performed tomore » determine which steps and failure modes carried the greatest risk. In addition, a fault tree analysis (FTA) was performed to expand the initial list of failure modes making sure that none were overlooked. After determining the failure modes with the highest risk priority numbers (RPNs), 11 physicists were asked to score corrective actions based on their ease of implementation and potential impact. The results were aggregated into an impact map to determine the implementable corrective actions. Results: Three of the top five failure modes were related to the thermometer and barometer. The two highest RPN-ranked failure modes were related to barometric pressure inaccuracy due to their high lack-of-detectability scores. Six corrective actions were proposed to address barometric pressure inaccuracy, and the survey results found the following two corrective actions to be implementable: 1) send the barometer for recalibration at a calibration laboratory and 2) check the barometer accuracy against the local airport and correct for elevation. Conclusion: An FMEA on monthly output measurements displayed the importance of ADE for accurate radiation dosimetry. When brainstorming for corrective actions, an impact map is helpful for visualizing the overall impact versus the ease of implementation.« less

Toxicity of 13 different antibiotics towards freshwater green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and their modes of action.

PubMed

Fu, Ling; Huang, Tao; Wang, Shuo; Wang, Xiaohong; Su, Limin; Li, Chao; Zhao, Yuanhui

2017-02-01

Although modes of action (MOAs) play a key role in the understanding of the toxic mechanism of chemicals, the MOAs have not been investigated for antibiotics to green algae. This paper is to discriminate excess toxicity from baseline level and investigate the MOAs of 13 different antibiotics to algae by using the determined toxicity values. Comparison of the toxicities shows that the inhibitors of protein synthesis to bacteria, such as azithromycin, doxycycline, florfenicol and oxytetracycline, exhibit significantly toxic effects to algae. On the other hand, the cell wall synthesis inhibitors, such as cefotaxime and amoxicillin, show relatively low toxic effects to the algae. The concentrations determined by HPLC indicate that quinocetone and amoxicillin can be easily photodegraded or hydrolyzed during the toxic tests. The toxic effects of quinocetone and amoxicillin to the algae are attributed to not only their parent compounds, but also their metabolites. Investigation on the mode of action shows that, except rifampicin, all the tested antibiotics exhibit excess toxicity to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (P. subcapitata). These antibiotics can be identified as reactive modes of action to the algae. They act as electrophilic mechanism of action to P. subcapitata. These results are valuable for the understanding of the toxic mechanism to algae. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 42360 - Actions on Special Permit Applications

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-18

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Actions on... Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of actions on Special Permit Applications. SUMMARY: In... given of the actions on special permits applications in (June to June 2012). The mode of transportation...

A joint watermarking/encryption algorithm for verifying medical image integrity and authenticity in both encrypted and spatial domains.

PubMed

Bouslimi, D; Coatrieux, G; Roux, Ch

2011-01-01

In this paper, we propose a new joint watermarking/encryption algorithm for the purpose of verifying the reliability of medical images in both encrypted and spatial domains. It combines a substitutive watermarking algorithm, the quantization index modulation (QIM), with a block cipher algorithm, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), in CBC mode of operation. The proposed solution gives access to the outcomes of the image integrity and of its origins even though the image is stored encrypted. Experimental results achieved on 8 bits encoded Ultrasound images illustrate the overall performances of the proposed scheme. By making use of the AES block cipher in CBC mode, the proposed solution is compliant with or transparent to the DICOM standard.

76 FR 8788 - National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Bridging NanoEHS Research Efforts: A Joint US-EU...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Bridging NanoEHS Research Efforts: A Joint US-EU Workshop: Public Meeting AGENCY: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, STPO. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: The National Nanotechnology Coordination...

Comment Period for Proposed Remedy Selection Plan for Multiple Training Areas located at Joint Base Cape Cod

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the EPA’s proposal indicating no further action is needed for multiple Training Areas on the Camp Edwards portion of Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC).

76 FR 37197 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-24

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

78 FR 15126 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-08

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

77 FR 61054 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-05

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

77 FR 21156 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-09

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

77 FR 8327 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-14

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

77 FR 5313 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-02

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

78 FR 11277 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-15

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of Meeting. SUMMARY: An...

75 FR 11999 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-12

... Panel is soliciting public comment, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Treasury. ACTION: Notice of Meeting. SUMMARY: An...

77 FR 20488 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-04

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

76 FR 6190 - Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-03

... Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: An...

The Actor and His Body.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rubin, Lucille S., Ed.

Fourteen brief articles deal with training actors to use their bodies effectively on stage. The articles discuss the following topics: the concept of succession-sequential movement (movement that passes through the body joint by joint); learning physical action through staged fight sequences; techniques of empty-handed combat; protecting students…

78 FR 55338 - ITS Joint Program Office; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-10

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Innovative Technology Administration ITS Joint Program Office; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), U.S. Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice. This notice announces the cancellation of the Connected Vehicle Planning and Policy Stakeholder Meeting. Th...

Interactional leader–follower sensorimotor communication strategies during repetitive joint actions

PubMed Central

Candidi, Matteo; Curioni, Arianna; Donnarumma, Francesco; Sacheli, Lucia Maria; Pezzulo, Giovanni

2015-01-01

Non-verbal communication is the basis of animal interactions. In dyadic leader–follower interactions, leaders master the ability to carve their motor behaviour in order to ‘signal’ their future actions and internal plans while these signals influence the behaviour of follower partners, who automatically tend to imitate the leader even in complementary interactions. Despite their usefulness, signalling and imitation have a biomechanical cost, and it is unclear how this cost–benefits trade-off is managed during repetitive dyadic interactions that present learnable regularities. We studied signalling and imitation dynamics (indexed by movement kinematics) in pairs of leaders and followers during a repetitive, rule-based, joint action. Trial-by-trial Bayesian model comparison was used to evaluate the relation between signalling, imitation and pair performance. The different models incorporate different hypotheses concerning the factors (past interactions versus online movements) influencing the leader's signalling (or follower's imitation) kinematics. This approach showed that (i) leaders' signalling strategy improves future couple performance, (ii) leaders used the history of past interactions to shape their signalling, (iii) followers' imitative behaviour is more strongly affected by the online movement of the leader. This study elucidates the ways online sensorimotor communication help individuals align their task representations and ultimately improves joint action performance. PMID:26333815

Interactional leader-follower sensorimotor communication strategies during repetitive joint actions.

PubMed

Candidi, Matteo; Curioni, Arianna; Donnarumma, Francesco; Sacheli, Lucia Maria; Pezzulo, Giovanni

2015-09-06

Non-verbal communication is the basis of animal interactions. In dyadic leader-follower interactions, leaders master the ability to carve their motor behaviour in order to 'signal' their future actions and internal plans while these signals influence the behaviour of follower partners, who automatically tend to imitate the leader even in complementary interactions. Despite their usefulness, signalling and imitation have a biomechanical cost, and it is unclear how this cost-benefits trade-off is managed during repetitive dyadic interactions that present learnable regularities. We studied signalling and imitation dynamics (indexed by movement kinematics) in pairs of leaders and followers during a repetitive, rule-based, joint action. Trial-by-trial Bayesian model comparison was used to evaluate the relation between signalling, imitation and pair performance. The different models incorporate different hypotheses concerning the factors (past interactions versus online movements) influencing the leader's signalling (or follower's imitation) kinematics. This approach showed that (i) leaders' signalling strategy improves future couple performance, (ii) leaders used the history of past interactions to shape their signalling, (iii) followers' imitative behaviour is more strongly affected by the online movement of the leader. This study elucidates the ways online sensorimotor communication help individuals align their task representations and ultimately improves joint action performance. © 2015 The Author(s).

Full statistical mode reconstruction of a light field via a photon-number-resolved measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burenkov, I. A.; Sharma, A. K.; Gerrits, T.; Harder, G.; Bartley, T. J.; Silberhorn, C.; Goldschmidt, E. A.; Polyakov, S. V.

2017-05-01

We present a method to reconstruct the complete statistical mode structure and optical losses of multimode conjugated optical fields using an experimentally measured joint photon-number probability distribution. We demonstrate that this method evaluates classical and nonclassical properties using a single measurement technique and is well suited for quantum mesoscopic state characterization. We obtain a nearly perfect reconstruction of a field comprised of up to ten modes based on a minimal set of assumptions. To show the utility of this method, we use it to reconstruct the mode structure of an unknown bright parametric down-conversion source.

Fusion splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers and single-mode fibers by repeated arc discharges.

PubMed

Xiao, Limin; Jin, Wei; Demokan, M S

2007-01-15

We demonstrate a novel method for low-loss splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and single-mode fibers (SMFs) by repeated arc discharges using a conventional fusion splicer. An optimum mode field match at the interface of PCF-SMF and an adiabatic mode field variation in the longitudinal direction of the small-core PCF can be achieved by repeated arc discharges applied over the splicing joint to gradually collapse the air holes of the small-core PCF. This method is simple and offers a practical solution for light coupling between small-core PCFs and SMFs.

Fusion splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers and single-mode fibers by repeated arc discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Limin; Jin, Wei; Demokan, M. S.

2007-01-01

We demonstrate a novel method for low-loss splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and single-mode fibers (SMFs) by repeated arc discharges using a conventional fusion splicer. An optimum mode field match at the interface of PCF-SMF and an adiabatic mode field variation in the longitudinal direction of the small-core PCF can be achieved by repeated arc discharges applied over the splicing joint to gradually collapse the air holes of the small-core PCF. This method is simple and offers a practical solution for light coupling between small-core PCFs and SMFs.

Room Temperature and Elevated Temperature Composite Sandwich Joint Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Sandra P.

1998-01-01

Testing of composite sandwich joint elements has been completed to verify the strength capacity of joints designed to carry specified running loads representative of a high speed civil transport wing. Static tension testing at both room and an elevated temperature of 350 F and fatigue testing at room temperature were conducted to determine strength capacity, fatigue life, and failure modes. Static tension test results yielded failure loads above the design loads for the room temperature tests, confirming the ability of the joint concepts tested to carry their design loads. However, strength reductions as large as 30% were observed at the elevated test temperature, where all failure loads were below the room temperature design loads for the specific joint designs tested. Fatigue testing resulted in lower than predicted fatigue lives.

Multiple Periprosthetic Joint Infections: Evidence for Decreasing Prevalence.

PubMed

Haverstock, John P; Somerville, Lyndsa E; Naudie, Douglas D; Howard, James L

2016-12-01

Multiple periprosthetic joint infections (MPJIs) are uncommon. We determine the prevalence of developing a second-site periprosthetic joint infection. Our institutional arthroplasty database was reviewed. Those who developed a second-site infection had a retrospective chart review to determine the pathogen, timing of infection, comorbidities, and results of treatment. Thirteen of 206 (6.3%) patients at-risk for MPJI experienced a second periprosthetic joint infection. Mode of the second infection was hematogenous in 6, all of whom were being treated for the index periprosthetic joint infection. Seven secondary infections did not relate to the index infection. Two patients were lost to follow-up, 5 continued on suppressive antibiotics, and 6 successfully cleared infection. The prevalence of MPJI has decreased compared with previous reports. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lovelock action with nonsmooth boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cano, Pablo A.

2018-05-01

We examine the variational problem in Lovelock gravity when the boundary contains timelike and spacelike segments nonsmoothly glued. We show that two kinds of contributions have to be added to the action. The first one is associated with the presence of a boundary in every segment and it depends on intrinsic and extrinsic curvatures. We can think of this contribution as adding a total derivative to the usual surface term of Lovelock gravity. The second one appears in every joint between two segments and it involves the integral along the joint of the Jacobson-Myers entropy density weighted by the Lorentz boost parameter, which relates the orthonormal frames in each segment. We argue that this term can be straightforwardly extended to the case of joints involving null boundaries. As an application, we compute the contribution of these terms to the complexity of global anti-de Sitter space in Lovelock gravity by using the "complexity =action " proposal and we identify possible universal terms for arbitrary values of the Lovelock couplings. We find that they depend on the charge a* controlling the holographic entanglement entropy and on a new constant that we characterize.

Protective effect of rimexolone on cartilage damage in arthritic mice: a comparative study with triamcinolone hexacetonide.

PubMed

Joosten, L A; Helsen, M M; van den Berg, W B

1990-08-01

We studied the effect of the local steroid preparation rimexolone on cartilage metabolism in arthritis and normal joints. Prolonged anti-inflammatory action was evident after intraarticular injection of a single dose of 450 micrograms into mice with monoarticular antigen-induced arthritis. Suppression of inflammation lasted for at least 21 days. A single dose of 25 micrograms of the anti-inflammatory steroid triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA) induced comparable suppression in the initial stage of the arthritis, but the suppressive action was of shorter duration. Both drugs significantly prevented osteophyte formation, which is a characteristic feature of this type of experimental arthritis. Although chondrocyte proteoglycan (PG) synthesis in patellar cartilage was significantly suppressed upon injection in normal joints, both steroids counteracted the severe suppression of PG synthesis in arthritic joints. These data indicate that although steroids may have significant side effects on chondrocytes, the overall effect on arthritic chondrocytes is beneficial. An advantage of rimexolone over THA is its prolonged retention, which may explain its sustained anti-inflammatory action, and the lack of systemic effects.

Nonlinear adaptive control of an elastic robotic arm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, S. N.

1986-01-01

An approach to control of a class of nonlinear flexible robotic systems is presented. For simplicity, a robot arm (PUMA-type) with three rotational joints is considered. The third link is assumed to be elastic. An adaptive torquer control law is derived for controlling the joint angles. This controller includes a dynamic system in the feedback path, requires only joint angle and rate for feedback, and asymptotically decomposes the elastic dynamics into two subsystems representing the transverse vibrations of the elastic link in two orthogonal planes. To damp out the elastic vibration, a force control law using modal feedback is synthesized. The combination of the torque and force control laws accomplishes joint angle control and elastic mode stabilization.

Developing Toxicogenomics as a Research Tool by Applying Benchmark Dose-Response Modeling to inform Chemical Mode of Action and Tumorigenic Potency

EPA Science Inventory

ABSTRACT Results of global gene expression profiling after short-term exposures can be used to inform tumorigenic potency and chemical mode of action (MOA) and thus serve as a strategy to prioritize future or data-poor chemicals for further evaluation. This compilation of cas...

A Typology of Actional-Operational Modes in Earth Science and Implications for Science Literacy Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Amy Alexandra

2013-01-01

Framed in theories of social semiotics, this multiple case study describes and categorizes the actional-operational modes used by three middle school earth science teachers throughout the course of one school year. Data included fieldnotes, photographs, and video recordings of classroom instructions as well as periodic interviews with the…

Transcriptomic dose-and-time-course indicators of early key events in a cytotoxicity-mediated mode of action for rodent urinary bladder tumorigenesis

EPA Science Inventory

TRANSCRIPTOMIC DOSE- AND TIME-COURSE INDICATORS OF EARLY KEY EVENTS IN A CYTOTOXICITY-MEDIATED MODE OF ACTION FOR RODENT URINARY BLADDER TUMORIGENESISDiuron is a substituted urea compound used globally as an herbicide. Urinary bladder tumors were induced in rats after chronic die...

A Bayesian network model for predicting aquatic toxicity mode of action using two dimensional theoretical molecular descriptors

EPA Science Inventory

The mode of toxic action (MoA) has been recognized as a key determinant of chemical toxicity, but development of predictive MoA classification models in aquatic toxicology has been limited. We developed a Bayesian network model to classify aquatic toxicity MoA using a recently pu...

Odorant receptor modulation: Ternary paradigm for mode of action of insect repellents

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The modulation of insect behavior for the purpose of controlling the spread of infectious diseases has been the task of a few insect repellents for which the mechanistic modes of action on odorant receptors (ORs) are unclear. Here, we study the effects of the repellents DEET and IR3535, and a novel ...

DOSE RESPONSE FROM HIGH THROUGHPUT GENE EXPRESSION STUDIES AND THE INFLUENCE OF TIME AND CELL LINE ON INFERRED MODE OF ACTION BY ONTOLOGIC ENRICHMENT (SOT)

EPA Science Inventory

Gene expression with ontologic enrichment and connectivity mapping tools is widely used to infer modes of action (MOA) for therapeutic drugs. Despite progress in high-throughput (HT) genomic systems, strategies suitable to identify industrial chemical MOA are needed. The L1000 is...

Use of Electroencephalography (EEG) to Assess CNS Changes Produced by Pesticides with different Modes of Action: Effects of Permethrin, Deltamethrin, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Carbaryl, and Triadimefon

EPA Science Inventory

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an apical measure, capable of detecting changes in brain neuronal activity produced by internal or external stimuli. We assessed whether pesticides with different modes of action produced different changes in the EEG of adult male Long-Evans rats...

SOME INSIGHTS INTO THE MODE OF ACTION OF BUTADIENE BY EXAMINING THE GENOTOXICITY OF ITS METABOLITES

EPA Science Inventory

1,3-Butadiene (BTD) is an important commodity chemical and air pollutant that has been shown to be a potent carcinogen in mice, and to a lesser extent, a carcinogen in rats. To better assess butadiene's carcinogenic risk to humans, it is important to understand its mode of action...

Preference Reversals Between Joint and Separate Evaluations With Multiple Alternatives and Context Effects.

PubMed

Cheng, Yin-Hui; Yu, Annie P; Huang, Molly Chien-Jung; Dai, Chia-Jung

2017-01-01

Most research on preference reversal (PR) focuses on the evaluability hypothesis with one or two alternatives. However, people normally encounter more than two options in daily life. In this research, a third option was added to the PR effect choice sets in the traditional joint-separate evaluations mode to create a context effect. Three studies were conducted. Studies 1 and 2 showed that adding a third option to the choice sets changed the PR effect; either the attributes were both important or one was important and the other was not. Study 3 showed that the PR effect reappeared when a third option was added to the choice sets that had no PR effect with just two attributes that were difficult to evaluate independently in traditional evaluations modes. The three studies confirmed that preferences changed in multi-alternative evaluation modes, contradicting Hsee's (1996) work and showing that the context effect is stronger than that of the attribute's importance in the PR effect.

Improving the treatment planning and delivery process of Xoft electronic skin brachytherapy.

PubMed

Manger, Ryan; Rahn, Douglas; Hoisak, Jeremy; Dragojević, Irena

2018-05-14

To develop an improved Xoft electronic skin brachytherapy process and identify areas of further improvement. A multidisciplinary team conducted a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) by developing a process map and a corresponding list of failure modes. The failure modes were scored for their occurrence, severity, and detectability, and a risk priority number (RPN) was calculated for each failure mode as the product of occurrence, severity, and detectability. Corrective actions were implemented to address the higher risk failure modes, and a revised process was generated. The RPNs of the failure modes were compared between the initial process and final process to assess the perceived benefits of the corrective actions. The final treatment process consists of 100 steps and 114 failure modes. The FMEA took approximately 20 person-hours (one physician, three physicists, and two therapists) to complete. The 10 most dangerous failure modes had RPNs ranging from 336 to 630. Corrective actions were effective at addressing most failure modes (10 riskiest RPNs ranging from 189 to 310), yet the RPNs were higher than those published for alternative systems. Many of these high-risk failure modes remained due to hardware design limitations. FMEA helps guide process improvement efforts by emphasizing the riskiest steps. Significant risks are apparent when using a Xoft treatment unit for skin brachytherapy due to hardware limitations such as the lack of several interlocks, a short source lifespan, and variability in source output. The process presented in this article is expected to reduce but not eliminate these risks. Copyright © 2018 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The mirror game as a paradigm for studying the dynamics of two people improvising motion together

PubMed Central

Noy, Lior; Dekel, Erez; Alon, Uri

2011-01-01

Joint improvisation is the creative action of two or more people without a script or designated leader. Examples include improvisational theater and music, and day-to-day activities such as conversations. In joint improvisation, novel action is created, emerging from the interaction between people. Although central to creative processes and social interaction, joint improvisation remains largely unexplored due to the lack of experimental paradigms. Here we introduce a paradigm based on a theater practice called the mirror game. We measured the hand motions of two people mirroring each other at high temporal and spatial resolution. We focused on expert actors and musicians skilled in joint improvisation. We found that players can jointly create novel complex motion without a designated leader, synchronized to less than 40 ms. In contrast, we found that designating one player as leader deteriorated performance: The follower showed 2–3 Hz oscillation around the leader's smooth trajectory, decreasing synchrony and reducing the range of velocities reached. A mathematical model suggests a mechanism for these observations based on mutual agreement on future motion in mirrored reactive–predictive controllers. This is a step toward understanding the human ability to create novelty by improvising together. PMID:22160696

The mirror game as a paradigm for studying the dynamics of two people improvising motion together.

PubMed

Noy, Lior; Dekel, Erez; Alon, Uri

2011-12-27

Joint improvisation is the creative action of two or more people without a script or designated leader. Examples include improvisational theater and music, and day-to-day activities such as conversations. In joint improvisation, novel action is created, emerging from the interaction between people. Although central to creative processes and social interaction, joint improvisation remains largely unexplored due to the lack of experimental paradigms. Here we introduce a paradigm based on a theater practice called the mirror game. We measured the hand motions of two people mirroring each other at high temporal and spatial resolution. We focused on expert actors and musicians skilled in joint improvisation. We found that players can jointly create novel complex motion without a designated leader, synchronized to less than 40 ms. In contrast, we found that designating one player as leader deteriorated performance: The follower showed 2-3 Hz oscillation around the leader's smooth trajectory, decreasing synchrony and reducing the range of velocities reached. A mathematical model suggests a mechanism for these observations based on mutual agreement on future motion in mirrored reactive-predictive controllers. This is a step toward understanding the human ability to create novelty by improvising together.

Generation of degenerate, factorizable, pulsed squeezed light at telecom wavelengths

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

Gerrits, Thomas; Stevens, Martin; Baek, Burm

We characterize a periodically poled KTP crystal that produces an entangled, two-mode, squeezed state with orthogonal polarizations, nearly identical, factorizable frequency modes, and few photons in unwanted frequency modes. We focus the pump beam to create a nearly circular joint spectral probability distribution between the two modes. After disentangling the two modes, we observe Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with a raw (background corrected) visibility of 86% (95%) when an 8.6 nm bandwidth spectral filter is applied. We measure second order photon correlations of the entangled and disentangled squeezed states with both superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors and photon-number-resolving transition-edge sensors. Both methods agreemore » and verify that the detected modes contain the desired photon number distributions.« less

Attenuation characteristics of the fundamental modes that propagate in buried iron water pipes.

PubMed

Long, R; Lowe, M; Cawley, P

2003-09-01

The attenuation of the fundamental non-torsional modes that propagate down buried iron water pipes has been studied. The mode shapes, mode attenuation due to leakage into the surrounding medium and the scattering of the modes as they interact with pipe joints and fittings have been investigated. In the low frequency region the mode predicted to dominate over significant propagation distances approximates a plane wave in the water within the pipe. The established acoustic technique used to locate leaks in buried iron water pipes assumes that leak noise propagates as a single non-dispersive mode at a velocity related to the low frequency asymptote of this water borne mode. Experiments have been conducted on buried water mains at test sites in the UK to verify the attenuation and velocity dispersion predictions.

Fires, A Joint Professional Bulletin for US Field & Air Defense Artillerymen. March-April 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

actions. However, if the effects synchronization division were not added to the lineup , just the teaming of joint fires division and IO division still...ADAFCO would be the liaison between the two Services who coordinates fires and facilitates track identification thus preventing fratricide. Joint...decisions to be made based on current air users versus planned control measures. Interoperability. Identification is a key feature that enables AC2 nodes

Bolted joints in graphite-epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart-Smith, L. J.

1976-01-01

All-graphite/epoxy laminates and hybrid graphite-glass/epoxy laminates were tested. The tests encompassed a range of geometries for each laminate pattern to cover the three basic failure modes - net section tension failure through the bolt hole, bearing and shearout. Static tensile and compressive loads were applied. A constant bolt diameter of 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) was used in the tests. The interaction of stress concentrations associated with multi-row bolted joints was investigated by testing single- and double-row bolted joints and open-hole specimens in tension. For tension loading, linear interaction was found to exist between the bearing stress reacted at a given bolt hole and the remaining tension stress running by that hole to be reacted elsewhere. The interaction under compressive loading was found to be non-linear. Comparative tests were run using single-lap bolted joints and double-lap joints with pin connection. Both of these joint types exhibited lower strengths than were demonstrated by the corresponding double-lap joints. The analysis methods developed here for single bolt joints are shown to be capable of predicting the behavior of multi-row joints.

76 FR 60006 - Joint Europe Africa Deployment & Distribution Conference 2011: “Adapting To Challenge and Change”

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-28

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Joint Europe Africa Deployment & Distribution Conference 2011: ``Adapting To Challenge and Change'' AGENCY: United States Africa Command, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Notice of conference. SUMMARY: This document announces that U.S. Africa Command...

5 CFR 352.705 - Return to Federal employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... After Service Under the Indian Self-Determination Act in Tribal Organizations § 352.705 Return to... tribal or Federal action; or (3) Separation with the joint consent of the tribal organization and the... joint consent, described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, of the tribal organization and the Federal...

5 CFR 352.705 - Return to Federal employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... After Service Under the Indian Self-Determination Act in Tribal Organizations § 352.705 Return to... tribal or Federal action; or (3) Separation with the joint consent of the tribal organization and the... joint consent, described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, of the tribal organization and the Federal...

5 CFR 352.705 - Return to Federal employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... After Service Under the Indian Self-Determination Act in Tribal Organizations § 352.705 Return to... tribal or Federal action; or (3) Separation with the joint consent of the tribal organization and the... joint consent, described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, of the tribal organization and the Federal...

5 CFR 352.705 - Return to Federal employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... After Service Under the Indian Self-Determination Act in Tribal Organizations § 352.705 Return to... tribal or Federal action; or (3) Separation with the joint consent of the tribal organization and the... joint consent, described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, of the tribal organization and the Federal...

5 CFR 352.705 - Return to Federal employment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... After Service Under the Indian Self-Determination Act in Tribal Organizations § 352.705 Return to... tribal or Federal action; or (3) Separation with the joint consent of the tribal organization and the... joint consent, described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, of the tribal organization and the Federal...

75 FR 34049 - FM Table of Allotments (The Dalles, Tualatin, Eugene, Albany, Lebanon, Paisley, and Diamond Lake...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-16

... and Goldendale, WA) AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission ACTION: Final rule; dismissal of..., LLC, Bicoastal, and Extra Media, Inc. (the ``Joint Parties'') filed a Motion to Dismiss the Petition for Reconsideration. The Joint Parties' Motion to Dismiss the Petition for Reconsideration contained a...

Bolted Joints in Three Axially Braided Carbon Fibre/Epoxy Textile Composites with Moulded-in and Drilled Fastener Holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataş, Akın; Gautam, Mayank; Soutis, Constantinos; Potluri, Prasad

2017-04-01

Experimental behaviour of bolted joints in triaxial braided (0°/±45°) carbon fibre/epoxy composite laminates with drilled and moulded-in fastener holes has been investigated in this paper. Braided laminates were manufactured by vacuum infusion process using 12 K T700S carbon fibres (for bias and axial tows) and Araldite LY-564 epoxy resin. Moulded-in fastener holes were formed using guide pins which were inserted in the braided structure prior to the vacuum infusion process. The damage mechanism of the specimens was investigated using ultrasonic C-Scan technique. The specimens were dimensioned to obtain a bearing mode of failure. The bearing strength of the specimens with moulded-in hole was reduced in comparison to the specimens with drilled hole, due to the increased fibre misalignment angle following the pin insertion procedure. An improvement on the bearing strength of moulded-in hole specimens might be developed if the specimen dimensions would be prepared for a net-tension mode of failure where the fibre misalignment would not have an effect as significant as in the case of bearing failure mode, but this mode should be avoided since it leads to sudden catastrophic failures.

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

DOE PAGES

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.; ...

2017-03-10

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

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

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

A multiple-scenario assessment of the effect of a continuous-care, guideline-based decision support system on clinicians' compliance to clinical guidelines.

PubMed

Shalom, Erez; Shahar, Yuval; Parmet, Yisrael; Lunenfeld, Eitan

2015-04-01

To quantify the effect of a new continuous-care guideline (GL)-application engine, the Picard decision support system (DSS) engine, on the correctness and completeness of clinicians' decisions relative to an established clinical GL, and to assess the clinicians' attitudes towards a specific DSS. Thirty-six clinicians, including residents at different training levels and board-certified specialists at an academic OB/GYN department that handles around 15,000 deliveries annually, agreed to evaluate our continuous-care guideline-based DSS and to perform a cross-over assessment of the effects of using our guideline-based DSS. We generated electronic patient records that realistically simulated the longitudinal course of six different clinical scenarios of the preeclampsia/eclampsia/toxemia (PET) GL, encompassing 60 different decision points in total. Each clinician managed three scenarios manually without the Picard DSS engine (Non-DSS mode) and three scenarios when assisted by the Picard DSS engine (DSS mode). The main measures in both modes were correctness and completeness of actions relative to the PET GL. Correctness was further decomposed into necessary and redundant actions, relative to the guideline and the actual patient data. At the end of the assessment, a questionnaire was administered to the clinicians to assess their perceptions regarding use of the DSS. With respect to completeness, the clinicians applied approximately 41% of the GL's recommended actions in the non-DSS mode. Completeness increased to the performance of approximately 93% of the guideline's recommended actions, when using the DSS mode. With respect to correctness, approximately 94.5% of the clinicians' decisions in the non-DSS mode were correct. However, these included 68% of the actions that were correct but redundant, given the patient's data (e.g., repeating tests that had been performed), and 27% of the actions, which were necessary in the context of the GL and of the given scenario. Only 5.5% of the decisions were definite errors. In the DSS mode, 94% of the clinicians' decisions were correct, which included 3% that were correct but redundant, and 91% of the actions that were correct and necessary in the context of the GL and of the given scenario. Only 6% of the DSS-mode decisions were erroneous. The DSS was assessed by the clinicians as potentially useful. Support from the GL-based DSS led to uniformity in the quality of the decisions, regardless of the particular clinician, any particular clinical scenario, any particular decision point, or any decision type within the scenarios. Using the DSS dramatically enhances completeness (i.e., performance of guideline-based recommendations) and seems to prevent the performance of most of the redundant actions, but does not seem to affect the rate of performance of incorrect actions. The redundancy rate is enhanced by similar recent findings in recent studies. Clinicians mostly find this support to be potentially useful for their daily practice. A continuous-care GL-based DSS, such as the Picard DSS engine, has the potential to prevent most errors of omission by ensuring uniformly high quality of clinical decision making (relative to a GL-based norm), due to the increased adherence (i.e., completeness) to the GL, and most of the errors of commission that increase therapy costs, by reducing the rate of redundant actions. However, to prevent clinical errors of commission, the DSS needs to be accompanied by additional modules, such as automated control of the quality of the physician's actual actions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implications of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkovich, George

2017-11-01

This essay describes the background behind the July 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was negotiated to redress the crisis that had developed around Iran's nuclear activities, and summarizes some of the agreement's key features. The essay then highlights political and strategic factors that enabled the diplomatic breakthrough, and draws lessons that could inform approaches to future proliferation challenges. The conclusion suggests how some of the agreement's innovative features could be built upon and applied more broadly to reduce risks that civilian nuclear energy programs could be diverted for military purposes and to inform approaches to nuclear disarmament in the future.

Functional brain connectivity when cooperation fails.

PubMed

Balconi, Michela; Vanutelli, Maria Elide; Gatti, Laura

2018-06-01

Functional connectivity during cooperative actions is an important topic in social neuroscience that has yet to be answered. Here, we examined the effects of administration of (fictitious) negative social feedback in relation to cooperative capabilities. Cognitive performance and neural activation underlying the execution of joint actions was recorded with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) on prefrontal regions during a task where pairs of participants received negative feedback after their joint action. Performance (error rates (ERs) and response times (RTs)) and intra- and inter-brain connectivity indices were computed, along with the ConIndex (inter-brain/intra-brain connectivity). Finally, correlational measures were considered to assess the relation between these different measures. Results showed that the negative feedback was able to modulate participants' responses for both behavioral and neural components. Cognitive performance was decreased after the feedback. Moreover, decreased inter-brain connectivity and increased intra-brain connectivity was induced by the feedback, whereas the cooperative task pre-feedback condition was able to increase the brain-to-brain coupling, mainly localized within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Finally, the presence of significant correlations between RTs and inter-brain connectivity revealed that ineffective joint action produces the worst cognitive performance and a more 'individual strategy' for brain activity, limiting the inter-brain connectivity. The present study provides a significant contribution to the identification of patterns of intra- and inter-brain functional connectivity when negative social reinforcement is provided in relation to cooperative actions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (I).

PubMed

Sava, Anca; Scutariu, Mihaela Monica

2012-01-01

Jaw movement is analyzed as the action between two rigid components jointed together in a particular way, the movable mandible against the stabilized cranium. Jaw articulation distinguishes form most other synovial joints of the body by the coincidence of certain characteristic features. Its articular surfaces are not covered by hyaline cartilage as elsewhere. The two jointed components carry teeth the shape, position and occlusion of which having a unique influence on specific positions and movements within the joint. A fibrocartilaginous disc is interposed between upper and lower articular surfaces; this disc compensates for the incongruities in opposing parts and allows sliding, pivoting, and rotating movements between the bony components. These are the reasons for our review of the functional anatomy of the temporomandibular joint.

Joint Manipulation: Toward a General Theory of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Thrust Techniques.

PubMed

Harwich, Andrew S

2017-12-01

The objective of this study was to describe the initial stage of a generalized theory of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) techniques for joint manipulation. This study examined the movements described by authors from the fields of osteopathy, chiropractic, and physical therapy to produce joint cavitation in both the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and the cervical spine apophysial joint. This study qualitatively compared the kinetics, the similarities, and the differences between MCP cavitation and cervical facet joint cavitation. A qualitative vector analysis of forces and movements was undertaken by constructing computer-generated, simplified graphical models of the MCP joint and a typical cervical apophysial joint and imposing the motions dictated by the clinical technique. Comparing the path to cavitation of 2 modes of HVLAT for the MCP joint, namely, distraction and hyperflexion, it was found that the hyperflexion method requires an axis of rotation, the hinge axis, which is also required for cervical HVLAT. These results show that there is an analogue of cervical HVLAT in one of the MCP joint HVLATs. The study demonstrated that in a theoretical model, the path to joint cavitation is the same for asymmetric separation of the joint surfaces in the cervical spine and the MCP joints.

Effect of Strain Rate on Joint Strength and Failure Mode of Lead-Free Solder Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jian; Lei, Yongping; Fu, Hanguang; Guo, Fu

2018-03-01

In surface mount technology, the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint has a shorter impact lifetime than a traditional lead-tin solder joint. In order to improve the impact property of SnAgCu lead-free solder joints and identify the effect of silver content on tensile strength and impact property, impact experiments were conducted at various strain rates on three selected SnAgCu based solder joints. It was found that joint failure mainly occurred in the solder material with large plastic deformation under low strain rate, while joint failure occurred at the brittle intermetallic compound layer without any plastic deformation at a high strain rate. Joint strength increased with the silver content in SnAgCu alloys in static tensile tests, while the impact property of the solder joint decreased with increasing silver content. When the strain rate was low, plastic deformation occurred with failure and the tensile strength of the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint was higher than that of Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu; when the strain rate was high, joint failure mainly occurred at the brittle interface layer and the Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu solder joint had a better impact resistance with a thinner intermetallic compound layer.

Long Non-coding RNAs and their Role in Metastasis

PubMed Central

WEIDLE, ULRICH H; BIRZELE, FABIAN; KOLLMORGEN, GWEN; RÜGER, RÜDIGER

2017-01-01

The perception of long non-coding RNAs as chunk RNA and transcriptional noise has been steadily replaced by their role as validated targets for a diverse set of physiological processes in the past few years. However, for the vast majority of lncRNAs their precise mode of action and physiological function remain to be uncovered. A large body of evidence has revealed their essential role in all stages of cancirogenesis and metastasis. In this review we focus on the role of lncRNAs in metastasis. We grouped selected lncRNAs into three categories based on in vitro and in vivo mode of action-related studies and clinical relevance for metastasis. Grouped according to their mode of action, in category I we discuss lncRNAs such as CCAT2, DREH, LET, NKILA, treRNA, HOTAIR, H19, FENDRR, lincROR, MALAT, GClnc1, BCAR4, SCHLAP1 and lncRNA ATP, all lncRNAs with in vitro and in vivo metastasis-related data and clinical significance. In category II we discuss lncRNAs CCAT1, PCAT1, PTENgp1, GPLINC, MEG3, ZEB2-AS, LCT13, ANRIL, NBAT1 and lncTCF7 all characterized by their mode of action in vitro and clinical significance, but pending or preliminary in vivo data. Finally, under category III, we discuss lncRNAs BANCR, FRLnc1, SPRY4-IT1 and LIMT with partially or poorly-resolved mode of action and varying degree of validation in clinical metastasis. Finally we discuss metastasis-related translational aspects of lncRNAs. PMID:28446530

Meta-analysis of fish early life stage tests-Association of toxic ratios and acute-to-chronic ratios with modes of action.

PubMed

Scholz, Stefan; Schreiber, Rene; Armitage, James; Mayer, Philipp; Escher, Beate I; Lidzba, Annegret; Léonard, Marc; Altenburger, Rolf

2018-04-01

Fish early life stage (ELS) tests (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development test guideline 210) are widely conducted to estimate chronic fish toxicity. In these tests, fish are exposed from the embryonic to the juvenile life stages. To analyze whether certain modes of action are related to high toxic ratios (i.e., ratios between baseline toxicity and experimental effect) and/or acute-to-chronic ratios (ACRs) in the fish ELS test, effect concentrations (ECs) for 183 compounds were extracted from the US Environmental Protection Agency's ecotoxicity database. Analysis of ECs of narcotic compounds indicated that baseline toxicity could be observed in the fish ELS test at similar concentrations as in the acute fish toxicity test. All nonnarcotic modes of action were associated with higher toxic ratios, with median values ranging from 4 to 9.3 × 10 4 (uncoupling < reactivity < neuromuscular toxicity < methemoglobin formation < endocrine disruption < extracellular matrix formation inhibition). Four modes of action were also found to be associated with high ACRs: 1) lysyl oxidase inhibition leading to notochord distortion, 2) putative methemoglobin formation or hemolytic anemia, 3) endocrine disruption, and 4) compounds with neuromuscular toxicity. For the prediction of ECs in the fish ELS test with alternative test systems, endpoints targeted to the modes of action of compounds with enhanced toxic ratios or ACRs could be used to trigger fish ELS tests or even replace these tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:955-969. © 2018 SETAC. © 2018 SETAC.

Properties and actions of bridged diphenyl acaricides.

PubMed Central

March, R B

1976-01-01

The properties and actions of the bridged diphenyl acaricides are discussed. These pesticides, which are more or less structurally related to DDT, were the first of the specific acaricides to be developed. They exhibit remarkable properties of specificity, being primarily toxic to phytophagous mites but of very low toxicity to most nontarget species, including insects, fish, birds, and mammals. Although many important facets of their broad mode of action are understood, virtually nothing is known of their primary mode of action or the underlying bases of their specificities. In most ways they are model compounds for integrated control and pest management activities and thus merit greater attention than they have received to elucidate the fundamentals underlying their unusual properties and actions. PMID:789071

Cross-Species Coherence in Effects and Modes of Action in Support of Causality Determinations in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Science Assessment for Lead

EPA Science Inventory

The peer-reviewed literature on the health and ecological effects of lead (Pb) indicates common effects and underlying modes of action across multiple organisms for several endpoints. Based on such observations, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applied a cr...

Enzymatic modification of a model homogalacturonan with the thermally tolerant pectin methylesterase from citrus: I. Nanostructural characterization, enzyme mode of action and effect of pH

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Methyl ester distribution in pectin homogalacturonan has a major influence on functionality. Enzymatic engineering of pectin nanostructure for tailoring functionality can expand pectin’s role as a food formulating agent and its in situ modification in prepared foods. We report on the mode of action ...

4-AMINOBIPHENYL & DNA REACTIVITY: CASE STUDY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE 2006 IPCS HUMAN RELEVANCE FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS OF A CANCER MODE OF ACTION FOR HUMANS

EPA Science Inventory

The IPCS Human Relevance Framework was evaluated for a DNA-reactive (genotoxic) carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl, based on a wealth of data in animals and humans. The mode of action involves metabolic activation by N-hydroxylation, followed by N-esterification leading to the formation...

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs): role as guardians of inflammation.

PubMed

Prockop, Darwin J; Oh, Joo Youn

2012-01-01

Recent observations have demonstrated that one of the functions of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) is to serve as guardians against excessive inflammatory responses. One mode of action of the cells is that they are activated to express the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist. A second mode of action is to create a negative feedback loop in which tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and other proinflammatory cytokines from resident macrophages activate MSCs to secrete the multifunctional anti-inflammatory protein TNF-α stimulated gene/protein 6 (TSG-6). The TSG-6 then reduces nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in the resident macrophages and thereby modulates the cascade of proinflammatory cytokines. A third mode of action is to create a second negative feedback loop whereby lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α, nitric oxide, and perhaps other damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from injured tissues and macrophages activate MSCs to secrete prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). The PGE(2) converts macrophages to the phenotype that secretes IL-10. There are also suggestions that MSCs may produce anti-inflammatory effects through additional modes of action including activation to express the antireactive oxygen species protein stanniocalcin-1.

Finite element analysis of a deployable space structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutton, D. V.

1982-01-01

To assess the dynamic characteristics of a deployable space truss, a finite element model of the Scientific Applications Space Platform (SASP) truss has been formulated. The model incorporates all additional degrees of freedom associated with the pin-jointed members. Comparison of results with SPAR models of the truss show that the joints of the deployable truss significantly affect the vibrational modes of the structure only if the truss is relatively short.

Fatigue failure of pb-free electronic packages under random vibration loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saravanan, S.; Prabhu, S.; Muthukumar, R.; Gowtham Raj, S.; Arun Veerabagu, S.

2018-03-01

The electronic equipment are used in several fields like, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods where they are subjected to vibration loads leading to failure of solder joints used in these equipment. This paper presents a methodology to predict the fatigue life of Pb-free surface mounted BGA packages subjected to random vibrations. The dynamic characteristics of the PCB, such as the natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios were determined. Spectrum analysis was used to determine the stress response of the critical solder joint and the cumulative fatigue damage accumulated by the solder joint for a specific duration was determined.

[Effects of irrigation and planting pattern on winter wheat water consumption characteristics and dry matter production].

PubMed

Dong, Hao; Chen, Yu-Hai; Zhou, Xun-Bo

2013-07-01

Taking high-yield winter wheat cultivar 'Jimai 22' as test material, a field experiment was conducted in 2008-2010 to study the effects of different irrigation and planting modes on the water consumption characteristics and dry matter accumulation and distribution of winter wheat. Three planting patterns (uniform row, wide-narrow row, and furrow) and four irrigation schedules (no irrigation, W0; irrigation at jointing stage, W1; irrigation at jointing and anthesis stages, W2; and irrigation at jointing, anthesis, and milking stages, W3; with 60 mm per irrigation) were installed. With increasing amount of irrigation, the total water consumption and the ratio of irrigation water to total water consumption under different planting patterns all increased, while the soil water consumption and its ratio to total water consumption decreased significantly. As compared with W0, the other three irrigation schedules had a higher dry matter accumulation after anthesis and a higher grain yield, but a lower water use efficiency (WUE). Under the same irrigation schedules, furrow pattern had higher water consumption ratio, grain yield, and WUE. Taking the grain yield and WUE into consideration, furrow pattern combined with irrigation at jointing and anthesis stages would be the optimal water-saving and planting modes for the winter wheat production in North China Plain.

Clients' collaboration in therapy: Self-perceptions and relationships with client psychological functioning, interpersonal relations, and motivation.

PubMed

Bachelor, Alexandra; Laverdière, Olivier; Gamache, Dominick; Bordeleau, Vincent

2007-06-01

To gain a closer understanding of client collaboration and its determinants, the first goal of this study involved the investigation of clients' perceptions of collaboration using a discovery-oriented methodology. Content analysis of 30 clients' written descriptions revealed three different modes of client collaboration, labeled active, mutual, and therapist-dependent, which emphasized client initiative and active participation, joint participation, and reliance on therapists' contributions to the work and change process, respectively. The majority of clients valued the therapist's active involvement and also emphasized the helpfulness of their collaborative experiences. In general, the therapist actions and attitudes involved in clients' views of good collaboration varied among clients. A second goal was to examine the relationships between client psychological functioning, quality of interpersonal relationships, and motivation, and clients' collaborative contributions, as rated by clients and therapists. Of these, only motivation was significantly associated with client collaboration, particularly in the perceptions of therapists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Multimodal registration via spatial-context mutual information.

PubMed

Yi, Zhao; Soatto, Stefano

2011-01-01

We propose a method to efficiently compute mutual information between high-dimensional distributions of image patches. This in turn is used to perform accurate registration of images captured under different modalities, while exploiting their local structure otherwise missed in traditional mutual information definition. We achieve this by organizing the space of image patches into orbits under the action of Euclidean transformations of the image plane, and estimating the modes of a distribution in such an orbit space using affinity propagation. This way, large collections of patches that are equivalent up to translations and rotations are mapped to the same representative, or "dictionary element". We then show analytically that computing mutual information for a joint distribution in this space reduces to computing mutual information between the (scalar) label maps, and between the transformations mapping each patch into its closest dictionary element. We show that our approach improves registration performance compared with the state of the art in multimodal registration, using both synthetic and real images with quantitative ground truth.

[Policies for training and employment of physicians in Mexico 1917-1988].

PubMed

Frenk-Mora, J; Robledo-Vera, C; Nigenda-López, G; Ramírez-Cuadra, C; Galván-Martínez, O; Ramírez-Avila, J

1990-01-01

In this article we analyze education and employment policies for medical doctors in Mexico, which have led to a situation characterized by unemployment, under-employment and multiple-employment in urban areas, as well as lack of services in several rural zones. The analysis is divided into four defined periods according to the modes of State participation in health care: 1917-1958 (creation and slow growth of health care institutions); 1959-1967 (growth of scientific medicine); 1968-1979 (crisis period); and 1980-1988 (reform). In each one of these periods the evolution of medical manpower is analysed through the actions of three main actors: the State, the universities and the medical profession. The general conclusion of this historical analysis is that the present imbalance in the medical labor market has derived from a lack of joint planning of supply and demand, where by the educational and health care institutions, could decide together the crucial aspects of the quantity and quality of doctors that the population requires.

Biomechanical design of escalading lower limb exoskeleton with novel linkage joints.

PubMed

Zhang, Guoan; Liu, Gangfeng; Ma, Sun; Wang, Tianshuo; Zhao, Jie; Zhu, Yanhe

2017-07-20

In this paper, an obstacle-surmounting-enabled lower limb exoskeleton with novel linkage joints that perfectly mimicked human motions was proposed. Currently, most lower exoskeletons that use linear actuators have a direct connection between the wearer and the controlled part. Compared to the existing joints, the novel linkage joint not only fitted better into compact chasis, but also provided greater torque when the joint was at a large bend angle. As a result, it extended the angle range of joint peak torque output. With any given power, torque was prioritized over rotational speed, because instead of rotational speed, sufficiency of torque is the premise for most joint actions. With insufficient torque, the exoskeleton will be a burden instead of enhancement to its wearer. With optimized distribution of torque among the joints, the novel linkage method may contribute to easier exoskeleton movements.

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

Dwyer, Morgan Maeve

This report summarizes the results of doctoral research that explored the cost impact of acquiring complex government systems jointly. The report begins by reviewing recent evidence that suggests that joint programs experience greater cost growth than non-joint programs. It continues by proposing an alternative approach for studying cost growth on government acquisition programs and demonstrates the utility of this approach by applying it to study the cost of jointness on three past programs that developed environmental monitoring systems for low-Earth orbit. Ultimately, the report concludes that joint programs' costs grow when the collaborating government agencies take action to retain ormore » regain their autonomy. The report provides detailed qualitative and quantitative data in support of this conclusion and generalizes its findings to other joint programs that were not explicitly studied here. Finally, it concludes by presenting a quantitative model that assesses the cost impacts of jointness and by demonstrating how government agencies can more effectively architect joint programs in the future.« less

An Analytical Evaluation of Contingency Contracting Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan: Capturing Critical Corporate Knowledge for the Future

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

Makeup for the CASO (After Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base, n.d., p. 7) .......73  xiv Figure 26.  JCASO...Augmentation Program CAP Crisis Action Planning CASO Contingency Acquisition Support Office CBP Capability-Based Planning CCAS Contingency...enhance joint doctrine; 69  Develop and refine joint non-acquisition OCS training and education and ensure its inclusion in joint exercises;  Identify

Localized cervical facet joint kinematics under physiological and whiplash loading.

PubMed

Stemper, Brian D; Yoganandan, Narayan; Gennarelli, Thomas A; Pintar, Frank A

2005-12-01

Although facet joints have been implicated in the whiplash injury mechanism, no investigators have determined the degree to which joint motions in whiplash are nonphysiological. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the correlation between facet joint and segmental motions under physiological and whiplash loading. Human cadaveric cervical spine specimens were exercise tested under physiological extension loading, and intact human head-neck complexes were exercise tested under whiplash loading to correlate the localized component motions of the C4-5 facet joint with segmental extension. Facet joint shear and distraction kinematics demonstrated a linear correlation with segmental extension under both loading modes. Facet joints responded differently to whiplash and physiological loading, with significantly increased kinematics for the same-segmental angulation. The limitations of this study include removal of superficial musculature and the limited sample size for physiological testing. The presence of increased facet joint motions indicated that synovial joint soft-tissue components (that is, synovial membrane and capsular ligament) sustain increased distortion that may subject these tissues to a greater likelihood of injury. This finding is supported by clinical investigations in which lower cervical facet joint injury resulted in similar pain patterns due to the most commonly reported whiplash symptoms.

Multiple Sensory-Motor Pathways Lead to Coordinated Visual Attention

PubMed Central

Yu, Chen; Smith, Linda B.

2016-01-01

Joint attention has been extensively studied in the developmental literature because of overwhelming evidence that the ability to socially coordinate visual attention to an object is essential to healthy developmental outcomes, including language learning. The goal of the present study is to understand the complex system of sensory-motor behaviors that may underlie the establishment of joint attention between parents and toddlers. In an experimental task, parents and toddlers played together with multiple toys. We objectively measured joint attention – and the sensory-motor behaviors that underlie it – using a dual head-mounted eye-tracking system and frame-by-frame coding of manual actions. By tracking the momentary visual fixations and hand actions of each participant, we precisely determined just how often they fixated on the same object at the same time, the visual behaviors that preceded joint attention, and manual behaviors that preceded and co-occurred with joint attention. We found that multiple sequential sensory-motor patterns lead to joint attention. In addition, there are developmental changes in this multi-pathway system evidenced as variations in strength among multiple routes. We propose that coordinated visual attention between parents and toddlers is primarily a sensory-motor behavior. Skill in achieving coordinated visual attention in social settings – like skills in other sensory-motor domains – emerges from multiple pathways to the same functional end. PMID:27016038

Multiple Sensory-Motor Pathways Lead to Coordinated Visual Attention.

PubMed

Yu, Chen; Smith, Linda B

2017-02-01

Joint attention has been extensively studied in the developmental literature because of overwhelming evidence that the ability to socially coordinate visual attention to an object is essential to healthy developmental outcomes, including language learning. The goal of this study was to understand the complex system of sensory-motor behaviors that may underlie the establishment of joint attention between parents and toddlers. In an experimental task, parents and toddlers played together with multiple toys. We objectively measured joint attention-and the sensory-motor behaviors that underlie it-using a dual head-mounted eye-tracking system and frame-by-frame coding of manual actions. By tracking the momentary visual fixations and hand actions of each participant, we precisely determined just how often they fixated on the same object at the same time, the visual behaviors that preceded joint attention and manual behaviors that preceded and co-occurred with joint attention. We found that multiple sequential sensory-motor patterns lead to joint attention. In addition, there are developmental changes in this multi-pathway system evidenced as variations in strength among multiple routes. We propose that coordinated visual attention between parents and toddlers is primarily a sensory-motor behavior. Skill in achieving coordinated visual attention in social settings-like skills in other sensory-motor domains-emerges from multiple pathways to the same functional end. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

The Coordination Dynamics of Observational Learning: Relative Motion Direction and Relative Phase as Informational Content Linking Action-Perception to Action-Production.

PubMed

Buchanan, John J

2016-01-01

The primary goal of this chapter is to merge together the visual perception perspective of observational learning and the coordination dynamics theory of pattern formation in perception and action. Emphasis is placed on identifying movement features that constrain and inform action-perception and action-production processes. Two sources of visual information are examined, relative motion direction and relative phase. The visual perception perspective states that the topological features of relative motion between limbs and joints remains invariant across an actor's motion and therefore are available for pickup by an observer. Relative phase has been put forth as an informational variable that links perception to action within the coordination dynamics theory. A primary assumption of the coordination dynamics approach is that environmental information is meaningful only in terms of the behavior it modifies. Across a series of single limb tasks and bimanual tasks it is shown that the relative motion and relative phase between limbs and joints is picked up through visual processes and supports observational learning of motor skills. Moreover, internal estimations of motor skill proficiency and competency are linked to the informational content found in relative motion and relative phase. Thus, the chapter links action to perception and vice versa and also links cognitive evaluations to the coordination dynamics that support action-perception and action-production processes.

Effect of Tool Offset and Tool Rotational Speed on Enhancing Mechanical Property of Al/Mg Dissimilar FSW Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Zhiyuan; Chen, Ke; Wang, Xiaona; Yao, Junshan; Yang, Qi; Zhang, Lanting; Shan, Aidang

2013-08-01

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a promising solid-state joining technique for producing effective welds between Al alloy and Mg alloy. However, previously reported Al/Mg dissimilar FSW joints generally have limited strength or barely any ductility with relatively high strength, which was blamed on the brittle intermetallics formed during welding. In this study, effective joints with comparably high strength (163 MPa) and large elongation (~6 pct) were obtained. Three crucial/weak zones were identified in the welds: (1) Al/Mg bottom interface (BI) zone that resulted from the insufficient materials' intermixing and interdiffusion; (2) banded structure (BS) zone which contains intermetallic particles possibly formed by constitutional liquation; and (3) softened Al alloy to the retreating side (SAA-RS) zone due to the dissolution and coarsening of the strengthening precipitates. Three fracture modes observed in the tensile specimens perpendicular to the weld seam were found closely related to these zones. Their microstructure evolution with the change of tool rotational speed and tool offset was characterized and the consequent effect on the fracture mode alteration was studied. It turned out that enhancing the strengths of all these zones, but keeping the strength of the SAA lowest, is an effective way for enhancing ductility while keeping comparatively high strength in Al/Mg FSW joints. Also, suggestions for further improving the mechanical property of the Al/Mg dissimilar FSW joints were made accordingly for practical applications.

Utility of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to Improve Safety in Suctioning by Orotracheal Tube.

PubMed

Vázquez-Valencia, Agustín; Santiago-Sáez, Andrés; Perea-Pérez, Bernardo; Labajo-González, Elena; Albarrán-Juan, Maria Elena

2017-02-01

The objective of the study was to use the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) tool to analyze the technique of secretion suctioning on patients with an endotracheal tube who were admitted into an intensive care unit. Brainstorming was carried out within the service to determine the potential errors most frequent in the process. After this, the FMEA was applied, including its stages, prioritizing risk in accordance with the risk prioritization number (RPN), selecting improvement actions in which they have an RPN of more than 300. We obtained 32 failure modes, of which 13 surpassed an RPN of 300. After our result, 21 improvement actions were proposed for those failure modes with RPN scores above 300. FMEA allows us to ascertain possible failures so as to later propose improvement actions for those which have an RPN of more than 300. Copyright © 2016 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanistic explanation of time-dependent cross-phenomenon based on quorum sensing: A case study of the mixture of sulfonamide and quorum sensing inhibitor to bioluminescence of Aliivibrio fischeri.

PubMed

Sun, Haoyu; Pan, Yongzheng; Gu, Yue; Lin, Zhifen

2018-07-15

Cross-phenomenon in which the concentration-response curve (CRC) for a mixture crosses the CRC for the reference model has been identified in many studies, expressed as a heterogeneous pattern of joint toxic action. However, a mechanistic explanation of the cross-phenomenon has thus far been extremely insufficient. In this study, a time-dependent cross-phenomenon was observed, in which the cross-concentration range between the CRC for the mixture of sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP) and (Z-)-4-Bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-2(5H)-furanone (C30) to the bioluminescence of Aliivibrio fischeri (A. fischeri) and the CRC for independent action model with 95% confidence bands varied from low-concentration to higher-concentration regions in a timely manner expressed the joint toxic action of the mixture changing with an increase of both concentration and time. Through investigating the time-dependent hormetic effects of SMP and C30 (by measuring the expression of protein mRNA, simulating the bioluminescent reaction and analyzing the toxic action), the underlying mechanism was as follows: SMP and C30 acted on the quorum sensing (QS) system of A. fischeri, which induced low-concentration stimulatory effects and high-concentration inhibitory effects; in the low-concentration region, the stimulatory effects of SMP and C30 made the mixture produce a synergistic stimulation on the bioluminescence; thus, the joint toxic action exhibited antagonism. In the high-concentration region, the inhibitory effects of SMP and C30 in the mixture caused a double block in the loop circuit of the QS system; thus, the joint toxic action exhibited synergism. With the increase of time, these stimulatory and inhibitory effects of SMP and C30 were changed by the variation of the QS system at different growth phases, resulting in the time-dependent cross-phenomenon. This study proposes an induced mechanism for time-dependent cross-phenomenon based on QS, which may provide new insight into the mechanistic investigation of time-dependent cross-phenomenon, benefitting the environmental risk assessment of mixtures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Baking together-the coordination of actions in activities involving people with dementia.

PubMed

Majlesi, Ali Reza; Ekström, Anna

2016-08-01

This study explores interaction and collaboration between people with dementia and their spouses in relation to the performance of household chores with the focus on instruction as an interactional context to engage the person with dementia in collaboration to accomplish joint activities. Dementia is generally associated with pathological changes in people's cognitive functions such as diminishing memory functions, communicative abilities and also diminishing abilities to take initiative as well as to plan and execute tasks. Using video recordings of everyday naturally occurring activities, we analyze the sequential organization of actions (see Schegloff, 2007) oriented toward the accomplishment of a joint multi-task activity of baking. The analysis shows the specific ways of collaboration through instructional activities in which the person with dementia exhibits his competence and skills in accomplishing the given tasks through negotiating the instructions with his partner and carrying out instructed actions. Although the driving force of the collaboration seems to be a series of directive sequences only initiated by the partner throughout the baking activity, our analyses highlight how the person with dementia can actively use the material environment-including collaborating partners-to compensate for challenges and difficulties encountered in achieving everyday tasks. The sequential organization of instructions and instructed actions are in this sense argued to provide an interactional environment wherein the person with dementia can make contributions to the joint activity in an efficient way. While a collaborator has been described as necessary for a person with dementia to be able to partake in activities, this study shows that people with dementia are not only guided by their collaborators in joint activities but they can also actively use their collaborators in intricate compensatory ways. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rating parent-child interactions: joint engagement, communication dynamics, and shared topics in autism, Down syndrome, and typical development.

PubMed

Adamson, Lauren B; Bakeman, Roger; Deckner, Deborah F; Nelson, P Brooke

2012-12-01

A battery of 17 rating items were applied to video records of typically-developing toddlers and young children with autism and Down syndrome interacting with their parents during the Communication Play Protocol. This battery provided a reliable and broad view of the joint engagement triad of child, partner, and shared topic. Ratings of the child's joint engagement correlated very strongly with state coding of joint engagement and replicated the finding that coordinated joint engagement was less likely in children with autism. Ratings of other child actions, of parent contributions, and of shared topics and communicative dynamics also documented pervasive variations related to diagnosis, language facility, and communicative context.

Characterization of mode 1 and mixed-mode failure of adhesive bonds between composite adherends

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mall, S.; Johnson, W. S.

1985-01-01

A combined experimental and analytical investigation of an adhesively bonded composite joint was conducted to characterize both the static and fatigue beyond growth mechanism under mode 1 and mixed-mode 1 and 2 loadings. Two bonded systems were studied: graphite/epoxy adherends bonded with EC 3445 and FM-300 adhesives. For each bonded system, two specimen types were tested: a double-cantilever-beam specimen for mode 1 loading and a cracked-lapshear specimen for mixed-mode 1 and 2 loading. In all specimens tested, failure occurred in the form of debond growth. Debonding always occurred in a cohesive manner with EC 3445 adhesive. The FM-300 adhesive debonded in a cohesive manner under mixed-mode 1 and 2 loading, but in a cohesive, adhesive, or combined cohesive and adhesive manner under mode 1 loading. Total strain-energy release rate appeared to be the driving parameter for debond growth under static and fatigue loadings.

Inspector General - Personal Staff - Joint Staff - The National Guard

Science.gov Websites

contacting the Office of The Inspector General The IG cannot action request with incomplete DA 1559s or AF Form 102s. In order to have an IG begin work on a matter, personnel must prepare a written IG Action General Action Request (DA 1559) Air Force - The Inspector General Personal and Fraud, Waste & Abuse

Overcoming Barriers to Firewise Actions by Residents. Final Report to Joint Fire Science Program

Treesearch

James D. Absher; Jerry J. Vaske; Katie M. Lyon

2013-01-01

Encouraging the public to take action (e.g., creating defensible space) that can reduce the likelihood of wildfire damage and decrease the likelihood of injury is a common approach to increasing wildfire safety and damage mitigation. This study was designed to improve our understanding of both individual and community actions that homeowners currently do or might take...

77 FR 68736 - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-16

... Full Council. The Council will take action as necessary. The Council will also hold an informal public... from the joint meeting of the respective advisory panels as well as a report from the Habitat and...; and an update on ecosystem activities. The joint committee will modify Coral Amendment 7 as...

45 CFR 1355.35 - Program improvement plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... jointly by State and Federal staff in consultation with the review team; (ii) Identify the areas in which... be used to evaluate progress; (vi) Identify how the action steps in the plan build on and make... evaluated jointly by the State agency and ACF, in collaboration with other members of the review team, as...

45 CFR 1355.35 - Program improvement plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... developed jointly by title IV-E agency and Federal staff in consultation with the review team; (ii) Identify... how the action steps in the plan build on and make progress over prior program improvement plans; (vii... evaluated jointly by the title IV-E agency and ACF, in collaboration with other members of the review team...

A resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2011-03-16

Senate - 03/16/2011 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2013-03-21

Senate - 03/21/2013 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY

2009-04-03

Senate - 04/03/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

28 CFR 48.15 - Temporary approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... whatever form of joint or unified action would be lawful under the Act if performed as part of an approved joint newspaper operating arrangement, and that he concludes is: (1) Essential to the survival of the... application on the front pages of their respective newspapers for a period of three consecutive days in the...

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM

2013-06-18

Senate - 09/11/2014 Cloture on the joint resolution not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 42. Record Vote Number: 261. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

75 FR 32189 - Joint Meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-07

... Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of...] Joint Meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

75 FR 70932 - Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... and Risk Management Advisory Committee scheduled for December 2, 2010, is cancelled. This meeting was...] Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Cancellation AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

76 FR 19374 - Joint Meeting of the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-07

...: Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee...] Joint Meeting of the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

78 FR 22270 - Joint Meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

... Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of...] Joint Meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

Effect of damping on excitability of high-order normal modes. [for a large space telescope spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merchant, D. H.; Gates, R. M.; Straayer, J. W.

1975-01-01

The effect of localized structural damping on the excitability of higher-order large space telescope spacecraft modes is investigated. A preprocessor computer program is developed to incorporate Voigt structural joint damping models in a finite-element dynamic model. A postprocessor computer program is developed to select critical modes for low-frequency attitude control problems and for higher-frequency fine-stabilization problems. The selection is accomplished by ranking the flexible modes based on coefficients for rate gyro, position gyro, and optical sensor, and on image-plane motions due to sinusoidal or random PSD force and torque inputs.

Analog nonlinear MIMO receiver for optical mode division multiplexing transmission.

PubMed

Spalvieri, Arnaldo; Boffi, Pierpaolo; Pecorino, Simone; Barletta, Luca; Magarini, Maurizio; Gatto, Alberto; Martelli, Paolo; Martinelli, Mario

2013-10-21

The complexity and the power consumption of digital signal processing are crucial issues in optical transmission systems based on mode division multiplexing and coherent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processing at the receiver. In this paper the inherent characteristic of spatial separation between fiber modes is exploited, getting a MIMO system where joint demultiplexing and detection is based on spatially separated photodetectors. After photodetection, one has a MIMO system with nonlinear crosstalk between modes. The paper shows that the nonlinear crosstalk can be dealt with by a low-complexity and non-adaptive detection scheme, at least in the cases presented in the paper.

Nondestructive evaluation of helicopter rotor blades using guided Lamb modes.

PubMed

Chakrapani, Sunil Kishore; Barnard, Daniel; Dayal, Vinay

2014-03-01

This paper presents an application for turning and direct modes in a complex composite laminate structure. The propagation and interaction of turning modes and fundamental Lamb modes are investigated in the skin, spar and web sections of a helicopter rotor blade. Finite element models were used to understand the various mode conversions at geometric discontinuities such as web-spar joints. Experimental investigation was carried out with the help of air coupled ultrasonic transducers. The turning and direct modes were confirmed with the help of particle displacements and velocities. Experimental B-Scans were performed on damaged and undamaged samples for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the structure. A strong correlation between the numerical and experimental results was observed and reported. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of viscous and Iwan modal damping models to experimental measurements from bolted structures

DOE PAGES

Deaner, Brandon J.; Allen, Matthew S.; Starr, Michael James; ...

2015-01-20

Measurements are presented from a two-beam structure with several bolted interfaces in order to characterize the nonlinear damping introduced by the joints. The measurements (all at force levels below macroslip) reveal that each underlying mode of the structure is well approximated by a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with a nonlinear mechanical joint. At low enough force levels, the measurements show dissipation that scales as the second power of the applied force, agreeing with theory for a linear viscously damped system. This is attributed to linear viscous behavior of the material and/or damping provided by the support structure. At larger forcemore » levels, the damping is observed to behave nonlinearly, suggesting that damping from the mechanical joints is dominant. A model is presented that captures these effects, consisting of a spring and viscous damping element in parallel with a four-parameter Iwan model. As a result, the parameters of this model are identified for each mode of the structure and comparisons suggest that the model captures the stiffness and damping accurately over a range of forcing levels.« less

A joint encryption/watermarking system for verifying the reliability of medical images.

PubMed

Bouslimi, Dalel; Coatrieux, Gouenou; Cozic, Michel; Roux, Christian

2012-09-01

In this paper, we propose a joint encryption/water-marking system for the purpose of protecting medical images. This system is based on an approach which combines a substitutive watermarking algorithm, the quantization index modulation, with an encryption algorithm: a stream cipher algorithm (e.g., the RC4) or a block cipher algorithm (e.g., the AES in cipher block chaining (CBC) mode of operation). Our objective is to give access to the outcomes of the image integrity and of its origin even though the image is stored encrypted. If watermarking and encryption are conducted jointly at the protection stage, watermark extraction and decryption can be applied independently. The security analysis of our scheme and experimental results achieved on 8-bit depth ultrasound images as well as on 16-bit encoded positron emission tomography images demonstrate the capability of our system to securely make available security attributes in both spatial and encrypted domains while minimizing image distortion. Furthermore, by making use of the AES block cipher in CBC mode, the proposed system is compliant with or transparent to the DICOM standard.

Observation of non-classical correlations in sequential measurements of photon polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Yutaro; Iinuma, Masataka; Hofmann, Holger F.

2016-10-01

A sequential measurement of two non-commuting quantum observables results in a joint probability distribution for all output combinations that can be explained in terms of an initial joint quasi-probability of the non-commuting observables, modified by the resolution errors and back-action of the initial measurement. Here, we show that the error statistics of a sequential measurement of photon polarization performed at different measurement strengths can be described consistently by an imaginary correlation between the statistics of resolution and back-action. The experimental setup was designed to realize variable strength measurements with well-controlled imaginary correlation between the statistical errors caused by the initial measurement of diagonal polarizations, followed by a precise measurement of the horizontal/vertical polarization. We perform the experimental characterization of an elliptically polarized input state and show that the same complex joint probability distribution is obtained at any measurement strength.

Modified Process Reduces Porosity when Soldering in Reduced Gravity Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kevin; Struk, Peter; Pettegrew, Richard; Downs, Robert; Haylett, Daniel

2012-01-01

A modified process yields lower levels of internal porosity for solder joints produced in reduced-gravity environments. The process incorporates both alternative materials and a modified procedure. The process provides the necessary cleaning action to enable effective bonding of the applied solder alloy with the materials to be joined. The modified process incorporates a commercially available liquid flux that is applied to the solder joint before heating with the soldering iron. It is subsequently heated with the soldering iron to activate the cleaning action of the flux and to evaporate most of the flux, followed by application of solder alloy in the form of commercially available solid solder wire (containing no flux). Continued heating ensures adequate flow of the solder alloy around and onto the materials to be joined. The final step is withdrawal of the soldering iron to allow alloy solidification and cooling of the solder joint.

Sensitivity of species to chemicals: dose-response characteristics for various test types (coldbloodedLC50, cold-blooded LR50 and warm-blooded LD50) and modes of action

EPA Science Inventory

While sensitivity of model species to common toxicants has been addressed, a systematic analysis of inter-species variability for different test types, modes of action and species is as yet lacking. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify similarities and differences ...

GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING IN TESTIS AND LIVER OF MICE TO IDENTIFY MODES OF ACTION OF CONAZOLE TOXICITIES

EPA Science Inventory

Gene Expression Profiling in Testis and Liver of Mice to Identify MODES OF ACTION OF Conazole TOXICITies

Amber K. Goetz1, Wenjun Bao2, Judith E. Schmid2, Carmen Wood2, Hongzu Ren2, Deborah S. Best2, Rachel N. Murrell1, John C. Rockett2, Michael G. Narotsky2, Douglas C. Wol...

Odorant Receptor Modulation: Ternary Paradigm for Mode of Action of Insect Repellents

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

Introduction Perception of chemicals in the environment by insects begins when compounds activate ionotropic receptors , gustatory recep- tors and odorant...Author’s personal copy Odorant receptor modulation: Ternary paradigm for mode of action of insect repellents Jonathan D. Bohbot, Joseph C. Dickens...Received in revised form 12 December 2011 Accepted 9 January 2012 Keywords: Odorant receptor Insect repellent Insurmountable antagonist Aedes aegypti

78 FR 40727 - Procurement List Addition

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-08

... considered for this certification were: 1. The action will not result in any additional reporting... provide the service to the Government. 2. The action will result in authorizing small entity to provide... Support Div., Manpower & Military Personnel Branch, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Fort...

Can the identity of a behavior setting be perceived through patterns of joint action? An investigation of place perception.

PubMed

Heft, Harry; Hoch, Justine; Edmunds, Trent; Weeks, Jillian

2014-10-13

"Behavior settings" are generated by joint actions of individuals in conjunction with the milieu features (or affordances) that are available. The reported research explores the hypothesis that the identity or meaning of a behavior setting can be perceived by means of the patterns of action collectively generated by the setting's participants. A set of computer animations was created based on detailed observation of activities in everyday settings. Three experiments were conducted to assess whether perceivers could extract "structure from motion" (in this case, collective actions) that was specific to the particular behavior setting displayed by way of the animations. Two experiments assessed whether individuals could accurately perceive the identity of the behavior settings with such displays, and a third experiment indirectly examined this possibility by evaluating whether setting possibilities and constraints were recognized. The results offered some support for the hypothesis, and suggested several refinements in how to conceptualize a typology of behavior settings. An ecological approach to place perception is also discussed.

When Height Carries Weight: Communicating Hidden Object Properties for Joint Action.

PubMed

Schmitz, Laura; Vesper, Cordula; Sebanz, Natalie; Knoblich, Günther

2018-06-24

In the absence of pre-established communicative conventions, people create novel communication systems to successfully coordinate their actions toward a joint goal. In this study, we address two types of such novel communication systems: sensorimotor communication, where the kinematics of instrumental actions are systematically modulated, versus symbolic communication. We ask which of the two systems co-actors preferentially create when aiming to communicate about hidden object properties such as weight. The results of three experiments consistently show that actors who knew the weight of an object transmitted this weight information to their uninformed co-actors by systematically modulating their instrumental actions, grasping objects of particular weights at particular heights. This preference for sensorimotor communication was reduced in a fourth experiment where co-actors could communicate with weight-related symbols. Our findings demonstrate that the use of sensorimotor communication extends beyond the communication of spatial locations to non-spatial, hidden object properties. © 2018 The Authors. Cognitive Science - A Multidisciplinary Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Cognitive Science Society.

Raman spectroscopy, electronic microscopy and SPME-GC-MS to elucidate the mode of action of a new antimicrobial food packaging material.

PubMed

Clemente, Isabel; Aznar, Margarita; Salafranca, Jesús; Nerín, Cristina

2017-02-01

One critical challenge when developing a new antimicrobial packaging material is to demonstrate the mode of action of the antimicrobials incorporated into the packaging. For this task, several analytical techniques as well as microbiology are required. In this work, the antimicrobial properties of benzyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate and essential oils of cinnamon and oregano against several moulds and bacteria have been evaluated. Benzyl isothiocyanate showed the highest antimicrobial activity and it was selected for developing the new active packaging material. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were successfully used to demonstrate the mode of action of benzyl isothiocyanate on Escherichia coli. Bacteria exhibited external modifications such as oval shape and the presence of septum surface, but they did not show any disruption or membrane damage. To provide data on the in vitro action of benzyl isothiocyanate and the presence of inhibition halos, the transfer mechanism to the cells was assessed using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on the transfer system, action mechanism and its stronger antimicrobial activity, benzyl isothiocyanate was incorporated to two kinds of antimicrobial labels. The labels were stable and active for 140 days against two mould producers of ochratoxin A; Penicillium verrucosum is more sensitive than Aspergillus ochraceus. Details about the analytical techniques and the results obtained are shown and discussed. Graphical Abstract Antimicrobial evaluation of pure compounds, incorporation in the packaging and study for mode of action on S. coli by Raman, SEM and SPME-GC-MS.

Static and Fatigue Strength Evaluations for Bolted Composite/Steel Joints for Heavy Vehicle Chassis Components

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

Sun, Xin; Stephens, Elizabeth V.; Herling, Darrell R.

2004-09-14

In May 2003, ORNL and PNNL began collaboration on a four year research effort focused on developing joining techniques to overcome the technical issues associated with joining lightweight materials in heavy vehicles. The initial focus of research is the development and validation of joint designs for a composite structural member attached to a metal member that satisfy the structural requirements both economically and reliably. Huck-bolting is a common joining method currently used in heavy truck chassis structures. The initial round of testing was conducted to establish a performance benchmark by evaluating the static and fatigue behavior of an existing steel/steelmore » chassis joint at the single huck-bolt level. Both tension and shear loading conditions were considered, and the resulting static and fatigue strengths will be used to guide the joint design for a replacement composite/steel joint. A commercially available, pultruded composite material was chosen to study the generic issues related to composite/steel joints. Extren is produced by STRONGWELL, and it is a combination of fiberglass reinforcement and thermosetting polyester or vinyl ester resin systems. Extren sheets of 3.2 mm thick were joined to 1.4 mm SAE1008 steel sheets with a standard grade 5 bolt with 6.35 mm diameter. Both tension and shear loading modes were considered for the single hybrid joint under static and fatigue loading conditions. Since fiberglass reinforced thermoset polymer composites are a non-homogenous material, their strengths and behavior are dependent upon the design of the composite and reinforcement. The Extren sheet stock was cut along the longitudinal direction to achieve maximum net-section strength. The effects of various manufacturing factors and operational conditions on the static and fatigue strength of the hybrid joint were modeled and experimentally verified. It was found that loading mode and washer size have significant influence on the static and fatigue strength of the hybrid joint. The effect of different fatigue test frequencies on the sample temperature and the resulting fatigue life was also examined.« less

How preschoolers and adults represent their joint action partner's behavior.

PubMed

Sacheli, Lucia Maria; Meyer, M; Hartstra, E; Bekkering, H; Hunnius, S

2017-10-24

We investigated the cognitive mechanisms underlying turn-taking joint action in 42-month-old children (Experiment 1) and adults (Experiment 2) using a behavioral task of dressing a virtual bear together. We aimed to investigate how participants represent a partners' behavior, i.e., in terms of specific action kinematics or of action effects. The bear was dressed by pressing a smaller and a bigger button. In the Action-response task, instructions asked participants to respond to the partner by pressing the same or opposite button; in the Action-effect task they had to respond to the partner's action effect by dressing the bear with the lacking part of the clothing, which in some cases implied pressing the same button and in other cases implied pressing the opposite button. In 50% of the trials, the partner's association between each button and the ensuing effect (dressing the bear with t-shirt or pants) was reversed, while it never changed for participants. Both children and adults showed no effect of physical congruency of actions, but showed impaired performance in the Action-effect task if their partner achieved her effect through a different action-effect association than their own. These results suggest that, when encoding their partner's actions, agents are influenced by action-effect associations that they learnt through their own experience. While interference led to overt errors in children, it caused longer reaction times in adults, suggesting that a flexible cognitive control (that is still in development in young children) is required to take on the partner's perspective.

DNA reactivity as a mode of action and its relevance to cancer risk assessment.

PubMed

Preston, R Julian

2013-02-01

The ability of a chemical to induce mutations has long been a driver in the cancer risk assessment process. The default strategy has been that mutagenic chemicals demonstrate linear cancer dose responses, especially at low exposure levels. In the absence of additional confounding information, this is a reasonable approach, because risk assessment is appropriately considered as being protective of human health. The concept of mode of action has allowed for an opportunity to move off this default position; mutagenicity is now not considered as the driver but rather the mode of action is. In a more precise way, it is the set of key events that define a mode of action that is fundamental in defining the shape of a cancer dose response. A key event is an informative bioindicator of the cancer response and as such should be predictive of the tumor response, at least in a qualitative way. A clear example of the use of key events in cancer risk assessment is for DNA reactive chemicals. A series of such key events is initiated by the production of DNA damage in target cells from direct interaction of the chemical with DNA leading to the production of mutations by misreplication that results in enhanced cell replication. This enhanced cell replication eventually leads to the development of preneoplastic cells and ultimately overt neoplasms. The response of each of these key events to dose of the chemical can inform the cancer dose-response curve shape. Thus, the dose-response curve for any DNA-reactive chemical can be predicted from knowledge of its mode of action and the behavior of the induced key events.

Sensitivity of species to chemicals: dose-response characteristics for various test types (LC(50), LR(50) and LD(50)) and modes of action.

PubMed

Hendriks, A Jan; Awkerman, Jill A; de Zwart, Dick; Huijbregts, Mark A J

2013-11-01

While variable sensitivity of model species to common toxicants has been addressed in previous studies, a systematic analysis of inter-species variability for different test types, modes of action and species is as of yet lacking. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify similarities and differences in contaminant levels affecting cold-blooded and warm-blooded species administered via different routes. To that end, data on lethal water concentrations LC50, tissue residues LR50 and oral doses LD50 were collected from databases, each representing the largest of its kind. LC50 data were multiplied by a bioconcentration factor (BCF) to convert them to internal concentrations that allow for comparison among species. For each endpoint data set, we calculated the mean and standard deviation of species' lethal level per compound. Next, the means and standard deviations were averaged by mode of action. Both the means and standard deviations calculated depended on the number of species tested, which is at odds with quality standard setting procedures. Means calculated from (BCF) LC50, LR50 and LD50 were largely similar, suggesting that different administration routes roughly yield similar internal levels. Levels for compounds interfering biochemically with elementary life processes were about one order of magnitude below that of narcotics disturbing membranes, and neurotoxic pesticides and dioxins induced death in even lower amounts. Standard deviations for LD50 data were similar across modes of action, while variability of LC50 values was lower for narcotics than for substances with a specific mode of action. The study indicates several directions to go for efficient use of available data in risk assessment and reduction of species testing. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Collaborative agency to support integrated care for children, young people and families: an action research study.

PubMed

Stuart, Kaz

2014-04-01

Collaboration was legislated in the delivery of integrated care in the early 2000s in the UK. This research explored how the reality of practice met the rhetoric of collaboration. The paper is situated against a theoretical framework of structure, agency, identity and empowerment. Collectively and contextually these concepts inform the proposed model of 'collaborative agency' to sustain integrated care. The paper brings sociological theory on structure and agency to the dilemma of collaboration. Participative action research was carried out in collaborative teams that aspired to achieve integrated care for children, young people and families between 2009 and 2013. It was a part time, PhD study in collaborative practice. The research established that people needed to be able to be jointly aware of their context, to make joint decisions, and jointly act in order to deliver integrated services, and proposes a model of collaborative agency derived from practitioner's experiences and integrated action research and literature on agency. The model reflects the effects of a range of structures in shaping professional identity, empowerment, and agency in a dynamic. The author proposes that the collaborative agency model will support integrated care, although this is, as yet, an untested hypothesis.

Numerical Investigation of the Dynamic Properties of Intermittent Jointed Rock Models Subjected to Cyclic Uniaxial Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Dai, Feng; Zhao, Tao; Xu, Nu-wen

2017-01-01

Intermittent jointed rocks, which exist in a myriad of engineering projects, are extraordinarily susceptible to cyclic loadings. Understanding the dynamic fatigue properties of jointed rocks is necessary for evaluating the stability of rock engineering structures. This study numerically investigated the influences of cyclic loading conditions (i.e., frequency, maximum stress and amplitude) and joint geometric configurations (i.e., dip angle, persistency and interspace) on the dynamic fatigue mechanisms of jointed rock models. A reduction model of stiffness and strength was first proposed, and then, sixteen cyclic uniaxial loading tests with distinct loading parameters and joint geometries were simulated. Our results indicate that the reduction model can effectively reproduce the hysteresis loops and the accumulative plastic deformation of jointed rocks in the cyclic process. Both the loading parameters and the joint geometries significantly affect the dynamic properties, including the irreversible strain, damage evolution, dynamic residual strength and fatigue life. Three failure modes of jointed rocks, which are principally controlled by joint geometries, occur in the simulations: splitting failure through the entire rock sample, sliding failure along joint planes and mixed failure, which are principally controlled by joint geometries. Furthermore, the progressive failure processes of the jointed rock samples are numerically observed, and the different loading stages can be distinguished by the relationship between the number of broken bonds and the axial stress.

Effect of amino acid substitution in the staphylococcal peptides warnericin RK and PSMα on their anti-Legionella and hemolytic activities.

PubMed

Marchand, Adrienne; Augenstreich, Jacques; Loiseau, Clémence; Verdon, Julien; Lecomte, Sophie; Berjeaud, Jean-Marc

2015-07-01

Warnericin RK from Staphylococcus warneri and PSMα from Staphylococcus epidermidis are anti-Legionella peptides which were differently classified in a previous study according to their mode of action. Indeed, warnericin RK is highly hemolytic with a bactericidal mode of action, whereas PSMα is poorly hemolytic with a bacteriostatic mode of action toward L. pneumophila. In order to find anti-Legionella peptides which are not hemolytic, a collection of peptides varying in sequence from warnericin RK to PSMα were designed and synthesized, and their anti-Legionella activities, in terms of growth inhibition, permeabilization, and bactericidal effect, as well as their hemolytic activities, were measured and compared. The results showed that some residues, at position 14 for both peptides for instance, were of major importance for bactericidal and hemolytic activities.

Insight into the mode of action of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as an herbicide.

PubMed

Song, Yaling

2014-02-01

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was the first synthetic herbicide to be commercially developed and has commonly been used as a broadleaf herbicide for over 60 years. It is a selective herbicide that kills dicots without affecting monocots and mimics natural auxin at the molecular level. Physiological responses of dicots sensitive to auxinic herbicides include abnormal growth, senescence, and plant death. The identification of auxin receptors, auxin transport carriers, transcription factors response to auxin, and cross-talk among phytohormones have shed light on the molecular action mode of 2,4-D as a herbicide. Here, the molecular action mode of 2,4-D is highlighted according to the latest findings, emphasizing the physiological process, perception, and signal transduction under herbicide treatment. © 2013 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Fast ion stabilization of the ion temperature gradient driven modes in the Joint European Torus hybrid-scenario plasmas: a trigger mechanism for internal transport barrier formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanelli, M.; Zocco, A.; Crisanti, F.; Contributors, JET-EFDA

2010-04-01

Understanding and modelling turbulent transport in thermonuclear fusion plasmas are crucial for designing and optimizing the operational scenarios of future fusion reactors. In this context, plasmas exhibiting state transitions, such as the formation of an internal transport barrier (ITB), are particularly interesting since they can shed light on transport physics and offer the opportunity to test different turbulence suppression models. In this paper, we focus on the modelling of ITB formation in the Joint European Torus (JET) [1] hybrid-scenario plasmas, where, due to the monotonic safety factor profile, magnetic shear stabilization cannot be invoked to explain the transition. The turbulence suppression mechanism investigated here relies on the increase in the plasma pressure gradient in the presence of a minority of energetic ions. Microstability analysis of the ion temperature gradient driven modes (ITG) in the presence of a fast-hydrogen minority shows that energetic ions accelerated by the ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) system (hydrogen, nH,fast/nD,thermal up to 10%, TH,fast/TD,thermal up to 30) can increase the pressure gradient enough to stabilize the ITG modes driven by the gradient of the thermal ions (deuterium). Numerical analysis shows that, by increasing the temperature of the energetic ions, electrostatic ITG modes are gradually replaced by nearly electrostatic modes with tearing parity at progressively longer wavelengths. The growth rate of the microtearing modes is found to be lower than that of the ITG modes and comparable to the local E × B-velocity shearing rate. The above mechanism is proposed as a possible trigger for the formation of ITBs in this type of discharges.

Statistical learning in social action contexts.

PubMed

Monroy, Claire; Meyer, Marlene; Gerson, Sarah; Hunnius, Sabine

2017-01-01

Sensitivity to the regularities and structure contained within sequential, goal-directed actions is an important building block for generating expectations about the actions we observe. Until now, research on statistical learning for actions has solely focused on individual action sequences, but many actions in daily life involve multiple actors in various interaction contexts. The current study is the first to investigate the role of statistical learning in tracking regularities between actions performed by different actors, and whether the social context characterizing their interaction influences learning. That is, are observers more likely to track regularities across actors if they are perceived as acting jointly as opposed to in parallel? We tested adults and toddlers to explore whether social context guides statistical learning and-if so-whether it does so from early in development. In a between-subjects eye-tracking experiment, participants were primed with a social context cue between two actors who either shared a goal of playing together ('Joint' condition) or stated the intention to act alone ('Parallel' condition). In subsequent videos, the actors performed sequential actions in which, for certain action pairs, the first actor's action reliably predicted the second actor's action. We analyzed predictive eye movements to upcoming actions as a measure of learning, and found that both adults and toddlers learned the statistical regularities across actors when their actions caused an effect. Further, adults with high statistical learning performance were sensitive to social context: those who observed actors with a shared goal were more likely to correctly predict upcoming actions. In contrast, there was no effect of social context in the toddler group, regardless of learning performance. These findings shed light on how adults and toddlers perceive statistical regularities across actors depending on the nature of the observed social situation and the resulting effects.

Dose-Response Analysis in the Joint Action of Two Effectors. A New Approach to Simulation, Identification and Modelling of Some Basic Interactions

PubMed Central

Murado García, Miguel Anxo; Prieto Lage, Miguel Ángel

2013-01-01

In systems with several effectors, the results of dose-response (DR) experiments are usually assessed by checking them against two hypotheses: independent action (IA) and concentration addition (CA). Both are useful simplifications, but do not represent the only possible responses, and avoid to a large extent the analysis of the interactions that are possible in the system. In addition, these are often applied in such a way that they produce insufficient descriptions of the problem that raises them, frequent inconclusive cases and doubtful decisions. In this work a generative approach is attempted, starting from some simple mechanisms necessarily underlying the response of an elementary biological entity to an effector agent. A set of simulations is formulated next through an equally simple system of logical rules, and several families of virtual responses are thus generated. These families include typical responses of IA and CA modes of action, other ones not less probable from a physiological point of view, and even other derived from common and expectable forms of interactions. The analysis of these responses enabled, firstly, to relate some phenomenological regularities with some general mechanistic principles, and to detect several causes by which the IA-CA dualism is necessarily ambiguous. Secondly, it allowed identifying different forms of synergy and antagonism that contribute to explain some controversial aspects of these notions. Finally, it led to propose two sets of explicit algebraic equations that describe accurately a wide diversity of possible and realistic responses. PMID:23637825

Joint Select Committee on Job Creation Act of 2011

THOMAS, 112th Congress

Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1

2011-09-02

House - 09/06/2011 Referred to the House Committee on Rules. (All Actions) Notes: For further action, see S.365, which became Public Law 112-25 on 8/2/2011. Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

2008 Memorandum on Revised Coordination between EPA Regional Offices and Headquarters on Clean Water Act Section 404(q) Actions

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The purpose of this memorandum is to revise and streamline EPA's internal coordination procedures established in 2006 for the review of proposed Section 404(q) actions under the joint EPA/Army Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Robust Control of a Cable-Driven Soft Exoskeleton Joint for Intrinsic Human-Robot Interaction.

PubMed

Jarrett, C; McDaid, A J

2017-07-01

A novel, cable-driven soft joint is presented for use in robotic rehabilitation exoskeletons to provide intrinsic, comfortable human-robot interaction. The torque-displacement characteristics of the soft elastomeric core contained within the joint are modeled. This knowledge is used in conjunction with a dynamic system model to derive a sliding mode controller (SMC) to implement low-level torque control of the joint. The SMC controller is experimentally compared with a baseline feedback-linearised proportional-derivative controller across a range of conditions and shown to be robust to un-modeled disturbances. The torque controller is then tested with six healthy subjects while they perform a selection of activities of daily living, which has validated its range of performance. Finally, a case study with a participant with spastic cerebral palsy is presented to illustrate the potential of both the joint and controller to be used in a physiotherapy setting to assist clinical populations.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy AA2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, S.; Sankar, V. S.; Janaki Ram, G. D.; Venkitakrishnan, P. V.; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.; Prasad Rao, K.

2013-01-01

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a relatively recent development, which can provide a superior alternative to resistance spot welding and riveting for fabrication of aluminum sheet metal structures. In the current work, FSSW experiments were conducted in 3-mm thick sheets of aluminum alloy 2014 in T4 and T6 conditions, with and without Alclad layers. The effects of tool geometry and welding process parameters on joint formation were investigated. A good correlation between process parameters, bond width, hook height, joint strength, and fracture mode was observed. The presence of Alclad layers and the base metal temper condition were found to have no major effect on joint formation and joint strength. Friction stir spot welds produced under optimum conditions were found to be superior to riveted joints in lap-shear and cross-tension tests. The prospects of FSSW in aluminum sheet metal fabrication are discussed.

Fiber laser welding of nickel based superalloy Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janicki, Damian M.

2013-01-01

The paper describes the application of single mode high power fiber laser (HPFL) for the welding of nickel based superalloy Inconel 625. Butt joints of Inconel 625 sheets 0,8 mm thick were laser welded without an additional material. The influence of laser welding parameters on weld quality and mechanical properties of test joints was studied. The quality and mechanical properties of the joints were determined by means of tensile and bending tests, and micro hardness tests, and also metallographic examinations. The results showed that a proper selection of laser welding parameters provides non-porous, fully-penetrated welds with the aspect ratio up to 2.0. The minimum heat input required to achieve full penetration butt welded joints with no defect was found to be 6 J/mm. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the joints are essentially equivalent to that for the base material.

Moving Just Like You: Motor Interference Depends on Similar Motility of Agent and Observer

PubMed Central

Kupferberg, Aleksandra; Huber, Markus; Helfer, Bartosz; Lenz, Claus; Knoll, Alois; Glasauer, Stefan

2012-01-01

Recent findings in neuroscience suggest an overlap between brain regions involved in the execution of movement and perception of another’s movement. This so-called “action-perception coupling” is supposed to serve our ability to automatically infer the goals and intentions of others by internal simulation of their actions. A consequence of this coupling is motor interference (MI), the effect of movement observation on the trajectory of one’s own movement. Previous studies emphasized that various features of the observed agent determine the degree of MI, but could not clarify how human-like an agent has to be for its movements to elicit MI and, more importantly, what ‘human-like’ means in the context of MI. Thus, we investigated in several experiments how different aspects of appearance and motility of the observed agent influence motor interference (MI). Participants performed arm movements in horizontal and vertical directions while observing videos of a human, a humanoid robot, or an industrial robot arm with either artificial (industrial) or human-like joint configurations. Our results show that, given a human-like joint configuration, MI was elicited by observing arm movements of both humanoid and industrial robots. However, if the joint configuration of the robot did not resemble that of the human arm, MI could longer be demonstrated. Our findings present evidence for the importance of human-like joint configuration rather than other human-like features for perception-action coupling when observing inanimate agents. PMID:22761853

Effect of Thread and Rotating Speed on Material Flow Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Lap Welding Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Shude; Li, Zhengwei; Zhou, Zhenlu; Wu, Baosheng

2017-10-01

This study focused on the effects of thread on hook and cold lap formation, lap shear property and impact toughness of alclad 2024-T4 friction stir lap welding (FSLW) joints. Except the traditional threaded pin tool (TR-tool), three new tools with different thread locations and orientations were designed. Results showed that thread significantly affected hook, cold lap morphologies and lap shear properties. The tool with tip-threaded pin (T-tool) fabricated joint with flat hook and cold lap, which resulted in shear fracture mode. The tools with bottom-threaded pin (B-tool) eliminated the hook. The tool with reverse-threaded pin (R-tool) widened the stir zone width. When using configuration A, the joints fabricated by the three new tools showed higher failure loads than the joint fabricated by the TR-tool. The joint using the T-tool owned the optimum impact toughness. This study demonstrated the significance of thread during FSLW and provided a reference to optimize tool geometry.

Bio-inspired flexible joints with passive feathering for robotic fish pectoral fins.

PubMed

Behbahani, Sanaz Bazaz; Tan, Xiaobo

2016-05-04

In this paper a novel flexible joint is proposed for robotic fish pectoral fins, which enables a swimming behavior emulating the fin motions of many aquatic animals. In particular, the pectoral fin operates primarily in the rowing mode, while undergoing passive feathering during the recovery stroke to reduce hydrodynamic drag on the fin. The latter enables effective locomotion even with symmetric base actuation during power and recovery strokes. A dynamic model is developed to facilitate the understanding and design of the joint, where blade element theory is used to calculate the hydrodynamic forces on the pectoral fins, and the joint is modeled as a paired torsion spring and damper. Experimental results on a robotic fish prototype are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the joint mechanism, validate the proposed model, and indicate the utility of the proposed model for the optimal design of joint depth and stiffness in achieving the trade-off between swimming speed and mechanical efficiency.

Individual Differences in Children's Corepresentation of Self and Other in Joint Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milward, Sophie J.; Kita, Sotaro; Apperly, Ian A.

2017-01-01

Previous research has shown that children aged 4-5 years, but not 2-3 years, show adult-like interference from a partner when performing a joint task (Milward, Kita, & Apperly, 2014). This raises questions about the cognitive skills involved in the development of such "corepresentation (CR)" of a partner (Sebanz, Knoblich, &…

76 FR 81362 - Regulations Governing the Performance of Actuarial Services Under the Employee Retirement Income...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-28

... JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES 20 CFR Part 901 [TD 9517] RIN 1545-BC82 Regulations...; Correction AGENCY: Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries. ACTION: Correction to final regulations... Federal Register on Thursday, March 31, 2011 (76 FR 17762) relating to the enrollment of actuaries. DATES...

75 FR 12767 - Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-17

... Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of...] Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

75 FR 67093 - Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-01

...: Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory...] Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

78 FR 2677 - Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-14

... Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of the...] Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

76 FR 59143 - Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-23

... Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of the...] Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

76 FR 59142 - Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-23

... Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of the...] Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

78 FR 16271 - Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-14

... Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of the...] Joint Meeting of the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

75 FR 32188 - Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-07

... Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of...] Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

75 FR 59730 - Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-28

... Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. General Function of...] Joint Meeting of the Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice...

An Analysis of the Joint Modular Intermodal Distribution System

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

the differing airframes. “Two methods are available to move a CROP-load of ammunition: 1. Reconfigure the load from the CROP onto multiple 463L...used among the services lack: • Transportability across different modes without re-handling/packaging • Quick reconfiguration for onward movement...numerous linkages among different channels of distribution. In the world of integrated logistics, that means that ground, rail, air, and sea modes of

Joint Test Protocol: Environmentally Friendly Zirconium Oxide Pretreatment Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

coatings . Loss of paint adhesion is the primary failure mode on aluminum and steel. 3.7.3 Test Methodology The test methodology for pencil hardness...conversion pretreatment coatings . Loss of paint adhesion is the primary failure mode on aluminum and steel. 3.8.3 Test Methodology The test...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT There is a need to implement innovative and cost- effective replacement technologies to address the multiple health, safety

Kinetic Modeling Sheds Light on the Mode of Action of Recombinant Factor VIIa on Thrombin Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Regular Article Kinetic modeling sheds light on the mode of action of recombinant factor VIIa on thrombin generation Alexander Y. Mitrophanov...its effects on the quantitative parameters of thrombin generation. For recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) ― a promising hemostasis-inducing...modulate thrombin production , it is necessary to identify rFVIIa-induced effects that are compatible with the available biochemical knowledge about

Modeling of thermal mode of drying special purposes ceramic products in batch action chamber dryers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukianov, E. S.; Lozovaya, S. Yu; Lozovoy, N. M.

2018-03-01

The article is devoted to the modeling of batch action chamber dryers in the processing line for producing shaped ceramic products. At the drying stage, for various reasons, most of these products are warped and cracked due to the occurrence of irregular shrinkage deformations due to the action of capillary forces. The primary cause is an untruly organized drying mode due to imperfection of chamber dryers design specifically because of the heat-transfer agent supply method and the possibility of creating a uniform temperature field in the whole volume of the chamber.

Directionality in drug action on sodium-calcium exchange.

PubMed

Noble, D; Blaustein, M P

2007-03-01

In pathological conditions, the exchanger may generate deleterious calcium entry. A drug that inhibited calcium entry, while still allowing transport of calcium out of the cell would then seem attractive. In fact, this is impossible for thermodynamic reasons. Inhibitors may appear to be more effective when the exchanger is operating in net calcium entry mode than in calcium exit mode. This is, however, always attributable to differences in conditions because there is strong internal sodium dependence of drug action on the exchanger. When the exchanger is operating near equilibrium, drug action is found to be equally effective in both directions.

Thymus vulgaris essential oil and thymol against Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler: effects on growth, viability, early infection and cellular mode of action.

PubMed

Perina, Fabiano J; Amaral, Douglas C; Fernandes, Rafael S; Labory, Claudia Rg; Teixeira, Glauco A; Alves, Eduardo

2015-10-01

In initial assays, Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO) has demonstrated activity against several plant-pathogenic fungi and has reduced the fungal diseases to levels comparable with commercial fungicides. Thus, the goal of this work was to identify the mode of action in fungi of TEO and its major compound thymol (TOH) at the cellular level using an ultrastructure approach. TEO from leaves and TOH had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 500 and 250 µg mL(-1) respectively against A. alternata; under the same conditions, MIC for a commercial fungicide was 1250 µg mL(-1) . Ultrastructure analysis showed that TOH phenolic substance prevented fungal growth, reduced fungal viability and prevented the penetration in fruits by a cell wall/plasma membrane interference mode of action with organelles targeted for destruction in the cytoplasm. Such mode of action differs from protective and preventive-curative commercial fungicides used as pattern control. These findings suggest that TOH was responsible for the antifungal activity of TEO. Therefore, both the essential oil and its major substance have potential for use in the development of new phenolic structures and analogues to control Alternaria brown spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mode of Action and Heterologous Expression of the Natural Product Antibiotic Vancoresmycin.

PubMed

Kepplinger, Bernhard; Morton-Laing, Stephanie; Seistrup, Kenneth Holst; Marrs, Emma Claire Louise; Hopkins, Adam Paul; Perry, John David; Strahl, Henrik; Hall, Michael John; Errington, Jeff; Ellis Allenby, Nicholas Edward

2018-01-19

Antibiotics that interfere with the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane have long-term potential for the treatment of infectious diseases as this mode of action is anticipated to result in low resistance frequency. Vancoresmycin is an understudied natural product antibiotic consisting of a terminal tetramic acid moiety fused to a linear, highly oxygenated, stereochemically complex polyketide chain. Vancoresmycin shows minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from 0.125 to 2 μg/mL against a range of clinically relevant, antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Through a comprehensive mode-of-action study, utilizing Bacillus subtilis reporter strains, DiSC 3 (5) depolarization assays, and fluorescence microscopy, we have shown that vancoresmycin selectively targets the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria via a non-pore-forming, concentration-dependent depolarization mechanism. Whole genome sequencing of the producing strain allowed identification of the 141 kbp gene cluster encoding for vancoresmycin biosynthesis and a preliminary model for its biosynthesis. The size and complex structure of vancoresmycin could confound attempts to generate synthetic analogues. To overcome this problem and facilitate future studies, we identified, cloned, and expressed the 141 kbp biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces coelicolor M1152. Elucidation of the mode-of-action of vancoresmycin, together with the heterologous expression system, will greatly facilitate further studies of this and related molecules.

Deciphering the mode of action of cell wall-inhibiting antibiotics using metabolic labeling of growing peptidoglycan in Streptococcus pyogenes.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Atsushi; Maeda, Asuka; Itto, Kaori; Arimoto, Hirokazu

2017-04-25

Because of the scanty pipeline of antibiotics newly obtained from nature, chemical modification of established drugs is one of the major streams of current antibacterial research. Intuitive and easy-to-use assays are critical for identifying drug candidates with novel modes of action. In this study, we demonstrated that metabolic fluorescent staining of growing cell walls is a powerful tool for mode-of-action analyses of antibiotics using Streptococcus pyogenes. A set of major cell-wall-inhibiting antibiotics (bacitracin, D-cycloserine, flavomycin, oxacillin, ramoplanin, and vancomycin) was employed to validate the potential of the assay. The mechanistic differences of these antibiotics were successfully observed. For instance, D-cycloserine treatment induced fluorescently stained, excessive peripheral cell wall growth. This may indicate that the switch from the peripheral growth stage to the succeeding septal growth was disturbed by the treatment. We then applied this assay to analyze a series of vancomycin derivatives. The assay was sufficiently sensitive to detect the effects of single-site chemical modification of vancomycin on its modes of action. This metabolic fluorescent labeling method is easy to perform, especially because it does not require radiolabeled substrates. Thus, it is suitable for the preliminary evaluation of antibacterial mechanisms during antibacterial research.