Energy spectrum and kinetics of the fusing particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryutov, D. D.; Putvinski, s. V.; Yushmanov, P. N.; TAE Team

2017-10-01

The fusing particles (e.g., D and T, or p and 11B) contribution to the reaction rate can be found by the integration of the fusion reactivity over the particle distribution functions. The distribution function (e.g., Maxwellian) is depleted in the energy range determined by the highest reactivity and has to be replenished by particle collisions. The kinetics of the replenishment process may affect the rate of fusion energy release. We present a simple analysis of the corresponding kinetic problems for the conditions typical for the standard and advanced-fuel fusion reactions and assess the possible effect on the reaction yield.

California forests: trends, problems, and opportunities.

Treesearch

Charles L. Bolsinger

1980-01-01

The most recent information on forest area in California, volume of timber, ownership of forest resources, and rate of use and replenishment is summarized. An analysis of physical opportunities to increase timber production is presented, along with a discussion of problems relating to timber production. Also included are detailed statistical tables; a brief historical...

Bionanocomposites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Commonly used polymeric materials, many of which are derived from petroleum, pose problems after their intended life-span. The fast-paced consumption of petroleum (roughly 100'000 times faster than nature can replenish) and the general disposal possibilities, incineration and land filling contribute...

Joint Energy Supply and Routing Path Selection for Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Tang, Liangrui; Cai, Jinqi; Yan, Jiangyu; Zhou, Zhenyu

2018-06-17

The topic of network lifetime has been attracting much research attention because of its importance in prolonging the standing operation of battery-restricted wireless sensor networks, and the rechargeable wireless sensor network has emerged as a promising solution. In this paper, we propose a joint energy supply and routing path selection algorithm to extend the network lifetime based on an initiative power supply. We develop a two-stage energy replenishment strategy to supplement the energy consumption of nodes as much as possible. Furthermore, the influence of charging factors on the selection of next-hop nodes in data routing is considered. The simulation results show that our algorithm effectively prolong the network lifetime, and different demands of network delay and energy consumption can be obtained by dynamically adjusting parameters.

Calcium regulates vesicle replenishment at the cone ribbon synapse

PubMed Central

Babai, Norbert; Bartoletti, Theodore M.; Thoreson, Wallace B.

2010-01-01

Cones release glutamate-filled vesicles continuously in darkness and changing illumination modulates this release. Because sustained release in darkness is governed by vesicle replenishment rates, we analyzed how cone membrane potential regulates replenishment. Synaptic release from cones was measured by recording post-synaptic currents in Ambystoma tigrinum horizontal or OFF bipolar cells evoked by depolarization of simultaneously voltage-clamped cones. We measured replenishment after attaining a steady-state between vesicle release and replenishment using trains of test pulses. Increasing Ca2+ currents (ICa) by changing the test step from −30 to −10 mV increased replenishment. Lengthening −30 mV test pulses to match the Ca2+ influx during 25 ms test pulses to −10 mV produced similar replenishment rates. Reducing Ca2+ driving force by using test steps to +30 mV slowed replenishment. Using UV flashes to reverse inhibition of ICa by nifedipine accelerated replenishment. Increasing [Ca2+]i by flash photolysis of caged Ca2+ also accelerated replenishment. Replenishment, but not the initial burst of release, was enhanced by using an intracellular Ca2+ buffer of 0.5 mM EGTA rather than 5 mM EGTA, and diminished by 1 mM BAPTA. This suggests that although release and replenishment and release exhibited similar Ca2+-dependencies, release sites are <200 nm from Ca2+ channels but replenishment sites are >200 nm away. Membrane potential thus regulates replenishment by controlling Ca2+ influx, principally by effects on replenishment mechanisms but also by altering releasable pool size. This in turn provides a mechanism for converting changes in light intensity into changes in sustained release at the cone ribbon synapse. PMID:21106825

Preliminary Experimental Results on the Technique of Artificial River Replenishment to Mitigate Sediment Loss Downstream Dams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franca, M. J.; Battisacco, E.; Schleiss, A. J.

2014-12-01

The transport of sediments by water throughout the river basins, from the steep slopes of the upstream regions to the sea level, is recognizable important to keep the natural conditions of rivers with a role on their ecology processes. Over the last decades, a reduction on the supply of sand and gravel has been observed downstream dams existing in several alpine rivers. Many studies highlight that the presence of a dam strongly modifies the river behavior in the downstream reach, in terms of morphology and hydrodynamics, with consequences on local ecology. Sediment deficit, bed armoring, river incision and bank instability are the main effects which affect negatively the aquatic habitats and the water quality. One of the proposed techniques to solve the problem of sediment deficit downstream dams, already adopted in few Japanese and German rivers although on an unsatisfactory fashion, is the artificial replenishment of these. Generally, it was verified that the erosion of the replenishments was not satisfactory and the transport rate was not enough to move the sediments to sufficient downstream distances. In order to improve and to provide an engineering answer to make this technique more applicable, a series of laboratory tests are ran as preparatory study to understand the hydrodynamics of the river flow when the replenishment technique is applied. Erodible volumes, with different lengths and submergence conditions, reproducing sediment replenishments volumes, are positioned along a channel bank. Different geometrical combinations of erodible sediment volumes are tested as well on the experimental flume. The first results of the experimental research, concerning erosion time evolution, the influence of discharge and the distance travelled by the eroded sediments, will be presented and discussed.

Relay Support for the Mars Science Laboratory and the Coming Decade of Mars Relay Network Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Charles D., Jr.; Arnold, Bradford W.; Bell, David J.; Bruvold, Kristoffer N.; Gladden, Roy E.; Ilott, Peter A.; Lee, Charles H.

2012-01-01

Mars Relay Network is prepared to support MSL: a) ODY/MRO/MEX will all provide critical event comm support during EDL. b) New Electra/Electra-Lite capabilities on the MSL-MRO link will support >250 Mb/sol MSL data return. 2013 MAVEN orbiter will replenish on-orbit relay infrastructure as prior orbiters approach end-of-life. While NASA has withdrawn from the 2016 EMTGO and 2018 Joint Rover missions, analysis of the potential link shows a path to Gbit/sol relay capability 2012.

Photocathode device that replenishes photoemissive coating

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

Moody, Nathan A.; Lizon, David C.

2016-06-14

A photocathode device may replenish its photoemissive coating to replace coating material that desorbs/evaporates during photoemission. A linear actuator system may regulate the release of a replenishment material vapor, such as an alkali metal, from a chamber inside the photocathode device to a porous cathode substrate. The replenishment material deposits on the inner surface of a porous membrane and effuses through the membrane to the outer surface, where it replenishes the photoemissive coating. The rate of replenishment of the photoemissive coating may be adjusted using the linear actuator system to regulate performance of the photocathode device during photoemission. Alternatively, themore » linear actuator system may adjust a plasma discharge gap between a cartridge containing replenishment material and a metal grid. A potential is applied between the cartridge and the grid, resulting in ejection of metal ions from the cartridge that similarly replenish the photoemissive coating.« less

Effects of beach replenishment on intertidal invertebrates: A 15-month, eight beach study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wooldridge, Tyler; Henter, Heather J.; Kohn, Joshua R.

2016-06-01

Beach replenishment is an increasingly popular means to remediate coastal erosion, but no consensus exists regarding how long replenishment affects sandy beach intertidal invertebrates, key components of beach ecosystems. We monitored the intertidal invertebrate community for fifteen months following a replenishment project at eight beaches, each with replenished and control sections, across San Diego County. Nearly all taxa showed major declines in abundance immediately following replenishment. Populations of talitrid amphipods and the bean clam Donax gouldii recovered within one year, sooner than in previous studies. On some beaches, populations of the mole crab Emerita analoga bloomed four months after replenishment and were more numerous on replenished portions of beaches at that time. Mole crab populations subsequently declined and no longer differed by treatment. The polychaete community, composed of Scolelepis sp. and several other numerically important taxa, showed a strong replenishment-induced reduction in abundance that persisted through the end of the study. The large negative effect of replenishment on polychaetes, coupled with their overall importance to the invertebrate community, resulted in a more than twofold reduction in overall invertebrate abundance on replenished beaches at 15 months. Such reductions may have far reaching consequences for sandy beach ecosystems, as community declines can reduce prey availability for shorebirds and fish. As this and other recent studies have revealed longer times for the recovery of intertidal invertebrates than previously observed, longer study periods and more cautious estimates regarding the magnitude, variability, and duration of impacts of beach replenishment for management decision-making are warranted.

32 CFR 707.5 - Underway replenishment contour lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Underway replenishment contour lights. 707.5... RULES WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL STATION AND SIGNAL LIGHTS § 707.5 Underway replenishment contour lights... underway replenishment operations, either red or blue lights at delivery-ship-deck-edge extremities. [42 FR...

32 CFR 707.5 - Underway replenishment contour lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Underway replenishment contour lights. 707.5... RULES WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL STATION AND SIGNAL LIGHTS § 707.5 Underway replenishment contour lights... underway replenishment operations, either red or blue lights at delivery-ship-deck-edge extremities. [42 FR...

32 CFR 707.5 - Underway replenishment contour lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Underway replenishment contour lights. 707.5... RULES WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL STATION AND SIGNAL LIGHTS § 707.5 Underway replenishment contour lights... underway replenishment operations, either red or blue lights at delivery-ship-deck-edge extremities. [42 FR...

32 CFR 707.5 - Underway replenishment contour lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Underway replenishment contour lights. 707.5... RULES WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL STATION AND SIGNAL LIGHTS § 707.5 Underway replenishment contour lights... underway replenishment operations, either red or blue lights at delivery-ship-deck-edge extremities. [42 FR...

32 CFR 707.5 - Underway replenishment contour lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Underway replenishment contour lights. 707.5... RULES WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL STATION AND SIGNAL LIGHTS § 707.5 Underway replenishment contour lights... underway replenishment operations, either red or blue lights at delivery-ship-deck-edge extremities. [42 FR...

Joint Optimization of Distribution Network Design and Two-Echelon Inventory Control with Stochastic Demand and CO2 Emission Tax Charges.

PubMed

Li, Shuangyan; Li, Xialian; Zhang, Dezhi; Zhou, Lingyun

2017-01-01

This study develops an optimization model to integrate facility location and inventory control for a three-level distribution network consisting of a supplier, multiple distribution centers (DCs), and multiple retailers. The integrated model addressed in this study simultaneously determines three types of decisions: (1) facility location (optimal number, location, and size of DCs); (2) allocation (assignment of suppliers to located DCs and retailers to located DCs, and corresponding optimal transport mode choices); and (3) inventory control decisions on order quantities, reorder points, and amount of safety stock at each retailer and opened DC. A mixed-integer programming model is presented, which considers the carbon emission taxes, multiple transport modes, stochastic demand, and replenishment lead time. The goal is to minimize the total cost, which covers the fixed costs of logistics facilities, inventory, transportation, and CO2 emission tax charges. The aforementioned optimal model was solved using commercial software LINGO 11. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the applications of the proposed model. The findings show that carbon emission taxes can significantly affect the supply chain structure, inventory level, and carbon emission reduction levels. The delay rate directly affects the replenishment decision of a retailer.

Stockpile Model of Personal Protective Equipment in Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, Yu-Ju; Chiang, Po-Jung; Cheng, Yu-Hsin; Huang, Chun-Wei; Kao, Hui-Yun; Chang, Chih-Kai; Huang, Hsun-Miao; Liu, Pei-Yin; Wang, Jen-Hsin; Chih, Yi-Chien; Chou, Shu-Mei; Yang, Chin-Hui; Chen, Chang-Hsun

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has established a 3-tier personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiling framework that could maintain a minimum stockpile for the surge demand of PPE in the early stage of a pandemic. However, PPE stockpiling efforts must contend with increasing storage fees and expiration problems. In 2011, the Taiwan CDC initiated a stockpile replacement model in order to optimize the PPE stockpiling efficiency, ensure a minimum stockpile, use the government's limited funds more effectively, and achieve the goal of sustainable management. This stockpile replacement model employs a first-in-first-out principle in which the oldest stock in the central government stockpile is regularly replaced and replenished with the same amount of new and qualified products, ensuring the availability and maintenance of the minimum stockpiles. In addition, a joint electronic procurement platform has been established for merchandising the replaced PPE to local health authorities and medical and other institutions for their routine or epidemic use. In this article, we describe the PPE stockpile model in Taiwan, including the 3-tier stockpiling framework, the operational model, the components of the replacement system, implementation outcomes, epidemic supports, and the challenges and prospects of this model.

Stockpile Model of Personal Protective Equipment in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Chen, Yu-Ju; Cheng, Yu-Hsin; Huang, Chun-Wei; Kao, Hui-Yun; Chang, Chih-Kai; Huang, Hsun-Miao; Liu, Pei-Yin; Wang, Jen-Hsin; Chih, Yi-Chien; Chou, Shu-Mei; Yang, Chin-Hui; Chen, Chang-Hsun

2017-01-01

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has established a 3-tier personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiling framework that could maintain a minimum stockpile for the surge demand of PPE in the early stage of a pandemic. However, PPE stockpiling efforts must contend with increasing storage fees and expiration problems. In 2011, the Taiwan CDC initiated a stockpile replacement model in order to optimize the PPE stockpiling efficiency, ensure a minimum stockpile, use the government's limited funds more effectively, and achieve the goal of sustainable management. This stockpile replacement model employs a first-in-first-out principle in which the oldest stock in the central government stockpile is regularly replaced and replenished with the same amount of new and qualified products, ensuring the availability and maintenance of the minimum stockpiles. In addition, a joint electronic procurement platform has been established for merchandising the replaced PPE to local health authorities and medical and other institutions for their routine or epidemic use. In this article, we describe the PPE stockpile model in Taiwan, including the 3-tier stockpiling framework, the operational model, the components of the replacement system, implementation outcomes, epidemic supports, and the challenges and prospects of this model. PMID:28418743

A simulation based approach to optimize inventory replenishment with RAND algorithm: An extended study of corrected demand using Holt's method for textile industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morshed, Mohammad Sarwar; Kamal, Mostafa Mashnoon; Khan, Somaiya Islam

2016-07-01

Inventory has been a major concern in supply chain and numerous researches have been done lately on inventory control which brought forth a number of methods that efficiently manage inventory and related overheads by reducing cost of replenishment. This research is aimed towards providing a better replenishment policy in case of multi-product, single supplier situations for chemical raw materials of textile industries in Bangladesh. It is assumed that industries currently pursue individual replenishment system. The purpose is to find out the optimum ideal cycle time and individual replenishment cycle time of each product for replenishment that will cause lowest annual holding and ordering cost, and also find the optimum ordering quantity. In this paper indirect grouping strategy has been used. It is suggested that indirect grouping Strategy outperforms direct grouping strategy when major cost is high. An algorithm by Kaspi and Rosenblatt (1991) called RAND is exercised for its simplicity and ease of application. RAND provides an ideal cycle time (T) for replenishment and integer multiplier (ki) for individual items. Thus the replenishment cycle time for each product is found as T×ki. Firstly, based on data, a comparison between currently prevailing (individual) process and RAND is provided that uses the actual demands which presents 49% improvement in total cost of replenishment. Secondly, discrepancies in demand is corrected by using Holt's method. However, demands can only be forecasted one or two months into the future because of the demand pattern of the industry under consideration. Evidently, application of RAND with corrected demand display even greater improvement. The results of this study demonstrates that cost of replenishment can be significantly reduced by applying RAND algorithm and exponential smoothing models.

Building a Zoological Teaching Collection of Invertebrates Using Alcoholic Gel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mugnai, Riccardo; Barbosa, Julio Vianna; Baptista, Darcilio Fernandes

2012-01-01

Teaching collections are of great importance for science instruction at any level. There are several problems linked to the handling and curatorial management of this kind of collection. Among these is the relatively short life-span of specimens, due to the damage from continuous handling by students. Often the specimens used to replenish the…

[The study of medical supplies automation replenishment algorithm in hospital on medical supplies supplying chain].

PubMed

Sheng, Xi

2012-07-01

The thesis aims to study the automation replenishment algorithm in hospital on medical supplies supplying chain. The mathematical model and algorithm of medical supplies automation replenishment are designed through referring to practical data form hospital on the basis of applying inventory theory, greedy algorithm and partition algorithm. The automation replenishment algorithm is proved to realize automatic calculation of the medical supplies distribution amount and optimize medical supplies distribution scheme. A conclusion could be arrived that the model and algorithm of inventory theory, if applied in medical supplies circulation field, could provide theoretical and technological support for realizing medical supplies automation replenishment of hospital on medical supplies supplying chain.

A Technique for Evaluating Vendor Bids for Stock Replenishment of a Consumable Item.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

RD-A159 957 A TECHNIQUE FOR EVALUATING VENDOR BIDS FOR STOCK 1/1 REPLENISHMENT OF A CONSUMABLE I TEM(U) NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA J...REPORT II PER106 COVERED *A Technique for Evaluating Vendor Bids Juner’ 1985 i for Stock Replenishment of a Consumable tern 6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT...Control Center (SPCC) Uniform Inventory Control Program (UICP) wholesale replenishment model for 1H cognizance symbol ( consumable ) material is an order

Effect of geometrical configuration of sediment replenishment on the development of bed form patterns in a gravel bed channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battisacco, Elena; Franca, Mário J.; Schleiss, Anton J.

2016-04-01

Dams interrupt the longitudinal continuity of river reaches since they store water and trap sediment in the upstream reservoir. By the interruption of the sediment continuum, the transport capacity of downstream stretch exceeds the sediment supply, thus the flow becomes "hungry". Sediment replenishment is an increasingly used method for restoring the continuity in rivers and for re-establishing the sediment regime of such disturbed river reaches. This research evaluates the effect of different geometrical configurations of sediment replenishment on the evolution of the bed morphology by systematic laboratory experiments. A typical straight armoured gravel reach is reproduced in a laboratory flume in terms of slope, grain size and cross section. The total amount of replenished sediment is placed in four identical volumes on both channel banks, forming six different geometrical configurations. Both alternated and parallel combinations are studied. Preliminary studies demonstrate that a complete submergence condition of the replenishment deposits is most adequate for obtaining a complete erosion and a high persistence of the replenished material in the channel. The response of the channel bed morphology to replenishment is documented by camera and laser scanners installed on a moveable carriage. The parallel configurations create an initially strong narrowing of the channel section. The transport capacity is thus higher and most of the replenished sediments exit the channel. The parallel configurations result in a more spread distribution of grains but with no clear morphological pattern. Clear bed form patterns can be observed when applying alternated configurations. Furthermore, the wavelength of depositions correspond to the replenishment deposit length. These morphological forms can be assumed as mounds. In order to enhance channel bed morphology on an armoured bed by sediment replenishment, alternated deposit configurations are more favourable and effective. The present study is supported by FOEN (Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland).

Joint Optimization of Distribution Network Design and Two-Echelon Inventory Control with Stochastic Demand and CO2 Emission Tax Charges

PubMed Central

Li, Shuangyan; Li, Xialian; Zhang, Dezhi; Zhou, Lingyun

2017-01-01

This study develops an optimization model to integrate facility location and inventory control for a three-level distribution network consisting of a supplier, multiple distribution centers (DCs), and multiple retailers. The integrated model addressed in this study simultaneously determines three types of decisions: (1) facility location (optimal number, location, and size of DCs); (2) allocation (assignment of suppliers to located DCs and retailers to located DCs, and corresponding optimal transport mode choices); and (3) inventory control decisions on order quantities, reorder points, and amount of safety stock at each retailer and opened DC. A mixed-integer programming model is presented, which considers the carbon emission taxes, multiple transport modes, stochastic demand, and replenishment lead time. The goal is to minimize the total cost, which covers the fixed costs of logistics facilities, inventory, transportation, and CO2 emission tax charges. The aforementioned optimal model was solved using commercial software LINGO 11. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the applications of the proposed model. The findings show that carbon emission taxes can significantly affect the supply chain structure, inventory level, and carbon emission reduction levels. The delay rate directly affects the replenishment decision of a retailer. PMID:28103246

Heat and mass transport during a groundwater replenishment trial in a highly heterogeneous aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seibert, Simone; Prommer, Henning; Siade, Adam; Harris, Brett; Trefry, Mike; Martin, Michael

2014-12-01

Changes in subsurface temperature distribution resulting from the injection of fluids into aquifers may impact physiochemical and microbial processes as well as basin resource management strategies. We have completed a 2 year field trial in a hydrogeologically and geochemically heterogeneous aquifer below Perth, Western Australia in which highly treated wastewater was injected for large-scale groundwater replenishment. During the trial, chloride and temperature data were collected from conventional monitoring wells and by time-lapse temperature logging. We used a joint inversion of these solute tracer and temperature data to parameterize a numerical flow and multispecies transport model and to analyze the solute and heat propagation characteristics that prevailed during the trial. The simulation results illustrate that while solute transport is largely confined to the most permeable lithological units, heat transport was also affected by heat exchange with lithological units that have a much lower hydraulic conductivity. Heat transfer by heat conduction was found to significantly influence the complex temporal and spatial temperature distribution, especially with growing radial distance and in aquifer sequences with a heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity distribution. We attempted to estimate spatially varying thermal transport parameters during the data inversion to illustrate the anticipated correlations of these parameters with lithological heterogeneities, but estimates could not be uniquely determined on the basis of the collected data.

Insight into the risk of replenishing urban landscape ponds with reclaimed wastewater.

PubMed

Chen, Rong; Ao, Dong; Ji, Jiayuan; Wang, Xiaochang C; Li, Yu-You; Huang, Yue; Xue, Tao; Guo, Hongbing; Wang, Nan; Zhang, Lu

2017-02-15

Increasing use of reclaimed wastewater (RW) for replenishing urban landscape ponds has aroused public concern about the water quality. Three ponds replenished with RW in three cities in China were chosen to investigate 22 indexes of water quality in five categories. This was achieved by comparing three pairs of ponds in the three different cities, where one pond in each pair was replenished with RW and the other with surface water (SW). The nutrients condition, heavy metal concentration and ecotoxicity did not differ significantly between RW- and SW-replenished ponds. By contrast, significant differences were observed in algal growth and pathogen risk. RW ponds presented a Cyanophyta-Chlorophyta-Bacillariophyta type with high algal diversity while SW ponds presented a Cyanophyta type with low diversity. Regrowth of bacterial pathogens and especially survival of viral pathogens in RW, was the main driver behind the higher risk for RW ponds compared with SW ones. The duration of RW replenishment was proved to have a marked impact on the algal growth and pathogen risk. With continued RW replenishment, non-dominant algal species subjected to decrease while dominant species were enhanced resulting in the biomass increasing but diversity declining, and the risk posed by viral pathogens might become greater. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Three-Pool Model Dissecting Readily Releasable Pool Replenishment at the Calyx of Held

PubMed Central

Guo, Jun; Ge, Jian-long; Hao, Mei; Sun, Zhi-cheng; Wu, Xin-sheng; Zhu, Jian-bing; Wang, Wei; Yao, Pan-tong; Lin, Wei; Xue, Lei

2015-01-01

Although vesicle replenishment is critical in maintaining exo-endocytosis recycling, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Previous studies have shown that both rapid and slow endocytosis recycle into a very large recycling pool instead of within the readily releasable pool (RRP), and the time course of RRP replenishment is slowed down by more intense stimulation. This finding contradicts the calcium/calmodulin-dependence of RRP replenishment. Here we address this issue and report a three-pool model for RRP replenishment at a central synapse. Both rapid and slow endocytosis provide vesicles to a large reserve pool (RP) ~42.3 times the RRP size. When moving from the RP to the RRP, vesicles entered an intermediate pool (IP) ~2.7 times the RRP size with slow RP-IP kinetics and fast IP-RRP kinetics, which was responsible for the well-established slow and rapid components of RRP replenishment. Depletion of the IP caused the slower RRP replenishment observed after intense stimulation. These results establish, for the first time, a realistic cycling model with all parameters measured, revealing the contribution of each cycling step in synaptic transmission. The results call for modification of the current view of the vesicle recycling steps and their roles. PMID:25825223

Associations between yoga practice and joint problems: a cross-sectional survey among 9151 Australian women.

PubMed

Lauche, Romy; Schumann, Dania; Sibbritt, David; Adams, Jon; Cramer, Holger

2017-07-01

Yoga exercises have been associated with joint problems recently, indicating that yoga practice might be potentially dangerous for joint health. This study aimed to analyse whether regular yoga practice is associated with the frequency of joint problems in upper middle-aged Australian women. Women aged 62-67 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) were questioned in 2013 whether they experienced regular joint pain or problems in the past 12 months and whether they regularly practiced yoga. Associations of joint problems with yoga practice were analysed using Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression modelling. Of 9151 women, 29.8% reported regular problems with stiff or painful joints, and 15.2, 11.9, 18.1 and 15.9% reported regular problems with shoulders, hips, knees and feet, respectively, in the past 12 months. Yoga was practiced sometimes by 10.1% and often by 8.4% of women. Practicing yoga was not associated with upper or lower limb joint problems. No association between yoga practice and joint problems has been identified. Further studies are warranted for conclusive judgement of benefits and safety of yoga in relation to joint problems.

Continuous replenishment of molten semiconductor in a Czochralski-process, single-crystal-growing furnace

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiegl, George (Inventor); Torbet, Walter (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A replenishment crucible is mounted adjacent the usual drawing crucible, from which a monocrystalline boule is drawn according to the Czochralski method. A siphon tube for molten semiconductor transfer extends from the replenishment crucible to the drawing crucible. Each crucible is enclosed within its own hermetic shell and is provided with its own heater. The siphon tube is initially filled with molten semiconductor by raising the inert atmospheric pressure in the shell surrounding the replenishment crucible above that surrounding the drawing crucible. Thereafter, adjustment of the level of molten semiconductor in the drawing crucible may be achieved by adjusting the level in either crucible, since the siphon tube will establish the same level in both crucibles. For continuous processing, solid semiconductor may be added to and melted in the replenishment crucible during the process of drawing crystals from the drawing crucible. A constant liquid level of melted semiconductor is maintained in the system by an optical monitoring device and any of several electromechanical controls of the rate of replenishment or crucible height.

Replenishment policy for an inventory model under inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vikramjeet; Saxena, Seema; Singh, Pushpinder; Mishra, Nitin Kumar

2017-07-01

The purpose of replenishment is to keep the flow of inventory in the system. To determine an optimal replenishment policy is a great challenge in developing an inventory model. Inflation is defined as the rate at which the prices of goods and services are rising over a time period. The cost parameters are affected by the rate of inflation. High rate of inflation affects the organizations financial conditions. Based on the above backdrop the present paper proposes the retailers replenishment policy for deteriorating items with different cycle lengths under inflation. The shortages are partially backlogged. At last numerical examples validate the results.

Application of particle swarm optimisation for solving deteriorating inventory model with fluctuating demand and controllable deterioration rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-Ren; Dye, Chung-Yuan

2013-06-01

In most of the inventory models in the literature, the deterioration rate of goods is viewed as an exogenous variable, which is not subject to control. In the real market, the retailer can reduce the deterioration rate of product by making effective capital investment in storehouse equipments. In this study, we formulate a deteriorating inventory model with time-varying demand by allowing preservation technology cost as a decision variable in conjunction with replacement policy. The objective is to find the optimal replenishment and preservation technology investment strategies while minimising the total cost over the planning horizon. For any given feasible replenishment scheme, we first prove that the optimal preservation technology investment strategy not only exists but is also unique. Then, a particle swarm optimisation is coded and used to solve the nonlinear programming problem by employing the properties derived from this article. Some numerical examples are used to illustrate the features of the proposed model.

Segregation control in vertical Bridgman crystal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Y.; Kou, S.

1996-11-01

To help the crystal grow at a constant dopant concentration in vertical Bridgman crystal growth, the dopant concentration of the growth melt, i.e. the melt from which the crystal grows, was kept constant. To achieve this, three different methods were used to replenish the growth melt at a controlled rate and suppress dopant diffusion between the growth melt and the replenishing melt. In method one, a replenishing crucible having a long melt passageway was immersed in the growth melt. In method two, a replenishing crucible having an independent feed-rate control mechanism was held above the growth melt. In method three, a submerged diffusion baffle was used to form a long melt passageway between the growth melt and the replenishing melt. NaNO 3 was used as a model material for crystal growth. Single crystals were grown by these three methods with effective segregation control. Method two was applied to InSb and single crystals were also grown with effective segregation control.

Establishment of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and other microorganisms on a beach replenishment site in Florida.

PubMed

Sylvia, D M; Will, M E

1988-02-01

Beach replenishment is a widely used method of controlling coastal erosion. To reduce erosional losses from wind, beach grasses are often planted on the replenishment sands. However, there is little information on the microbial populations in this material that may affect plant establishment and growth. The objectives of this research were to document changes in the populations of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and other soil microorganisms in replenishment materials and to determine whether roots of transplanted beach grasses become colonized by beneficial microbes. The study was conducted over a 2-year period on a replenishment project in northeastern Florida. Three sampling locations were established at 1-km intervals along the beach. Each location consisted of three plots: an established dune, replenishment sand planted with Uniola paniculata and Panicum sp., and replenishment sand left unplanted. Fungal and bacterial populations increased rapidly in the rhizosphere of beach grasses in the planted plots. However, no bacteria were recovered that could fix significant amounts of N(2). The VAM fungi established slowly on the transplanted grasses. Even after two growing seasons, levels of root colonization and sporulation were significantly below those found in the established dune. There was a shift in the dominant VAM fungi found in the planted zone with respect to those in the established dunes. The most abundant species recovered from the established dunes were Glomus deserticola, followed by Acaulospora scrobiculata and Scutellospora weresubiae. The VAM fungi that colonized the planted zone most rapidly were Glomus globiferum, followed by G. deserticola and Glomus aggregatum.

An Analysis of Causes of Contract Price Change for Competitive Procurements of Replenishment Spare Parts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

Research Study Number Three. In 1982, Mr. Edward Brost , then a graduate student at AFIT, completed a thesis which further analyzed the effects of sole...task, Brost formulated three research questions. They are as follows: 1. Is there a reduction in replenishment spare parts prices when competition is...analysis, Brost made three significant conclusions. They are: 1. The introduction of competition into the replenishment spare parts acquisition process

Genetic Connectivity among and Self-Replenishment within Island Populations of a Restricted Range Subtropical Reef Fish

PubMed Central

van der Meer, Martin H.; Hobbs, Jean-Paul A.; Jones, Geoffrey P.; van Herwerden, Lynne

2012-01-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly being advocated and implemented to protect biodiversity on coral reefs. Networks of appropriately sized and spaced reserves can capture a high proportion of species diversity, with gene flow among reserves presumed to promote long term resilience of populations to spatially variable threats. However, numerically rare small range species distributed among isolated locations appear to be at particular risk of extinction and the likely benefits of MPA networks are uncertain. Here we use mitochondrial and microsatellite data to infer evolutionary and contemporary gene flow among isolated locations as well as levels of self-replenishment within locations of the endemic anemonefish Amphiprion mccullochi, restricted to three MPA offshore reefs in subtropical East Australia. We infer high levels of gene flow and genetic diversity among locations over evolutionary time, but limited contemporary gene flow amongst locations and high levels of self-replenishment (68 to 84%) within locations over contemporary time. While long distance dispersal explained the species’ integrity in the past, high levels of self-replenishment suggest locations are predominantly maintained by local replenishment. Should local extinction occur, contemporary rescue effects through large scale connectivity are unlikely. For isolated islands with large numbers of endemic species, and high local replenishment, there is a high premium on local species-specific management actions. PMID:23185398

Suboptimal and optimal order policies for fixed and varying replenishment interval with declining market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jonas C. P.; Wee, H. M.; Yang, P. C.; Wu, Simon

2016-06-01

One of the supply chain risks for hi-tech products is the result of rapid technological innovation; it results in a significant decline in the selling price and demand after the initial launch period. Hi-tech products include computers and communication consumer's products. From a practical standpoint, a more realistic replenishment policy is needed to consider the impact of risks; especially when some portions of shortages are lost. In this paper, suboptimal and optimal order policies with partial backordering are developed for a buyer when the component cost, the selling price, and the demand rate decline at a continuous rate. Two mathematical models are derived and discussed: one model has the suboptimal solution with the fixed replenishment interval and a simpler computational process; the other one has the optimal solution with the varying replenishment interval and a more complicated computational process. The second model results in more profit. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the two replenishment models. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the relationship between the parameters and the net profit.

A genetic algorithm for dynamic inbound ordering and outbound dispatching problem with delivery time windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Byung Soo; Lee, Woon-Seek; Koh, Shiegheun

2012-07-01

This article considers an inbound ordering and outbound dispatching problem for a single product in a third-party warehouse, where the demands are dynamic over a discrete and finite time horizon, and moreover, each demand has a time window in which it must be satisfied. Replenishing orders are shipped in containers and the freight cost is proportional to the number of containers used. The problem is classified into two cases, i.e. non-split demand case and split demand case, and a mathematical model for each case is presented. An in-depth analysis of the models shows that they are very complicated and difficult to find optimal solutions as the problem size becomes large. Therefore, genetic algorithm (GA) based heuristic approaches are designed to solve the problems in a reasonable time. To validate and evaluate the algorithms, finally, some computational experiments are conducted.

Self-Replenishable Anti-Waxing Organogel Materials.

PubMed

Yao, Xi; Wu, Shuwang; Chen, Lie; Ju, Jie; Gu, Zhandong; Liu, Mingjie; Wang, Jianjun; Jiang, Lei

2015-07-27

Solid deposition, such as the formation of ice on outdoor facilities, the deposition of scale in water reservoirs, the sedimentation of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) in sewer systems, and the precipitation of wax in petroleum pipelines, cause a serious waste of resources and irreversible environmental pollution. Inspired by fish and pitcher plants, we present a self-replenishable organogel material which shows ultra-low adhesion to solidified paraffin wax and crude oil by absorption of low-molar-mass oil from its crude-oil environment. Adhesion of wax on the organogel surface was over 500 times lower than adhesion to conventional material surfaces and the wax was found to slide off under the force of gravity. This design concept of a gel with decreased adhesion to wax and oil can be extended to deal with other solid deposition problems. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.

41 CFR 101-27.102-2 - Guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Replenishment § 101-27.102-2 Guidelines. Guidelines for implementing the EOQ principle of stock replenishment are in the GSA Handbook, The Economic Order Quantity Principle and Applications, issued by the Federal...

On the risks from sediment and overlying water by replenishing urban landscape ponds with reclaimed wastewater.

PubMed

Ao, Dong; Chen, Rong; Wang, Xiaochang C; Liu, Yanzheng; Dzakpasu, Mawuli; Zhang, Lu; Huang, Yue; Xue, Tao; Wang, Nan

2018-05-01

The extensive use of reclaimed wastewater (RW) as a source of urban landscape pond replenishment, stimulated by the lack of surface water (SW) resources, has raised public concern. Greater attention should be paid to pond sediments, which act as 'sinks' and 'sources' of contaminants to the overlying pond water. Three ponds replenished with RW (RW ponds) in three Chinese cities were chosen to investigate 22 indices of sediment quality in four categories: eutrophication, heavy metal, ecotoxicity and pathogens risk. RW ponds were compared with other ponds of similar characteristics in the same cities that were replenished with SW (SW ponds). Our results show a strong impact of RW to the eutrophication and pathogenic risks, which are represented by organic matter, water content, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and phosphorus fractions, and pathogens. In particular, total phosphorus concentrations in the RW pond sediments were, on average, 50% higher than those of SW ponds. Moreover, the content of phosphorus, extracted by bicarbonate/dithionite (normally represented by BD-P) and NaOH (NaOH-P), were 2.0- and 2.83-times higher in RW ponds, respectively. For pathogens, the concentrations of norovirus and rotavirus in RW pond sediments were, on average, 0.52 and 0.30- log times those of SW ponds. The duration of RW replenishment was proved to have a marked impact on the eutrophication and pathogens risks from sediments. The continued use of RW for replenishment increases the eutrophication risk, and the pathogens risk, especially by viral pathogens, becomes greater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Quantitative Study of Vertical Replenishment and its Contribution to Momentum Recovery for a Large Offshore Windfarm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, T.; Baidya Roy, S.; Miller, L.

2017-12-01

With rapid increase in the installed wind capacity around the globe, it is important and interesting to understand the processes involved in wind farm-atmospheric boundary layer interactions. A wind turbine extracts energy from the mean flow and converts it into electrical energy, thereby reducing the mean kinetic energy available. The corresponding reduction in momentum triggers vertical mixing that transports high-momentum air from aloft to the wind turbine layer thereby replenishing the lost momentum, at least partially. This study investigates the phenomenon of vertical replenishment and quantifies its contribution in the momentum recovery as a function of various factors including installed capacity (MW/km2), depth of the wind farm (km) and climatology of the area. Numerical experiments are conducted using the WRF mesoscale model to simulate wind turbine-boundary layer interactions in a hypothetical large off-shore wind farm located deep in the Arabian Sea off the western coast of India. WRF is equipped with a wind turbine parameterization and is capable of simulating both the momentum reduction and vertical replenishment phenomena. It is found that the downward turbulent flux is able to replenish about 66% of momentum lost because of wind turbines. Additionally, the feedback leads to an average increase of 1.5% in generated power capacity in the wind farm. These results indicate that when the momentum deficit occurs, the vertical replenishment in form of turbulent flux tries to dampen the momentum loss, hence, acting as a negative feedback in the wind farm.

Oil fuel delivery optimization for multi product and multi depot: the case of petrol station replenishment problem (PSRP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surjandari, Isti; Rachman, Amar; Dianawati, Fauzia; Wibowo, R. Pramono

2011-10-01

With the Oil and Gas Law No. 22 of 2001, national and foreign private enterprises can invest in all sectors of Oil and Gas in Indonesia. In anticipation of this free competition, Pertamina, as a state-owned enterprises, which previously had monopolized the oil and gas business activities in Indonesia, should be able to improve services as well as the efficiency in order to compete in the free market, especially in terms of cost efficiency of fuel distribution to gas station (SPBU). To optimize the distribution activity, it is necessary to design a scheduling system and its fuel delivery routes daily to every SPBU. The determination of routes and scheduling delivery of fuel to the SPBU can be modeled as a Petrol Station Replenishment Problem (PSRP) with the multi-depot, multi-product, time windows and split deliveries, which in this study will be completed by the Tabu Search algorithm (TS). This study was conducted in the area of Bandung, the capital of West Java province, which is a big city and the neighboring city of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. By using the fuel delivery data for one day, the results showed a decrease of 16.38% of the distance of the route compared to the current conditions, which impacted on the reduction of distribution costs and decrease the number of total trips by 5.22% and 3.83%.

Depositional features and stratigraphic sections in granitic plutons: implications for the emplacement and crystallization of granitic magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiebe, R. A.; Collins, W. J.

1998-09-01

Many granitic plutons contain sheet-like masses of dioritic to gabbroic rocks or swarms of mafic to intermediate enclaves which represent the input of higher temperature, more mafic magma during crystallization of the granitic plutons. Small-scale structures associated with these bodies (e.g. load-cast and compaction features, silicic pipes extending from granitic layers into adjacent gabbroic sheets) indicate that the sheets and enclave swarms were deposited on a floor of the magma chamber (on granitic crystal mush and beneath crystal-poor magma) while the mafic magma was incompletely crystallized. These structures indicate 'way up', typically toward the interior of the intrusions, and appear to indicate that packages of mafic sheets and enclave concentrations in these plutons are a record of sequential deposition. Hence, these plutons preserve a stratigraphic history of events involved in the construction (filling, replenishment) and crystallization of the magma chamber. The distinctive features of these depositional portions of plutons allow them to be distinguished from sheeted intrusions, which usually preserve mutual intrusive contacts and 'dike-sill' relations of different magma types. The considerable thickness of material that can be interpreted as depositional, and the evidence for replenishment, suggest that magma chamber volumes at any one time were probably much less than the final size of the pluton. Thus, magma chambers may be constructed much more slowly than presently envisaged. The present steep attitudes of these structures in many plutons may have developed gradually as the floor of the chamber (along with the underlying solidified granite and country rock) sank during continuing episodes of magma chamber replenishment. These internal magmatic structures support recent suggestions that the room problem for granites could be largely accommodated by downward movement of country rock beneath the magma chamber.

Fast super-resolution estimation of DOA and DOD in bistatic MIMO Radar with off-grid targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dong; Zhang, Yongshun; Zheng, Guimei; Feng, Cunqian; Tang, Jun

2018-05-01

In this paper, we focus on the problem of joint DOA and DOD estimation in Bistatic MIMO Radar using sparse reconstruction method. In traditional ways, we usually convert the 2D parameter estimation problem into 1D parameter estimation problem by Kronecker product which will enlarge the scale of the parameter estimation problem and bring more computational burden. Furthermore, it requires that the targets must fall on the predefined grids. In this paper, a 2D-off-grid model is built which can solve the grid mismatch problem of 2D parameters estimation. Then in order to solve the joint 2D sparse reconstruction problem directly and efficiently, three kinds of fast joint sparse matrix reconstruction methods are proposed which are Joint-2D-OMP algorithm, Joint-2D-SL0 algorithm and Joint-2D-SOONE algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that our methods not only can improve the 2D parameter estimation accuracy but also reduce the computational complexity compared with the traditional Kronecker Compressed Sensing method.

Flood replenishment: a new method of processor control.

PubMed

Frank, E D; Gray, J E; Wilken, D A

1980-01-01

In mechanized radiographic film processors that process medium to low volumes of film, roll films, and those that process single-emulsion films from nuclear medicine scans, computed tomography, and ultrasound, it is difficult to maintain the developer solution at a stable processing level. We describe our experience using flood replenishment, which is a method in which developer replenisher containing starter solution is introduced in the processor at timed intervals, independent of the number of films being processed. By this process, a stable level of developer activity is maintained in a processor used to develop a medium to low volume of single-emulsion film.

[Investigation on chromatogram-pharmacodynamics relationship of Angelica sinensis on effect of replenishing blood].

PubMed

Yang, Ying-Lai; Cui, Fang; Hu, Fang; Guo, Long; Yang, Tao; Li, Ying-Dong; Feng, Shi-Lan

2013-11-01

Blood deficiency model of mice was copied by subcutaneous injection with 200, 100 and 100 mg x kg(-1) (0.01 mL x g(-1)) acetyl phenylhydrazine (APH) at the frist, fourth, and seventh days. Mice in each group were perfused with different extracted parts of Angelica sinensis (drug dosage was 2.4 g x kg(-1)) at the tenth day, once a day for 10 days. Then compare the influence of different extracted parts of Angelica sinensis to RBC, Hb, PLT and thymus, spleen and weight changes of blood deficiency mice. The peak areas of each common peak from HPLC fingerprint were associated with the date of replenishing blood pharmacodynamics efficacy by using gray relation statistic, which was used to research the chromatogram-pharmacodynamics relationship. The results showed that the part of DSC has the better effect in replenishing blood. The contribution degree of the DSC to replenishing blood of each component were determined by correlation size, and ferulic acid made the largest contribution, but contribution of other components should not be ignored. In this paper, we research the relationship of the HPLC fingerprint and spectrum activity relationship, determine the material basis of the DSC for replenishing blood, and provide effective way to represent the spectral correlation effect.

Spatial structure and nutrients promote invasion of IncP-1 plasmids in bacterial populations

PubMed Central

Fox, Randal E; Zhong, Xue; Krone, Stephen M; Top, Eva M

2008-01-01

In spite of the importance of plasmids in bacterial adaptation, we have a poor understanding of their dynamics. It is not known if or how plasmids persist in and spread through (invade) a bacterial population when there is no selection for plasmid-encoded traits. Moreover, the differences in dynamics between spatially structured and mixed populations are poorly understood. Through a joint experimental/theoretical approach, we tested the hypothesis that self-transmissible IncP-1 plasmids can invade a bacterial population in the absence of selection when initially very rare, but only in spatially structured habitats and when nutrients are regularly replenished. Using protocols that differed in the degree of spatial structure and nutrient levels, the invasiveness of plasmid pB10 in Escherichia coli was monitored during at least 15 days, with an initial fraction of plasmid-bearing (p+) cells as low as 10−7. To further explore the mechanisms underlying plasmid dynamics, we developed a spatially explicit mathematical model. When cells were grown on filters and transferred to fresh medium daily, the p+ fraction increased to 13%, whereas almost complete invasion occurred when the population structure was disturbed daily. The plasmid was unable to invade in liquid. When carbon source levels were lower or not replenished, plasmid invasion was hampered. Simulations of the mathematical model closely matched the experimental results and produced estimates of the effects of alternative experimental parameters. This allowed us to isolate the likely mechanisms most responsible for the observations. In conclusion, spatial structure and nutrient availability can be key determinants in the invasiveness of plasmids. PMID:18528415

Attrition analysed in five waves of a longitudinal yearly survey of smokers: findings from the ITC Netherlands survey.

PubMed

Zethof, Dennis; Nagelhout, Gera E; de Rooij, Mark; Driezen, Pete; Fong, Geoffrey T; van den Putte, Bas; Hummel, Karin; de Vries, Hein; Thompson, Mary E; Willemsen, Marc C

2016-08-01

Attrition bias can affect the external validity of findings. This article analyses attrition bias and assesses the effectiveness of replenishment samples on demographic and smoking-related characteristics for the International Tobacco Control Netherlands Survey, a longitudinal survey among smokers. Attrition analyses were conducted for the first five survey waves (2008-12). We assessed, including and excluding replenishment samples, whether the demographic composition of the samples changed between the first and fifth waves. Replenishment samples were tailored to ensure the sample remained representative of the smoking population. We also constructed a multivariable survival model of attrition that included all five waves with replenishment samples. Of the original 1820 respondents recruited in 2008, 46% participated again in 2012. Demographic differences between waves due to attrition were generally small and replenishment samples tended to minimize them further. The multivariable survival analysis revealed that only two of the 10 variables analysed were significant predictors of attrition: a weak effect for gender (men dropped out more often) and weak to moderate effects for age (respondents aged 15-24 years dropped out more than aged 25-39 years, who dropped out more than those aged 40+ years). Weak to moderate attrition effects were found for men and younger age groups. This information could be used to minimize respondent attrition. Our findings suggest that sampling weights and tailored replenishment samples can effectively compensate for attrition effects. This is already being done for the International Tobacco Control Netherlands Survey, including the categories that significantly predicted attrition in this study. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Nectar replenishment maintains the neutral effects of nectar robbing on female reproductive success of Salvia przewalskii (Lamiaceae), a plant pollinated and robbed by bumble bees

PubMed Central

Ye, Zhong-Ming; Jin, Xiao-Fang; Inouye, David W.

2017-01-01

Background and Aims It has been suggested that the dynamics of nectar replenishment could differ for flowers after being nectar robbed or visited legitimately, but further experimental work is needed to investigate this hypothesis. This study aimed to assess the role of nectar replenishment in mediating the effects of nectar robbing on pollinator behaviour and plant reproduction. Methods Plant–robber–pollinator interactions in an alpine plant, Salvia przewalskii, were studied. It is pollinated by long-tongued Bombus religiosus and short-tongued B. friseanus, but robbed by B. friseanus. Nectar production rates for flowers after they were either robbed or legitimately visited were compared, and three levels of nectar robbing were created to detect the effects of nectar robbing on pollinator behaviour and plant reproduction. Key Results Nectar replenishment did not differ between flowers that had been robbed or legitimately visited. Neither fruit set nor seed set was significantly affected by nectar robbing. In addition, nectar robbing did not significantly affect visitation rate, flowers visited within a plant per foraging bout, or flower handling time of the legitimate pollinators. However, a tendency for a decrease in relative abundance of the pollinator B. religiosus with an increase of nectar robbing was found. Conclusions Nectar robbing did not affect female reproductive success because nectar replenishment ensures that pollinators maintain their visiting activity to nectar-robbed flowers. Nectar replenishment might be a defence mechanism against nectar robbing to enhance reproductive fitness by maintaining attractiveness to pollinators. Further studies are needed to reveal the potential for interference competition among bumble bees foraging as robbers and legitimate visitors, and to investigate variation of nectar robbing in communities with different bumble bee species composition. PMID:28158409

Calmodulin enhances ribbon replenishment and shapes filtering of synaptic transmission by cone photoreceptors

PubMed Central

Parmelee, Caitlyn M.; Chen, Minghui; Cork, Karlene M.; Curto, Carina; Thoreson, Wallace B.

2014-01-01

At the first synapse in the vertebrate visual pathway, light-evoked changes in photoreceptor membrane potential alter the rate of glutamate release onto second-order retinal neurons. This process depends on the synaptic ribbon, a specialized structure found at various sensory synapses, to provide a supply of primed vesicles for release. Calcium (Ca2+) accelerates the replenishment of vesicles at cone ribbon synapses, but the mechanisms underlying this acceleration and its functional implications for vision are unknown. We studied vesicle replenishment using paired whole-cell recordings of cones and postsynaptic neurons in tiger salamander retinas and found that it involves two kinetic mechanisms, the faster of which was diminished by calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors. We developed an analytical model that can be applied to both conventional and ribbon synapses and showed that vesicle resupply is limited by a simple time constant, τ = 1/(Dρδs), where D is the vesicle diffusion coefficient, δ is the vesicle diameter, ρ is the vesicle density, and s is the probability of vesicle attachment. The combination of electrophysiological measurements, modeling, and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of single synaptic vesicles suggested that CaM speeds replenishment by enhancing vesicle attachment to the ribbon. Using electroretinogram and whole-cell recordings of light responses, we found that enhanced replenishment improves the ability of cone synapses to signal darkness after brief flashes of light and enhances the amplitude of responses to higher-frequency stimuli. By accelerating the resupply of vesicles to the ribbon, CaM extends the temporal range of synaptic transmission, allowing cones to transmit higher-frequency visual information to downstream neurons. Thus, the ability of the visual system to encode time-varying stimuli is shaped by the dynamics of vesicle replenishment at photoreceptor synaptic ribbons. PMID:25311636

Prevention of upper aerodigestive tract cancer in zinc-deficient rodents: Inefficacy of genetic or pharmacological disruption of COX-2

PubMed Central

Fong, Louise Y.Y.; Jiang, Yubao; Riley, Maurisa; Liu, Xianglan; Smalley, Karl J.; Guttridge, Denis C.; Farber, John L.

2009-01-01

Zinc deficiency in humans is associated with an increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer. In rodents, zinc deficiency predisposes to carcinogenesis by causing proliferation and alterations in gene expression. We examined whether in zinc-deficient rodents, targeted disruption of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway by the COX-2 selective inhibitor celecoxib or by genetic deletion prevent UADT carcinogenesis. Tongue cancer prevention studies were conducted in zinc-deficient rats previously exposed to a tongue carcinogen by celecoxib treatment with or without zinc replenishment, or by zinc replenishment alone. The ability of genetic COX-2 deletion to protect against chemically-induced for-estomach tumorigenesis was examined in mice on zinc-deficient versus zinc-sufficient diet. The expression of 3 predictive bio-markers COX-2, nuclear factor (NF)-κ B p65 and leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) was examined by immunohistochemistry. In zinc-deficient rats, celecoxib without zinc replenishment reduced lingual tumor multiplicity but not progression to malignancy. Celecoxib with zinc replenishment or zinc replenishment alone significantly lowered lingual squamous cell carcinoma incidence, as well as tumor multiplicity. Celecoxib alone reduced overexpression of the 3 biomarkers in tumors slightly, compared with intervention with zinc replenishment. Instead of being protected, zinc-deficient COX-2 null mice developed significantly greater tumor multiplicity and forestomach carcinoma incidence than wild-type controls. Additionally, zinc-deficient COX-2−/− forestomachs displayed strong LTA4H immunostaining, indicating activation of an alter-native pathway under zinc deficiency when the COX-2 pathway is blocked. Thus, targeting only the COX-2 pathway in zinc-deficient animals did not prevent UADT carcinogenesis. Our data suggest zinc supplementation should be more thoroughly explored in human prevention clinical trials for UADT cancer. PMID:17985342

Assessment of the performance of numerical modeling in reproducing a replenishment of sediments in a water-worked channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juez, C.; Battisacco, E.; Schleiss, A. J.; Franca, M. J.

2016-06-01

The artificial replenishment of sediment is used as a method to re-establish sediment continuity downstream of a dam. However, the impact of this technique on the hydraulics conditions, and resulting bed morphology, is yet to be understood. Several numerical tools have been developed during last years for modeling sediment transport and morphology evolution which can be used for this application. These models range from 1D to 3D approaches: the first being over simplistic for the simulation of such a complex geometry; the latter requires often a prohibitive computational effort. However, 2D models are computationally efficient and in these cases may already provide sufficiently accurate predictions of the morphology evolution caused by the sediment replenishment in a river. Here, the 2D shallow water equations in combination with the Exner equation are solved by means of a weak-coupled strategy. The classical friction approach considered for reproducing the bed channel roughness has been modified to take into account the morphological effect of replenishment which provokes a channel bed fining. Computational outcomes are compared with four sets of experimental data obtained from several replenishment configurations studied in the laboratory. The experiments differ in terms of placement volume and configuration. A set of analysis parameters is proposed for the experimental-numerical comparison, with particular attention to the spreading, covered surface and travel distance of placed replenishment grains. The numerical tool is reliable in reproducing the overall tendency shown by the experimental data. The effect of fining roughness is better reproduced with the approach herein proposed. However, it is also highlighted that the sediment clusters found in the experiment are not well numerically reproduced in the regions of the channel with a limited number of sediment grains.

Low cost solar array project. Task 1: Silicon material, gaseous melt replenishment system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jewett, D. N.; Bates, H. E.; Hill, D. M.

1979-01-01

A system to combine silicon formation, by hydrogen reduction of trichlorosilane, with the capability to replenish a crystal growth system is described. A variety of process parameters to allow sizing and specification of gas handling system components was estimated.

Studies with the USF/NASA toxicity screening test method - Exercise wheels and oxygen replenishment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilado, C. J.; Cumming, H. J.

1977-01-01

Continuing efforts to improve the University of San Francisco/NASA toxicity screening test method have included the addition of exercise wheels to provide a different measure of incapacitation, and oxygen replenishment to offset any effect of oxygen depletion by the test animals. The addition of exercise wheels limited the number of animals in each test and doubled the required number of tests without any significant improvement in reproducibility. Oxygen replenishment appears to have an effect on survival in the last 5 minutes of the 30-minute test, but the effect is expected to be similar for most materials.

Cooperative Adaptive Output Regulation for Second-Order Nonlinear Multiagent Systems With Jointly Connected Switching Networks.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Huang, Jie

2018-03-01

This paper studies the cooperative global robust output regulation problem for a class of heterogeneous second-order nonlinear uncertain multiagent systems with jointly connected switching networks. The main contributions consist of the following three aspects. First, we generalize the result of the adaptive distributed observer from undirected jointly connected switching networks to directed jointly connected switching networks. Second, by performing a new coordinate and input transformation, we convert our problem into the cooperative global robust stabilization problem of a more complex augmented system via the distributed internal model principle. Third, we solve the stabilization problem by a distributed state feedback control law. Our result is illustrated by the leader-following consensus problem for a group of Van der Pol oscillators.

A System for Managing Replenishment of a Nutrient Solution Using an Electrical Conductivity Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D.; Dogan, N.; Aglan, H.; Mortley, D.; Loretan, P.

1998-01-01

Control of nutrient solution parameters is very important for the growth and development of plants grown hydroponically. Protocols involving different nutrient solution replenishment times (e.g. one-week, two-week, or two-day replenishment) provide manual periodic control of the nutrient solution's electrical conductivity (EC). Since plants take-up nutrients as they grow, manual control has a drawback in that EC is not held constant between replenishments. In an effort to correct this problem the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space at Tuskegee University has developed a system for managing and controlling levels of EC over a plant's entire growing cycle. A prototype system is being tested on sweetpotato production using the nutrient film technique (NFT), and it is being compared to a system in which sweetpotatoes are grown using NFT with manual control. NASA has played an important role in the development of environmental control systems. They have become a forerunner in growing plants hydroponically with some control systems through the use of networked data acquisition and control using environmental growth chambers. Data acquisition systems which involve the use of real-time, calibration, set points, user panel, and graphical representation programming provide a good method of controlling nutrient solution parameters such as EC and pH [Bledsoe, 19931]. In NASA's Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) at Kennedy Space Center, control is provided by a programmable logic controller (PLC). This is an industrial controller which combines ladder computer logic which has the ability to handle various levels of electrical power. The controller controls temperature, light and other parameters that affect the plant's environment, in the BPC, the Nutrient Delivery System (NIX), a sub-system of the PLC, controls nutrient solution parameters such as EC, pH, and solution levels. When the nutrient EC measurement goes outside a preset range (120-130 mS/m) a set amount of a stock solution of nutrients is automatically added by a metering pump to bring the EC back into operating range [Fortson, 1992]. This paper describes a system developed at Tuskegee University for controlling the EC of a nutrient solution used for growing sweetpotatoes with an EC controller and a computer with LabView data acquisition and instrumentation software. It also describes the preliminary data obtained from the growth of sweetpotatoes using this prototype control system.

48 CFR 217.7505 - Limitations on price increases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Limitations on price... Acquisition of Replenishment Parts 217.7505 Limitations on price increases. This section provides implementing... award, on a sole source basis, a contract for any centrally managed replenishment part when the price of...

Process Redesign of the Norwegian Navy Materiel Command’s Replenishment of Inventory Items

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-12-01

procurement offices into one. The second proposal is to introduce, and use electronic commerce in the replenishment process. It is concluded that both...redesign proposals will reduce administrative lead-time, variability and hence cost. Benefits from an introduction of electronic commerce will yield a yearly

The Rapid Rise in the Cost of Replenishment Spare Parts: Are We Making Progress?

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

Replenishment Spare Parts, Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, 1984. 2. Brost , Edward J. A...and P. George Benson. Statistics for Business and Economics (Second Edition). San Francisco: Dellen Publishing Company, 1982. 14. Office of Federal

An Investigation of Joint Service Acquisition Logistics Issues/Problems and Automated Joint Program Support.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

Management Information System (ALMIS) to address them. Literature was surveyed and problems were summarized and developed into a questionnaire. Structured interviews were then conducted with over 100 different Air Force and civilian upper and middle JSAP managers. Many general and specific problems and issues were identified and validated using statistical and qualitative methods. General use of ALMIS to address certain joint service problem areas was confirmed. Potential use and desirable capabilities for ALMIS were also determined. Recommendations for ALMIS

[Metabolic flux analysis of L-serine synthesis by Corynebacterium glutamicum SYPS-062].

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaomei; Dou, Wenfang; Xu, Hongyu; Xu, Zhenghong

2010-10-01

Corynebacterium glutamicum SYPS-062 was an L-serine producing strain stored at our lab and could produce L-serine directly from sugar. We studied the effects of cofactors in one carbon unit metabolism-folate and VB12 on the cell growth, sucrose consumption and L-serine production by SYPS-062. In the same time, the metabolic flux distribution was determined in different conditions. The supplementation of folate or VB12 enhanced the cell growth, energy synthesis, and finally increased the flux of pentose phosphate pathway (HMP), whereas the carbon flux to L-serine was decreased. The addition of VB12 not only increased the ratio of L-serine synthesis pathway on G3P joint, but also caused the insufficiency of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) flux, which needed more anaplerotic reaction flux to replenish TCA cycle, that was an important limiting factor for the further increasing of the L-serine productivity.

78 FR 51098 - Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... in the Committee's proposed budget and replenish its reserve. The proposed assessment rate would... to fund a proposed increase in administrative costs and to replenish the reserve. The increased... fee; $1,200 for Committee travel; $1,000 for the annual audit; and $670 for office supplies, insurance...

7 CFR 97.104 - Application or certificate abandoned.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... Failure to replenish viable basic seed within 3 months from the date of request shall result in the... specified in the notice of allowance is not paid within 1 month from the date of the notice, the application... basic seed sample of the variety and shall pay the handling fee for replenishment. Upon request, the...

7 CFR 97.104 - Application or certificate abandoned.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... Failure to replenish viable basic seed within 3 months from the date of request shall result in the... specified in the notice of allowance is not paid within 1 month from the date of the notice, the application... basic seed sample of the variety and shall pay the handling fee for replenishment. Upon request, the...

7 CFR 97.104 - Application or certificate abandoned.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... Failure to replenish viable basic seed within 3 months from the date of request shall result in the... specified in the notice of allowance is not paid within 1 month from the date of the notice, the application... basic seed sample of the variety and shall pay the handling fee for replenishment. Upon request, the...

7 CFR 97.104 - Application or certificate abandoned.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... Failure to replenish viable basic seed within 3 months from the date of request shall result in the... specified in the notice of allowance is not paid within 1 month from the date of the notice, the application... basic seed sample of the variety and shall pay the handling fee for replenishment. Upon request, the...

Nectar replenishment maintains the neutral effects of nectar robbing on female reproductive success of Salvia przewalskii (Lamiaceae), a plant pollinated and robbed by bumble bees.

PubMed

Ye, Zhong-Ming; Jin, Xiao-Fang; Wang, Qing-Feng; Yang, Chun-Feng; Inouye, David W

2017-04-01

It has been suggested that the dynamics of nectar replenishment could differ for flowers after being nectar robbed or visited legitimately, but further experimental work is needed to investigate this hypothesis. This study aimed to assess the role of nectar replenishment in mediating the effects of nectar robbing on pollinator behaviour and plant reproduction. Plant-robber-pollinator interactions in an alpine plant, Salvia przewalskii , were studied. It is pollinated by long-tongued Bombus religiosus and short-tongued B. friseanus , but robbed by B. friseanus . Nectar production rates for flowers after they were either robbed or legitimately visited were compared, and three levels of nectar robbing were created to detect the effects of nectar robbing on pollinator behaviour and plant reproduction. Nectar replenishment did not differ between flowers that had been robbed or legitimately visited. Neither fruit set nor seed set was significantly affected by nectar robbing. In addition, nectar robbing did not significantly affect visitation rate, flowers visited within a plant per foraging bout, or flower handling time of the legitimate pollinators. However, a tendency for a decrease in relative abundance of the pollinator B. religiosus with an increase of nectar robbing was found. Nectar robbing did not affect female reproductive success because nectar replenishment ensures that pollinators maintain their visiting activity to nectar-robbed flowers. Nectar replenishment might be a defence mechanism against nectar robbing to enhance reproductive fitness by maintaining attractiveness to pollinators. Further studies are needed to reveal the potential for interference competition among bumble bees foraging as robbers and legitimate visitors, and to investigate variation of nectar robbing in communities with different bumble bee species composition. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Zinc Replenishment Reverses Overexpression of the Proinflammatory Mediator S100A8 and Esophageal Preneoplasia in the Rat

PubMed Central

Taccioli, Cristian; Wan, Shao-Gui; Liu, Chang-Gong; Alder, Hansjuerg; Volinia, Stefano; Farber, John L.; Croce, Carlo M.

2009-01-01

Background & Aims Zinc-deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of human esophageal cancer. In the rat esophagus, it induces cell proliferation, modulates genetic expression, and enhances carcinogenesis. Zinc-replenishment reverses proliferation and inhibits carcinogenesis. The zinc-deficient rat model allows the identification of biological differences affected by zinc during early esophageal carcinogenesis. Methods We evaluated gene expression profiles of esophageal epithelia from zinc-deficient and replenished rats versus sufficient rats using Affymetrix Rat Genome GeneChip. We characterized the role of the top-upregulated gene S100A8 in esophageal hyperplasia/reversal and in chemically-induced esophageal carcinogenesis in zinc-modulated animals by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The hyperplastic deficient esophagus has a distinct expression signature with the proinflammation-gene S100A8 and S100A9 upregulated 57- and 5-fold. “Response to external stimulus” comprising S100A8 was the only significantly overrepresented biological pathway among the upregulated genes. Zinc-replenishment rapidly restored to control levels the expression of S100A8/A9 and 27 other genes and reversed the hyperplastic phenotype. With its receptor RAGE, co-localization and overexpression of S100A8 protein occurred in the deficient esophagus that overexpressed NF-κB p65 and COX-2 protein. Zinc-replenishment but not by a COX-2 inhibitor reduced the overexpression of these 4 proteins. Additionally, esophageal S100A8/A9 mRNA levels were directly associated with the diverse tumorigenic outcome in zinc-deficient and zinc-replenished rats. Conclusions In vivo zinc regulates S100A8 expression and modulates the link between S100A8-RAGE interaction and downstream NF-κB/COX-2 signaling. The finding that zinc regulates an inflammatory pathway in esophageal carcinogenesis may lead to prevention and therapy for this cancer. PMID:19111725

Modeling of replenishment of sediments on a water-worked gravel bed channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juez, Carmelo; Battisacco, Elena; Schleiss, Anton J.; Franca, Mário J.

2016-04-01

The presence of dams causes a sediment deficit downstream. Hence, the surface structure of the riverbeds is altered by this interruption in the sediment continuity and The presence of dams causes a sediment deficit downstream. The surface structure of the riverbed is altered by this interruption in the sediment continuity and becoming water-worked. The main morphological effects verified in these cases are thus the generation of armored layers, bank instability, riverbed incision, changes in the channel width and coarsening of the bed particles. These results impact on the riverbed topographic variability and structure of the bedforms. Surface complexity is thus reduced with further ecological implications. The lack of fine material and surface complexity leads to the loss of aquatic and riparian habitats, limiting the possibilities for fish spawning. Nowadays, the revitalization of disturbed river reaches forms an integral part of river management. Sediment transport and associated channel morphology are understood as key processes for recreating and maintaining aquatic ecosystems. For this purpose several replenishment techniques have been considered in order to supply sediments lacking in the downstream reaches. The replenishment techniques can be seen as a pulse-like addition of sedimentary material that initially disturbs the channel. In this work, the response of the flow to the complementary material which is added in the channel is studied by means of the 2D shallow water equations in combination with the Exner equation. The numerical scheme is built by means of a weakly-coupled treatment between the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic equations leading to an efficient and robust solution. Computational outcomes are compared with experimental data obtained from several replenishment configurations studied in the laboratory. The results are analyzed by means of: (i) temporal evolution of the material spreading, (ii) occupational ratio along the channel which is the area percentage that is covered by the replenishment material, (iii) travel distance of the center of the pulse mass and (iv) effect of the bed fining in the bed shear stress. The results of these experiments assist in further evaluating how water-worked gravel bed channels evolve with artificial replenishment of sediments. This work was funded by the ITN-Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN under REA grant agreement n_607394-SEDITRANS. The sediment replenishment experiments were funded by FOEN (Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland).

The Efficacy of Using Diagrams When Solving Probability Word Problems in College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beitzel, Brian D.; Staley, Richard K.

2015-01-01

Previous experiments have shown a deleterious effect of visual representations on college students' ability to solve total- and joint-probability word problems. The present experiments used conditional-probability problems, known to be more difficult than total- and joint-probability problems. The diagram group was instructed in how to use tree…

12 CFR 221.116 - Bank loans to replenish working capital used to purchase mutual fund shares.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... purchase mutual fund shares. 221.116 Section 221.116 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED... Bank loans to replenish working capital used to purchase mutual fund shares. (a) In a situation considered by the Board of Governors, a business concern (X) proposed to purchase mutual fund shares, from...

12 CFR 221.116 - Bank loans to replenish working capital used to purchase mutual fund shares.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... purchase mutual fund shares. 221.116 Section 221.116 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED... Bank loans to replenish working capital used to purchase mutual fund shares. (a) In a situation considered by the Board of Governors, a business concern (X) proposed to purchase mutual fund shares, from...

Farming with rocks and minerals: challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Van Straaten, Peter

2006-12-01

In many parts of the world food security is at risk. One of the biophysical root causes of falling per-capita food production is the declining quality and quantity of soils. To reverse this trend and increase soil fertility soil and plant nutrients have to be replenished. This review provides a literature survey of experiences of using multi-nutrient rock fertilizers for soil fertility enhancement from temperate and tropical environments. Advantages and limitations of the application of rock fertilizers are discussed. Examples are provided from two successful nutrient replenishment projects in Africa where locally available rock fertilizers are used on highly leached acid soils. The potential of combining organic materials alongside rock fertilizers in soil fertility replenishment strategies is stressed.

Silicon Web Process Development. [for solar cell fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Hopkins, R. H.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hill, F. E.; Heimlich, M. E.; Driggers, J. M.

1979-01-01

Silicon dendritic web, ribbon form of silicon and capable of fabrication into solar cells with greater than 15% AMl conversion efficiency, was produced from the melt without die shaping. Improvements were made both in the width of the web ribbons grown and in the techniques to replenish the liquid silicon as it is transformed to web. Through means of improved thermal shielding stress was reduced sufficiently so that web crystals nearly 4.5 cm wide were grown. The development of two subsystems, a silicon feeder and a melt level sensor, necessary to achieve an operational melt replenishment system, is described. A gas flow management technique is discussed and a laser reflection method to sense and control the melt level as silicon is replenished is examined.

Defense Acquisition and the Case of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

pmlkploba=obmloq=pbofbp= Defense Acquisition and the Case of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a...of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT...findings of our study exploring what drives successful organizational adaptation in the context of technology transition and acquisition within the

A method for the automated construction of the joint system of equations to solve the problem of the flow distribution in hydraulic networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, A. E.

1993-10-01

There are several methods of solving the problem of the flow distribution in hydraulic networks. But all these methods have no mathematical tools for forming joint systems of equations to solve this problem. This paper suggests a method of constructing joint systems of equations to calculate hydraulic circuits of the arbitrary form. The graph concept, according to Kirchhoff, has been introduced.

The Effect of a Complex (3-Week) Therapy on the Hip and Knee Joints in Obese Patients

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tóvári, Anett; Hermann, Mária; Tóvári, Ferenc; Prisztóka, Gyöngyvér; Kránicz, János

2015-01-01

Currently, overweight and obesity are the most widespread problems in life-style having a significant impact on everyday life, and thus, conduct of life. Further contributory problems may develop in patients with weight problems: deformities of the joints and skeleton (coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis), circulatory problems and arrhythmia. Overweight…

Modelling of a Convecting, Crystallizing, and Replenished Diopside-Anorthite Axial Magma Chamber beneath Mid Ocean Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowell, R. P.; Lata, C.

2016-12-01

The aim of this work is to model heat output from a cooling, convective, crystallizing, and replenished basaltic magma sill, representing an axial magma lens (AML) at mid oceanic ridges. As a simplified version of basaltic melt, we have assumed the melt to be a two-component eutectic system composed of diopside and anorthite. Convective vigor is expressed through the Rayleigh number and heat flux is scaled through a classical relationship between the Rayleigh number and Nusselt number, where the temperature difference driving the convective heat flux is derived from a "viscous" temperature scale reflecting the strong temperature dependent viscosity of the system. Viscosity is modeled as a function of melt composition and temperature using the Tammann-Vogel-Fulcher equation, with parameters fit to the values of observed viscosities along the diopside-anorthite liquidus. It was observed for the un-replenished case, in which crystals fall rapidly to the floor of the AML, model results show that the higher initial concentration of diopside, the more vigorous the convection and the faster the rate of crystallization and decay of heat output. Replenishment of the AML accompanied by modest thickening of the melt layer stabilizes the heat output at values similar to those observed at ridge-axis hydrothermal systems. This study is an important step forward in quantitative understanding of thermal evolution of the axial magma lens at a mid-ocean ridge and the corresponding effect on high-temperature hydrothermal systems. Future work could involve improved replenishment mechanisms, more complex melts, and direct coupling with hydrothermal circulation models.

Course Presentation of the Joint-Products Problem with Costs Associated with Dumping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Borland, Melvin V.; Howsen, Roy M.

2009-01-01

The typical profit-maximization solution for the joint-production problem found in intermediate texts, managerial texts, and other texts concerned with optimal pricing is oversimplified and inconsistent with profit maximization, unless there is either no excess of any of the joint products or no costs associated with dumping. However, it is an…

2009 Munitions Executive Summit

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-05

CURRENT OPERATIONS • Replenish stocks expended in operations • Build /Replenish War Reserve stocks • Modernize stocks in the process • Industrial Base...4 Steel-Consuming Markets Construction (40% - 45%) Appliances, Office Furniture (2.5%) Containers (4%) Industrial Equipment (15% - 18...Partnership - HPS for Bridges • U.S. Navy • FHWA • AISI Steel and Defense Industries Collaboration – High- Performance Steels 17 Major

Effects of landscape composition and configuration on migrating songbirds: inference from and individual-based model

Treesearch

Emily Cohen; Scott Pearson; Frank Moore

2014-01-01

The behavior of long-distance migrants during stopover is constrained by the need to quickly and safely replenish energetic reserves. Replenishing fuel stores at stopover sites requires adjusting to unfamiliar landscapes with little to no information about the distribution of resources. Despite their critical importance to the success of songbird migration, the effects...

Army Logistician. Volume 41, Issue 3, May-June 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

analyzing, and executing multifunc- tional logistics, including transportation, food service, and acquisition, receipt, issue, and recovery of Govern...internal gun truck security for presence patrols, com- bat replenishment operations, recovery operations for damaged vehicles, or escort operations for...the next mission. During our 14-month deployment, the gun truck pla- toon provided security for 208 combat replenishment operations, 27 recovery

Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint

MedlinePlus

... a small amount of corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the bursa. JOINT Any joint problem, such ... A small amount of corticosteroid and a local anesthetic will be injected into the joint. TENDON A ...

Attitudes and opinions of nursing and medical staff regarding the supply and storage of medicinal products before and after the installation of a drawer-based automated stock-control system.

PubMed

Ardern-Jones, Joanne; Hughes, Donald K; Rowe, Philip H; Mottram, David R; Green, Christopher F

2009-04-01

This study assessed the attitudes of Emergency Department (ED) staff regarding the introduction of an automated stock-control system. The objectives were to determine attitudes to stock control and replenishment, speed of access to the system, ease of use and the potential for future uses of the system. The study was carried out in the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (COCH) ED, which is attended by over 65,000 patients each year. All 68 ED staff were sent pre-piloted, semi-structured questionnaires and reminders, before and after automation of medicines stock control. Pre-implementation, 35 staff (66.1% of respondents) reported that problems occurred with access to medicine storage keys 'very frequently' or 'frequently'. Twenty-eight (52.8%) respondents 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that medicines were quickly accessed, which rose to 41 (77%) post-automation (P < 0.001). Improvement was reported in stock replenishment and storage of stock injections and oral medicines, but there were mixed opinions regarding storage of bulk fluids and refrigerated items. Twenty-seven (51.9%) staff reported access to the system within 1 min and 17 (32.7%) staff reported access within 1-2 min. The majority of staff found the system 'easy' or 'very easy' to use and there was a non-significant relationship between previous use of information technology and acceptance of the system. From a staff satisfaction perspective, automation improved medicines storage, security and stock control, and addressed the problem of searching for keys to storage areas. Concerns over familiarity with computers, queuing, speed of access and an improved audit trail do not appear to have been issues, when compared with the previous manual storage of medicines.

Joint Problems

MedlinePlus

... Help Related Topics Arthritis Join our e-newsletter! Aging & Health A to Z Joint Problems Basic Facts & ... April 2017 Posted: March 2012 © 2018 Health in Aging. All rights reserved. Feedback • Site Map • Privacy Policy • ...

Distributed Constrained Optimization with Semicoordinate Transformations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macready, William; Wolpert, David

2006-01-01

Recent work has shown how information theory extends conventional full-rationality game theory to allow bounded rational agents. The associated mathematical framework can be used to solve constrained optimization problems. This is done by translating the problem into an iterated game, where each agent controls a different variable of the problem, so that the joint probability distribution across the agents moves gives an expected value of the objective function. The dynamics of the agents is designed to minimize a Lagrangian function of that joint distribution. Here we illustrate how the updating of the Lagrange parameters in the Lagrangian is a form of automated annealing, which focuses the joint distribution more and more tightly about the joint moves that optimize the objective function. We then investigate the use of "semicoordinate" variable transformations. These separate the joint state of the agents from the variables of the optimization problem, with the two connected by an onto mapping. We present experiments illustrating the ability of such transformations to facilitate optimization. We focus on the special kind of transformation in which the statistically independent states of the agents induces a mixture distribution over the optimization variables. Computer experiment illustrate this for &sat constraint satisfaction problems and for unconstrained minimization of NK functions.

Solving lot-sizing problem with quantity discount and transportation cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Amy H. I.; Kang, He-Yau; Lai, Chun-Mei

2013-04-01

Owing to today's increasingly competitive market and ever-changing manufacturing environment, the inventory problem is becoming more complicated to solve. The incorporation of heuristics methods has become a new trend to tackle the complex problem in the past decade. This article considers a lot-sizing problem, and the objective is to minimise total costs, where the costs include ordering, holding, purchase and transportation costs, under the requirement that no inventory shortage is allowed in the system. We first formulate the lot-sizing problem as a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. Next, an efficient genetic algorithm (GA) model is constructed for solving large-scale lot-sizing problems. An illustrative example with two cases in a touch panel manufacturer is used to illustrate the practicality of these models, and a sensitivity analysis is applied to understand the impact of the changes in parameters to the outcomes. The results demonstrate that both the MIP model and the GA model are effective and relatively accurate tools for determining the replenishment for touch panel manufacturing for multi-periods with quantity discount and batch transportation. The contributions of this article are to construct an MIP model to obtain an optimal solution when the problem is not too complicated itself and to present a GA model to find a near-optimal solution efficiently when the problem is complicated.

Stochastic optimization model for order acceptance with multiple demand classes and uncertain demand/supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wen; Fung, Richard Y. K.

2014-06-01

This article considers an order acceptance problem in a make-to-stock manufacturing system with multiple demand classes in a finite time horizon. Demands in different periods are random variables and are independent of one another, and replenishments of inventory deviate from the scheduled quantities. The objective of this work is to maximize the expected net profit over the planning horizon by deciding the fraction of the demand that is going to be fulfilled. This article presents a stochastic order acceptance optimization model and analyses the existence of the optimal promising policies. An example of a discrete problem is used to illustrate the policies by applying the dynamic programming method. In order to solve the continuous problems, a heuristic algorithm based on stochastic approximation (HASA) is developed. Finally, the computational results of a case example illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the HASA approach, and make the application of the proposed model readily acceptable.

The Study of Cross-layer Optimization for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks Implemented in Coal Mines

PubMed Central

Ding, Xu; Shi, Lei; Han, Jianghong; Lu, Jingting

2016-01-01

Wireless sensor networks deployed in coal mines could help companies provide workers working in coal mines with more qualified working conditions. With the underground information collected by sensor nodes at hand, the underground working conditions could be evaluated more precisely. However, sensor nodes may tend to malfunction due to their limited energy supply. In this paper, we study the cross-layer optimization problem for wireless rechargeable sensor networks implemented in coal mines, of which the energy could be replenished through the newly-brewed wireless energy transfer technique. The main results of this article are two-fold: firstly, we obtain the optimal relay nodes’ placement according to the minimum overall energy consumption criterion through the Lagrange dual problem and KKT conditions; secondly, the optimal strategies for recharging locomotives and wireless sensor networks are acquired by solving a cross-layer optimization problem. The cyclic nature of these strategies is also manifested through simulations in this paper. PMID:26828500

EUROPA2: Plan Database Services for Planning and Scheduling Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bedrax-Weiss, Tania; Frank, Jeremy; Jonsson, Ari; McGann, Conor

2004-01-01

NASA missions require solving a wide variety of planning and scheduling problems with temporal constraints; simple resources such as robotic arms, communications antennae and cameras; complex replenishable resources such as memory, power and fuel; and complex constraints on geometry, heat and lighting angles. Planners and schedulers that solve these problems are used in ground tools as well as onboard systems. The diversity of planning problems and applications of planners and schedulers precludes a one-size fits all solution. However, many of the underlying technologies are common across planning domains and applications. We describe CAPR, a formalism for planning that is general enough to cover a wide variety of planning and scheduling domains of interest to NASA. We then describe EUROPA(sub 2), a software framework implementing CAPR. EUROPA(sub 2) provides efficient, customizable Plan Database Services that enable the integration of CAPR into a wide variety of applications. We describe the design of EUROPA(sub 2) from the perspective of both modeling, customization and application integration to different classes of NASA missions.

The Study of Cross-layer Optimization for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks Implemented in Coal Mines.

PubMed

Ding, Xu; Shi, Lei; Han, Jianghong; Lu, Jingting

2016-01-28

Wireless sensor networks deployed in coal mines could help companies provide workers working in coal mines with more qualified working conditions. With the underground information collected by sensor nodes at hand, the underground working conditions could be evaluated more precisely. However, sensor nodes may tend to malfunction due to their limited energy supply. In this paper, we study the cross-layer optimization problem for wireless rechargeable sensor networks implemented in coal mines, of which the energy could be replenished through the newly-brewed wireless energy transfer technique. The main results of this article are two-fold: firstly, we obtain the optimal relay nodes' placement according to the minimum overall energy consumption criterion through the Lagrange dual problem and KKT conditions; secondly, the optimal strategies for recharging locomotives and wireless sensor networks are acquired by solving a cross-layer optimization problem. The cyclic nature of these strategies is also manifested through simulations in this paper.

Knee Injuries and Disorders

MedlinePlus

Your knee joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the knee joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have knee problems. Knee problems can cause pain and difficulty ...

Redundant drive current imbalance problem of the Automatic Radiator Inspection Device (ARID)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latino, Carl D.

1992-01-01

The Automatic Radiator Inspection Device (ARID) is a 4 Degree of Freedom (DOF) robot with redundant drive motors at each joint. The device is intended to automate the labor intensive task of space shuttle radiator inspection. For safety and redundancy, each joint is driven by two independent motor systems. Motors driving the same joint, however, draw vastly different currents. The concern was that the robot joints could be subjected to undue stress. It was the objective of this summer's project to determine the cause of this current imbalance. In addition it was to determine, in a quantitative manner, what was the cause, how serious the problem was in terms of damage or undue wear to the robot and find solutions if possible. It was concluded that most problems could be resolved with a better motor control design. This document discusses problems encountered and possible solutions.

Synchronization of construction, replenishment and leasing cycles with account of wave dynamics of innovation cycles in the construction and transport field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, Tatyana

2017-10-01

The article considers the contradictive nature of the basic cycles of the growth in construction, the core of which are construction cycles, replenishment cycles of the active part of fixed assets, innovation and investment cycles. All of the listed cycles objectively thwart the science and technology progress in construction. There are presented results of the study of finance leasing as an effective tool, that provides time reduction of the innovation replenishment cycle of the active part of fixed assets in construction. It takes into account the development and implementation terms of construction investment projects in order to timely support the innovation wave and enhance its efficiency in construction for a rapid transition of the construction investment complex and national economy to a new vector of growth.

Can physical joint simulators be used to anticipate clinical wear problems of new joint replacement implants prior to market release?

PubMed

Medley, John B

2016-05-01

One of the most important mandates of physical joint simulators is to provide test results that allow the implant manufacturer to anticipate and perhaps avoid clinical wear problems with their new products. This is best done before market release. This study gives four steps to follow in conducting such wear simulator testing. Two major examples involving hip wear simulators are discussed in which attempts had been made to predict clinical wear performance prior to market release. The second one, involving the DePuy ASR implant systems, is chosen for more extensive treatment by making it an illustrative example to explore whether wear simulator testing can anticipate clinical wear problems. It is concluded that hip wear simulator testing did provide data in the academic literature that indicated some risk of clinical wear problems prior to market release of the ASR implant systems. This supports the idea that physical joint simulators have an important role in the pre-market testing of new joint replacement implants. © IMechE 2016.

Characterization of dopamine releasable and reserve pools in Drosophila larvae using ATP/P2X2-mediated stimulation

PubMed Central

Xiao, Ning; Venton, B. Jill

2015-01-01

Dopaminergic signaling pathways are conserved between mammals and Drosophila, but the factors important for maintaining the functional pool of synaptic dopamine are not fully understood in Drosophila. In this study, we characterized the releasable and reserve dopamine pools in Drosophila larvae using ATP/ P2X2-mediated stimulation. Dopamine release was stable with stimulations performed at least every 5 min but decayed with stimulations performed 2 min apart or less, indicating the replenishment of the releasable pool occurred on a time scale between 2 and 5 min. Dopamine synthesis or uptake were pharmacologically inhibited with 3-iodotyrosine and cocaine, respectively, to evaluate their contributions to maintaining the releasable dopamine pool. We found that both synthesis and uptake were needed to maintain the releasable dopamine pool, with synthesis playing a major part in long-term replenishment and uptake being more important for short-term replenishment. These effects of synthesis and uptake on different time scales in Drosophila are analogous to mammals. However, unlike in mammals, cocaine did not activate a reserve pool of dopamine in Drosophila when using P2X2 stimulations. Our study shows that both synthesis and uptake replenish the releasable pool, providing a better understanding of dopamine regulation in Drosophila. PMID:25951875

Transdermal Delivery of Iron Using Soluble Microneedles: Dermal Kinetics and Safety.

PubMed

Modepalli, Naresh; Shivakumar, H Nanjappa; McCrudden, Maeliosa T C; Donnelly, Ryan F; Banga, Ajay; Murthy, S Narasimha

2016-03-01

Currently, the iron compounds are administered via oral and parenteral routes in patients of all ages, to treat iron deficiency. Despite continued efforts to supplement iron via these conventional routes, iron deficiency still remains the most prevalent nutritional disorder all over the world. Transdermal replenishment of iron is a novel, potential approach of iron replenishment. Ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) was found to be a suitable source of iron for transdermal replenishment. The safety of FPP was assessed in this project by challenging the dermal fibroblast cells with high concentration of FPP. The cell viability assay and reactive oxygen species assay were performed. The soluble microneedle array was developed, incorporated with FPP and the kinetics of free iron in the skin; extracellular fluid following dermal administration of microneedle array was investigated in hairless rats. From the cell based assays, FPP was selected as one of the potential iron sources for transdermal delivery. The microneedles were found to dissolve in the skin fluid within 3 hours of administration. The FPP concentration in the dermal extracellular fluid declined after complete dissolution of the microneedle array. Overall, the studies demonstrated the safety of FPP for dermal delivery and the feasibility of soluble microneedle approach for transdermal iron replenishment therapy. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Generous-like flowers: nectar production in two epiphytic bromeliads and a meta-analysis of removal effects.

PubMed

Ordano, Mariano; Ornelas, Juan Francisco

2004-08-01

Animal-pollinated angiosperm plants that respond positively to nectar removal by replenishment invest energy that can entail a reproductive cost. We investigated whether or not nectar removal stimulates replenishment in two hummingbird-pollinated bromeliad species. Nectar replenishment rates were also assessed by removing nectar from manually pollinated flowers because pollination events might be used as signals to save energy by preventing allocation to post-pollination nectar production. Then we synthesized the current understanding of nectar removal effects by reviewing existing published studies with a meta-analysis. The magnitude and significance of estimated nectar removal effects and factors associated with variation in size and direction of nectar removal effects were elucidated with the meta-analysis. We found that both Tillandsia species strongly respond to repeated nectar removal by producing >3 times additional nectar. Nectar secretion patterns were not altered by pollination (stigmatic pollen deposition) and we found no evidence of nectar reabsorption. Although the effect size varied widely across systems and/or environmental conditions, the meta-analysis showed that nectar removal had overall a positive effect on nectar replenishment (mainly among species inhabiting wet tropical habitats such as Tillandsia), and a negative effect on the secretion of additional sugar, suggesting that those plants are resource limited and conservative in the secretion of additional sugar.

The role of the geothermal gradient in the emplacement and replenishment of ground ice on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clifford, Stephen M.

1993-01-01

Knowledge of the mechanisms by which ground ice is emplaced, removed, and potentially replenished, are critical to understanding the climatic and hydrologic behavior of water on Mars, as well as the morphologic evolution of its surface. Because of the strong temperature dependence of the saturated vapor pressure of H2O, the atmospheric emplacement or replenishment of ground ice is prohibited below the depth at which crustal temperatures begin to monotonically increase due to geothermal heating. In contrast, the emplacement and replenishment of ground ice from reservoirs of H2O residing deep within the crust can occur by at least three different thermally-driven processes, involving all three phases of water. In this regard, Clifford has discussed how the presence of a geothermal gradient as small as 15 K/km can give rise to a corresponding vapor pressure gradient sufficient to drive the vertical transport of 1 km of water from a reservoir of ground water at depth to the base of the cryosphere every 10(exp 6) - 10(exp 7) years. This abstract expands on this earlier treatment by considering the influence of thermal gradients on the transport of H2O at temperatures below the freezing point.

Evaluation of joint sealant materials : interim report No. 1.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-03-01

This report illustrates some of the problems caused by ineffectively sealed joints and points to the great need for properly sealing joints in both concrete pavements and structures. : The principles of design including slab lengths, joint dimensions...

On jointly optimising the changes of seasonable goods and inventory replenishment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhaolin; Tao, Feng; Sun, Daewon

2012-06-01

Retailers often need to replace soon-to-be-unseasonable products with new seasonable goods when the season changes. The trade-off for such activities involves choosing between the salvage loss of the unseasonable product and the profit of selling the seasonable product early. This article develops a periodic-review inventory model for planning the changes of seasonable goods with state-dependent demand and cost parameters. We show that the single-period optimal policy for product changes is a threshold policy based on the initial inventory of the unseasonable goods. The corresponding optimal inventory policy follows a Purchase-Keep-Dispose policy if the incumbent product is kept or a base-stock policy if the incumbent product is replaced. Numerically, we find that the structure of the multi-period optimal policy resembles that of the single-period model. We propose a heuristic to solve the multi-period model and demonstrate its effectiveness. Our research provides insights into dynamically managing seasonable goods.

A solvent replenishment solution for managing evaporation of biochemical reactions in air-matrix digital microfluidics devices.

PubMed

Jebrail, Mais J; Renzi, Ronald F; Sinha, Anupama; Van De Vreugde, Jim; Gondhalekar, Carmen; Ambriz, Cesar; Meagher, Robert J; Branda, Steven S

2015-01-07

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a powerful technique for sample preparation and analysis for a broad range of biological and chemical applications. In many cases, it is desirable to carry out DMF on an open surface, such that the matrix surrounding the droplets is ambient air. However, the utility of the air-matrix DMF format has been severely limited by problems with droplet evaporation, especially when the droplet-based biochemical reactions require high temperatures for long periods of time. We present a simple solution for managing evaporation in air-matrix DMF: just-in-time replenishment of the reaction volume using droplets of solvent. We demonstrate that this solution enables DMF-mediated execution of several different biochemical reactions (RNA fragmentation, first-strand cDNA synthesis, and PCR) over a range of temperatures (4-95 °C) and incubation times (up to 1 h or more) without use of oil, humidifying chambers, or off-chip heating modules. Reaction volumes and temperatures were maintained roughly constant over the course of each experiment, such that the reaction kinetics and products generated by the air-matrix DMF device were comparable to those of conventional benchscale reactions. This simple yet effective solution for evaporation management is an important advance in developing air-matrix DMF for a wide variety of new, high-impact applications, particularly in the biomedical sciences.

A solvent replenishment solution for managing evaporation of biochemical reactions in air-matrix digital microfluidics devices

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

Jebrail, Mais J.; Renzi, Ronald F.; Sinha, Anupama

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a powerful technique for sample preparation and analysis for a broad range of biological and chemical applications. In many cases, it is desirable to carry out DMF on an open surface, such that the matrix surrounding the droplets is ambient air. However, the utility of the air-matrix DMF format has been severely limited by problems with droplet evaporation, especially when the droplet-based biochemical reactions require high temperatures for long periods of time. We present a simple solution for managing evaporation in air-matrix DMF: just-in-time replenishment of the reaction volume using droplets of solvent. We demonstrate thatmore » this solution enables DMF-mediated execution of several different biochemical reactions (RNA fragmentation, first-strand cDNA synthesis, and PCR) over a range of temperatures (4–95 °C) and incubation times (up to 1 h or more) without use of oil, humidifying chambers, or off-chip heating modules. Reaction volumes and temperatures were maintained roughly constant over the course of each experiment, such that the reaction kinetics and products generated by the air-matrix DMF device were comparable to those of conventional benchscale reactions. As a result, this simple yet effective solution for evaporation management is an important advance in developing air-matrix DMF for a wide variety of new, high-impact applications, particularly in the biomedical sciences.« less

A solvent replenishment solution for managing evaporation of biochemical reactions in air-matrix digital microfluidics devices

DOE PAGES

Jebrail, Mais J.; Renzi, Ronald F.; Sinha, Anupama; ...

2014-10-01

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a powerful technique for sample preparation and analysis for a broad range of biological and chemical applications. In many cases, it is desirable to carry out DMF on an open surface, such that the matrix surrounding the droplets is ambient air. However, the utility of the air-matrix DMF format has been severely limited by problems with droplet evaporation, especially when the droplet-based biochemical reactions require high temperatures for long periods of time. We present a simple solution for managing evaporation in air-matrix DMF: just-in-time replenishment of the reaction volume using droplets of solvent. We demonstrate thatmore » this solution enables DMF-mediated execution of several different biochemical reactions (RNA fragmentation, first-strand cDNA synthesis, and PCR) over a range of temperatures (4–95 °C) and incubation times (up to 1 h or more) without use of oil, humidifying chambers, or off-chip heating modules. Reaction volumes and temperatures were maintained roughly constant over the course of each experiment, such that the reaction kinetics and products generated by the air-matrix DMF device were comparable to those of conventional benchscale reactions. As a result, this simple yet effective solution for evaporation management is an important advance in developing air-matrix DMF for a wide variety of new, high-impact applications, particularly in the biomedical sciences.« less

A Novel Joint Problem of Routing, Scheduling, and Variable-Width Channel Allocation in WMNs

PubMed Central

Liu, Wan-Yu; Chou, Chun-Hung

2014-01-01

This paper investigates a novel joint problem of routing, scheduling, and channel allocation for single-radio multichannel wireless mesh networks in which multiple channel widths can be adjusted dynamically through a new software technology so that more concurrent transmissions and suppressed overlapping channel interference can be achieved. Although the previous works have studied this joint problem, their linear programming models for the problem were not incorporated with some delicate constraints. As a result, this paper first constructs a linear programming model with more practical concerns and then proposes a simulated annealing approach with a novel encoding mechanism, in which the configurations of multiple time slots are devised to characterize the dynamic transmission process. Experimental results show that our approach can find the same or similar solutions as the optimal solutions for smaller-scale problems and can efficiently find good-quality solutions for a variety of larger-scale problems. PMID:24982990

Planning for Follow-On Spare Part Support by the Naval Electronic Systems Command.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

System Replenishment Spare Parts", by Edward J. Brost , Air Force Institute of Technology [17]_ The objective of this study was to determine the...Competition in the Acquisition of Replenishment Spare Parts, M.S. Thesis, Air Force Institute of Technology, WPAFB, Ohio, September 1983. 17. Brost ...Instruction 4000.6D, Integrated Logistic Support (ILS); policy and responsibilities. 21 July 1983. 20. Mr. George Hughes, NAVELEX Code 81234

Cerebellar Granule Cell Replenishment Post-Injury by Adaptive Reprogramming of Nestin+ Progenitors

PubMed Central

Wojcinski, Alexandre; Lawton, Andrew K.; Bayin, N Sumru.; Lao, Zhimin; Stephen, Daniel N.; Joyner, Alexandra L.

2017-01-01

Regeneration of several organs involves adaptive reprogramming of progenitors, however, the intrinsic capacity of the developing brain to replenish lost cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that the developing cerebellum has unappreciated progenitor plasticity, since it undergoes near full growth and functional recovery following acute depletion of granule cells, the most plentiful neuron population in the brain. We demonstrate that following postnatal ablation of granule cell progenitors, Nestin-expressing progenitors (NEPs) specified during mid-embryogenesis to produce astroglia and interneurons, switch their fate and generate granule neurons in mice. Moreover, Hedgehog-signaling in two NEP populations is crucial not only for the compensatory replenishment of granule neurons but also to scale interneuron and astrocyte numbers. Thus we provide insights into the mechanisms underlying robustness of circuit formation in the cerebellum, and speculate that adaptive reprogramming of progenitors in other brain regions plays a greater role than appreciated in developmental regeneration. PMID:28805814

Study of communications data compression methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. W.

1978-01-01

A simple monochrome conditional replenishment system was extended to higher compression and to higher motion levels, by incorporating spatially adaptive quantizers and field repeating. Conditional replenishment combines intraframe and interframe compression, and both areas are investigated. The gain of conditional replenishment depends on the fraction of the image changing, since only changed parts of the image need to be transmitted. If the transmission rate is set so that only one fourth of the image can be transmitted in each field, greater change fractions will overload the system. A computer simulation was prepared which incorporated (1) field repeat of changes, (2) a variable change threshold, (3) frame repeat for high change, and (4) two mode, variable rate Hadamard intraframe quantizers. The field repeat gives 2:1 compression in moving areas without noticeable degradation. Variable change threshold allows some flexibility in dealing with varying change rates, but the threshold variation must be limited for acceptable performance.

Source replenishment device for vacuum deposition

DOEpatents

Hill, Ronald A.

1988-01-01

A material source replenishment device for use with a vacuum deposition apparatus. The source replenishment device comprises an intermittent motion producing gear arrangement disposed within the vacuum deposition chamber. An elongated rod having one end operably connected to the gearing arrangement is provided with a multiarmed head at the opposite end disposed adjacent the heating element of the vacuum deposition apparatus. An inverted U-shaped source material element is releasably attached to the outer end of each arm member whereby said multiarmed head is moved to locate a first of said material elements above said heating element, whereupon said multiarmed head is lowered to engage said material element with the heating element and further lowered to release said material element on the heating element. After vaporization of said material element, second and subsequent material elements may be provided to the heating element without the need for opening the vacuum deposition apparatus to the atmosphere.

Source replenishment device for vacuum deposition

DOEpatents

Hill, R.A.

1986-05-15

A material source replenishment device for use with a vacuum deposition apparatus is described. The source replenishment device comprises an intermittent motion producing gear arrangement disposed within the vacuum deposition chamber. An elongated rod having one end operably connected to the gearing arrangement is provided with a multiarmed head at the opposite end disposed adjacent the heating element of the vacuum deposition apparatus. An inverted U-shaped source material element is releasably attached to the outer end of each arm member whereby said multiarmed head is moved to locate a first of said material elements above said heating element, whereupon said multiarmed head is lowered to engage said material element with the heating element and further lowered to release said material element on the heating element. After vaporization of said material element, second and subsequent material elements may be provided to the heating element without the need for opening the vacuum deposition apparatus to the atmosphere.

Stability assessment of the chemical composition of the treated mining water used to replenish the cooling circuit in Jaworzno III Power Plant - Power Plant II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpiński, Marcin; Kmiecik, Ewa

2017-11-01

In Poland, electricity is still produced mainly in conventional power plants where fuel and water are materials necessary to generate the electricity. Even in modern power plants operating according to the principles of the sustainable development, this involves a high intake of water and considerable production of wastewater. This, in turn, necessi-tates the application of some technological solutions aimed at limiting the negative impact on the environment. The Jaworzno III Power Plant - Power Plant II is located in Jaworzno, Silesian Province, Poland. In order to minimise the negative impact on the surface water, the plant replenishes the cooling circuit with the mining water obtained from the closed-down Jan Kanty mine. The paper presents a stability assessment of the chemical composition of the treated mining water used to replenish the cooling circuit based on the data from 2007-2017.

Development of processes for the production of low cost silicon dendritic web for solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hopkins, R. H.; Skutch, M. E.; Driggers, J. M.; Hill, F. E.

1980-01-01

High area output rates and continuous, automated growth are two key technical requirements for the growth of low-cost silicon ribbons for solar cells. By means of computer-aided furnace design, silicon dendritic web output rates as high as 27 sq cm/min have been achieved, a value in excess of that projected to meet a $0.50 per peak watt solar array manufacturing cost. The feasibility of simultaneous web growth while the melt is replenished with pelletized silicon has also been demonstrated. This step is an important precursor to the development of an automated growth system. Solar cells made on the replenished material were just as efficient as devices fabricated on typical webs grown without replenishment. Moreover, web cells made on a less-refined, pelletized polycrystalline silicon synthesized by the Battelle process yielded efficiencies up to 13% (AM1).

Replenishing data descriptors in a DMA injection FIFO buffer

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J [Rochester, MN; Blocksome, Michael A [Rochester, MN; Cernohous, Bob R [Rochester, MN; Heidelberger, Philip [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Kumar, Sameer [White Plains, NY; Parker, Jeffrey J [Rochester, MN

2011-10-11

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for replenishing data descriptors in a Direct Memory Access (`DMA`) injection first-in-first-out (`FIFO`) buffer that include: determining, by a messaging module on an origin compute node, whether a number of data descriptors in a DMA injection FIFO buffer exceeds a predetermined threshold, each data descriptor specifying an application message for transmission to a target compute node; queuing, by the messaging module, a plurality of new data descriptors in a pending descriptor queue if the number of the data descriptors in the DMA injection FIFO buffer exceeds the predetermined threshold; establishing, by the messaging module, interrupt criteria that specify when to replenish the injection FIFO buffer with the plurality of new data descriptors in the pending descriptor queue; and injecting, by the messaging module, the plurality of new data descriptors into the injection FIFO buffer in dependence upon the interrupt criteria.

Two-warehouse system for non-instantaneous deterioration products with promotional effort and inflation over a finite time horizon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanivel, M.; Priyan, S.; Mala, P.

2017-11-01

In the current global market, organizations use many promotional tools to increase their sales. One such tool is sales teams' initiatives or promotional policies, i.e., free gifts, discounts, packaging, etc. This phenomenon motivates the retailer/or buyer to order a large inventory lot so as to take full benefit of promotional policies. In view of this the present paper considers a two-warehouse (owned and rented) inventory problem for a non-instantaneous deteriorating item with inflation and time value of money over a finite planning horizon. Here, demand depends on the sales team's initiatives and shortages are partially backlogged at a rate dependent on the duration of waiting time up to the arrival of next lot. We design an algorithm to obtain the optimal replenishment strategies. Numerical analysis is also given to show the applicability of the proposed model in real-world two-warehouse inventory problems.

Sanitary engineering and water economy in Europe

PubMed Central

Krul, W. F. J. M.

1957-01-01

The author deals with a wide variety of aspects of water economy and the development of water resources, relating them to the sanitary engineering problems they give rise to. Among those aspects are the balance between available resources and water needs for various purposes; accumulation and storage of surface and ground water, and methods of replenishing ground water supplies; pollution and purification; and organizational measures to deal with the urgent problems raised by the heavy demands on the world's water supply as a result of both increased population and the increased need for agricultural and industrial development. The author considers that at the national level over-all plans for developing the water economy of countries might well be drawn up by national water boards and that the economy of inter-State river basins should receive international study. In such work the United Nations and its specialized agencies might be of assistance. PMID:13472427

Longitudinal joint study.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

In previous years there has been a problem with longitudinal joint : deterioration, due in part to poor construction techniques. : The degradation of the longitudinal joints has increased the cost of : maintaining these projects and caused unnecessar...

Arthritis

MedlinePlus

... or have trouble moving around, you might have arthritis. Most kinds of arthritis cause pain and swelling in your joints. Joints ... joint can become severely damaged. Some kinds of arthritis can also cause problems in your organs, such ...

Self-replenishing ability of cross-linked low surface energy polymer films investigated by a complementary experimental-simulation approach

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

Esteves, A. C. C., E-mail: a.c.c.esteves@tue.nl, E-mail: g.dewith@tue.nl; Lyakhova, K.; Riel, J. M. van

2014-03-28

Nowadays, many self-healing strategies are available for recovering mechanical damage of bulk polymeric materials. The recovery of surface-dependent functionalities on polymer films is, however, equally important and has been less investigated. In this work we study the ability of low surface energy cross-linked poly(ester urethane) networks containing perfluorinated dangling chains to self-replenish their surface, after being submitted to repeated surface damage. For this purpose we used a combined experimental-simulation approach. Experimentally, the cross-linked films were intentionally damaged by cryo-microtoming to remove top layers and create new surfaces which were characterized by water Contact Angle measurements and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Themore » same systems were simultaneously represented by a Dissipative Particles Dynamics simulation method, where the damage was modeled by removing the top film layers in the simulation box and replacing it by new “air” beads. The influence of different experimental parameters, such as the concentration of the low surface energy component and the molecular mobility span of the dangling chains, on the surface recovery is discussed. The combined approach reveals important details of the self-replenishing ability of damaged polymer films such as the occurrence of multiple-healing events, the self-replenishing efficiency, and the minimum “healing agent” concentration for a maximum recovery.« less

Joint Labor-Management Decision Making: Choices, Outcomes, and Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooke, William N.

1991-01-01

Reviews the literature and analyses of the joint problem-solving strategies that have emerged during the 1980s and are used by management and labor to improve company performance, employee welfare, and labor-management relations. Includes a 58-item bibliography and 32 additional references. (JOW)

Silicon Web Process Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Hopkins, R. H.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hill, F. E.; Heimlich, M. E.; Driggers, J. M.

1978-01-01

Progress in the development of techniques to grow silicon web at 25 wq cm/min output rate is reported. Feasibility of web growth with simultaneous melt replenishment is discussed. Other factors covered include: (1) tests of aftertrimmers to improve web width; (2) evaluation of growth lid designs to raise speed and output rate; (3) tests of melt replenishment hardware; and (4) investigation of directed gas flow systems to control unwanted oxide deposition in the system and to improve convective cooling of the web. Compatibility with sufficient solar cell performance is emphasized.

Control of joint motion simulators for biomechanical research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colbaugh, R.; Glass, K.

1992-01-01

The authors present a hierarchical adaptive algorithm for controlling upper extremity human joint motion simulators. A joint motion simulator is a computer-controlled, electromechanical system which permits the application of forces to the tendons of a human cadaver specimen in such a way that the cadaver joint under study achieves a desired motion in a physiologic manner. The proposed control scheme does not require knowledge of the cadaver specimen dynamic model, and solves on-line the indeterminate problem which arises because human joints typically possess more actuators than degrees of freedom. Computer simulation results are given for an elbow/forearm system and wrist/hand system under hierarchical control. The results demonstrate that any desired normal joint motion can be accurately tracked with the proposed algorithm. These simulation results indicate that the controller resolved the indeterminate problem redundancy in a physiologic manner, and show that the control scheme was robust to parameter uncertainty and to sensor noise.

Determination of representative dimension parameter values of Korean knee joints for knee joint implant design.

PubMed

Kwak, Dai Soon; Tao, Quang Bang; Todo, Mitsugu; Jeon, Insu

2012-05-01

Knee joint implants developed by western companies have been imported to Korea and used for Korean patients. However, many clinical problems occur in knee joints of Korean patients after total knee joint replacement owing to the geometric mismatch between the western implants and Korean knee joint structures. To solve these problems, a method to determine the representative dimension parameter values of Korean knee joints is introduced to aid in the design of knee joint implants appropriate for Korean patients. Measurements of the dimension parameters of 88 male Korean knee joint subjects were carried out. The distribution of the subjects versus each measured parameter value was investigated. The measured dimension parameter values of each parameter were grouped by suitable intervals called the "size group," and average values of the size groups were calculated. The knee joint subjects were grouped as the "patient group" based on "size group numbers" of each parameter. From the iterative calculations to decrease the errors between the average dimension parameter values of each "patient group" and the dimension parameter values of the subjects, the average dimension parameter values that give less than the error criterion were determined to be the representative dimension parameter values for designing knee joint implants for Korean patients.

A decision analysis approach to climate adaptation: comparing multiple pathways for multi-decadal decision making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, B. B.; Little, L.

2013-12-01

Policy planners around the world are required to consider the implications of adapting to climatic change across spatial contexts and decadal timeframes. However, local level information for planning is often poorly defined, even though climate adaptation decision-making is made at this scale. This is especially true when considering sea level rise and coastal impacts of climate change. We present a simple approach using sea level rise simulations paired with adaptation scenarios to assess a range of adaptation options available to local councils dealing with issues of beach recession under present and future sea level rise and storm surge. Erosion and beach recession pose a large socioeconomic risk to coastal communities because of the loss of key coastal infrastructure. We examine the well-known adaptation technique of beach nourishment and assess various timings and amounts of beach nourishment at decadal time spans in relation to beach recession impacts. The objective was to identify an adaptation strategy that would allow for a low frequency of management interventions, the maintenance of beach width, and the ability to minimize variation in beach width over the 2010 to 2100 simulation period. 1000 replications of each adaptation option were produced against the 90 year simulation in order to model the ability each adaptation option to achieve the three key objectives. Three sets of adaptation scenarios were identified. Within each scenario, a number of adaptation options were tested. The three scenarios were: 1) Fixed periodic beach replenishment of specific amounts at 20 and 50 year intervals, 2) Beach replenishment to the initial beach width based on trigger levels of recession (5m, 10m, 20m), and 3) Fixed period beach replenishment of a variable amount at decadal intervals (every 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years). For each adaptation option, we show the effectiveness of each beach replenishment scenario to maintain beach width and consider the implications of more frequent replenishment with that of implementation cost. We determine that a business as usual scenario, where no adaptation is implemented, would lead to an average beach recession of 12.02 meters and a maximum beach recession of 33.23 meters during the period of 2010-2100. The best adaptation option modeled was a fixed replenishment of 5 meters every 20 years leading to 4 replenishment events with an average beach recession of 2.99 meters and a maximum beach recession of 15.02 meters during the period of 2010-2100. The presented simulations explicitly address the uncertainty of future impacts due to sea level rise and storm surge and show a range of options that could be considered by a local council to meet their policy objectives. The simulation runs provide managers the ability to consider the utility of various adaptation options and the timing and costs of implementation. Such information provides an evidence-based practice to decision-making and allows policy makers to transparently make decisions based on best estimates of modeled climate change.

Minimizing distortion and internal forces in truss structures by simulated annealing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kincaid, Rex K.

1989-01-01

Inaccuracies in the length of members and the diameters of joints of large truss reflector backup structures may produce unacceptable levels of surface distortion and member forces. However, if the member lengths and joint diameters can be measured accurately it is possible to configure the members and joints so that root-mean-square (rms) surface error and/or rms member forces is minimized. Following Greene and Haftka (1989) it is assumed that the force vector f is linearly proportional to the member length errors e(sub M) of dimension NMEMB (the number of members) and joint errors e(sub J) of dimension NJOINT (the number of joints), and that the best-fit displacement vector d is a linear function of f. Let NNODES denote the number of positions on the surface of the truss where error influences are measured. The solution of the problem is discussed. To classify, this problem was compared to a similar combinatorial optimization problem. In particular, when only the member length errors are considered, minimizing d(sup 2)(sub rms) is equivalent to the quadratic assignment problem. The quadratic assignment problem is a well known NP-complete problem in operations research literature. Hence minimizing d(sup 2)(sub rms) is is also an NP-complete problem. The focus of the research is the development of a simulated annealing algorithm to reduce d(sup 2)(sub rms). The plausibility of this technique is its recent success on a variety of NP-complete combinatorial optimization problems including the quadratic assignment problem. A physical analogy for simulated annealing is the way liquids freeze and crystallize. All computational experiments were done on a MicroVAX. The two interchange heuristic is very fast but produces widely varying results. The two and three interchange heuristic provides less variability in the final objective function values but runs much more slowly. Simulated annealing produced the best objective function values for every starting configuration and was faster than the two and three interchange heuristic.

The random energy model in a magnetic field and joint source channel coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merhav, Neri

2008-09-01

We demonstrate that there is an intimate relationship between the magnetic properties of Derrida’s random energy model (REM) of spin glasses and the problem of joint source-channel coding in Information Theory. In particular, typical patterns of erroneously decoded messages in the coding problem have “magnetization” properties that are analogous to those of the REM in certain phases, where the non-uniformity of the distribution of the source in the coding problem plays the role of an external magnetic field applied to the REM. We also relate the ensemble performance (random coding exponents) of joint source-channel codes to the free energy of the REM in its different phases.

[The Throwing Shoulder].

PubMed

Wieser, Karl; Gerber, Christian; Meyer, Dominik C

2016-02-03

Repetitive top-performance of overhead athletes induces a tremendous stress for the throwing shoulder. Throwers reach rotational speed of their arm of more than 7000°/s with joint compression and distraction forces of more than 1000 N. This performance is tributary to adaption of the shoulder muscles and the joint itself. These adaptions may, however lead to two specific problems of the throwing shoulder: 1. The posterosuperior internal impingement of the rotator cuff and labrum between glenoid and humeral head during late cooking phase; 2. A decreased internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint (GIRD) with compensatory problems of the scapula-stabilizing muscles. Precise analysis of kinematics and pathomechanics aims to improve understanding and treatment of those specific problems of the throwing shoulder.

Design considerations for bridge deck joint-sealing systems : summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-07-01

This is a report summary which summarizes a three year research effort related to the study of bridge deck expansion joint movements. Bridge deck expansion joint systems often develop serious problems requiring extensive and expensive maintenance. Th...

Advanced Czochralski silicon growth technology for photovoltaic modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daud, T.; Kachare, A. H.

1982-01-01

Several economic analyses had indicated that large-diameter, multiple ingot growth using a single crucible with melt replenishment would be required for Cz growth to be economically viable. Based on the results of these analyses, two liquid and two solid feed melt replenishment approaches were initiated. The sequential solid feed melt replenishment approach, which demonstrated elements of technical feasibility is described in detail in this paper. Growth results of multiple ingots (10-cm-diameter, totaling 100 kg; and 15-cm-diameter, totaling 150 kg weight per crucible) are presented. Solar cells were fabricated and analyzed to evaluate the effects of structure and chemical purities as a result of multiple growth. The results indicate that, with semiconductor-grade silicon, feedstock impurity build-up does not seem to degrade cell performance. For polycrystalline cells, the average efficiencies are 15 to 25% lower than those of single crystalline cells. Concerns regarding single crystal yields, crucible quality and growth speed are indicated, and present status and future research thrusts are also discussed.

Relationship between starch and lipid accumulation induced by nutrient depletion and replenishment in the microalga Parachlorella kessleri.

PubMed

Fernandes, Bruno; Teixeira, José; Dragone, Giuliano; Vicente, António A; Kawano, Shigeyuki; Bišová, Kateřina; Přibyl, Pavel; Zachleder, Vilém; Vítová, Milada

2013-09-01

Photosynthetic carbon partitioning into starch and neutral lipids, as well as the influence of nutrient depletion and replenishment on growth, pigments and storage compounds, were studied in the microalga, Parachlorella kessleri. Starch was utilized as a primary carbon and energy storage compound, but nutrient depletion drove the microalgae to channel fixed carbon into lipids as secondary storage compounds. Nutrient depletion inhibited both cellular division and growth and caused degradation of chlorophyll. Starch content decreased from an initial value of 25, to around 10% of dry weight (DW), while storage lipids increased from almost 0 to about 29% of DW. After transfer of cells into replenished mineral medium, growth, reproductive processes and chlorophyll content recovered within 2 days, while the content of both starch and lipids decreased markedly to 3 or less % of DW; this suggested that they were being used as a source of energy and carbon. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A hybrid of monopoly and perfect competition model for hi-tech products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, P. C.; Wee, H. M.; Pai, S.; Yang, H. J.; Wee, P. K. P.

2010-11-01

For Hi-tech products, the demand rate, the component cost as well as the selling price usually decline significantly with time. In the case of perfect competition, shortages usually result in lost sales; while in a monopoly, shortages will be completely backordered. However, neither perfect competition nor monopoly exists. Therefore, there is a need to develop a replenishment model considering a hybrid of perfect competition and monopoly when the cost, price and demand are decreasing simultaneously. A numerical example and sensitivity analysis are carried out to illustrate this model. The results show that a higher decline-rate in the component cost leads to a smaller service level and a larger replenishment interval. When the component cost decline rate increases and the selling price decline rate decreases simultaneously, the replenishment interval decreases. In perfect competition it is better to have a high service level, while for the case with monopoly, keeping a low service level is better due to complete backordering.

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

Baker, Kyri; Toomey, Bridget

Evolving power systems with increasing levels of stochasticity call for a need to solve optimal power flow problems with large quantities of random variables. Weather forecasts, electricity prices, and shifting load patterns introduce higher levels of uncertainty and can yield optimization problems that are difficult to solve in an efficient manner. Solution methods for single chance constraints in optimal power flow problems have been considered in the literature, ensuring single constraints are satisfied with a prescribed probability; however, joint chance constraints, ensuring multiple constraints are simultaneously satisfied, have predominantly been solved via scenario-based approaches or by utilizing Boole's inequality asmore » an upper bound. In this paper, joint chance constraints are used to solve an AC optimal power flow problem while preventing overvoltages in distribution grids under high penetrations of photovoltaic systems. A tighter version of Boole's inequality is derived and used to provide a new upper bound on the joint chance constraint, and simulation results are shown demonstrating the benefit of the proposed upper bound. The new framework allows for a less conservative and more computationally efficient solution to considering joint chance constraints, specifically regarding preventing overvoltages.« less

Long-term environmental impacts of building composites containing waste materials: Evaluation of the leaching protocols.

PubMed

Drinčić, Ana; Nikolić, Irena; Zuliani, Tea; Milačič, Radmila; Ščančar, Janez

2017-01-01

The NEN 7375 test has been proposed for evaluating the long-term environmental impacts caused by the release of contaminants from monolithic building and waste materials. Over a period of 64days, at specific points in time, the leaching solution (demineralised water) is replenished. By applying the NEN 7375 test, leaching of contaminants that is based mainly on diffusion is followed. In the present work, the results from modified leaching protocols were evaluated against those obtained by NEN 7375 test. In modified protocols, synthetic sea, surface and MilliQ water were used for the leaching of selected elements and chromate, molybdate and vanadate from compact and ground building composites (98% mixture of fly ash (80%) and cement (20%), and 2% of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust) over 6months. The leaching solutions were not replenished, imitating both the diffusion and the dissolution of contaminants. The data revealed larger extent of leaching when the leaching solution was not replenished. More extensive was also leaching from ground composites, which simulated the disintegration of the material over time. The composition of the leaching solution influenced the release of the matrix constituents from the composites and, consequently, the amount of elements and their chemical species. Synthetic sea and surface water used as leaching solutions, without replenishing, were found to be suitable to simulate the conditions when the building material is immersed in stagnant environmental waters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of allflex conservation buffer in illumina genotyping.

PubMed

de Groot, M; Ras, T; van Haeringen, W A

2016-12-01

This experiment was designed to study if liquid conservation buffer used in the novel Tissue Sampling Technology (TST) from Allflex can be used for Illumina BeadChip genotyping. Ear punches were collected from 6 bovine samples, using both the Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) as well as the Total Tagger Universal (TTU) collection system. The stability of the liquid conservation buffer was tested by genotyping samples on Illumina BeadChips, incubated at 0, 3, 15, 24, 48, 72, 168, 336, 720 h after sample collection. Additionally, a replenishment study was designed to test how often the liquid conservation buffer could be completely replenished before a significant call rate drop could be observed. Results from the stability study showed an average call rate of 0.993 for samples collected with the TSU system and 0.953 for samples collected with the TTU system, both exceeding the inclusion threshold call rate of 0.85. As an additional control, the identity of the individual animals was confirmed using the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) recommended SNP panel. The replenishment study revealed a slight drop in the sample call rate after replenishing the conservation buffer for the fourth time for the TSU as well as the TTU samples. In routine analysis, this application allows for multiple experiments to be performed on the liquid conservation buffer, while maintaining the tissue samples for future use. The data collected in this study shows that the liquid conservation buffer used in the TST system can be used for Illumina BeadChip genotyping applications.

Predaceous ants, beach replenishment, and nest placement by sea turtles.

PubMed

Wetterer, James K; Wood, Lawrence D; Johnson, Chris; Krahe, Holly; Fitchett, Stephanie

2007-10-01

Ants known for attacking and killing hatchling birds and reptiles include the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren), tropical fire ant [Solenopsis geminata (Fabr.)], and little fire ant [Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger)]. We tested whether sea turtle nest placement influenced exposure to predaceous ants. In 2000 and 2001, we surveyed ants along a Florida beach where green turtles (Chelonia mydas L.), leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea Vandelli), and loggerheads (Caretta caretta L.) nest. Part of the beach was artificially replenished between our two surveys. As a result, mean beach width experienced by nesting turtles differed greatly between the two nesting seasons. We surveyed 1,548 sea turtle nests (2000: 909 nests; 2001: 639 nests) and found 22 ant species. S. invicta was by far the most common species (on 431 nests); S. geminata and W. auropunctata were uncommon (on 3 and 16 nests, respectively). In 2000, 62.5% of nests had ants present (35.9% with S. invicta), but in 2001, only 30.5% of the nests had ants present (16.4% with S. invicta). Turtle nests closer to dune vegetation had significantly greater exposure to ants. Differences in ant presence on turtle nests between years and among turtle species were closely related to differences in nest placement relative to dune vegetation. Beach replenishment significantly lowered exposure of nests to ants because on the wider beaches turtles nested farther from the dune vegetation. Selective pressures on nesting sea turtles are altered both by the presence of predaceous ants and the practice of beach replenishment.

Recursive multibody dynamics and discrete-time optimal control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deleuterio, G. M. T.; Damaren, C. J.

1989-01-01

A recursive algorithm is developed for the solution of the simulation dynamics problem for a chain of rigid bodies. Arbitrary joint constraints are permitted, that is, joints may allow translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom. The recursive procedure is shown to be identical to that encountered in a discrete-time optimal control problem. For each relevant quantity in the multibody dynamics problem, there exists an analog in the context of optimal control. The performance index that is minimized in the control problem is identified as Gibbs' function for the chain of bodies.

The added value of a family-centered approach to optimize infants’ social-emotional development: A quasi-experimental study

PubMed Central

Hielkema, Margriet; Stewart, Roy E.; de Winter, Andrea F.

2017-01-01

Objective Family-centered care (FCC) has been related to positive healthcare outcomes in pediatric care. Our aim was to assess whether an FCC approach also leads to better and earlier identification of social-emotional problems and less child psychosocial problems at age 18 months. Methods In a quasi-experimental study within routine well-child care in the Netherlands, we compared those regions in which an FCC approach was implemented (FCC-JointStart) to those regions with “care-as-usual” (CAU), including all children. In all regions, professionals performed well-child visits (2–18 months) and assessed social-emotional problems, or risks developing these, by rating outcomes of assessments as “not optimal” or as “a problem.” We compared FCC-JointStart and CAU regarding the rates of newly identified (risks for) social-emotional problems, the pace of identification over time, and the child’s psychosocial wellbeing at eighteen months as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). For participants that received extra care, we compared FCC-JointStart and CAU regarding the severity of parent-reported problems. Parents were blinded, professionals were not. Results 5658 parents (68%) agreed to participate in the study. In the FCC-JointStart group, risks were identified more frequently, though differences were small (24.7% versus 22.0%, odds ratio (95%-confidence interval) adjusted for confounders: 1.44 (0.96; 2.18), Phi = .03). Risks were also identified earlier (p = .008), and additional care was provided to more severe cases than in CAU. Effect sizes r ranged from 0.17 (PSBC) to 0.22 (FAD). CBCL scores at 18 months did not differ between groups. Conclusions FFC-JointStart may contribute to more and earlier identification of risks for social-emotional problems and of families that need additional care, but not to fewer child psychosocial problems at age 18 months. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register NTR2681 PMID:29267270

Cable compliance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerley, J.; Eklund, W.; Burkhardt, R.; Rossoni, P.

1992-01-01

The object of the investigation was to solve mechanical problems using cable-in-bending and cable-in-torsion. These problems included robotic contacts, targets, and controls using cable compliance. Studies continued in the use of cable compliance for the handicapped and the elderly. These included work stations, walkers, prosthetic knee joints, elbow joints, and wrist joints. More than half of these objects were met, and models were made and studies completed on most of the others. It was concluded that the many different and versatile solutions obtained only opened the door to many future challenges.

Defense Acquisition and the Case of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change Kathryn Aten and John T. Dillard Naval...Defense Acquisition and the Case of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration Office: Ad Hoc Problem Solving as a Mechanism for Adaptive Change...describes the preliminary analysis and findings of our study exploring what drives successful organizational adaptation in the context of technology

The "Dual Usage Problem" in the Explanations of "Joint Attention" and Children's Socioemotional Development: A Reconceptualization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tasker, Susan L.; Schmidt, Louis A.

2008-01-01

The term "joint attention", which first gained currency in the early 1960s in studies of the development of language and symbolic thought, remains significant in the developmental literature. However, its meaning is unclear. A definitional problem exists similar to what Patterson [Patterson, M. L. (1982). "A sequential functional model of…

Intelligent Control of Flexible-Joint Robotic Manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colbaugh, R.; Gallegos, G.

1997-01-01

This paper considers the trajectory tracking problem for uncertain rigid-link. flexible.joint manipulators, and presents a new intelligent controller as a solution to this problem. The proposed control strategy is simple and computationally efficient, requires little information concerning either the manipulator or actuator/transmission models and ensures uniform boundedness of all signals and arbitrarily accurate task-space trajectory tracking.

Parental Guidance and Children's Executive Function: Working Memory and Planning as Moderators during Joint Problem-Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eason, Sarah H.; Ramani, Geetha B.

2017-01-01

Cognitive aspects of children's executive function (EF) were examined as moderators of the effectiveness of parental guidance on children's learning. Thirty-two 5-year-old children and their parents were observed during joint problem-solving. Forms of guidance geared towards cognitive assistance were coded as directive or elaborative, and…

Flight set 360T004 (STS-30) field joint protection system, volume 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hale, Elgie

1989-01-01

The Redesigned Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) of the Space Transportation System have three field joints that are protected by the Joint Protection Systems (JPS). The igniter heater was mounted on the igniter flange. This report documents the performance of the JPS and igniter heaters on the pad and the post-flight condition of the JPS components. All observations that were written up as Squawks and/or Problem Reports are also discussed. The primary heaters performed satisfactorily and maintained the field joint temperatures within the required temperature range. A secondary heater failed Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV) test during the joint closeout prior to launch. This heater was not used, however, since the primary heater functioned properly. Post-test inspection revealed that pin A of the heater power cable was shorted to the connector shell. Design changes have been implemented to resolve the heater power cable problem. All field joint assemblies met all of the performance requirements.

Using three dimensional silicone ``boots`` to solve complex remedial design problems in curtain walls

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

Chen, Y.J.

1998-12-31

Stick system curtain wall leak problems are frequently caused by water entry at the splice joints of the curtain wall frame and failure of the internal metal joinery seals. Remedial solutions involving occupied buildings inevitably face the multiple constraints of existing construction and business operations not present during the original curtain wall construction. In most cases, even partial disassembly of the curtain wall for internal seal repairs is not feasible. Remedial solutions which must be executed from the exterior of the curtain wall often involve wet-applied or preformed sealant tape bridge joints. However, some of the more complex joints cannotmore » be repaired effectively or economically with the conventional bridge joint. Fortunately, custom fabricated three-dimensional preformed sealant boots are becoming available to address these situations. This paper discusses the design considerations and the selective use of three-dimensional preformed boots in sealing complex joint geometry that would not be effective with the conventional two-dimensional bridge joint.« less

Thermal Analysis of Cryogenic Hydrogen Liquid Separator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Congiardo, Jared F.; Fortier, Craig R. (Editor)

2014-01-01

During launch for the new Space Launch System (SLS) liquid hydrogen is bleed through the engines during replenish, pre-press, and extended pre-press to condition the engines prior to launch. The predicted bleed flow rates are larger than for the shuttle program. A consequence of the increased flow rates is having liquif hydrogen in the vent system, which the facilities was never designed to handle. To remedy the problem a liquid separator is being designed in the system to accumulated the liquid propellant and protect the facility flare stack (which can only handle gas). The attached document is a presentation of the current thermalfluid analysis performed for the separator and will be presented at the Thermal and Fluid Analysis Workshop (NASA workshop) next week in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dynamical evolution and disintegration of comets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kresak, L.

Current concepts of the origin and evolution of comets are reviewed. The place of their formation from which they have been delivered into the Oort reservoir is still an open problem, but the region of the outermost planets appears most probable. The interplay of stellar and planetary perturbations can be traced by model computations which reveal both the general trends and the variety of individual evolutionary paths. The present structure of the system of comets is controlled by the dynamical evolution of its individual members, limited by their physical aging by disintegration. Where the lifetimes are short, as in the Jupiter family of short-period comets, an equilibrium between elimination and replenishment is established. The role of different destructive processes and the resulting survival times are discussed.

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.

Inverse kinematics problem in robotics using neural networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Benjamin B.; Lawrence, Charles

1992-01-01

In this paper, Multilayer Feedforward Networks are applied to the robot inverse kinematic problem. The networks are trained with endeffector position and joint angles. After training, performance is measured by having the network generate joint angles for arbitrary endeffector trajectories. A 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) spatial manipulator is used for the study. It is found that neural networks provide a simple and effective way to both model the manipulator inverse kinematics and circumvent the problems associated with algorithmic solution methods.

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

Unseren, M.A.

This report proposes a method for resolving the kinematic redundancy of a serial link manipulator moving in a three-dimensional workspace. The underspecified problem of solving for the joint velocities based on the classical kinematic velocity model is transformed into a well-specified problem. This is accomplished by augmenting the original model with additional equations which relate a new vector variable quantifying the redundant degrees of freedom (DOF) to the joint velocities. The resulting augmented system yields a well specified solution for the joint velocities. Methods for selecting the redundant DOF quantifying variable and the transformation matrix relating it to the jointmore » velocities are presented so as to obtain a minimum Euclidean norm solution for the joint velocities. The approach is also applied to the problem of resolving the kinematic redundancy at the acceleration level. Upon resolving the kinematic redundancy, a rigid body dynamical model governing the gross motion of the manipulator is derived. A control architecture is suggested which according to the model, decouples the Cartesian space DOF and the redundant DOF.« less

Decentralized control of large flexible structures by joint decoupling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Tzu-Jeng; Juang, Jer-Nan

1994-01-01

This paper presents a novel method to design decentralized controllers for large complex flexible structures by using the idea of joint decoupling. Decoupling of joint degrees of freedom from the interior degrees of freedom is achieved by setting the joint actuator commands to cancel the internal forces exerting on the joint degrees of freedom. By doing so, the interactions between substructures are eliminated. The global structure control design problem is then decomposed into several substructure control design problems. Control commands for interior actuators are set to be localized state feedback using decentralized observers for state estimation. The proposed decentralized controllers can operate successfully at the individual substructure level as well as at the global structure level. Not only control design but also control implementation is decentralized. A two-component mass-spring-damper system is used as an example to demonstrate the proposed method.

Quantifying anthropogenically driven morphologic changes on a barrier island: Fire Island National Seashore, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kratzmann, Meredith G.; Hapke, Cheryl J.

2012-01-01

Beach scraping, beach replenishment, and the presence of moderate development have altered the morphology of the dune–beach system at Fire Island National Seashore, located on a barrier island on the south coast of Long Island, New York. Seventeen communities are interspersed with sections of natural, nonmodified land within the park boundary. Beach width, dune elevation change, volume change, and shoreline change were calculated from light detection and ranging (LIDAR), real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK GPS), and beach profile data sets at two ∼4 km long study sites. Each site contains both modified (developed, replenished, and/or scraped) and nonmodified (natural) areas. The analysis spans 9 years, from 1998 to 2007, which encompasses both scraping and replenishment events at Fire Island. The objectives of this study were to quantify and compare morphological changes in modified and nonmodified zones, and to identify erosional areas within the study sites.Areas of increased volume and shoreline accretion were observed at both sites and at the western site are consistent with sand replenishment activities. The results indicate that from 1998 to 2007 locations backed by development and that employed beach scraping and/or replenishment as erosion control measures experienced more loss of volume, width, and dune elevation as compared with adjacent nonmodified areas. A detailed analysis of one specific modification, beach scraping, shows distinct morphological differences in scraped areas relative to nonscraped areas of the beach. In general, scraped areas where there is development on the dunes showed decreases in all measured parameters and are more likely to experience overwash during storm events. Furthermore, the rapid mobilization of material from the anthropogenic (scraped) dune results in increased beach accretion downcoast.National park lands are immediately adjacent to developed areas on Fire Island, and even relatively small human-induced modifications can affect park resources and beach–dune response to storms. This study is the first to conduct a systematic analysis on how anthropogenic modifications affect resources at Fire Island National Seashore and provides essential information for effective management and preservation of coastal resources within the park.

Nutrient management effects on sweetpotato genotypes under controlled environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

David, P. P.; Bonsi, C. K.; Trotman, A. A.; Douglas, D. Z.

1996-01-01

Sweetpotato is one of several crops recommended by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for bioregenerative life support studies. One of the objectives of the Tuskegee University NASA Center is to optimize growth conditions for adaptability of sweetpotatoes for closed bioregenerative systems. The role of nutrient solution management as it impacts yield has been one of the major thrusts in these studies. Nutrient solution management protocol currently used consists of a modified half Hoagland solution that is changed at 14-day intervals. Reservoirs are refilled with deionized water if the volume of the nutrient solution was reduced to 8 liters or less before the time of solution change. There is the need to recycle and replenish nutrient solution during crop growth, rather than discard at 14 day intervals as previously done, in order to reduce waste. Experiments were conducted in an environmental growth room to examine the effects of container size on the growth of several sweetpotato genotypes grown under a nutrient replenishment protocol. Plants were grown from vine cuttings of 15cm length and were planted in 0.15 x 0.15 x 1.2m growth channels using a closed nutrient film technique system. Nutrient was supplied in a modified half strength Hoagland's solution with a 1:2.4 N:K ratio. Nutrient replenishment protocol consisted of daily water replenishment to a constant volume of 30.4 liters in the small containers and 273.6 liters in the large container. Nutrients were replenished as needed when the EC of the nutrient solution fell below 1200 mhos/cm. The experimental design used was a split-plot with the main plot being container size and genotypes as the subplot. Nine sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated. Results showed no effect of nutrient solution container size on storage root yield, foliage fresh and dry mass, leaf area or vine length. However, plants grown using the large nutrient solution container accumulated more storage root dry mass than those with the small containers. Although plants grown with the smaller containers showed greater water uptake, plant nutrient uptake was lower than with the larger container. All genotypes evaluated showed variation in their responses to all parameters measured.

Joint Group on Pollution Prevention: Partnering for Progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, R.

2001-01-01

This viewgraph presentation outlines the Joint Group on Pollution Prevention (JG-PP) partnership. Details are given on what groups comprise JG-PP, the proven methodology for what JG-PP can accomplish, the common problems, joint solutions, and shared efforts, and some of the JG-PP projects.

A New Technique for Compensating Joint Limits in a Robot Manipulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litt, Jonathan; Hickman, Andre; Guo, Ten-Huei

1996-01-01

A new robust, optimal, adaptive technique for compensating rate and position limits in the joints of a six degree-of-freedom elbow manipulator is presented. In this new algorithm, the unmet demand as a result of actuator saturation is redistributed among the remaining unsaturated joints. The scheme is used to compensate for inadequate path planning, problems such as joint limiting, joint freezing, or even obstacle avoidance, where a desired position and orientation are not attainable due to an unrealizable joint command. Once a joint encounters a limit, supplemental commands are sent to other joints to best track, according to a selected criterion, the desired trajectory.

Effect of diet on the replenishment of intramyocellular lipids after exercise.

PubMed

Décombaz, J; Fleith, M; Hoppeler, H; Kreis, R; Boesch, C

2000-12-01

Muscle triglycerides are important as a source of energy and in relation to metabolic sensitivity. However, the classic biopsy method does not distinguish intra- from extracellular fat, and their regulation by exercise and diet is largely unknown. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is available to assess the intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) pool non-invasively in humans. The aim of this work was to use sequential MRS measurements of IMCL and glycogen to explore the role of three levels of dietary fat on the replenishment of these energy stores after exercise. Following 2 h of exercise, two subjects (S1, S2) were fed one of three diets (15%, 40% or 70% fat energy), each on a separate occasion. IMCL and glycogen were measured by MRS in the tibialis anterior muscle before, after exercise, and at 10 and at 32 h of recovery. Initial IMCL concentration (mmol.kg-1: 3.0 in S1 and 1.8 in S2) was reduced to 70% after exercise. The rate of replenishment was minimal with the low-fat (mmol.kg-1.24 h-1: 0.7 and 0.0) and much higher with both higher fat diets (mmol.kg-1.24 h-1: 3.1 and 3.2 in S1, 0.7 and 0.9 in S2). Glycogen and IMCL replenishments were inversely correlated. IMCL and glycogen can vary acutely in response to diet after exercise. Studies are needed to determine if such variations occur within the range of ordinary diets and to clarify the functional significance of IMCL in differently active individuals.

Evaluation of the Hip: History and Physical Examination

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

Examination of a painful hip is fairly concise and reliable at detecting the presence of a hip joint problem. Hip joint disorders often go undetected, leading to the development of secondary disorders. Using a thoughtful approach and methodical examination techniques, most hip joint problems can be detected and a proper treatment strategy can then be implemented based on an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to present a systematic examination process that outlines important components in each of the evaluation areas of history and physical examination (including inspection, measurements, symptom localization, muscle strength, and special tests). PMID:21509142

Why Do Staff of Joint-Use Libraries Sometimes Fail to Integrate? Investigating Cultures and Ethics in a Public-Tertiary Joint-Use Library

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calvert, Philip James

2010-01-01

Joint-use libraries have identified staff integration as a problem. Using focus groups, this project investigated the culture, professional ethics, and attitudes of staff in a public-tertiary joint-use library in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings show some difference in organizational cultures, but more variation at the lower level of roles and…

See What I See, Do as I Do: Promoting Joint Attention and Imitation in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warreyn, Petra; Roeyers, Herbert

2014-01-01

Since imitation and joint attention are both important abilities for young children and since children with autism spectrum disorder show a range of problems in these domains, imitation and joint attention are important targets for intervention. In this study, we examined the possibility of promoting imitation and joint attention by means of a…

Prevention of the Post-traumatic Fibrotic Response in Joints

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology . 1988; 9(4):310-2. 14 APPENDICES: An abstract submitted for the ORS conference...clinical problem of posttraumatic joint stiffness, a pathology that reduces the range of motion (ROM) of injured joints and contributes to the...development of osteoarthritis. The fundamental hypothesis that drives the current study is that pathological fibrotic response of injured joint tissues

BASD: SIRTF Telescope Instrument Changeout and Cryogen Replenishment (STICCR) study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mord, A. J.; Urbach, A. R.; Poyer, M. E.; Andreozzi, L. C.; Hermanson, L. A.; Snyder, H. A.; Blalock, W. R.; Haight, R. P.

1985-01-01

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is a long-life cryogenically cooled space-based telescope for infrared astronomy from 2 micrometer to 700 miocrometers currently under study by NASA-ARC, and planned for launch in approximately the mid 90's. SIRTF will operate as a multi-user facility, initially carrying 3 instruments at the focal plane. It will be cooled to below 2 K by superfluid liquid helium to achieve radiometric sensitivity limited only by the statistical fluctuations in the natural infrared background radiation over most of its spectral range. The lifetime of the mission will be limited by the lifetime of the liquid helium supply, and is currently baselined to be 2 years. The telescope changes required to allow in-space replenishment of the 2,000 liter superfluid helium tank are investigated. A preliminary design for the space services equipment is also developed. The impacts of basing the equipment and servicing on the space station are investigated. Space replenishment and changeout of instruments requires changes to the telescope design and preliminary concepts are presented.

Efficient biostorage below -150 °C, without sacrificial cryogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spoor, Philip S.

2017-12-01

Biostorage is a multi-billion dollar business worldwide and growing rapidly; yet the commercially available options force the user to choose either optimal storage temperature (below -137 °C, the “glass transition temperature” of water) or convenience (no cryogen refill). Passive liquid-nitrogen freezers (storage Dewars with liquid nitrogen pooled at the bottom) provide very cold storage (-190 °C) but the LN2 must be replenished as it boils off. The alternative, so-called “ultra-low” vapor-compression freezers, have no cryogens to replenish and are convenient to use, but only reach storage temperatures above -90 °C. In addition, these tend to be inefficient and costly. Chart Industries is introducing a novel combination of a storage Dewar with a cryocooler (the “Fusion” freezer), that can maintain storage temperatures below -150 °C without the need to replenish any cryogen, while drawing less electricity than any ultra-low on the market. This new product also fits into a relatively narrow “demand window” where on-site cryocooling is not merely more convenient, but also more costeffective than liquid nitrogen delivery.

[Introduction of a bar coding pharmacy stock replenishment system in a prehospital emergency medical unit: economical impact].

PubMed

Dupuis, S; Fecci, J-L; Noyer, P; Lecarpentier, E; Chollet-Xémard, C; Margenet, A; Marty, J; Combes, X

2009-01-01

To assess economical impact after introduction of a bar coding pharmacy stock replenishment system in a prehospital emergency medical unit. Observational before and after study. A computer system using specific software and bare-code technology was introduced in the pre hospital emergency medical unit (Smur). Overall activity and costs related to pharmacy were recorded annually during two periods: the first 2 years period before computer system introduction and the second one during the 4 years following this system installation. The overall clinical activity increased by 10% between the two periods whereas pharmacy related costs continuously decreased after the start of pharmacy management computer system use. Pharmacy stock management was easier after introduction of the new stock replenishment system. The mean pharmacy related cost of one patient management was 13 Euros before and 9 Euros after the introduction of the system. The overall cost savings during the studied period was calculated to reach 134,000 Euros. The introduction of a specific pharmacy management computer system allowed to do important costs savings in a prehospital emergency medical unit.

SIRTF Telescope Instrument Changeout and Cryogen Replenishment (STICCR) Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nast, T. C.; Frank, D.; Liu, C. K.; Parmley, R. T.; Jaekle, D.; Builteman, H.; Schmidt, J.; Frederking, T. H. K.

1985-01-01

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is a long-life cryogenically cooled space-based telescope for infrared astronomy from 2 to 700 micrometers. SIRTF is currently under study by NASA-ARC (Reference AP) and planned for launch in approximately the mid 1990s. SIRTF will operate as a multiuser facility, initially carrying three instruments at the focal plane. It will be cooled to below 2 K by superfluid liquid helium to achieve radiometric sensitivity limited only by the statistical fluctuations in the natural infrared background radiation over most of its spectral range. The lifetime of the mission will be limited by the lifetime of the liquid helium supply, and baseline is currently to be 2 years. The telescope changes required to allow in-space replenishment of the 4,000-L superfluid helium tank was investigated. A preliminary design for the space services equipment was also developed. The impacts of basing the equipment and servicing on the space station were investigated. Space replenishment and changeout of instruments required changes to the telescope design. Preliminary concepts are presented.

Silicon web process development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hill, F. E.; Skutch, M. E.; Driggers, J. M.; Hopkins, R. H.

1980-01-01

A barrier crucible design which consistently maintains melt stability over long periods of time was successfully tested and used in long growth runs. The pellet feeder for melt replenishment was operated continuously for growth runs of up to 17 hours. The liquid level sensor comprising a laser/sensor system was operated, performed well, and meets the requirements for maintaining liquid level height during growth and melt replenishment. An automated feedback loop connecting the feed mechanism and the liquid level sensing system was designed and constructed and operated successfully for 3.5 hours demonstrating the feasibility of semi-automated dendritic web growth. The sensitivity of the cost of sheet, to variations in capital equipment cost and recycling dendrites was calculated and it was shown that these factors have relatively little impact on sheet cost. Dendrites from web which had gone all the way through the solar cell fabrication process, when melted and grown into web, produce crystals which show no degradation in cell efficiency. Material quality remains high and cells made from web grown at the start, during, and the end of a run from a replenished melt show comparable efficiencies.

Bassoon-disruption slows vesicle replenishment and induces homeostatic plasticity at a CNS synapse

PubMed Central

Mendoza Schulz, Alejandro; Jing, Zhizi; María Sánchez Caro, Juan; Wetzel, Friederike; Dresbach, Thomas; Strenzke, Nicola; Wichmann, Carolin; Moser, Tobias

2014-01-01

Endbulb of Held terminals of auditory nerve fibers (ANF) transmit auditory information at hundreds per second to bushy cells (BCs) in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). Here, we studied the structure and function of endbulb synapses in mice that lack the presynaptic scaffold bassoon and exhibit reduced ANF input into the AVCN. Endbulb terminals and active zones were normal in number and vesicle complement. Postsynaptic densities, quantal size and vesicular release probability were increased while vesicle replenishment and the standing pool of readily releasable vesicles were reduced. These opposing effects canceled each other out for the first evoked EPSC, which showed unaltered amplitude. We propose that ANF activity deprivation drives homeostatic plasticity in the AVCN involving synaptic upscaling and increased intrinsic BC excitability. In vivo recordings from individual mutant BCs demonstrated a slightly improved response at sound onset compared to ANF, likely reflecting the combined effects of ANF convergence and homeostatic plasticity. Further, we conclude that bassoon promotes vesicular replenishment and, consequently, a large standing pool of readily releasable synaptic vesicles at the endbulb synapse. PMID:24442636

Ethane's 12C/13C Ratio in Titan: Implications for Methane Replenishment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jennings, Donald E.; Nixon, C. A.; Romani, P. N.; Bjoraker, G. L.; Sada, P. V.; Lunsford, A. W.; Boyle, R. J.; Hesman, B. E.; McCabe, G. H.

2009-01-01

As the .main destination of carbon in the destruction of methane in the atmosphere of Titan, ethane provides information about the carbon isotopic composition of the reservoir from which methane is replenished. If the amount of methane entering the atmosphere is presently equal to the amount converted to ethane, the 12C/13C ratio in ethane should be close to the ratio in the reservoir. We have measured the 12C/13C ratio in ethane both with Cassini CIRS(exp 1) and from the ground and find that it is very close to the telluric standard and outer planet values (89), consistent with a primordial origin for the methane reservoir. The lower 12C/13C ratio measured for methane by Huygens GCMS (82.3) can be explained if the conversion of CH4 to CH3 (and C2H6) favors 12C over 13C with a carbon kinetic isotope effect of 1.08. The time required for the atmospheric methane to reach equilibrium, i.e., for replenishment to equal destruction, is approximately 5 methane atmospheric lifetimes.

Maintaining stable radiation pressure acceleration of ion beams via cascaded electron replenishment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, X. F.; Qiao, B.; Chang, H. X.; Zhang, W. L.; Zhang, H.; Zhou, C. T.; He, X. T.

2017-03-01

A method to maintain ion stable radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) from laser-irradiated thin foils is proposed, where a series of high-Z nanofilms are placed behind to successively replenish co-moving electrons into the accelerating foil as electron charging stations (ECSs). Such replenishment of co-moving electrons, on the one hand, helps to keep a dynamic balance between the electrostatic pressure in the accelerating slab and the increasing laser radiation pressure with a Gaussian temporal profile at the rising front, i.e. dynamically matching the optimal condition of RPA; on the other hand, it aids in suppressing the foil Coulomb explosion due to loss of electrons induced by transverse instabilities during RPA. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that a monoenergetic Si14+ beam with a peak energy of 3.7 GeV and particle number 4.8× {10}9 (charge 11 nC) can be obtained at an intensity of 7 × 1021 W cm-2 and the conversion efficiency from laser to high energy ions is improved significantly by using the ECSs in our scheme.

Co-development of Problem Gambling and Depression Symptoms in Emerging Adults: A Parallel-Process Latent Class Growth Model.

PubMed

Edgerton, Jason D; Keough, Matthew T; Roberts, Lance W

2018-02-21

This study examines whether there are multiple joint trajectories of depression and problem gambling co-development in a sample of emerging adults. Data were from the Manitoba Longitudinal Study of Young Adults (n = 679), which was collected in 4 waves across 5 years (age 18-20 at baseline). Parallel process latent class growth modeling was used to identified 5 joint trajectory classes: low decreasing gambling, low increasing depression (81%); low stable gambling, moderate decreasing depression (9%); low stable gambling, high decreasing depression (5%); low stable gambling, moderate stable depression (3%); moderate stable problem gambling, no depression (2%). There was no evidence of reciprocal growth in problem gambling and depression in any of the joint classes. Multinomial logistic regression analyses of baseline risk and protective factors found that only neuroticism, escape-avoidance coping, and perceived level of family social support were significant predictors of joint trajectory class membership. Consistent with the pathways model framework, we observed that individuals in the problem gambling only class were more likely using gambling as a stable way to cope with negative emotions. Similarly, high levels of neuroticism and low levels of family support were associated with increased odds of being in a class with moderate to high levels of depressive symptoms (but low gambling problems). The results suggest that interventions for problem gambling and/or depression need to focus on promoting more adaptive coping skills among more "at-risk" young adults, and such interventions should be tailored in relation to specific subtypes of comorbid mental illness.

Joint contact forces can be reduced by improving joint moment symmetry in below-knee amputee gait simulations.

PubMed

Koelewijn, Anne D; van den Bogert, Antonie J

2016-09-01

Despite having a fully functional knee and hip in both legs, asymmetries in joint moments of the knee and hip are often seen in gait of persons with a unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA), possibly resulting in excessive joint loading. We hypothesize that persons with a TTA can walk with more symmetric joint moments at the cost of increased effort or abnormal kinematics. The hypothesis was tested using predictive simulations of gait. Open loop controls of one gait cycle were found by solving an optimization problem that minimizes a combination of walking effort and tracking error in joint angles, ground reaction force and gait cycle duration. A second objective was added to penalize joint moment asymmetry, creating a multi-objective optimization problem. A Pareto front was constructed by changing the weights of the objectives and three solutions were analyzed to study the effect of increasing joint moment symmetry. When the optimization placed more weight on moment symmetry, walking effort increased and kinematics became less normal, confirming the hypothesis. TTA gait improved with a moderate increase in joint moment symmetry. At a small cost of effort and abnormal kinematics, the peak hip extension moment in the intact leg was decreased significantly, and so was the joint contact force in the knee and hip. Additional symmetry required a significant increase in walking effort and the joint contact forces in both hips became significantly higher than in able-bodied gait. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fifty moves a year: is there an association between joint physical custody and psychosomatic problems in children?

PubMed

Bergström, Malin; Fransson, Emma; Modin, Bitte; Berlin, Marie; Gustafsson, Per A; Hjern, Anders

2015-08-01

In many Western countries, an increasing number of children with separated parents have joint physical custody, that is, live equally much in their parent's respective homes. In Sweden, joint physical custody is particularly common and concerns between 30% and 40% of the children with separated parents. It has been hypothesised that the frequent moves and lack of stability in parenting may be stressful for these children. We used data from a national classroom survey of all sixth and ninth grade students in Sweden (N=147839) to investigate the association between children's psychosomatic problems and living arrangements. Children in joint physical custody were compared with those living only or mostly with one parent and in nuclear families. We conducted sex-specific linear regression analyses for z-transformed sum scores of psychosomatic problems and adjusted for age, country of origin as well as children's satisfaction with material resources and relationships to parents. Clustering by school was accounted for by using a two-level random intercept model. Children in joint physical custody suffered from less psychosomatic problems than those living mostly or only with one parent but reported more symptoms than those in nuclear families. Satisfaction with their material resources and parent-child relationships was associated with children's psychosomatic health but could not explain the differences between children in the different living arrangements. Children with non-cohabitant parents experience more psychosomatic problems than those in nuclear families. Those in joint physical custody do however report better psychosomatic health than children living mostly or only with one parent. Longitudinal studies with information on family factors before and after the separation are needed to inform policy of children's postseparation living arrangements. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Exploration of joint working practices on anti-social behaviour between criminal justice, mental health and social care agencies: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Krayer, Anne; Robinson, Catherine A; Poole, Rob

2018-05-01

Although the police play an important role for people with mental health problems in the community, little is known about joint working practices between mental health, social care and police services. There is potential for tensions and negative outcomes for people with mental health problems, in particular when the focus is on behaviours that could be interpreted as anti-social. This study explores perceptions about joint working between mental health, social care and police services with regard to anti-social behaviour. We conducted a multi-method sequential qualitative study in the UK collecting data between April 2014 and August 2016. Data were collected from two study sites: 60 narrative police logs of routinely gathered information, and semi-structured interviews and focus groups with professionals from a range of statutory and third sector organisations (N = 55). Data sets were analysed individually, using thematic iterative coding before integrating the findings. We also looked at sequencing and turning points in the police logs. Findings mapped on a continuum of joint working practices, with examples more likely to be away from the policy ideal of partnership working as being central to mainstream activities. Joint working was driven by legal obligations and concerns about risk rather than a focus on the needs of a person with mental health problems. This was complicated by different perceptions of the police role in mental health. Adding anti-social behaviour to this mix intensified challenges as conceptualisation of the nature of the problem and agreeing on best practice and care is open to interpretations and judgements. Of concern is an evident lack of awareness of these issues. There is a need to reflect on joint working practices, including processes and goals, keeping in mind the health and welfare needs of people with mental health problems. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Rheumatoid pseudocyst (geode) of the femoral neck without apparent joint involvement.

PubMed

Morrey, B F

1987-05-01

Typically, rheumatoid cysts are associated with obvious joint involvement and are located in the subchondral portion of the adjacent joint. Giant pseudocysts (geodes) are uncommon and are characteristically associated with extensive joint destruction. The patient described in this report had a giant pseudocyst of the femoral neck but no joint involvement. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first report of such a manifestation of a giant pseudocyst. As such, it posed a somewhat difficult diagnostic problem.

The optimal inventory policy for EPQ model under trade credit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Kun-Jen

2010-09-01

Huang and Huang [(2008), 'Optimal Inventory Replenishment Policy for the EPQ Model Under Trade Credit without Derivatives International Journal of Systems Science, 39, 539-546] use the algebraic method to determine the optimal inventory replenishment policy for the retailer in the extended model under trade credit. However, the algebraic method has its limit of application such that validities of proofs of Theorems 1-4 in Huang and Huang (2008) are questionable. The main purpose of this article is not only to indicate shortcomings but also to present the accurate proofs for Huang and Huang (2008).

Apparatus for growing a dendritic web

DOEpatents

Duncan, Charles S.; Piotrowski, Paul A.; Skutch, Maria E.; McHugh, James P.

1983-06-21

A melt system including a susceptor-crucible assembly having improved gradient control when melt replenishment is used during dendritic web growth. The improvement lies in the formation of a thermal barrier in the base of the receptor which is in the form of a vertical slot in the region of the susceptor underlying the crucible at the location of a compartmental separator dividing the crucible into a growth compartment and a melt replenishment compartment. The result achieved is a step change in temperature gradient in the melt thereby providing a more uniform temperature in the growth compartment from which the dendritic web is drawn.

A unified convergence theory of a numerical method, and applications to the replenishment policies.

PubMed

Mi, Xiang-jiang; Wang, Xing-hua

2004-01-01

In determining the replenishment policy for an inventory system, some researchers advocated that the iterative method of Newton could be applied to the derivative of the total cost function in order to get the optimal solution. But this approach requires calculation of the second derivative of the function. Avoiding this complex computation we use another iterative method presented by the second author. One of the goals of this paper is to present a unified convergence theory of this method. Then we give a numerical example to show the application of our theory.

Proceedings of the Conference on Joint Problem Solving and Microcomputers (San Diego, California, March 31 - April 2, 1983). Technical Report No. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cole, Michael; And Others

A group of American and Japanese psychologists, anthropologists, linguists, and computer scientists gathered at the University of California, San Diego, to exchange ideas on models of joint problem solving and their special relevance to the design and implementation of computer-based systems of instruction. Much of the discussion focused on…

Experiences in the development of rotary joints for robotic manipulators in space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priesett, Klaus

1992-01-01

European developments in robotics for space applications have resulted in human arm-like manipulators with six or more rotational degrees of freedom. The rotary joints including their own electromechanical actuator and feedback sensors must be very compact units. The specific joint concept is presented as evolved so far. The problems encountered during the first hardware development phases are covered on both component and joint level.

Human joint motion estimation for electromyography (EMG)-based dynamic motion control.

PubMed

Zhang, Qin; Hosoda, Ryo; Venture, Gentiane

2013-01-01

This study aims to investigate a joint motion estimation method from Electromyography (EMG) signals during dynamic movement. In most EMG-based humanoid or prosthetics control systems, EMG features were directly or indirectly used to trigger intended motions. However, both physiological and nonphysiological factors can influence EMG characteristics during dynamic movements, resulting in subject-specific, non-stationary and crosstalk problems. Particularly, when motion velocity and/or joint torque are not constrained, joint motion estimation from EMG signals are more challenging. In this paper, we propose a joint motion estimation method based on muscle activation recorded from a pair of agonist and antagonist muscles of the joint. A linear state-space model with multi input single output is proposed to map the muscle activity to joint motion. An adaptive estimation method is proposed to train the model. The estimation performance is evaluated in performing a single elbow flexion-extension movement in two subjects. All the results in two subjects at two load levels indicate the feasibility and suitability of the proposed method in joint motion estimation. The estimation root-mean-square error is within 8.3% ∼ 10.6%, which is lower than that being reported in several previous studies. Moreover, this method is able to overcome subject-specific problem and compensate non-stationary EMG properties.

Geology and ground-water hydrology of the Mokelumne area, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, A.M.; Gale, H.S.; Thomas, H.E.; Robinson, T.W.

1939-01-01

29), and there have been as many as 2,500 wells equipped with irrigation pumping plants (1931). Commonly the wells are pumped only in daylight and are idle over week-ends and holidays, also during and after protracted rainstorms in the early part of the season. In a small district near Victor pumping in recent years has begun in January or February, has reached its height in March, and largely has passed by April. In outlying districts general pumping has begun as late as May, reached its height in June or July, and waned by September. Since 1907 the water table appears to have declined steadily in most of the Mokelumne area except along the river. The decline was least in the Woodbridge Irrigation District, where in four typical wells. the average decline from 1907 to 1937 was 3 feet, or 0.15 foot a year. Among 18 shallow wells in the district of most intensive pumping the average recession of the water table from 1907 to 1927 was 11 feet, or 0.55 foot a year; the greatest measured recession was 15 feet, or 0.75 foot a year. From 1927 to 1933 the water table declined 5 feet or more over most of the central pumping district except within 2 miles of the Mokelumne River, and the greatest measured decline was 9 feet. The area of material recession ,extends 4 to 7 miles eastward beyond the central pumping district, whence it is inferred that pumping has drawn gradually on remote ground-water storage. It is inferred that the Mokelumne River ordinarily has been a losing stream between the Mehrten dam site, near Clements, and the Woodbridge Dam, the area that received the percolate having been triangular with its upstream and having included about 5,200 acres of the flood plain and 36,500 acres in outlying districts to the north and to the south. Mean fluctuations of the water table within the area receiving percolate from ihe river are believed to indicate that relatively little water is drawn from outside the area. Accordingly, simple storage methods are competent for a ground-water inventory. It is inferred that the rate of seepage loss from the river depends jointly upon river discharge, stage in the Woodbridge Reservoir, and groundwater pumpage. The foregoing inferences lead to the following conclusions with respect to ground-water replenishment by seepage loss from the river in the intensively cultivated district about Lodi: (1) The annual replenishment has tended to increase for at least two decades, owing to the gradual increase in head between surface water and ground water as ground-water levels have been lowered progressively by pumping; (2) annual replenishment has tended to increase, especially in recent years, owing to gradually prolonged use of the Woodbridge Reservoir, for thereby a relatively large wetted area and great differential head have been maintained for an increasing term; (3) the rate of replenishment tends to be greater under regulation than under the so-called natural regimen, to the extent that regulation has maintained a moderately large wetted area and stage in the river through the later part ·of each pumping season, whi1e the ground-water levels have been lowest. Moreover, for any particular yearly run-off below the Mehrten dam site, the replenishment by seepage would tend to be greater under the regulated regimen to the extent that fluctuations in discharge were suppressed, for the greatest yearly mean stage and mean wetted area would be afforded by constant discharge. -Thus, diverting water out of the Mokelumne River Basin at the Pardee Dam does not necessari1y-entail a diminution in ground-water replenishment by seepage loss along the lower reach of the stream, at least in the replenishment beneath the Victor plain above the gaging station at Woodbridge. Rather. the Pardee Dam affords a means for so regulating the discharge as to effect a maximum ground-water replenishment with-a given run-off in the natural channel. Bodies of ground water perched above the regional water table are common in the Laguna formation, especially in its lower part. Conspicuous bodies occur about 3 miles south of Clay, in a district between 1 mile and 5 miles south of Clements, and along Dry Creek in T. 5 N., Rs. 7 and 8 E. From the relation between the water table and the piezometric surface for water confined in deep aquifers, the area receiving percolate from the Mokelumne River may be divided roughly into (1) a central area, extending not :p1ore than half a mi1e beyond the flood plain, in which the piezometric surface is inferred to have stood below the water table throughout the term of the investigation and hence in which the difference in head has favored the percolation of water from shallow beds into deep beds in all seasons, and (2) an outlying area in which the difference in head likewise favors downward percolation into deep beds during the pumping season but favors upward percolation during the nonpumping season. This outlying area includes about 75 percent of the segment of the Victor plain that receives percolate from the river. From 1927 to 1933 the subartesian head that existed during the nonpumping season in the area remote from the river tended to increase; it is therefore inferred that the relative opportunity for seasonal recharge of the shallow water-bearing beds by underfeeding has likewise tended to increase. On the other hand, the negative differential head in wells near the river also has tended to increase; thus in this central area the opportunity for discharge of water from shallow beds by downward percolation has probably tended to increase. It is believed that ground-water storage within the area near the river is not decreased materially by" discharge westward through deep pervious beds, also that the yearly addition to ground-water storage in the outlying area by deep percolation from a remote easterly source is scant and for all practical purposes is offset by downward percolation along the river.

Field and Experimental Constraints on the Dynamics of Replenished Silicic Magma Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bain, A. A.; Jellinek, M.

2008-12-01

The underlying causes of catastrophic caldera-forming volcanic eruptions remain poorly understood. However, the occurrence of magma mixing within bimodal systems has become increasingly linked with such eruptions. In particular, buoyancy effects related to unstable density contrasts arising as a result of silicic- basaltic magma interactions may play an important role in the growth, differentiation and catastrophic eruption of silicic magma chambers. Evidence of such magmatic interactions can be found in layered intrusions from the Coastal Maine Magmatic Province (USA), where well-exposed cross-sections reveal hundreds of laterally-extensive basaltic sheets, apparently injected as intrusive lava flows onto the growing floors of silicic magma chambers. Interfaces between mafic and silicic layers are commonly sharply defined and exhibit deformation parallel to the inferred direction of palaeo-gravity. Our field observations suggest that the cooling, settling and buckling of gravitationally-unstable mafic replenishments may have driven large-scale (basalt layer depth) and small- scale (crystal diameter) upwelling and/or overturning of underlying buoyant silicic cumulate material. In order to characterize the full range of buoyancy effects, we carried out extensive spectral analysis of high- resolution digital field measurements from the Pleasant Bay and Mount Desert Island intrusions. In many cases, Rayleigh-Taylor theory and the longest measured wavelength of deformation indicate that a large and potentially-quantifiable fraction of the original, pre-replenishment silicic cumulate thickness may be missing, implying that vertical mass transfer has occurred. In addition, the shortest wavelengths of deformation are generally consistent with observed length-scales of crystals and clumps of crystals at these localities. With the aim of understanding the initial conditions that gave rise to these field observations, we conduct a series of laboratory experiments in which we observe the development of a Rayleigh-Taylor instability between a buoyant basal fluid layer overlain by a denser fluid layer. In order to identify the important parameters in the problem, we perform these experiments for a wide range of density contrasts, layer thicknesses and fluid rheologies (i.e. we vary particle concentration from the dilute to highly-crystalline limits to simulate freezing basalt and re-heated silicic cumulate rheologies). Regimes in which the entire silicic layer becomes unstable are potentially responsible for overturning the system and iniating large volcanic eruptions.

Evaluation of Weldability for MAG and LASER with Galvannealed Steel.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Hee; Bang, Han-Sur; Bang, Hee-Seon

2018-03-01

Lower-arm, one of the components in automotive suspension module, has been fabricated by MAG welding in general which is lap jointed with 2 mm thick galvannealed steel sheet (SGAPH440). This welding process produces some problems such as significantly much spatters and weld defects of porosity in welded joint, which degrades productivity and weldability. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, this study has been tried to apply two types of solid wires with different chemical composition rate of Si and Mn, in MAG welding process. Moreover, the laser welding process has been adopted to fabricate the low-arm and compared with those of MAG welding, in terms of mechanical and metallurgical characteristics. It was observed that in MAG welded joints, much more spatters were occurred in using solid wire with higher Si and Mn contains. The maximum tensile-shear strength in laser welded joints was approximately 16.7 kN, which was almost equal to that of in MAG welded joints. The microstructure showed ferrite and martensite in weld metal in MAG and laser welded joints indicating no significantly grain size change.

Optimising multi-product multi-chance-constraint inventory control system with stochastic period lengths and total discount under fuzzy purchasing price and holding costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allah Taleizadeh, Ata; Niaki, Seyed Taghi Akhavan; Aryanezhad, Mir-Bahador

2010-10-01

While the usual assumptions in multi-periodic inventory control problems are that the orders are placed at the beginning of each period (periodic review) or depending on the inventory level they can happen at any time (continuous review), in this article, we relax these assumptions and assume that the periods between two replenishments of the products are independent and identically distributed random variables. Furthermore, assuming that the purchasing price are triangular fuzzy variables, the quantities of the orders are of integer-type and that there are space and service level constraints, total discount are considered to purchase products and a combination of back-order and lost-sales are taken into account for the shortages. We show that the model of this problem is a fuzzy mixed-integer nonlinear programming type and in order to solve it, a hybrid meta-heuristic intelligent algorithm is proposed. At the end, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology and to compare its performance with one of the existing algorithms in real world inventory control problems.

[Rehabilitation of the patients following the endoprosthetic replacement of the joints of the lower extremities].

PubMed

Rud, I M; Melnikova, E A; Rassulova, M A; Razumov, A N; Gorelikov, A E

2017-12-28

The present article is the analytical review of the literature pertaining to the problem of rehabilitation of the patients following the endoprosthetic replacement of joints of the lower extremities. The relevance of the problem of interest for medical rehabilitation is beyond any doubt. The traditional methods for the rehabilitation of the patients do not always lead to the desired results. The authors discuss in detail the need for and the contemporary approaches to the rehabilitation of the patients who had undergone reconstructive surgery and arthroplasty of the joints of the lower extremities. The pathogenetically-based three-stage algorithm for medical rehabilitation is proposed.

On-spot rheumatology consultations in a multilevel geriatric hospital.

PubMed

Lubart, Emily; Leibovitz, Arthur; Shapir, Vadim; Segal, Refael

2014-01-01

Musculoskeletal and joint disorders are extremely common in the elderly. They directly affect mobility, gait stability, quality of life, and independence. To assess the nature of joint problems encountered in a geriatric inpatient population and evaluate the contribution of a rheumatologist. We reviewed the rheumatology consultation records that were conducted in a geriatric medical center over a 10 year period. A total of 474 consultations were held; most of these patients (86%) were hospitalized in the acute geriatric departments, 10% in the rehabilitation ward and 4% in the long-term care wards. Some patients were seen more than once. A rheumatologic joint problem was the main reason for hospitalization in 53% of these patients. Monoarthritis was the most frequent complaint (50%), followed by pauciarticular arthritis (two to five joints) in 30% of patients. Arthrocentesis, diagnostic and therapeutic, was performed in 225 patients, most of them in knee joints (81%). The most frequent diagnosis was osteoarthritis with acute exacerbation (28%), followed by gout (18%), pseudo-gout (9%) and rheumatoid arthritis (9%). In 86 cases (18%) the diagnosis was a non-specific rheumatologic problem: arthralgia, nonspecific generalized pain, or fibromyalgia. Prompt and appropriate evaluation, as well as arthrocentesis and treatment initiation, including local injections, were made possible by the presence of an in-house rheumatologist.

An Approximation Solution to Refinery Crude Oil Scheduling Problem with Demand Uncertainty Using Joint Constrained Programming

PubMed Central

Duan, Qianqian; Yang, Genke; Xu, Guanglin; Pan, Changchun

2014-01-01

This paper is devoted to develop an approximation method for scheduling refinery crude oil operations by taking into consideration the demand uncertainty. In the stochastic model the demand uncertainty is modeled as random variables which follow a joint multivariate distribution with a specific correlation structure. Compared to deterministic models in existing works, the stochastic model can be more practical for optimizing crude oil operations. Using joint chance constraints, the demand uncertainty is treated by specifying proximity level on the satisfaction of product demands. However, the joint chance constraints usually hold strong nonlinearity and consequently, it is still hard to handle it directly. In this paper, an approximation method combines a relax-and-tight technique to approximately transform the joint chance constraints to a serial of parameterized linear constraints so that the complicated problem can be attacked iteratively. The basic idea behind this approach is to approximate, as much as possible, nonlinear constraints by a lot of easily handled linear constraints which will lead to a well balance between the problem complexity and tractability. Case studies are conducted to demonstrate the proposed methods. Results show that the operation cost can be reduced effectively compared with the case without considering the demand correlation. PMID:24757433

An approximation solution to refinery crude oil scheduling problem with demand uncertainty using joint constrained programming.

PubMed

Duan, Qianqian; Yang, Genke; Xu, Guanglin; Pan, Changchun

2014-01-01

This paper is devoted to develop an approximation method for scheduling refinery crude oil operations by taking into consideration the demand uncertainty. In the stochastic model the demand uncertainty is modeled as random variables which follow a joint multivariate distribution with a specific correlation structure. Compared to deterministic models in existing works, the stochastic model can be more practical for optimizing crude oil operations. Using joint chance constraints, the demand uncertainty is treated by specifying proximity level on the satisfaction of product demands. However, the joint chance constraints usually hold strong nonlinearity and consequently, it is still hard to handle it directly. In this paper, an approximation method combines a relax-and-tight technique to approximately transform the joint chance constraints to a serial of parameterized linear constraints so that the complicated problem can be attacked iteratively. The basic idea behind this approach is to approximate, as much as possible, nonlinear constraints by a lot of easily handled linear constraints which will lead to a well balance between the problem complexity and tractability. Case studies are conducted to demonstrate the proposed methods. Results show that the operation cost can be reduced effectively compared with the case without considering the demand correlation.

Octopuses use a human-like strategy to control precise point-to-point arm movements.

PubMed

Sumbre, Germán; Fiorito, Graziano; Flash, Tamar; Hochner, Binyamin

2006-04-18

One of the key problems in motor control is mastering or reducing the number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) through coordination. This problem is especially prominent with hyper-redundant limbs such as the extremely flexible arm of the octopus. Several strategies for simplifying these control problems have been suggested for human point-to-point arm movements. Despite the evolutionary gap and morphological differences, humans and octopuses evolved similar strategies when fetching food to the mouth. To achieve this precise point-to-point-task, octopus arms generate a quasi-articulated structure based on three dynamic joints. A rotational movement around these joints brings the object to the mouth . Here, we describe a peripheral neural mechanism-two waves of muscle activation propagate toward each other, and their collision point sets the medial-joint location. This is a remarkably simple mechanism for adjusting the length of the segments according to where the object is grasped. Furthermore, similar to certain human arm movements, kinematic invariants were observed at the joint level rather than at the end-effector level, suggesting intrinsic control coordination. The evolutionary convergence to similar geometrical and kinematic features suggests that a kinematically constrained articulated limb controlled at the level of joint space is the optimal solution for precise point-to-point movements.

Bone marrow chimeric mice reveal a role for CX₃CR1 in maintenance of the monocyte-derived cell population in the olfactory neuroepithelium.

PubMed

Vukovic, Jana; Blomster, Linda V; Chinnery, Holly R; Weninger, Wolfgang; Jung, Steffen; McMenamin, Paul G; Ruitenberg, Marc J

2010-10-01

Macrophages in the olfactory neuroepithelium are thought to play major roles in tissue homeostasis and repair. However, little information is available at present about possible heterogeneity of these monocyte-derived cells, their turnover rates, and the role of chemokine receptors in this process. To start addressing these issues, this study used Cx₃cr1(gfp) mice, in which the gene sequence for eGFP was knocked into the CX₃CR1 gene locus in the mutant allele. Using neuroepithelial whole-mounts from Cx₃cr1(gfp/+) mice, we show that eGFP(+) cells of monocytic origin are distributed in a loose network throughout this tissue and can be subdivided further into two immunophenotypically distinct subsets based on MHC-II glycoprotein expression. BM chimeric mice were created using Cx₃cr1(gfp/+) donors to investigate turnover of macrophages (and other monocyte-derived cells) in the olfactory neuroepithelium. Our data indicate that the monocyte-derived cell population in the olfactory neuroepithelium is actively replenished by circulating monocytes and under the experimental conditions, completely turned over within 6 months. Transplantation of Cx₃cr1(gfp/gfp) (i.e., CX₃CR1-deficient) BM partially impaired the replenishment process and resulted in an overall decline of the total monocyte-derived cell number in the olfactory epithelium. Interestingly, replenishment of the CD68(low)MHC-II(+) subset appeared minimally affected by CX₃CR1 deficiency. Taken together, the established baseline data about heterogeneity of monocyte-derived cells, their replenishment rates, and the role of CX₃CR1 provide a solid basis to further examine the importance of different monocyte subsets for neuroregeneration at this unique frontier with the external environment.

Arthroscopy

MedlinePlus

Arthroscopy Overview Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-skuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a narrow ... is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your joint ...

Joint reconstruction of multiview compressed images.

PubMed

Thirumalai, Vijayaraghavan; Frossard, Pascal

2013-05-01

Distributed representation of correlated multiview images is an important problem that arises in vision sensor networks. This paper concentrates on the joint reconstruction problem where the distributively compressed images are decoded together in order to take benefit from the image correlation. We consider a scenario where the images captured at different viewpoints are encoded independently using common coding solutions (e.g., JPEG) with a balanced rate distribution among different cameras. A central decoder first estimates the inter-view image correlation from the independently compressed data. The joint reconstruction is then cast as a constrained convex optimization problem that reconstructs total-variation (TV) smooth images, which comply with the estimated correlation model. At the same time, we add constraints that force the reconstructed images to be as close as possible to their compressed versions. We show through experiments that the proposed joint reconstruction scheme outperforms independent reconstruction in terms of image quality, for a given target bit rate. In addition, the decoding performance of our algorithm compares advantageously to state-of-the-art distributed coding schemes based on motion learning and on the DISCOVER algorithm.

Input relegation control for gross motion of a kinematically redundant manipulator

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

Unseren, M.A.

1992-10-01

This report proposes a method for resolving the kinematic redundancy of a serial link manipulator moving in a three-dimensional workspace. The underspecified problem of solving for the joint velocities based on the classical kinematic velocity model is transformed into a well-specified problem. This is accomplished by augmenting the original model with additional equations which relate a new vector variable quantifying the redundant degrees of freedom (DOF) to the joint velocities. The resulting augmented system yields a well specified solution for the joint velocities. Methods for selecting the redundant DOF quantifying variable and the transformation matrix relating it to the jointmore » velocities are presented so as to obtain a minimum Euclidean norm solution for the joint velocities. The approach is also applied to the problem of resolving the kinematic redundancy at the acceleration level. Upon resolving the kinematic redundancy, a rigid body dynamical model governing the gross motion of the manipulator is derived. A control architecture is suggested which according to the model, decouples the Cartesian space DOF and the redundant DOF.« less

A unified motion planning approach for redundant and non-redundant manipulators with actuator constraints. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, Ching-Luan

1990-01-01

The term trajectory planning has been used to refer to the process of determining the time history of joint trajectory of each joint variable corresponding to a specified trajectory of the end effector. The trajectory planning problem was solved as a purely kinematic problem. The drawback is that there is no guarantee that the actuators can deliver the effort necessary to track the planned trajectory. To overcome this limitation, a motion planning approach which addresses the kinematics, dynamics, and feedback control of a manipulator in a unified framework was developed. Actuator constraints are taken into account explicitly and a priori in the synthesis of the feedback control law. Therefore the result of applying the motion planning approach described is not only the determination of the entire set of joint trajectories but also a complete specification of the feedback control strategy which would yield these joint trajectories without violating actuator constraints. The effectiveness of the unified motion planning approach is demonstrated on two problems which are of practical interest in manipulator robotics.

Joint Chance-Constrained Dynamic Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ono, Masahiro; Kuwata, Yoshiaki; Balaram, J. Bob

2012-01-01

This paper presents a novel dynamic programming algorithm with a joint chance constraint, which explicitly bounds the risk of failure in order to maintain the state within a specified feasible region. A joint chance constraint cannot be handled by existing constrained dynamic programming approaches since their application is limited to constraints in the same form as the cost function, that is, an expectation over a sum of one-stage costs. We overcome this challenge by reformulating the joint chance constraint into a constraint on an expectation over a sum of indicator functions, which can be incorporated into the cost function by dualizing the optimization problem. As a result, the primal variables can be optimized by a standard dynamic programming, while the dual variable is optimized by a root-finding algorithm that converges exponentially. Error bounds on the primal and dual objective values are rigorously derived. We demonstrate the algorithm on a path planning problem, as well as an optimal control problem for Mars entry, descent and landing. The simulations are conducted using a real terrain data of Mars, with four million discrete states at each time step.

Public Broadcasting and Educational Television: A Report to the Washington State Legislature by the Subcommittee on Educational Television and Libraries of the Joint Committee on Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marquardt, R. G.; Boice, Eldon G.

During the years 1967-69, the Instruction Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Education held a series of hearings to pinpoint the financial and organizational problems of educational television in the state of Washington. The problems revealed by this investigation prompted the Subcommittee to contract with Dr. Kenneth Christiansen, Director of…

Genetic connectivity and self-replenishment of inshore and offshore populations of the endemic anemonefish, Amphiprion latezonatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinberg, Rosemary; van der Meer, Martin; Walker, Emily; Berumen, Michael L.; Hobbs, Jean-Paul A.; van Herwerden, Lynne

2016-09-01

Globally, marine species are under increasing pressure from human activities, including ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and overfishing. Species most vulnerable to these pressures tend to be ecological specialists that have low abundance and small distribution ranges (endemics). Marine endemics often exist as meta-populations distributed among few isolated locations. Determining genetic connectivity among these locations is essential to understanding the recovery potential of endemics after local extinction events. This study examined connectivity in the endemic anemonefish, Amphiprion latezonatus, a habitat specialist with low abundance at most locations. Evolutionary and contemporary migration, genetic diversity, and self-replenishment among the four main locations (Sunshine Coast, North Solitary Island, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Island) that comprise the entire A. latezonatus geographic range were assessed using mtDNA and microsatellite markers. Though historical gene flow inferred from mtDNA appeared high, population genetic differentiation was evident and contemporary gene flow inferred from microsatellites was limited, alongside very high (≥89 %) self-replenishment at all locations. Together, these data suggest prolonged recovery times following severe population decline (or extirpation) and indicate a need to protect this species at all locations, particularly Norfolk Island and Sunshine Coast where marine protected areas are lacking.

Source memory in the rat

PubMed Central

Crystal, Jonathon D.; Alford, Wesley T.; Zhou, Wenyi; Hohmann, Andrea G.

2013-01-01

Summary Source memory is a representation of the origin (source) of information. When source information is bound together, it makes a memory episodic, allowing us to differentiate one event from another [1, 2]. Here we asked if rats remember the source of encoded information. Rats foraged for distinctive flavors of food that replenished (or failed to replenish) at its recently encountered location according to a source-information rule. To predict replenishment, rats needed to remember where they had encountered a preferred food type (chocolate) with self-generated (walking along a runway encountering chocolate) or experimenter-generated (placement of the rat at the chocolate site by an experimenter) cues. Three lines of evidence implicate the presence of source memory. First, rats selectively adjusted revisits to the chocolate location based on source information, under conditions in which familiarity of events could not produce successful performance. Second, source memory was dissociated from location memory by different decay rates. Third, temporary inactivation of the CA3 region of the hippocampus with lidocaine selectively eliminated source memory, suggesting that source memory is dependent upon an intact hippocampus. Development of an animal model of source memory may be valuable to probe the biological underpinnings of memory disorders marked by impairments in source memory. PMID:23394830

The concept of energy height in animal locomotion: separating mechanics from physiology.

PubMed

Pennycuick, C J

2003-09-21

The distance flown in gliding is proportional to the starting height, not to the starting potential energy, and it is independent of the body mass. By analogy, in powered flight, the quantity of stored fuel can be converted into a virtual "fuel energy height", defined as the height to which the fuel energy could lift the bird against gravity, if it were converted into work. This is a logarithmic function of the fuel fraction, not of the absolute amount of fuel, or of the body mass. It takes account of the strength of gravity, and of the efficiency with which fuel energy is converted into work. The "performance number" is the gradient on which a migrating bird comes "down" from its initial fuel energy height. It is mechanical (not physiological) in character, and corresponds to the lift:drag ratio in a fixed-wing aircraft. The concept of range as an initial energy height multiplied by a performance number can also be applied to swimming and running animals. Performance number, and also the related variable "cost of transport", are both independent of gravity in flying and running, but not in swimming. Migration by thermal soaring is analogous to powered flight with stopovers, except that the bird replenishes its potential energy by climbing in thermals, rather than replenishing fuel energy during stopovers. Rates of climb in thermals are typically higher than fuel energy rates of climb, but the available height band is two orders of magnitude smaller, and the intervals at which energy replenishment is needed are correspondingly shorter. Albatrosses replenish their kinetic energy by exploiting discontinuities in the wind flow over waves, requiring replenishment at intervals of tens of seconds, a further two orders of magnitude shorter than in thermal soaring. Fat energy height can be used as a measure of "condition", which is independent of the size or type of the animal. The fat energy height at which a migrant must arrive on the breeding grounds, in order to breed successfully, reflects the ecological characteristics of the habitat, not the size or character of the bird. Energy height expresses what an animal or machine can do with its stored energy, not the amount of energy.

Constraints on the Rates of Replenishment, Magma Mixing, and Crystal Recycling at Santorini Volcano, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, V. M.; Davidson, J. P.; Morgan, D. J.; Jerram, D. A.

2007-12-01

Santorini is a young, active volcano, which preserves abundant evidence for open-system processes such as magma replenishment and crystal recycling, and thus represents an ideal system in which to study magma chamber dynamics. Santorini is the largest volcanic centre in the Aegean arc, with an eruptive history spanning more than 250,000 years over two eruptive cycles. The cycles are dominated by extended periods of effusive shield-building activity with occasional large-magnitude explosive eruptions, the Minoan eruption of ~3600 years ago being the most recent. Current activity consists of a phase of post-caldera reconstruction, focused recently on the intra-caldera Kameni islands. Microsampling to measure 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase cores indicates the presence of a complex plumbing system beneath Santorini. Large rhyodacitic deposits typically contain a mafic component, interpreted as the eruption trigger. In some cases, the mafic magma groundmass and phenocrysts are isotopically similar to their rhyodacite host; other deposits show the opposite, implying the coexistence of isotopically distinct magma batches. To add further complexity, plagioclase phenocrysts are in some cases in equilibrium with their groundmass while others show the reverse, implying modification due to crystal recycling or shallow mixing processes prior to eruption. Mafic enclaves in the recent Kameni lavas, again interpreted as the probable eruption trigger, provide some constraints on the rates of these recycling, mixing, and triggering processes. Glomerocrysts and xenocrysts of recycled gabbroic cumulate material are present in a number of Kameni enclaves. Isotopic and chemical disequilibrium between the cumulate crystals and the host indicate that these fragments are derived from pre- existing crystal mush piles pervaded by the replenishing melts as they migrated to shallow levels, creating disequilibrium between the cumulate mineral cores and the replenishing melts. 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of plagioclase xenocryst cores suggest crystal recycling from a pre-Minoan source is probable. Olivine xenocrysts in the enclaves possess narrow (10-30 μm) Fe-Mg diffusion profiles, due to interaction with enclave magma groundmass, which can be used to estimate the interval between entrainment and eruption. Initial modelling of diffusion profiles from more than 60 crystals suggests short timescales, from 15 to 45 days, for the combined migration-replenishment-eruption cycle at Kameni.

Joint Removal Implications : Thermal Analysis and Life-Cycle Cost

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-04-01

Deck joints are causing significant bridge deterioration and maintenance problems for Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Colorado State University researchers partnered with the Colorado DOT to analyze the effects of temperature change and thermal...

A Joint Multitarget Estimator for the Joint Target Detection and Tracking Filter

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-27

function is the information theoretic part of the problem and aims for entropy maximization, while the second one arises from the constraint in the...objective functions in conflict. The first objective function is the information theo- retic part of the problem and aims for entropy maximization...theory. For the sake of completeness and clarity, we also summarize how each concept is utilized later. Entropy : A random variable is statistically

Exact and explicit optimal solutions for trajectory planning and control of single-link flexible-joint manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Guanrong

1991-01-01

An optimal trajectory planning problem for a single-link, flexible joint manipulator is studied. A global feedback-linearization is first applied to formulate the nonlinear inequality-constrained optimization problem in a suitable way. Then, an exact and explicit structural formula for the optimal solution of the problem is derived and the solution is shown to be unique. It turns out that the optimal trajectory planning and control can be done off-line, so that the proposed method is applicable to both theoretical analysis and real time tele-robotics control engineering.

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.

Joint Operating Environment: The Joint Force in a Contested and Disordered World

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-14

spilling over borders, and creating wide-ranging international problems. The future of Science, Technology, and Engineering will see others reaching...10 Science, Technology, and Engineering and the Future Joint Force ..........................................15 Summary... Engineering – may lead to new and challenging conditions that will redefine the security environment of 2035.  Section 2: Contexts of Future Conflict

Theater Logistics Management: A Case for a Joint Distribution Solution

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-15

Multinational (JIIM) operations necessitate creating joint-multinational-based distribution management centers which effectively manage materiel...in the world. However, as the operation continued, the inherent weakness of the intra-theater logistical distribution management link became clear...compounded the distribution management problem. The common thread between each of the noted GAO failures is the lack of a defined joint, theater

Forward and inverse kinematics of double universal joint robot wrists

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Robert L., II

1991-01-01

A robot wrist consisting of two universal joints can eliminate the wrist singularity problem found on many individual robots. Forward and inverse position and velocity kinematics are presented for such a wrist having three degrees of freedom. Denavit-Hartenberg parameters are derived to find the transforms required for the kinematic equations. The Omni-Wrist, a commercial double universal joint robot wrist, is studied in detail. There are four levels of kinematic parameters identified for this wrist; three forward and three inverse maps are presented for both position and velocity. These equations relate the hand coordinate frame to the wrist base frame. They are sufficient for control of the wrist standing alone. When the wrist is attached to a manipulator arm; the offset between the two universal joints complicates the solution of the overall kinematics problem. All wrist coordinate frame origins are not coincident, which prevents decoupling of position and orientation for manipulator inverse kinematics.

Beam-column joint shear prediction using hybridized deep learning neural network with genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mundher Yaseen, Zaher; Abdulmohsin Afan, Haitham; Tran, Minh-Tung

2018-04-01

Scientifically evidenced that beam-column joints are a critical point in the reinforced concrete (RC) structure under the fluctuation loads effects. In this novel hybrid data-intelligence model developed to predict the joint shear behavior of exterior beam-column structure frame. The hybrid data-intelligence model is called genetic algorithm integrated with deep learning neural network model (GA-DLNN). The genetic algorithm is used as prior modelling phase for the input approximation whereas the DLNN predictive model is used for the prediction phase. To demonstrate this structural problem, experimental data is collected from the literature that defined the dimensional and specimens’ properties. The attained findings evidenced the efficitveness of the hybrid GA-DLNN in modelling beam-column joint shear problem. In addition, the accurate prediction achived with less input variables owing to the feasibility of the evolutionary phase.

Analysis of Network Vulnerability Under Joint Node and Link Attacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yongcheng; Liu, Shumei; Yu, Yao; Cao, Ting

2018-03-01

The security problem of computer network system is becoming more and more serious. The fundamental reason is that there are security vulnerabilities in the network system. Therefore, it’s very important to identify and reduce or eliminate these vulnerabilities before they are attacked. In this paper, we are interested in joint node and link attacks and propose a vulnerability evaluation method based on the overall connectivity of the network to defense this attack. Especially, we analyze the attack cost problem from the attackers’ perspective. The purpose is to find the set of least costs for joint links and nodes, and their deletion will lead to serious network connection damage. The simulation results show that the vulnerable elements obtained from the proposed method are more suitable for the attacking idea of the malicious persons in joint node and link attack. It is easy to find that the proposed method has more realistic protection significance.

Assessment of offshore New Jersey sources of Beach replenishment sand by diversified application of geologic and geophysical methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waldner, J.S.; Hall, D.W.; Uptegrove, J.; Sheridan, R.E.; Ashley, G.M.; Esker, D.

1999-01-01

Beach replenishment serves the dual purpose of maintaining a source of tourism and recreation while protecting life and property. For New Jersey, sources for beach sand supply are increasingly found offshore. To meet present and future needs, geologic and geophysical techniques can be used to improve the identification, volume estimation, and determination of suitability, thereby making the mining and managing of this resource more effective. Current research has improved both data collection and interpretation of seismic surveys and vibracore analysis for projects investigating sand ridges offshore of New Jersey. The New Jersey Geological Survey in cooperation with Rutgers University is evaluating the capabilities of digital seismic data (in addition to analog data) to analyze sand ridges. The printing density of analog systems limits the dynamic range to about 24 dB. Digital acquisition systems with dynamic ranges above 100 dB can permit enhanced seismic profiles by trace static correction, deconvolution, automatic gain scaling, horizontal stacking and digital filtering. Problems common to analog data, such as wave-motion effects of surface sources, water-bottom reverberation, and bubble-pulse-width can be addressed by processing. More than 160 line miles of digital high-resolution continuous profiling seismic data have been collected at sand ridges off Avalon, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Inlet. Digital multichannel data collection has recently been employed to map sand resources within the Port of New York/New Jersey expanded dredge-spoil site located 3 mi offshore of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Multichannel data processing can reduce multiples, improve signal-to-noise calculations, enable source deconvolution, and generate sediment acoustic velocities and acoustic impedance analysis. Synthetic seismograms based on empirical relationships among grain size distribution, density, and velocity from vibracores are used to calculate proxy values for density and velocity. The seismograms are then correlated to the digital seismic profile to confirm reflected events. They are particularly useful where individual reflection events cannot be detected but a waveform generated by several thin lithologic units can be recognized. Progress in application of geologic and geophysical methods provides advantages in detailed sediment analysis and volumetric estimation of offshore sand ridges. New techniques for current and ongoing beach replenishment projects not only expand our knowledge of the geologic processes involved in sand ridge origin and development, but also improve our assessment of these valuable resources. These reconnaissance studies provide extensive data to the engineer regarding the suitability and quantity of sand and can optimize placement and analysis of vibracore samples.Beach replenishment serves the dual purpose of maintaining a source of tourism and recreation while protecting life and property. Research has improved both data collection and interpretation of seismic surveys and vibracore analysis for projects investigating sand ridges offshore of New Jersey. The New Jersey Geological Survey in cooperation with Rutgers University is evaluating the capabilities of digital seismic data to analyze sand ridges. The printing density of analog systems limits the dynamic range to about 24 dB. Digital acquisition systems with dynamic ranges about 100 dB can permit enhanced seismic profiles by trace static correction, deconvolution, automatic gain scaling, horizontal stacking and digital filtering.

Preliminary study on pressure brazing and diffusion welding of Nb-1Zr to Inconel 718

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, T. J.

1990-01-01

Future space power systems may include Nb-1Zr/Inconel 718 dissimilar metal joints for operation at 1000 K for 60,000 h. The serviceability of pressure-brazed and diffusion-welded joints was investigated. Ni-based metallic glass foil filler metals were used for brazing. Ni and Fe foils were used as diffusion welding inter-layers. Joint soundness was determined by metallographic examination in the as-brazed and as-welded condition, after aging at 1000 K, and after thermal cycling. Brazed joints thermally cycled in the as-brazed condition and diffusion-welded joints were unsatisfactory because of cracking problems. Brazed joints may meet the service requirements if the joints are aged at 1000 K prior to thermal cycling.

Youth and Minority Unemployment: A Study Prepared for the Use of the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, Ninety-fifth Congress, First Session. Joint Committee Print.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Walter E.

In this study, the problem of youth and minority employment in the United States is analyzed. The scope and character of the problem is defined. To demonstrate worsening trends, data from selected years since 1946 are presented. A preliminary explanation of supply and demand in the labor market is offered. A number of the causes of youth…

Centralized Multi-Sensor Square Root Cubature Joint Probabilistic Data Association

PubMed Central

Liu, Jun; Li, Gang; Qi, Lin; Li, Yaowen; He, You

2017-01-01

This paper focuses on the tracking problem of multiple targets with multiple sensors in a nonlinear cluttered environment. To avoid Jacobian matrix computation and scaling parameter adjustment, improve numerical stability, and acquire more accurate estimated results for centralized nonlinear tracking, a novel centralized multi-sensor square root cubature joint probabilistic data association algorithm (CMSCJPDA) is proposed. Firstly, the multi-sensor tracking problem is decomposed into several single-sensor multi-target tracking problems, which are sequentially processed during the estimation. Then, in each sensor, the assignment of its measurements to target tracks is accomplished on the basis of joint probabilistic data association (JPDA), and a weighted probability fusion method with square root version of a cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF) is utilized to estimate the targets’ state. With the measurements in all sensors processed CMSCJPDA is derived and the global estimated state is achieved. Experimental results show that CMSCJPDA is superior to the state-of-the-art algorithms in the aspects of tracking accuracy, numerical stability, and computational cost, which provides a new idea to solve multi-sensor tracking problems. PMID:29113085

Centralized Multi-Sensor Square Root Cubature Joint Probabilistic Data Association.

PubMed

Liu, Yu; Liu, Jun; Li, Gang; Qi, Lin; Li, Yaowen; He, You

2017-11-05

This paper focuses on the tracking problem of multiple targets with multiple sensors in a nonlinear cluttered environment. To avoid Jacobian matrix computation and scaling parameter adjustment, improve numerical stability, and acquire more accurate estimated results for centralized nonlinear tracking, a novel centralized multi-sensor square root cubature joint probabilistic data association algorithm (CMSCJPDA) is proposed. Firstly, the multi-sensor tracking problem is decomposed into several single-sensor multi-target tracking problems, which are sequentially processed during the estimation. Then, in each sensor, the assignment of its measurements to target tracks is accomplished on the basis of joint probabilistic data association (JPDA), and a weighted probability fusion method with square root version of a cubature Kalman filter (SRCKF) is utilized to estimate the targets' state. With the measurements in all sensors processed CMSCJPDA is derived and the global estimated state is achieved. Experimental results show that CMSCJPDA is superior to the state-of-the-art algorithms in the aspects of tracking accuracy, numerical stability, and computational cost, which provides a new idea to solve multi-sensor tracking problems.

Motion and force control of multiple robotic manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wen, John T.; Kreutz-Delgado, Kenneth

1992-01-01

This paper addresses the motion and force control problem of multiple robot arms manipulating a cooperatively held object. A general control paradigm is introduced which decouples the motion and force control problems. For motion control, different control strategies are constructed based on the variables used as the control input in the controller design. There are three natural choices; acceleration of a generalized coordinate, arm tip force vectors, and the joint torques. The first two choices require full model information but produce simple models for the control design problem. The last choice results in a class of relatively model independent control laws by exploiting the Hamiltonian structure of the open loop system. The motion control only determines the joint torque to within a manifold, due to the multiple-arm kinematic constraint. To resolve the nonuniqueness of the joint torques, two methods are introduced. If the arm and object models are available, an optimization can be performed to best allocate the desired and effector control force to the joint actuators. The other possibility is to control the internal force about some set point. It is shown that effective force regulation can be achieved even if little model information is available.

Ear Problems

MedlinePlus

... may have OTITIS MEDIA, an infection of the middle ear. Self CareSee your doctor. Many ear infections will ... half-alcohol, half-white vinegar solution in the ear before and after swimming or ... JOINT (TMJ) SYNDROME, a disorder that affects the jaw joint, may ...

A field study of PCC joint misalignment near Fergus Falls, Minnesota

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-05-01

This report highlights an investigation into concrete pavement performance problems caused by transverse joint misalignment on a segment of westbound Interstate 94 near Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In 1986, heavy rain during construction resulted in tran...

Relay Support for the Mars Science Laboratory and the Coming Decade of Mars Relay Network Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Charles D., Jr.; Arnold, Bradford W.; Bell, David J.; Bruvold, Kristoffer N.; Gladden, Roy E.; Ilott, Peter A.; Lee, Charles H.

2012-01-01

In the past decade, an evolving network of Mars relay orbiters has provided telecommunication relay services to the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and to the Mars Phoenix Lander, enabling high-bandwidth, energy-efficient data transfer and greatly increasing the volume of science data that can be returned from the Martian surface, compared to conventional direct-to-Earth links. The current relay network, consisting of NASA's Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and augmented by ESA's Mars Express Orbiter, stands ready to support the Mars Science Laboratory, scheduled to arrive at Mars on Aug 6, 2012, with new capabilities enabled by the Electra and Electra-Lite transceivers carried by MRO and MSL, respectively. The MAVEN orbiter, planned for launch in 2013, and the ExoMars/Trace Gas Orbiter, planned for launch in 2016, will replenish the on-orbit relay network as the current orbiter approach their end of life. Currently planned support scenarios for this future relay network include an ESA EDL Demonstrator Module deployed by the 2016 ExoMars/TGO orbiter, and the 2018 NASA/ESA Joint Rover, representing the first step in a multimission Mars Sample Return campaign.

Metabolic and physiological interdependencies in the Bathymodiolus azoricus symbiosis

PubMed Central

Ponnudurai, Ruby; Kleiner, Manuel; Sayavedra, Lizbeth; Petersen, Jillian M; Moche, Martin; Otto, Andreas; Becher, Dörte; Takeuchi, Takeshi; Satoh, Noriyuki; Dubilier, Nicole; Schweder, Thomas; Markert, Stephanie

2017-01-01

The hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus lives in an intimate symbiosis with two types of chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria in its gills: a sulfur oxidizer and a methane oxidizer. Despite numerous investigations over the last decades, the degree of interdependence between the three symbiotic partners, their individual metabolic contributions, as well as the mechanism of carbon transfer from the symbionts to the host are poorly understood. We used a combination of proteomics and genomics to investigate the physiology and metabolism of the individual symbiotic partners. Our study revealed that key metabolic functions are most likely accomplished jointly by B. azoricus and its symbionts: (1) CO2 is pre-concentrated by the host for carbon fixation by the sulfur-oxidizing symbiont, and (2) the host replenishes essential biosynthetic TCA cycle intermediates for the sulfur-oxidizing symbiont. In return (3), the sulfur oxidizer may compensate for the host's putative deficiency in amino acid and cofactor biosynthesis. We also identified numerous ‘symbiosis-specific' host proteins by comparing symbiont-containing and symbiont-free host tissues and symbiont fractions. These proteins included a large complement of host digestive enzymes in the gill that are likely involved in symbiont digestion and carbon transfer from the symbionts to the host. PMID:27801908

Metabolic and physiological interdependencies in the Bathymodiolus azoricus symbiosis.

PubMed

Ponnudurai, Ruby; Kleiner, Manuel; Sayavedra, Lizbeth; Petersen, Jillian M; Moche, Martin; Otto, Andreas; Becher, Dörte; Takeuchi, Takeshi; Satoh, Noriyuki; Dubilier, Nicole; Schweder, Thomas; Markert, Stephanie

2017-02-01

The hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus lives in an intimate symbiosis with two types of chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria in its gills: a sulfur oxidizer and a methane oxidizer. Despite numerous investigations over the last decades, the degree of interdependence between the three symbiotic partners, their individual metabolic contributions, as well as the mechanism of carbon transfer from the symbionts to the host are poorly understood. We used a combination of proteomics and genomics to investigate the physiology and metabolism of the individual symbiotic partners. Our study revealed that key metabolic functions are most likely accomplished jointly by B. azoricus and its symbionts: (1) CO 2 is pre-concentrated by the host for carbon fixation by the sulfur-oxidizing symbiont, and (2) the host replenishes essential biosynthetic TCA cycle intermediates for the sulfur-oxidizing symbiont. In return (3), the sulfur oxidizer may compensate for the host's putative deficiency in amino acid and cofactor biosynthesis. We also identified numerous 'symbiosis-specific' host proteins by comparing symbiont-containing and symbiont-free host tissues and symbiont fractions. These proteins included a large complement of host digestive enzymes in the gill that are likely involved in symbiont digestion and carbon transfer from the symbionts to the host.

Resource planning and scheduling of payload for satellite with particle swarm optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Wang, Cheng

2007-11-01

The resource planning and scheduling technology of payload is a key technology to realize an automated control for earth observing satellite with limited resources on satellite, which is implemented to arrange the works states of various payloads to carry out missions by optimizing the scheme of the resources. The scheduling task is a difficult constraint optimization problem with various and mutative requests and constraints. Based on the analysis of the satellite's functions and the payload's resource constraints, a proactive planning and scheduling strategy based on the availability of consumable and replenishable resources in time-order is introduced along with dividing the planning and scheduling period to several pieces. A particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to address the problem with an adaptive mutation operator selection, where the swarm is divided into groups with different probabilities to employ various mutation operators viz., differential evolution, Gaussian and random mutation operators. The probabilities are adjusted adaptively by comparing the effectiveness of the groups to select a proper operator. The simulation results have shown the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.

Flight set 360L007 (STS-33R) field joint protection system, thermal protection system, and systems tunnel components, volume 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The performance of the thermal protection system, field joint protection system, and systems tunnel components of flight set 360L007 is presented as evaluated by postflight hardware inspection. The condition of both motors was similar to previous flights. Four aft edge strikes were noted on the ground environment instrumentation thermal protection system. The hits all left a clean substrate, indicating that the damage was caused by nozzle severance debris and/or water impact. No National Space Transportation System debris criteria for missing thermal protection system were violated. Two problem reports were written against the field joint protection system. The first concerned two cracks in the K5NA closeout over the trunnion/vent valve location on the left-hand aft field joint. A similar condition was observed on Flight 5 (360H005). The second problem report referred to a number of small surface cracks between two impact marks on the left-hand forward field joint. Neither area exhibited loose material or any abnormal heat effects, and they have no impact on flight safety.

Laser Fabrication and Characterization of Adhesive-Free Joints for Encapsulation of Biomedical Implant Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

excitation sources should be helpful in overcoming this problem. CONCLUSIONS Biocompatible joints between polyimide and titanium-coated borosilicate...Technology, 46025 Port St., Plymouth, MI 48170, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Laser-fabricated joints of sub-millimeter widths between biocompatible , dissimilar materials...method of a very promising system, polyimide /titanium-coated borosilicate glass, and present and discuss results from characterization of such laser

Prevention of the Post-traumatic Fibrotic Response in Joints

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

an experimental model in mice. The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology . 1988; 9(4):310-2. 14 APPENDICES: An abstract...ongoing study addresses the critical clinical problem of posttraumatic joint stiffness, a pathology that reduces the range of motion (ROM) of injured...joints and contributes to the development of osteoarthritis. The fundamental hypothesis that drives the current study is that pathological fibrotic

Joint sparse reconstruction of multi-contrast MRI images with graph based redundant wavelet transform.

PubMed

Lai, Zongying; Zhang, Xinlin; Guo, Di; Du, Xiaofeng; Yang, Yonggui; Guo, Gang; Chen, Zhong; Qu, Xiaobo

2018-05-03

Multi-contrast images in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide abundant contrast information reflecting the characteristics of the internal tissues of human bodies, and thus have been widely utilized in clinical diagnosis. However, long acquisition time limits the application of multi-contrast MRI. One efficient way to accelerate data acquisition is to under-sample the k-space data and then reconstruct images with sparsity constraint. However, images are compromised at high acceleration factor if images are reconstructed individually. We aim to improve the images with a jointly sparse reconstruction and Graph-based redundant wavelet transform (GBRWT). First, a sparsifying transform, GBRWT, is trained to reflect the similarity of tissue structures in multi-contrast images. Second, joint multi-contrast image reconstruction is formulated as a ℓ 2, 1 norm optimization problem under GBRWT representations. Third, the optimization problem is numerically solved using a derived alternating direction method. Experimental results in synthetic and in vivo MRI data demonstrate that the proposed joint reconstruction method can achieve lower reconstruction errors and better preserve image structures than the compared joint reconstruction methods. Besides, the proposed method outperforms single image reconstruction with joint sparsity constraint of multi-contrast images. The proposed method explores the joint sparsity of multi-contrast MRI images under graph-based redundant wavelet transform and realizes joint sparse reconstruction of multi-contrast images. Experiment demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the compared joint reconstruction methods as well as individual reconstructions. With this high quality image reconstruction method, it is possible to achieve the high acceleration factors by exploring the complementary information provided by multi-contrast MRI.

Migrating lumbar facet joint cysts.

PubMed

Palmieri, Francesco; Cassar-Pullicino, Victor N; Lalam, Radhesh K; Tins, Bernhard J; Tyrrell, Prudencia N M; McCall, Iain W

2006-04-01

The majority of lumbar facet joint cysts (LFJCs) are located in the spinal canal, on the medial aspect of the facet joint with characteristic diagnostic features. When they migrate away from the joint of origin, they cause diagnostic problems. In a 7-year period we examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging five unusual cases of facet joint cysts which migrated from the facet joint of origin. Three LFJCs were identified in the right S1 foramen, one in the right L5-S1 neural foramen and one in the left erector spinae and multifidus muscles between the levels of L2-L4 spinous process. Awareness that spinal lesions identified at MRI and CT could be due to migrating facet joint cyst requires a high level of suspicion. The identification of the appositional contact of the cyst and the facet joint needs to be actively sought in the presence of degenerative facet joints.

Sexual functioning of people with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter study.

PubMed

van Berlo, Willy T M; van de Wiel, Harry B M; Taal, Erik; Rasker, Johannes J; Weijmar Schultz, Willibrord C M; van Rijswijk, Martin H

2007-01-01

The objective of this study is to compare men and women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to controls regarding sexual motivation, activity, satisfaction, and specific sexual problems, and to determine the correlation of physical aspects of the disease with sexual functioning. Questionnaire for screening sexual dysfunctions (QSD), self-constructed questionnaire on experienced distress with joints during sexual activities, arthritis impact measurements scales 2 (AIMS2), and the modified disease activity score 28 (DAS 28) were the methods used. RA patients were recruited from a registration base in three Dutch hospitals. Controls were age and sex matched healthy volunteers. A completed questionnaire was sent back by 271 patients (response 23%). Forty-seven men and 93 women were clinically examined to obtain the DAS 28. Male patients felt less sexual desire, and female patients masturbated and fantasized less than controls. Differences in satisfaction were not found. Male and female patients did not experience more sexual problems than controls. Among the women, correlations were predominantly found between age and sexual motivation and activities, among the men between physical health and sexual problems. Up to 41% of the men (4-41 depending on the joints), and up to 51% of the women (10-51 depending on the joints) have troubles with several joints during sexual activities. Medications influencing ejaculation in men correlated with distress with orgasm. Conclusions are that patients are less sexually active than controls and a considerable number of both male and female patients have trouble with their joints during sexual activities. However, patients do not differ from controls regarding sexual satisfaction. Physiological changes due to RA are apparently independent from those on psychological level. It is argued that sexual satisfaction also depends on personal and social factors. In men, physical health and disease activity are more related with sexual problems than in women.

Pricing policy for declining demand using item preservation technology.

PubMed

Khedlekar, Uttam Kumar; Shukla, Diwakar; Namdeo, Anubhav

2016-01-01

We have designed an inventory model for seasonal products in which deterioration can be controlled by item preservation technology investment. Demand for the product is considered price sensitive and decreases linearly. This study has shown that the profit is a concave function of optimal selling price, replenishment time and preservation cost parameter. We simultaneously determined the optimal selling price of the product, the replenishment cycle and the cost of item preservation technology. Additionally, this study has shown that there exists an optimal selling price and optimal preservation investment to maximize the profit for every business set-up. Finally, the model is illustrated by numerical examples and sensitive analysis of the optimal solution with respect to major parameters.

Totally Integrated Munitions Enterprise ''Affordable Munitions Production for the 21st Century''

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

Burleson, R.R.; Poggio, M.E.; Rosenberg, S.J.

2000-09-13

The U.S. Army faces several munitions manufacturing issues: downsizing of the organic production base, timely fielding of affordable smart munitions, and munitions replenishment during national emergencies. Totally Integrated Munitions Enterprise (TIME) is addressing these complex issues via the development and demonstration of an integrated enterprise. The enterprise will include the tools, network, and open modular architecture controllers to enable accelerated acquisition, shortened concept to volume production, lower life cycle costs, capture of critical manufacturing processes, and communication of process parameters between remote sites to rapidly spin-off production for replenishment by commercial sources. TIME addresses the enterprise as a system, integratingmore » design, engineering, manufacturing, administration, and logistics.« less

Totally Integrated Munitions Enterprise ''Affordable Munitions Production for the 21st Century''

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

Burleson, R.R.; Poggio, M.E.; Rosenberg, S.J.

2000-07-14

The U.S. Army faces several munitions manufacturing issues: downsizing of the organic production base, timely fielding of affordable smart munitions, and munitions replenishment during national emergencies. TIME is addressing these complex issues via the development and demonstration of an integrated enterprise. The enterprise will include the tools, network, and open modular architecture controller to enable accelerated acquisition, shortened concept to volume production, lower life cycle costs, capture of critical manufacturing processes, and communication of process parameters between remote sites to rapidly spin-off production for replenishment by commercial sources. TIME addresses the enterprise as a system, integrating design, engineering, manufacturing, administration,more » and logistics.« less

Totally Integrated Munitions Enterprise ''Affordable Munitions Production for the 21st Century''

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

Burleson, R.R.; Poggio, M.E.; Rosenberg, S.J.

2000-08-18

The U.S. Army faces several munitions manufacturing issues: downsizing of the organic production base, timely fielding of affordable smart munitions, and munitions replenishment during national emergencies. Totally Integrated Munitions Enterprise (TIME) is addressing these complex issues via the development and demonstration of an integrated enterprise. The enterprise will include the tools, network, and open modular architecture controllers to enable accelerated acquisition, shortened concept to volume production, lower life cycle costs, capture of critical manufacturing processes, and communication of process parameters between remote sites to rapidly spin-off production for replenishment by commercial sources. TIME addresses the enterprise as a system, integratingmore » design, engineering, manufacturing, administration, and logistics.« less

Push-off tests and strength evaluation of joints combining shrink fitting with bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneno, Masahiro; Sawa, Toshiyuki; Shimotakahara, Ken; Motegi, Yoichi

1997-03-01

Shrink fitted joints have been used in mechanical structures. Recently, joints combining shrink fitting with anaerobic adhesives bonded between the shrink fitted surfaces have been appeared in order to increase the joint strength. In this paper, push-off test was carried out on strength of joints combining shrink fitting with bonding by material testing machine. In addition, the push-off strength of shrink fitting joints without an anaerobic adhesive was also measured. In the experiments, the effects of the shrinking allowance and the outer diameter of the rings on the joint strength are examined. The interface stress distribution in bonded shrink fitted joints subjected to a push-off load is analyzed using axisymmetrical theory of elasticity as a four-body contact problem. Using the interface stress distribution, a method for estimating joint strength is proposed. The experimental results are in a fairly good agreement with the numerical results. It is found that the strength of combination joints is greater than that of shrink fitted joints.

Integral abutment bridge for Louisiana's soft and stiff soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have been designed and constructed in a few US states in the past few : decades. The initial purpose of building such bridges was to eliminate the expansion joints and resolve the : joint-induced problems. Although IA...

Dynamic Wheel-Rail Forces on Mismatched Joints with Ramps

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-12

The discontinuity between rail ends at a joint creates : dynamic wheel-rail forces (i.e. high impact forces and wheel : unloading) that can result in a range of problems including : wear, deterioration, and early failure of the track structure, its :...

Treatment of bunion deformity in the athlete.

PubMed

Baxter, D E

1994-01-01

Bunions occur in athletes. Often, the bunion is compensated and has a congruous joint, needing minimal treatment. If the bunion rapidly progresses, the sesamoids sublux, and the joint becomes incongruous; surgery becomes necessary. Surgery for decompensated bunions and secondary problems is discussed.

Popham Beach, Maine: An example of engineering activity that saved beach property without harming the beach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, Joseph T.

2013-10-01

Beach and property erosion on coasts is a widespread and chronic problem. Historical approaches to this issue, including seawalls and sand replenishment, are often inappropriate or too expensive. In Maine, seawalls were banned in 1983 and replenishment is too costly to employ. Replacement of storm-damaged buildings is also not allowed, and a precedent case on Popham Beach, Maine required that the owner remove an unpermitted building from a site where an earlier structure was damaged. When the most popular park in Maine, Popham Beach State Park, experienced inlet associated erosion that threatened park infrastructure (a bathhouse), temporary measures were all that the law allowed. Because it was clear that the inlet channel causing the erosion would eventually change course, the state opted to erect a temporary seawall with fallen trees at the site. This may or may not have slowed the erosion temporarily, but reassured the public that "something was being done". Once a storm cut a new tidal inlet channel and closed off the old one, tidal water still entered the former channel and continued to threaten the bathhouse. To ultimately save the property, beach scraping was employed. Sand was scraped from the lower beach to construct a sand berm that deflected the tidal current away from the endangered property. This action created enough time for natural processes to drive the remains of the former spit onto the beach and widen it significantly. Whereas many examples of engineering practices exist that endanger instead of saving beaches, this example is one of an appropriate engineering effort to rescue unwisely located beach-front property.

Surface Water-Groundwater Interactions as a Critical Component of Uranium Plume Persistence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, K. H.; Christensen, J. N.; Hobson, C.

2015-12-01

Residual contamination of soils, sediments and groundwater by uranium milling operations presents a lingering problem at former mill sites throughout the upper Colorado River Basin in the western USA. Remedial strategies predicated upon natural flushing by low uranium recharge waters have frequently failed to achieve target concentrations set by national and state regulators. Flushing times of tens of years have often yielded negligible decreases in groundwater uranium concentrations, with extrapolated trends suggesting multiple decades or longer may be required to achieve regulatory goals. The U.S. Department of Energy's Rifle, Colorado field site serves as a natural laboratory for investigating the underlying causes for uranium plume persistence, with recent studies there highlighting the important role that surface water-groundwater interactions play in sustaining uranium delivery to the aquifer. Annual snowmelt-driven increases in Colorado River discharge induce 1-2 m excursions in groundwater elevation at the Rifle site, which enables residual tailings-contaminated materials (so-called Supplemental Standards) to become hydrologically connected to the aquifer for short periods of time during peak discharge. The episodic contact between shallow groundwater and residual contamination leads to abrupt 20-fold increases in groundwater uranium concentration, which serve to seasonally replenish the plume given the location of the Supplemental Standards along the upgradient edge of the aquifer. Uranium isotope composition changes abruptly as uranium concentrations increase reflecting the contribution of a temporally distinct contaminant reservoir. The release of uranium serves to potentially replenish organic matter rich sediments located within the alluvial aquifer at downstream locations, which have been postulated to serve as a parallel contributor to plume persistence following the uptake, immobilization, and slow re-oxidation of uranium.

An Analysis of Collaborative Problem-Solving Activities Mediated by Individual-Based and Collaborative Computer Simulations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, C.-J.; Chang, M.-H.; Liu, C.-C.; Chiu, B.-C.; Fan Chiang, S.-H.; Wen, C.-T.; Hwang, F.-K.; Chao, P.-Y.; Chen, Y.-L.; Chai, C.-S.

2017-01-01

Researchers have indicated that the collaborative problem-solving space afforded by the collaborative systems significantly impact the problem-solving process. However, recent investigations into collaborative simulations, which allow a group of students to jointly manipulate a problem in a shared problem space, have yielded divergent results…

Examination of factors affecting gait properties in healthy older adults: focusing on knee extension strength, visual acuity, and knee joint pain.

PubMed

Demura, Tomohiro; Demura, Shin-ichi; Uchiyama, Masanobu; Sugiura, Hiroki

2014-01-01

Gait properties change with age because of a decrease in lower limb strength and visual acuity or knee joint disorders. Gait changes commonly result from these combined factors. This study aimed to examine the effects of knee extension strength, visual acuity, and knee joint pain on gait properties of for 181 healthy female older adults (age: 76.1 (5.7) years). Walking speed, cadence, stance time, swing time, double support time, step length, step width, walking angle, and toe angle were selected as gait parameters. Knee extension strength was measured by isometric dynamometry; and decreased visual acuity and knee joint pain were evaluated by subjective judgment whether or not such factors created a hindrance during walking. Among older adults without vision problems and knee joint pain that affected walking, those with superior knee extension strength had significantly greater walking speed and step length than those with inferior knee extension strength (P < .05). Persons with visual acuity problems had higher cadence and shorter stance time. In addition, persons with pain in both knees showed slower walking speed and longer stance time and double support time. A decrease of knee extension strength and visual acuity and knee joint pain are factors affecting gait in the female older adults. Decreased knee extension strength and knee joint pain mainly affect respective distance and time parameters of the gait.

Arthritis of the thumb and digits: current concepts.

PubMed

Bernstein, Richard A

2015-01-01

Osteoarthritis of the hand continues to be a problem in an aging population and affects the proximal and distal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal, and carpometacarpal joints in the hands. Heberden nodes develop in the distal interphalangeal joints and typically present as a deformed and enlarged joint and can cause pain. Surgery rarely is necessary because functional difficulties are uncommon; however, there may be problems if the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints are involved because cartilage destruction generates pain and causes weakness and motion loss. Implant arthroplasty typically can improve pain but does not reliably improve range of motion, and complication and revision rates are substantial. Arthrodesis continues as a treatment for digital osteoarthritis, but the surgeon must balance the risks of complications with the benefits of improved patient outcomes. The opposable thumb, which is critical for hand dexterity and strength, can be severely disabled by basal joint arthritis. The complex architecture of the basal joint continues to be defined by its relationship to the surrounding bony and ligamentous anatomy and its effect on the trapeziometacarpal joint. Nonsurgical treatment may be beneficial, but surgical options, including arthroscopy, osteotomy, and arthroplasty, should be considered if nonsurgical management fails. Prosthetic arthroplasty has a historically poor record; therefore, trapeziectomy remains the hallmark of current reconstructive techniques. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty are the most commonly performed surgical procedures, but hematoma distraction arthroplasty and various methods of suspensionplasty also are currently used.

[Psychophysiological support for the professional activities of servicemen].

PubMed

Pogodin, Iu I; Novikov, V S; Bochenkov, A A

1998-11-01

Optimal solution of the personnel replenishment problem, the necessity of training and education process improvement in the training centers and schools, the outcome of social, psychological and medical measures greatly depend on the overall physical and mental health state of the servicemen and their professional training quality. On the basis of their long standing experience the authors discuss the traits of the psychophysiological maintenance of the military professional activities of servicemen, in particular--the methodology and theory of professional psychological selection, the importance of body functional indications for the estimation of the fighting capabilities of military units. They examine some prospects for the psychophysiological expertise in the promotion procedures of commanding officers and make a suggestion that psychophysiological maintenance in the Armed Forces would increase its combat capabilities and help to avoid some negative effects in military groups.

Testing the Waters: From Moringa Seeds to Fruit Peels, Researchers Are Seeking Out New Ways to Clean Up the World?s Drinking Water.

PubMed

Yan, Wudan

2017-01-01

Water on Earth-in our oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands-might seem plentiful, but water that is clean and safe enough to drink actually isn't so abundant. Nearly one in ten people still lacks access to safe water worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In some of the world's most remote and impoverished communities, people live with no taps, showers, flushing toilets, or nearby springs, making it difficult to keep water supplies safe from bacteria, chemicals, and particulates. Moreover, access to clean drinking water isn't just a problem in the developing world; groundwater in developed countries is typically used far more quickly than it is being replenished. As the world population rises, growing numbers of thirsty people could exacerbate already-scant resources.

Source memory in the rat.

PubMed

Crystal, Jonathon D; Alford, Wesley T; Zhou, Wenyi; Hohmann, Andrea G

2013-03-04

Source memory is a representation of the origin (source) of information. When source information is bound together, it makes a memory episodic, allowing us to differentiate one event from another. Here, we asked whether rats remember the source of encoded information. Rats foraged for distinctive flavors of food that replenished (or failed to replenish) at its recently encountered location according to a source-information rule. To predict replenishment, rats needed to remember where they had encountered a preferred food type (chocolate) with self-generated (walking along a runway encountering chocolate) or experimenter-generated (placement of the rat at the chocolate site by an experimenter) cues. Three lines of evidence implicate the presence of source memory. First, rats selectively adjusted revisits to the chocolate location based on source information, under conditions in which familiarity of events could not produce successful performance. Second, source memory was dissociated from location memory by different decay rates. Third, temporary inactivation of the CA3 region of the hippocampus with lidocaine selectively eliminated source memory, suggesting that source memory is dependent upon an intact hippocampus. Development of an animal model of source memory may be valuable to probe the biological underpinnings of memory disorders marked by impairments in source memory. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Real-Time Model-Based Leak-Through Detection within Cryogenic Flow Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, M.; Figueroa, F.

2015-01-01

The timely detection of leaks within cryogenic fuel replenishment systems is of significant importance to operators on account of the safety and economic impacts associated with material loss and operational inefficiencies. Associated loss in control of pressure also effects the stability and ability to control the phase of cryogenic fluids during replenishment operations. Current research dedicated to providing Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) coverage of such cryogenic replenishment systems has focused on the detection of leaks to atmosphere involving relatively simple model-based diagnostic approaches that, while effective, are unable to isolate the fault to specific piping system components. The authors have extended this research to focus on the detection of leaks through closed valves that are intended to isolate sections of the piping system from the flow and pressurization of cryogenic fluids. The described approach employs model-based detection of leak-through conditions based on correlations of pressure changes across isolation valves and attempts to isolate the faults to specific valves. Implementation of this capability is enabled by knowledge and information embedded in the domain model of the system. The approach has been used effectively to detect such leak-through faults during cryogenic operational testing at the Cryogenic Testbed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Regulation of Dense-Core Granule Replenishment by Autocrine BMP Signalling in Drosophila Secondary Cells.

PubMed

Redhai, Siamak; Hellberg, Josephine E E U; Wainwright, Mark; Perera, Sumeth W; Castellanos, Felix; Kroeger, Benjamin; Gandy, Carina; Leiblich, Aaron; Corrigan, Laura; Hilton, Thomas; Patel, Benjamin; Fan, Shih-Jung; Hamdy, Freddie; Goberdhan, Deborah C I; Wilson, Clive

2016-10-01

Regulated secretion by glands and neurons involves release of signalling molecules and enzymes selectively concentrated in dense-core granules (DCGs). Although we understand how many secretagogues stimulate DCG release, how DCG biogenesis is then accelerated to replenish the DCG pool remains poorly characterised. Here we demonstrate that each prostate-like secondary cell (SC) in the paired adult Drosophila melanogaster male accessory glands contains approximately ten large DCGs, which are loaded with the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) ligand Decapentaplegic (Dpp). These DCGs can be marked in living tissue by a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) lipid-anchored form of GFP. In virgin males, BMP signalling is sporadically activated by constitutive DCG secretion. Upon mating, approximately four DCGs are typically released immediately, increasing BMP signalling, primarily via an autocrine mechanism. Using inducible knockdown specifically in adult SCs, we show that secretion requires the Soluble NSF Attachment Protein, SNAP24. Furthermore, mating-dependent BMP signalling not only promotes cell growth, but is also necessary to accelerate biogenesis of new DCGs, restoring DCG number within 24 h. Our analysis therefore reveals an autocrine BMP-mediated feedback mechanism for matching DCG release to replenishment as secretion rates fluctuate, and might explain why in other disease-relevant systems, like pancreatic β-cells, BMP signalling is also implicated in the control of secretion.

Regulation of Dense-Core Granule Replenishment by Autocrine BMP Signalling in Drosophila Secondary Cells

PubMed Central

Redhai, Siamak; Hellberg, Josephine E. E. U.; Wainwright, Mark; Perera, Sumeth W.; Castellanos, Felix; Kroeger, Benjamin; Gandy, Carina; Leiblich, Aaron; Corrigan, Laura; Hilton, Thomas; Patel, Benjamin; Fan, Shih-Jung; Hamdy, Freddie; Goberdhan, Deborah C. I.

2016-01-01

Regulated secretion by glands and neurons involves release of signalling molecules and enzymes selectively concentrated in dense-core granules (DCGs). Although we understand how many secretagogues stimulate DCG release, how DCG biogenesis is then accelerated to replenish the DCG pool remains poorly characterised. Here we demonstrate that each prostate-like secondary cell (SC) in the paired adult Drosophila melanogaster male accessory glands contains approximately ten large DCGs, which are loaded with the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) ligand Decapentaplegic (Dpp). These DCGs can be marked in living tissue by a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) lipid-anchored form of GFP. In virgin males, BMP signalling is sporadically activated by constitutive DCG secretion. Upon mating, approximately four DCGs are typically released immediately, increasing BMP signalling, primarily via an autocrine mechanism. Using inducible knockdown specifically in adult SCs, we show that secretion requires the Soluble NSF Attachment Protein, SNAP24. Furthermore, mating-dependent BMP signalling not only promotes cell growth, but is also necessary to accelerate biogenesis of new DCGs, restoring DCG number within 24 h. Our analysis therefore reveals an autocrine BMP-mediated feedback mechanism for matching DCG release to replenishment as secretion rates fluctuate, and might explain why in other disease-relevant systems, like pancreatic β-cells, BMP signalling is also implicated in the control of secretion. PMID:27727275

Improving air traffic control: Proving new tools or approving the joint human-machine system?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaillard, Irene; Leroux, Marcel

1994-01-01

From the description of a field problem (i.e., designing decision aids for air traffic controllers), this paper points out how a cognitive engineering approach provides the milestones for the evaluation of future joint human-machine systems.

The Problems of Diagnosis and Remediation of Dyscalculia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Nigel; Youe, Simon

2000-01-01

Focuses on the problems of diagnosis and remediation of dyscalculia. Explores whether there is justification for believing that specific difficulty with mathematics arises jointly with a specific language problem, or whether a specific difficulty with mathematics can arise independently of problems with language. Uses a case study to illuminate…

Empirical Analysis of Human Capital, Learning Culture, and Knowledge Management as Antecedents to Organizational Performance: Theoretical and Practical Implications for Logistics Readiness Officer Force Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

Much of the DoD’s force shaping problems in the active duty military stem from the way in which it chose to absorb the force reductions at the end...indicated the need for more joint oriented education and training to help them in the performance of their primary duties. CLL 016 (Joint Logistics... CLL 054 (Joint Task Force Port Opening) and CLL 055 (Joint Deployment and Distribution Performance Metrics Framework) all received high potential

Civil Affairs and Military Government Operations in Post-Fascist Italy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

Fascist influence and control. A Joint Intelligence Assessment on the fall of Mussolini, dated July 27, 1943, addressed the full significance of this...119Murphy, 186. 120Message to AFHQ Algiers G2 FREEDOM for Joint Intelligence Committee from Joint Intelligence , 29 July, 1943, Eisenhower Pre...northward. Food stores and banks were emptied, and hoarding was a continual problem for AMG personnel. Malnutrition and hunger was rampant as the

Parameters Estimation For A Patellofemoral Joint Of A Human Knee Using A Vector Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciszkiewicz, A.; Knapczyk, J.

2015-08-01

Position and displacement analysis of a spherical model of a human knee joint using the vector method was presented. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation were performed using the evolutionary algorithm method. Computer simulations for the mechanism with estimated parameters proved the effectiveness of the prepared software. The method itself can be useful when solving problems concerning the displacement and loads analysis in the knee joint.

JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-21

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2015-0009 JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots Edwin Olson UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Final Report 12/21/2015...SUBTITLE JOMAR: Joint Operations with Mobile Autonomous Robots 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA23861114024 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6...14. ABSTRACT Under this grant, we formulated and implemented a variety of novel algorithms that address core problems in multi- robot systems. These

Prevention of the Post-traumatic Fibrotic Response in Joints

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

JJ, Wolman M. Aging of wound healing in an experimental model in mice. The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology . 1988; 9(4):310-2...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The ongoing study addresses the critical clinical problem of posttraumatic joint stiffness, a pathology that reduces...study is that pathological fibrotic response of injured joint tissues may be limited by targeting the formation of collagen fibrils, a main component

Connectivity of a large embayment and coastal fishery: spawning aggregations in one bay source local and broad-scale fishery replenishment.

PubMed

Hamer, P A; Acevedo, S; Jenkins, G P; Newman, A

2011-04-01

Ichthyoplankton sampling and otolith chemistry were used to determine the importance of transient spawning aggregations of snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Sparidae) in a large embayment, Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Australia, as a source of local and broad-scale fishery replenishment. Ichthyoplankton sampling across five spawning seasons within PPB, across the narrow entrance to the bay and in adjacent coastal waters, indicated that although spawning may occur in coastal waters, the spawning aggregations within the bay were the primary source of larval recruitment to the bay. Otolith chemical signatures previously characterized for 0+ year C. auratus of two cohorts (2000 and 2001) were used as the baseline signatures to quantify the contribution that fish derived from reproduction in PPB make to fishery replenishment. Sampling of these cohorts over a 5 year period at various widely dispersed fishery regions, combined with maximum likelihood analyses of the chemistry of the 0+ year otolith portions of these older fish, indicated that C. auratus of 1 to 3+ years of age displayed both local residency and broad-scale emigration from PPB to populate coastal waters and an adjacent bay (Western Port). While the PPB fishery was consistently dominated (>70%) by locally derived fish irrespective of cohort or age, the contribution of fish that had originated from PPB to distant populations increased with age. At 4 to 5+ years of age, when C. auratus mature and fully recruit to the fishery, populations of both cohorts across the entire central and western Victorian fishery, including two major embayments and c. 800 km of coastal waters, were dominated (>70%) by fish that had originated from the spawning aggregations and nursery habitat within PPB. Dependence of this broadly dispersed fishery on replenishment from heavily targeted spawning aggregations within one embayment has significant implications for management and monitoring programmes. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2011 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Interrupted infusion of echocardiographic contrast as a basis for accurate measurement of myocardial perfusion: ex vivo validation and analysis procedures.

PubMed

Toledo, Eran; Collins, Keith A; Williams, Ursula; Lammertin, Georgeanne; Bolotin, Gil; Raman, Jai; Lang, Roberto M; Mor-Avi, Victor

2005-12-01

Echocardiographic quantification of myocardial perfusion is based on analysis of contrast replenishment after destructive high-energy ultrasound impulses (flash-echo). This technique is limited by nonuniform microbubble destruction and the dependency on exponential fitting of a small number of noisy time points. We hypothesized that brief interruptions of contrast infusion (ICI) would result in uniform contrast clearance followed by slow replenishment and, thus, would allow analysis from multiple data points without exponential fitting. Electrocardiographic-triggered images were acquired in 14 isolated rabbit hearts (Langendorff) at 3 levels of coronary flow (baseline, 50%, and 15%) during contrast infusion (Definity) with flash-echo and with a 20-second infusion interruption. Myocardial videointensity was measured over time from flash-echo sequences, from which characteristic constant beta was calculated using an exponential fit. Peak contrast inflow rate was calculated from ICI data using analysis of local time derivatives. Computer simulations were used to investigate the effects of noise on the accuracy of peak contrast inflow rate and beta calculations. ICI resulted in uniform contrast clearance and baseline replenishment times of 15 to 25 cardiac cycles. Calculated peak contrast inflow rate followed the changes in coronary flow in all hearts at both levels of reduced flow (P < .05) and had a low intermeasurement variability of 7 +/- 6%. With flash-echo, contrast clearance was less uniform and baseline replenishment times were only 4 to 6 cardiac cycles. beta Decreased significantly only at 15% flow, and had intermeasurement variability of 42 +/- 33%. Computer simulations showed that measurement errors in both perfusion indices increased with noise, but beta had larger errors at higher rates of contrast inflow. ICI provides the basis for accurate and reproducible quantification of myocardial perfusion using fast and robust numeric analysis, and may constitute an alternative to the currently used techniques.

Juggling carbon: allocation patterns of a dominant tree in a fire-prone savanna.

PubMed

Schutz, Alexander Ernest Noel; Bond, William J; Cramer, Michael D

2009-05-01

In frequently burnt mesic savannas, trees can get trapped into a cycle of surviving fire-induced stem death (i.e. topkill) by resprouting, only to be topkilled again a year or two later. The ability of savanna saplings to resprout repeatedly after fire is a key component of recent models of tree-grass coexistence in savannas. This study investigated the carbon allocation and biomass partitioning patterns that enable a dominant savanna tree, Acacia karroo, to survive frequent and repeated topkill. Root starch depletion and replenishment, foliage recovery and photosynthesis of burnt and unburnt plants were compared over the first year after a burn. The concentration of starch in the roots of the burnt plants (0.08 +/- 0.01 g g(-1)) was half that of the unburnt plant (0.16 +/- 0.01 g g(-1)) at the end of the first growing season after topkill. However, root starch reserves of the burnt plants were replenished over the dry season and matched that of unburnt plants within 1 year after topkill. The leaf area of resprouting plants recovered to match that of unburnt plants within 4-5 months after topkill. Shoot growth of resprouting plants was restricted to the first few months of the wet season, whereas photosynthetic rates remained high into the dry season, allowing replenishment of root starch reserves. (14)C labeling showed that reserves were initially utilized for shoot growth after topkill. The rapid foliage recovery and the replenishment of reserves within a single year after topkill implies that A. karroo is well adapted to survive recurrent topkill and is poised to take advantage of unusually long fire-free intervals to grow into adults. This paper provides some of the first empirical evidence to explain how savanna trees in frequently burnt savannas are able to withstand frequent burning as juveniles and survive to become adults.

Population connectivity and the effectiveness of marine protected areas to protect vulnerable, exploited and endemic coral reef fishes at an endemic hotspot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Meer, M. H.; Berumen, M. L.; Hobbs, J.-P. A.; van Herwerden, L.

2015-06-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) aim to mitigate anthropogenic impacts by conserving biodiversity and preventing overfishing. The effectiveness of MPAs depends on population connectivity patterns between protected and non-protected areas. Remote islands are endemism hotspots for coral reef fishes and provide rare examples of coral reefs with limited fishing pressure. This study explored population genetic connectivity across a network of protected and non-protected areas for the endemic wrasse, Coris bulbifrons, which is listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN due to its small, decreasing geographic range and declining abundance. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite DNA (msatDNA) markers were used to estimate historic and contemporary gene flow to determine the level of population self-replenishment and to measure genetic and genotypic diversity among all four locations in the species range (south-west Pacific Ocean)—Middleton Reef (MR), Elizabeth Reef (ER), Lord Howe Island (LHI) and Norfolk Island (NI). MPAs exist at MR and LHI and are limited or non-existent at ER and NI, respectively. There was no obvious differentiation in mtDNA among locations, however, msatDNA revealed differentiation between the most peripheral (NI) and all remaining locations (MR, ER and LHI). Despite high mtDNA connectivity ( M = 259-1,144), msatDNA connectivity was limited ( M = 3-9) with high self-replenishment (68-93 %) at all locations. NI is the least connected and heavily reliant on self-replenishment, and the absence of MPAs at NI needs to be rectified to ensure the persistence of endemic species at this location. Other endemic fishes exhibit similar patterns of high self-replenishment across the four locations, indicating that a single spatial management approach consisting of a MPA network protecting part of each location could provide reasonable protection for these species. Thus, the existing network of MPAs at this endemic hotspot appears adequate at some locations, but not at all.

Replenishment of RANTES mRNA expression in activated eosinophils fromatopic asthmatics

PubMed Central

Velazquez, J R; Lacy, P; Moqbel, R

2000-01-01

Eosinophils have been shown to express the gene encoding regulated upon activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), a potent eosinophilotactic chemokine. RANTES protein expression in eosinophils has previously been shown to be up‐regulated by a number of agonists, including complement‐dependent factors (C3b/iC3b) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). We hypothesized that gene expression of RANTES is regulated in these cells by eosinophil‐specific agonists. We analysed RANTES mRNA expression by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in human peripheral blood eosinophils obtained from mild atopic asthmatics following stimulation over time. In resting eosinophils, a low level of RANTES mRNA was found to be constitutively expressed in all the atopic donors tested in this study (n = 6). Following stimulation with C3b/iC3b (serum‐coated surfaces), eosinophils released measurable levels of RANTES, while sustained transcript expression was detected for up to 24 hr of stimulation. In contrast, IFN‐γ (5 ng/ml) transiently and significantly (P < 0·05, n = 3) depleted relative amounts of RANTES PCR product (compared with β2‐microglobulin) after 1–4 hr of stimulation. RANTES transcript was again detectable after 24 hr of IFN‐γ incubation, suggesting that the pool of RANTES mRNA had been replenished. Other eosinophil‐active cytokines, interleukin‐3 (IL‐3), IL‐4, IL‐5 and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, did not appear to modulate RANTES mRNA expression after 1 hr of incubation. The effect of IFN‐γ on RANTES mRNA was reversed by cycloheximide, suggesting that IFN‐γ may act by increasing the rate of translation of RANTES mRNA. These findings indicate that IFN‐γ may induce a rapid and transient effect on the translation and replenishment of RANTES mRNA in eosinophils. This novel observation supports the notion that eosinophils have the potential to replenish their stored and released bioactive proteins. PMID:10792507

Scales of magmatic replenishment and differentiation on an intermediate spreading mid-ocean ridge segment: Endeavour, Juan de Fuca Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreyer, B. M.; Gill, J.; Clague, D. A.

2016-12-01

The aggregate chemistry of mid-ocean ridge (MOR) basalts cannot be produced by fractional crystallization alone. Recent modeling suggests that repeated magmatic replenishment is required (O'Neill and Jenner, 2012; Coogan and O'Hara, 2015; Shorttle, 2015). Does this inference hold when considering recent advancements in characterizing geological/volcanological context, geochemical variability, and temporal parameters on the scale of individual lava units (Rubin et al., 2009)? We evaluate the scales of magmatic replenishment through examination of compositionally diverse lavas from the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca (JdF) MOR interpreted as comagmatic or coeruptive based on robust geological (Clague et al., 2014), geochemical (Gill et al., 2016), and geochronological (Jamieson et al., 2013; Clague et al., 2014) evidence. This approach is similar to that used for historical MOR eruptions (Rubin et al., 2001). We identified 15 "chemomagmatic" units that are spatially proximate and chemically relatable and separable that collectively represent eruptions since 11ka. Some units may be single lava flows. Other units appear to have erupted batches intermittently over hundreds to thousands of years during which chemically dissimilar lava also erupted. Melt evolution was modeled using MELTS for units with reasonably broad major element variations. Fractional crystallization models can adequately reproduce most of the major and incompatible trace element behavior observed within each unit. Consistent differences in trace element ratios between units argue against intermixing. Thus, magmatic batches typically lie within analytical resolution of fractional crystallizing systems, notwithstanding growing evidence that magmatic systems are repeatedly replenished at the segment scale. Melting and mixing of heterogeneous mantle sources are responsible for the overall compositional diversity at Endeavour. Chemomagmatic units, in contrast, reflect smaller scale processing of magma after exiting the melt column during ascent through the crust. Age and spatial relationships among the chemomagmatic units reflect fluctuations in productivity and composition during assembly of primitive mantle melts and the geometry of networked magma-hosting reservoirs.

Avoiding Problems in Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tallmadge, G. Kasten

1979-01-01

Discusses the need for awareness of real and potential problems in educational evaluation approaches, kinds of problems there are with true experimental designs and with quasi-experimental designs, and the criteria applied by the Joint Dissemination Review Panel to its review of educational programs. (MF)

Geophysical imaging of karst features in Missouri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obi, Jeremiah Chukwunonso

Automated electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) supported with multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and boring data were used to map karst related features in Missouri in order to understand karst processes better in Missouri. Previous works on karst in Missouri were mostly surficial mapping of bedrock outcrops and joints, which are not enough to define the internal structure of karst system, since most critical processes in karst occur underground. To understand these processes better, the density, placement and pattern of karst related features like solution-widened joints and voids, as well as top of bedrock were mapped. In the course of the study, six study sites were visited in Missouri. The sites were in Nixa, Gasconade River Bridge in Lebanon, Battlefield, Aurora, Protem and Richland. The case studies reflect to a large extent some of the problems inherent in karst terrain, ranging from environmental problems to structural problems especially sinkhole collapses. The result of the study showed that karst in Missouri is mostly formed as a result of piping of sediments through solution-widened joints, with a pattern showing that the joints/fractures are mostly filled with moist clay-sized materials of low resistivity values. The highest density of mapped solution-widened joints was one in every one hundred and fifty feet, and these areas are where intense dissolution is taking place, and bedrock pervasively fractured. The study also showed that interpreted solution-widened joints trend in different directions, and often times conform with known structural lineaments in the area. About 40% of sinkhole collapses in the study areas are anthropogenic. Karst in Missouri varies, and can be classified as a combination of kI (juvenile), kIII (mature) and kIV (complex) karsts.

Portable Plating System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flores, R.

1984-01-01

Plating system mounted on portable cart includes 30-gallon (23.5 liter) electrolyte tank, filler pump, heaters, replenishing anodes, plating rectifiers and tank rectifier to continously remove contaminants.

Designing an International Joint Venture Negotiation Game.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kenkel, Phil; And Others

1996-01-01

Evaluates a simulation game that models management problems encountered in negotiating and managing international joint ventures. Designed to instruct executives of state-owned agribusinesses in Indonesia in abstract concepts such as partner rapport, transfer price conflicts, and marketing disagreements, its success suggests that simulation games…

Simultaneous Calibration: A Joint Optimization Approach for Multiple Kinect and External Cameras.

PubMed

Liao, Yajie; Sun, Ying; Li, Gongfa; Kong, Jianyi; Jiang, Guozhang; Jiang, Du; Cai, Haibin; Ju, Zhaojie; Yu, Hui; Liu, Honghai

2017-06-24

Camera calibration is a crucial problem in many applications, such as 3D reconstruction, structure from motion, object tracking and face alignment. Numerous methods have been proposed to solve the above problem with good performance in the last few decades. However, few methods are targeted at joint calibration of multi-sensors (more than four devices), which normally is a practical issue in the real-time systems. In this paper, we propose a novel method and a corresponding workflow framework to simultaneously calibrate relative poses of a Kinect and three external cameras. By optimizing the final cost function and adding corresponding weights to the external cameras in different locations, an effective joint calibration of multiple devices is constructed. Furthermore, the method is tested in a practical platform, and experiment results show that the proposed joint calibration method can achieve a satisfactory performance in a project real-time system and its accuracy is higher than the manufacturer's calibration.

Simultaneous Calibration: A Joint Optimization Approach for Multiple Kinect and External Cameras

PubMed Central

Liao, Yajie; Sun, Ying; Li, Gongfa; Kong, Jianyi; Jiang, Guozhang; Jiang, Du; Cai, Haibin; Ju, Zhaojie; Yu, Hui; Liu, Honghai

2017-01-01

Camera calibration is a crucial problem in many applications, such as 3D reconstruction, structure from motion, object tracking and face alignment. Numerous methods have been proposed to solve the above problem with good performance in the last few decades. However, few methods are targeted at joint calibration of multi-sensors (more than four devices), which normally is a practical issue in the real-time systems. In this paper, we propose a novel method and a corresponding workflow framework to simultaneously calibrate relative poses of a Kinect and three external cameras. By optimizing the final cost function and adding corresponding weights to the external cameras in different locations, an effective joint calibration of multiple devices is constructed. Furthermore, the method is tested in a practical platform, and experiment results show that the proposed joint calibration method can achieve a satisfactory performance in a project real-time system and its accuracy is higher than the manufacturer’s calibration. PMID:28672823

Effect of patient positions on measurement errors of the knee-joint space on radiographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilewska, Grazyna

2001-08-01

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most important health problems these days. It is one of the most frequent causes of pain and disability of middle-aged and old people. Nowadays the radiograph is the most economic and available tool to evaluate changes in OA. Error of performance of radiographs of knee joint is the basic problem of their evaluation for clinical research. The purpose of evaluation of such radiographs in my study was measuring the knee-joint space on several radiographs performed at defined intervals. Attempt at evaluating errors caused by a radiologist of a patient was presented in this study. These errors resulted mainly from either incorrect conditions of performance or from a patient's fault. Once we have information about size of the errors, we will be able to assess which of these elements have the greatest influence on accuracy and repeatability of measurements of knee-joint space. And consequently we will be able to minimize their sources.

Sarcoidosis

MedlinePlus

... larger than normal spleen Anemia Burning, itchy, or dry eyes Fainting Heart palpitations Joint pain Muscle weakness Problems ... problems with the nervous system; burning, itching, or dry eyes; swollen salivary glands; swollen lymph nodes in the ...

7 CFR 634.25 - Contracting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (pooling ageement) with other land owners or operators to solve mutual water quality problems. Each participant must enter into an RCWP contract to treat water quality problems not covered by the joint...

STUDY OF THE RHIC BPM SMA CONNECTOR FAILURE PROBLEM

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

LIAW,C.; SIKORA, R.; SCHROEDER, R.

2007-06-25

About 730 BPMs are mounted on the RHIC CQS and Triplet super-conducting magnets. Semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to bring the electrical signal from the BPM feedthroughs to the outside flanges. at the ambient temperature. Every year around 10 cables will lose their signals during the operation. The connection usually failed at the warm end of the cable. The problems were either the solder joint failed or the center conductor retracted out of the SMA connector. Finite element analyses were performed to understand the failure mechanism of the solder joint. The results showed that (1) The SMA center conductor canmore » separate from the mating connector due to the thermal retraction. (2) The maximum thermal stress at the warm end solder joint can exceed the material strength of the Pb37/Sn63 solder material and (3) The magnet ramping frequency (-10 Hz), during the machine startup, can possibly resonant the coaxial cable and damage the solder joints, especially when a fracture is initiated. Test results confirmed that by using the silver bearing solder material (a higher strength material) and by crimping the cable at the locations close to the SMA connector (to prevent the center conductor from retracting) can effectively resolve the connector failure problem.« less

Distributed Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macready, William; Wolpert, David

2005-01-01

We demonstrate a new framework for analyzing and controlling distributed systems, by solving constrained optimization problems with an algorithm based on that framework. The framework is ar. information-theoretic extension of conventional full-rationality game theory to allow bounded rational agents. The associated optimization algorithm is a game in which agents control the variables of the optimization problem. They do this by jointly minimizing a Lagrangian of (the probability distribution of) their joint state. The updating of the Lagrange parameters in that Lagrangian is a form of automated annealing, one that focuses the multi-agent system on the optimal pure strategy. We present computer experiments for the k-sat constraint satisfaction problem and for unconstrained minimization of NK functions.

Difficulty eating and significant weight loss in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type.

PubMed

Baeza-Velasco, Carolina; Van den Bossche, Thomas; Grossin, Daniel; Hamonet, Claude

2016-06-01

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, also known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type (JHS/EDS-HT), is a heritable disorder of connective tissue, common but poorly known by the medical community. Although generalized joint hypermobility and fragility of tissues have been described as core features, recent research highlights the multisystemic nature of JHS/EDS-HT, which presents with a wide range of articular and extra-articular symptoms. Among these, gastrointestinal problems, temporomandibular disorders, and smell and taste abnormalities are common among those affected, having significant implications for eating. The present work reviews the literature linking JHS/EDS-HT and eating problems. Two illustrative case reports, in which JHS/EDS-HT manifestations contribute to developing and maintaining disturbed eating behaviors and significant weight loss, are presented.

Viscoelastic study of an adhesively bonded joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joseph, P. F.

1983-01-01

The plane strain problem of two dissimilar orthotropic plates bonded with an isotropic, linearly viscoelastic adhesive is considered. Both the shear and the normal stresses in the adhesive are calculated for various geometries and loading conditions. Transverse shear deformations of the adherends are taken into account, and their effect on the solution is shown in the results. All three inplane strains of the adhesive are included. Attention is given to the effect of temperature, both in the adhesive joint problem and to the heat generation in a viscoelastic material under cyclic loading. This separate study is included because heat generation and or spatially varying temperature are at present too difficult to account for in the analytical solution of the bonded joint, but whose effect can not be ignored in design.

A note on `a replenishment policy for items with price-dependent demand, time-proportional deterioration and no shortages'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Nita H.; Soni, Hardik N.; Gupta, Jyoti

2014-08-01

In a recent paper, Begum et al. (2012, International Journal of Systems Science, 43, 903-910) established pricing and replenishment policy for an inventory system with price-sensitive demand rate, time-proportional deterioration rate which follows three parameters, Weibull distribution and no shortages. In their model formulation, it is observed that the retailer's stock level reaches zero before the deterioration occurs. Consequently, the model resulted in traditional inventory model with price sensitive demand rate and no shortages. Hence, the main purpose of this note is to modify and present complete model formulation for Begum et al. (2012). The proposed model is validated by a numerical example and the sensitivity analysis of parameters is carried out.

An Inventory Model for Special Display Goods with Seasonal Demand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawakatsu, Hidefumi

2010-10-01

The present study discusses the retailer's optimal replenishment policy for seasonal products. The demand rate of seasonal merchandise such as clothes, sporting goods, children's toys and electrical home appearances tends to decrease with time after reaching its maximum value. In this study, we focus on "Special Display Goods", which are heaped up in end displays or special areas at retail stores. They are sold at a fast velocity when their quantity displayed is large, but are sold at a low velocity if the quantity becomes small. We develop the model with a finite time horizon (selling period) to determine the optimal replenishment policy, which maximizes the retailer's total profit. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical underpinnings of the proposed model.

Disposable penis and its replenishment in a simultaneous hermaphrodite

PubMed Central

Sekizawa, Ayami; Seki, Satoko; Tokuzato, Masakazu; Shiga, Sakiko; Nakashima, Yasuhiro

2013-01-01

Although it is often thought that sexual selection is weaker in simultaneous hermaphrodites than in gonochorists, some simultaneous hermaphrodites exhibit bizarre mating behaviour. In the simultaneously hermaphroditic nudibranch Chromodoris reticulata, we found a peculiar mating behaviour, wherein the nudibranch autotomized its penis after each copulation and was able to copulate again within 24 h. To have sufficient length to be replenished for three copulations, the penis is compressed and spiralled internally. No other animal is known to repeatedly copulate using such ‘disposable penes’. Entangled sperm masses were observed on the outer surface of the autotomized penis, which is equipped with many backward-pointed spines. There is a possibility that the nudibranch removes sperm already stored in a mating partner's sperm storage organ(s). PMID:23407499

Microfabricated valveless devices for thermal bioreactions based on diffusion-limited evaporation.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Yang, Ming; Burns, Mark A

2008-01-01

Microfluidic devices that reduce evaporative loss during thermal bioreactions such as PCR without microvalves have been developed by relying on the principle of diffusion-limited evaporation. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the sample evaporative loss can be reduced by more than 20 times using long narrow diffusion channels on both sides of the reaction region. In order to further suppress the evaporation, the driving force for liquid evaporation is reduced by two additional techniques: decreasing the interfacial temperature using thermal isolation and reducing the vapor concentration gradient by replenishing water vapor in the diffusion channels. Both thermal isolation and vapor replenishment techniques can limit the sample evaporative loss to approximately 1% of the reaction content.

Kinematics of Hooke universal joint robot wrists

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckinney, William S., Jr.

1988-01-01

The singularity problem associated with wrist mechanisms commonly found on industrial manipulators can be alleviated by redesigning the wrist so that it functions as a three-axis gimbal system. This paper discussess the kinematics of gimbal robot wrists made of one and two Hooke universal joints. Derivations of the resolved rate motion control equations for the single and double Hooke universal joint wrists are presented using the three-axis gimbal system as a theoretical wrist model.

Retort braze bonding of borsic/aluminum composite sheet to titanium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, B. A.; Dolowy, J. F., Jr.

1975-01-01

Braze bonding studies between Borsic/aluminum composite and titanium sheet were conducted to establish acceptable brazing techniques and to assess potential joint efficiencies. Excellent braze joints were produced which exhibited joint strengths exceeding 117 MPa (17,000 psi) and which retained up to 2/3 of this strength at 589 K (600 F). Noticeable composite strength degradation resulting from the required high temperature braze cycle was found to be a problem.

Formation of a physiological reverse shoulder joint.

PubMed

Lerner, Markus; Turkmen, Ismail; Bernd, Ludger

2016-01-20

Congenital shoulder deformities are rarely seen in orthopaedic practice. Proximal humeral defects and glenoid hypoplasia have been reported separately in the literature. We present a case involving a 31-year-old woman having a cosmetic problem with her upper arm who was diagnosed with reverse shoulder joint deformity. This article presents the clinical, radiological and biomechanical findings of a physiological reverse shoulder joint. This is the first such reported case. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Examining Functioning and Contextual Factors in Individuals with Joint Contractures from the Health Professional Perspective Using the ICF: An International Internet-Based Qualitative Expert Survey.

PubMed

Fischer, Uli; Müller, Martin; Strobl, Ralf; Bartoszek, Gabriele; Meyer, Gabriele; Grill, Eva

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify disease-related aspects of functioning and disability in people with joint contractures from a health professionals' perspective and to describe the findings, using categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). An Internet-based expert survey. We asked international health professionals for typical problems in functioning and important contextual factors of individuals with joint contractures using an Internet-based open-ended questionnaire. All answers were linked to the ICF according to established rules. Absolute and relative frequencies of the linked ICF categories were reported. Eighty experts named 1785 meaning units which could be linked to 256 ICF categories. Among the categories, 24.2% belonged to the component Body Functions, 20.7% to Body Structures, 36.3% to Activities and Participation, and 18.8% to Environmental Factors. Health professionals addressed a large variety of functional problems and multifaceted aspects due to the symptom joint contractures. International health professionals reported a large variety of aspects of functioning and health, which are related to joint contractures. © 2014 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

First-passage problems: A probabilistic dynamic analysis for degraded structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiao, Michael C.; Chamis, Christos C.

1990-01-01

Structures subjected to random excitations with uncertain system parameters degraded by surrounding environments (a random time history) are studied. Methods are developed to determine the statistics of dynamic responses, such as the time-varying mean, the standard deviation, the autocorrelation functions, and the joint probability density function of any response and its derivative. Moreover, the first-passage problems with deterministic and stationary/evolutionary random barriers are evaluated. The time-varying (joint) mean crossing rate and the probability density function of the first-passage time for various random barriers are derived.

Solution Concepts for Distributed Decision-Making without Coordination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beling, Peter A.; Patek, Stephen D.

2005-01-01

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

Some problems of brazing technology for the divertor plate manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokofiev, Yu. G.; Barabash, V. R.; Khorunov, V. F.; Maksimova, S. V.; Gervash, A. A.; Fabritsiev, S. A.; Vinokurov, V. F.

1992-09-01

Among the different design options of the ITER reactor divertor, the joints of the carbon-based materials and molybdenum alloys and joints of tungsten and copper alloys are considered. High-temperature brazing is one of the most promising joining methods for the plasma facing and heat sink materials. The use of brazing for creation of W-Cu and graphite-Mo joints are given here. In addition, the investigation results of microstructure, microhardness and mechanical properties of the joints are presented. For W-Cu samples an influence of the neutron irradiation on the joining strength was studied.

Parent-Child Joint Picture-Book Reading among Children with ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, Melinda A.; Lorch, Elizabeth P.; Milich, Richard; Hagans, Neomia

2009-01-01

Objective: Children with AD/HD exhibit two disparate areas of difficulty: disrupted interactions with parents and significant problems in story comprehension. This study links these two difficulties by examining parent-child joint picture-book reading to determine whether there were diagnostic group differences in parent and child storytelling.…

Bioinspired self-healing materials: lessons from nature

PubMed Central

Cremaldi, Joseph C

2018-01-01

Healing is an intrinsic ability in the incredibly biodiverse populations of the plant and animal kingdoms created through evolution. Plants and animals approach healing in similar ways but with unique pathways, such as damage containment in plants or clotting in animals. After analyzing the examples of healing and defense mechanisms found in living nature, eight prevalent mechanisms were identified: reversible muscle control, clotting, cellular response, layering, protective surfaces, vascular networks or capsules, exposure, and replenishable functional coatings. Then the relationship between these mechanisms, nature’s best (evolutionary) methods of mitigating and healing damage, and existing technology in self-healing materials are described. The goals of this top-level overview are to provide a framework for relating the behavior seen in living nature to bioinspired materials, act as a resource to addressing the limitations/problems with existing materials, and open up new avenues of insight and research into self-healing materials. PMID:29600152

The UK DNA banking network: a "fair access" biobank.

PubMed

Yuille, Martin; Dixon, Katherine; Platt, Andrew; Pullum, Simon; Lewis, David; Hall, Alistair; Ollier, William

2010-08-01

The UK DNA Banking Network (UDBN) is a secondary biobank: it aggregates and manages resources (samples and data) originated by others. The network comprises, on the one hand, investigator groups led by clinicians each with a distinct disease specialism and, on the other hand, a research infrastructure to manage samples and data. The infrastructure addresses the problem of providing secure quality-assured accrual, storage, replenishment and distribution capacities for samples and of facilitating access to DNA aliquots and data for new peer-reviewed studies in genetic epidemiology. 'Fair access' principles and practices have been pragmatically developed that, unlike open access policies in this area, are not cumbersome but, rather, are fit for the purpose of expediting new study designs and their implementation. UDBN has so far distributed >60,000 samples for major genotyping studies yielding >10 billion genotypes. It provides a working model that can inform progress in biobanking nationally, across Europe and internationally.

The EPQ model under conditions of two levels of trade credit and limited storage capacity in supply chain management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Kun-Jen

2013-09-01

An inventory problem involves a lot of factors influencing inventory decisions. To understand it, the traditional economic production quantity (EPQ) model plays rather important role for inventory analysis. Although the traditional EPQ models are still widely used in industry, practitioners frequently question validities of assumptions of these models such that their use encounters challenges and difficulties. So, this article tries to present a new inventory model by considering two levels of trade credit, finite replenishment rate and limited storage capacity together to relax the basic assumptions of the traditional EPQ model to improve the environment of the use of it. Keeping in mind cost-minimisation strategy, four easy-to-use theorems are developed to characterise the optimal solution. Finally, the sensitivity analyses are executed to investigate the effects of the various parameters on ordering policies and the annual total relevant costs of the inventory system.

On Beyond Star Trek: Synthetic Biology and the Future of Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothschild, Lynn J.

2017-01-01

A turtle carries its own habitat. While it is reliable, it costs energy. NASA makes the same trade-off when it transports habitats and other structures needed to lunar and planetary surfaces increasing upmass, and affecting other mission goals. Long-term human space presence requires periodic replenishment, adding a massive cost overhead. Even robotic missions often sacrifice science goals for heavy radiation and thermal protection. Biology has the potential to solve these problems because it can replicate and repair itself, and do a wide variety of chemical reactions including making food, fuel and materials. Synthetic biology enhances and expands life's evolved repertoire. Using organisms as feedstock, additive manufacturing could make possible the dream of producing bespoke tools, food, smart fabrics and even replacement organs on demand. Imagine what new products can be enabled by such a technology, on earth or beyond!

On-site sanitation: a viable alternative to modern wastewater treatment plants.

PubMed

Lamichhane, K M

2007-01-01

Rapid population growth and urbanization are exerting excessive pressure on soil and water resources. To address these problems this paper proposes a cheap and sustainable alternative sanitation system, which accelerates nutrient recycling ("closing the loop"): ecological sanitation (ecosan) is a potential alternative to conventional sanitation systems that replenishes the organic matter and nutrients of the soil that are taken off as the crop harvest. A comparison is made of the environmental and the operation and maintenance costs between a modern wastewater treatment plant and on-site sanitation. An elevated double box urine diverting toilet ("ecotoilet") is proposed and its advantages and disadvantages over a system with a centrally controlled modern WWTP are discussed. Bagmati Area Sewerage Project in Kathmandu is taken as an example of modern WWTP and ecosan being practiced in a village in Nepal is taken as an example of ecotoilet for the comparison.

Ribose in the heart.

PubMed

Herrick, James; St Cyr, John

2008-01-01

Every cell needs energy, i.e., adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to carry out its function. Decreased oxygen levels, decreased blood flow, and other stressful conditions can drastically effect the intracellular concentrations of these energy compounds. Skeletal muscle, unlike the heart, can address this drop in ATP by employing the myokinase reaction, ultimately producing ATP with a subsequent elevation in adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Ribose, a naturally occurring 5-carbon monosaccharide, is a key component of RNA, DNA (which has deoxyribose), acetyl coenzyme A, and ATP. Each cell produces its own ribose, involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), to aid in ATP production. States of ischemia and/or hypoxia can severely lower levels of cellular energy compounds in the heart, with an associated compromise in cellular processes, ultimately reflected in altered function. Ribose appears to provide a solution to the problem in replenishing the depressed ATP levels and improving functional status of patients afflicted with cardiovascular diseases.

Cybersecurity, massive data processing, community interaction, and other developments at WWW-based computational X-ray Server

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, Sergey

2013-03-01

X-Ray Server (x-server.gmca.aps.anl.gov) is a WWW-based computational server for modeling of X-ray diffraction, reflection and scattering data. The modeling software operates directly on the server and can be accessed remotely either from web browsers or from user software. In the later case the server can be deployed as a software library or a data fitting engine. As the server recently surpassed the milestones of 15 years online and 1.5 million calculations, it accumulated a number of technical solutions that are discussed in this paper. The developed approaches to detecting physical model limits and user calculations failures, solutions to spam and firewall problems, ways to involve the community in replenishing databases and methods to teach users automated access to the server programs may be helpful for X-ray researchers interested in using the server or sharing their own software online.

Carbon footprint assessment of Western Australian Groundwater Recycling Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simms, Andrew; Hamilton, Stacey; Biswas, Wahidul K.

2017-04-01

This research has determined the carbon footprint or the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) of potable water production from a groundwater recycling scheme, consisting of the Beenyup wastewater treatment plant, the Beenyup groundwater replenishment trial plant and the Wanneroo groundwater treatment plant in Western Australia, using a life cycle assessment approach. It was found that the scheme produces 1300 tonnes of CO2 eq per gigalitre (GL) of water produced, which is 933 tonnes of CO2 eq higher than the desalination plant at Binningup in Western Australia powered by 100% renewable energy generated electricity. A Monte Carlo Simulation uncertainty analysis calculated a Coefficient of Variation value of 5.4%, thus confirming the accuracy of the simulation. Electricity input accounts for 83% of the carbon dioxide equivalent produced during the production of potable water. The chosen mitigation strategy was to consider the use of renewable energy to generate electricity for carbon intensive groundwater replenishment trial plant. Depending on the local situation, a maximum of 93% and a minimum of 21% greenhouse gas saving from electricity use can be attained at groundwater replenishment trial plant by replacing grid electricity with renewable electricity. In addition, the consideration of vibrational separation (V-Sep) that helps reduce wastes generation and chemical use resulted in a 4.03 tonne of CO2 eq saving per GL of water produced by the plant.

Carbon footprint assessment of Western Australian Groundwater Recycling Scheme.

PubMed

Simms, Andrew; Hamilton, Stacey; Biswas, Wahidul K

2017-04-01

This research has determined the carbon footprint or the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq) of potable water production from a groundwater recycling scheme, consisting of the Beenyup wastewater treatment plant, the Beenyup groundwater replenishment trial plant and the Wanneroo groundwater treatment plant in Western Australia, using a life cycle assessment approach. It was found that the scheme produces 1300 tonnes of CO 2 eq per gigalitre (GL) of water produced, which is 933 tonnes of CO 2 eq higher than the desalination plant at Binningup in Western Australia powered by 100% renewable energy generated electricity. A Monte Carlo Simulation uncertainty analysis calculated a Coefficient of Variation value of 5.4%, thus confirming the accuracy of the simulation. Electricity input accounts for 83% of the carbon dioxide equivalent produced during the production of potable water. The chosen mitigation strategy was to consider the use of renewable energy to generate electricity for carbon intensive groundwater replenishment trial plant. Depending on the local situation, a maximum of 93% and a minimum of 21% greenhouse gas saving from electricity use can be attained at groundwater replenishment trial plant by replacing grid electricity with renewable electricity. In addition, the consideration of vibrational separation (V-Sep) that helps reduce wastes generation and chemical use resulted in a 4.03 tonne of CO 2 eq saving per GL of water produced by the plant.

Groundwater rejuvenation in parts of India influenced by water-policy change implementation.

PubMed

Bhanja, Soumendra N; Mukherjee, Abhijit; Rodell, Matthew; Wada, Yoshihide; Chattopadhyay, Siddhartha; Velicogna, Isabella; Pangaluru, Kishore; Famiglietti, James S

2017-08-07

The dwindling groundwater resource of India, supporting almost one fifth of the global population and also the largest groundwater user, has been of great concern in recent years. However, in contrary to the well documented Indian groundwater depletion due to rapid and unmanaged groundwater withdrawal, here for the first time, we report regional-scale groundwater storage (GWS) replenishment through long-term (1996-2014, using more than 19000 observation locations) in situ and decadal (2003-2014) satellite-based groundwater storage measurements in western and southern parts of India. In parts of western and southern India, in situ GWS (GWS obs ) has been decreasing at the rate of -5.81 ± 0.38 km 3 /year (in 1996-2001) and -0.92 ± 0.12 km 3 /year (in 1996-2002), and reversed to replenish at the rate of 2.04 ± 0.20 km 3 /year (in 2002-2014) and 0.76 ± 0.08 km 3 /year (in 2003-2014), respectively. Here, using statistical analyses and simulation results of groundwater management policy change effect on groundwater storage in western and southern India, we show that paradigm shift in Indian groundwater withdrawal and management policies for sustainable water utilization appear to have started replenishing the aquifers in western and southern parts of India.

A Joint Probabilistic Classification Model of Relevant and Irrelevant Sentences in Mathematical Word Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cetintas, Suleyman; Si, Luo; Xin, Yan Ping; Zhang, Dake; Park, Joo Young; Tzur, Ron

2010-01-01

Estimating the difficulty level of math word problems is an important task for many educational applications. Identification of relevant and irrelevant sentences in math word problems is an important step for calculating the difficulty levels of such problems. This paper addresses a novel application of text categorization to identify two types of…

A Joint Optimization Criterion for Blind DS-CDMA Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durán-Díaz, Iván; Cruces-Alvarez, Sergio A.

2006-12-01

This paper addresses the problem of the blind detection of a desired user in an asynchronous DS-CDMA communications system with multipath propagation channels. Starting from the inverse filter criterion introduced by Tugnait and Li in 2001, we propose to tackle the problem in the context of the blind signal extraction methods for ICA. In order to improve the performance of the detector, we present a criterion based on the joint optimization of several higher-order statistics of the outputs. An algorithm that optimizes the proposed criterion is described, and its improved performance and robustness with respect to the near-far problem are corroborated through simulations. Additionally, a simulation using measurements on a real software-radio platform at 5 GHz has also been performed.

Cross-layer Joint Relay Selection and Power Allocation Scheme for Cooperative Relaying System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhi, Hui; He, Mengmeng; Wang, Feiyue; Huang, Ziju

2018-03-01

A novel cross-layer joint relay selection and power allocation (CL-JRSPA) scheme over physical layer and data-link layer is proposed for cooperative relaying system in this paper. Our goal is finding the optimal relay selection and power allocation scheme to maximize system achievable rate when satisfying total transmit power constraint in physical layer and statistical delay quality-of-service (QoS) demand in data-link layer. Using the concept of effective capacity (EC), our goal can be formulated into an optimal joint relay selection and power allocation (JRSPA) problem to maximize the EC when satisfying total transmit power limitation. We first solving optimal power allocation (PA) problem with Lagrange multiplier approach, and then solving optimal relay selection (RS) problem. Simulation results demonstrate that CL-JRSPA scheme gets larger EC than other schemes when satisfying delay QoS demand. In addition, the proposed CL-JRSPA scheme achieves the maximal EC when relay located approximately halfway between source and destination, and EC becomes smaller when the QoS exponent becomes larger.

Joint subchannel pairing and power control for cognitive radio networks with amplify-and-forward relaying.

PubMed

Shen, Yanyan; Wang, Shuqiang; Wei, Zhiming

2014-01-01

Dynamic spectrum sharing has drawn intensive attention in cognitive radio networks. The secondary users are allowed to use the available spectrum to transmit data if the interference to the primary users is maintained at a low level. Cooperative transmission for secondary users can reduce the transmission power and thus improve the performance further. We study the joint subchannel pairing and power allocation problem in relay-based cognitive radio networks. The objective is to maximize the sum rate of the secondary user that is helped by an amplify-and-forward relay. The individual power constraints at the source and the relay, the subchannel pairing constraints, and the interference power constraints are considered. The problem under consideration is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. By the dual decomposition method, a joint optimal subchannel pairing and power allocation algorithm is proposed. To reduce the computational complexity, two suboptimal algorithms are developed. Simulations have been conducted to verify the performance of the proposed algorithms in terms of sum rate and average running time under different conditions.

Introducing Differential Equations Students to the Fredholm Alternative--In Staggered Doses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savoye, Philippe

2011-01-01

The development, in an introductory differential equations course, of boundary value problems in parallel with initial value problems and the Fredholm Alternative. Examples are provided of pairs of homogeneous and nonhomogeneous boundary value problems for which existence and uniqueness issues are considered jointly. How this heightens students'…

Influence of solder joint length to the mechanical aspect during the thermal stress analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, J. S.; Khor, C. Y.; Rahim, Wan Mohd Faizal Wan Abd; Ishak, Muhammad Ikman; Rosli, M. U.; Jamalludin, Mohd Riduan; Zakaria, M. S.; Nawi, M. A. M.; Aziz, M. S. Abdul; Ani, F. Che

2017-09-01

Solder joint is an important interconnector in surface mount technology (SMT) assembly process. The real time stress, strain and displacement of the solder joint is difficult to observe and assess the experiment. To tackle these problems, simulation analysis was employed to study the von Mises stress, strain and displacement in the thermal stress analysis by using Finite element based software. In this study, a model of leadless electronic package was considered. The thermal stress analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the solder length to those mechanical aspects. The simulation results revealed that solder length gives significant effect to the maximum von Mises stress to the solder joint. Besides, changes in solder length also influence the displacement of the solder joint in the thermal environment. The increment of the solder length significantly reduces the von Mises stress and strain on the solder joint. Thus, the understanding of the physical parameter for solder joint is important for engineer prior to designing the solder joint of the electronic component.

Holocene depletion and active recharge of the Kalahari groundwaters — A review and an indicative model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Vries, J. J.

1984-02-01

A paramount question in the evaluation of groundwater resources in the Kalahari semi-desert is whether there is any active infiltration of present-day rainfall to the deep aquifers. Previous investigations with isotope analyses gave evidence of recent recharge but no unanimity about the distribution of this process has been reached until now. The present study investigates whether the regional hydraulic gradient means a modern replenishment, or whether the slope of the piezometric surface should be explained as a residual feature resulting from head decay since the last pluvial period. It is concluded that the hydraulic gradient is most probably of a residual nature, and the replenishment has been less than 0.5 mm yr. -1 during at least the last 4000 yr. or so.

Effect of friction stir welding parameters on defect formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasov, S. Yu.; Rubtsov, V. E.; Eliseev, A. A.; Kolubaev, E. A.; Filippov, A. V.; Ivanov, A. N.

2015-10-01

Friction stir welding is a perspective method for manufacturing automotive parts, aviation and space technology. One of the major problems is the formation of welding defects and weld around the welding zone. The formation of defect is the main reason failure of the joint. A possible way to obtain defect-free welded joints is the selection of the correct welding parameters. Experimental results describing the effect of friction stir welding process parameters on the defects of welded joints on aluminum alloy AMg5M have been shown. The weld joint defects have been characterized using the non-destructive radioscopic and ultrasound phase array methods. It was shown how the type and size of defects determine the welded joint strength.

The value of arthrography in the decision-making process regarding surgery for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

PubMed

Nitzan, D W; Dolwick, F M; Marmary, Y

1991-04-01

In this study, the clinical and arthrographic findings from 43 internally deranged temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were compared with the intra-surgical observations. In 40 of 43 joints, arthrography did not provide any additional information useful for diagnosis or treatment. In six joints, the problem was misdiagnosed. Only in three joints did arthrography demonstrate the existence of perforation in the posterior attachment that had not been suspected during the clinical examination. Because of the doubtful importance of arthrographic information for the decision-making process, it is suggested that the method be applied only in cases in which clinical examination and plain radiographs have failed to uncover the signs and symptoms indicative of a TMJ disorder.

Space Station alpha joint bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Everman, Michael R.; Jones, P. Alan; Spencer, Porter A.

1987-01-01

Perhaps the most critical structural system aboard the Space Station is the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint which helps align the power generation system with the sun. The joint must provide structural support and controlled rotation to the outboard transverse booms as well as power and data transfer across the joint. The Solar Alpha Rotary Joint is composed of two transition sections and an integral, large diameter bearing. Alpha joint bearing design presents a particularly interesting problem because of its large size and need for high reliability, stiffness, and on orbit maintability. The discrete roller bearing developed is a novel refinement to cam follower technology. It offers thermal compensation and ease of on-orbit maintenance that are not found in conventional rolling element bearings. How the bearing design evolved is summarized. Driving requirements are reviewed, alternative concepts assessed, and the selected design is described.

Reconstructing Interlaced High-Dynamic-Range Video Using Joint Learning.

PubMed

Inchang Choi; Seung-Hwan Baek; Kim, Min H

2017-11-01

For extending the dynamic range of video, it is a common practice to capture multiple frames sequentially with different exposures and combine them to extend the dynamic range of each video frame. However, this approach results in typical ghosting artifacts due to fast and complex motion in nature. As an alternative, video imaging with interlaced exposures has been introduced to extend the dynamic range. However, the interlaced approach has been hindered by jaggy artifacts and sensor noise, leading to concerns over image quality. In this paper, we propose a data-driven approach for jointly solving two specific problems of deinterlacing and denoising that arise in interlaced video imaging with different exposures. First, we solve the deinterlacing problem using joint dictionary learning via sparse coding. Since partial information of detail in differently exposed rows is often available via interlacing, we make use of the information to reconstruct details of the extended dynamic range from the interlaced video input. Second, we jointly solve the denoising problem by tailoring sparse coding to better handle additive noise in low-/high-exposure rows, and also adopt multiscale homography flow to temporal sequences for denoising. We anticipate that the proposed method will allow for concurrent capture of higher dynamic range video frames without suffering from ghosting artifacts. We demonstrate the advantages of our interlaced video imaging compared with the state-of-the-art high-dynamic-range video methods.

Joint Source-Channel Coding by Means of an Oversampled Filter Bank Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinkovic, Slavica; Guillemot, Christine

2006-12-01

Quantized frame expansions based on block transforms and oversampled filter banks (OFBs) have been considered recently as joint source-channel codes (JSCCs) for erasure and error-resilient signal transmission over noisy channels. In this paper, we consider a coding chain involving an OFB-based signal decomposition followed by scalar quantization and a variable-length code (VLC) or a fixed-length code (FLC). This paper first examines the problem of channel error localization and correction in quantized OFB signal expansions. The error localization problem is treated as an[InlineEquation not available: see fulltext.]-ary hypothesis testing problem. The likelihood values are derived from the joint pdf of the syndrome vectors under various hypotheses of impulse noise positions, and in a number of consecutive windows of the received samples. The error amplitudes are then estimated by solving the syndrome equations in the least-square sense. The message signal is reconstructed from the corrected received signal by a pseudoinverse receiver. We then improve the error localization procedure by introducing a per-symbol reliability information in the hypothesis testing procedure of the OFB syndrome decoder. The per-symbol reliability information is produced by the soft-input soft-output (SISO) VLC/FLC decoders. This leads to the design of an iterative algorithm for joint decoding of an FLC and an OFB code. The performance of the algorithms developed is evaluated in a wavelet-based image coding system.

Parallelizing Timed Petri Net simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicol, David M.

1993-01-01

The possibility of using parallel processing to accelerate the simulation of Timed Petri Nets (TPN's) was studied. It was recognized that complex system development tools often transform system descriptions into TPN's or TPN-like models, which are then simulated to obtain information about system behavior. Viewed this way, it was important that the parallelization of TPN's be as automatic as possible, to admit the possibility of the parallelization being embedded in the system design tool. Later years of the grant were devoted to examining the problem of joint performance and reliability analysis, to explore whether both types of analysis could be accomplished within a single framework. In this final report, the results of our studies are summarized. We believe that the problem of parallelizing TPN's automatically for MIMD architectures has been almost completely solved for a large and important class of problems. Our initial investigations into joint performance/reliability analysis are two-fold; it was shown that Monte Carlo simulation, with importance sampling, offers promise of joint analysis in the context of a single tool, and methods for the parallel simulation of general Continuous Time Markov Chains, a model framework within which joint performance/reliability models can be cast, were developed. However, very much more work is needed to determine the scope and generality of these approaches. The results obtained in our two studies, future directions for this type of work, and a list of publications are included.

Experience of Application of EBW in Producing Welded VT41 Alloy Drums in the Design of an HPC in an Advanced Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykov, Yu. G.; Fomichev, E. O.; Kashapov, O. S.; Kyaramyan, K. A.

2017-12-01

The conditions of electron-beam welding (EBW) of ring samples made of a VT41 alloy are adjusted to produce large welded joints of this alloy for a high-pressure compressor (HPC) of an advanced engine. The problems of quality control of a welded joint, the level of residual stresses in the near-weld zone, the microstructure of the welded joint, and its properties are considered.

Critical Interfaces for Engineers and Scientists, 4 Appraisals. Proceedings of the Annual Joint Meeting of the Engineering Manpower Commission of Engineers Joint Council and the Scientific Manpower Commission, New York, May 18, 1967.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alden, John D.

Contained in this booklet are the speeches given at the annual joint meeting of the Engineering Manpower Commission and the Scientific Manpower Commission. Each dealt with some problem aspect of the engineer-scientist interface. The presentation by Rear Admiral W. C. Hushing of the U. S. Navy was entitled "The Impact of High Performance Science…

Two-axis angular effector

DOEpatents

Vaughn, Mark R.; Robinett, III, Rush D.; Phelan, John R.; Van Zuiden, Don M.

1997-01-21

A new class of coplanar two-axis angular effectors. These effectors combine a two-axis rotational joint analogous to a Cardan joint with linear actuators in a manner to produce a wider range of rotational motion about both axes defined by the joint. This new class of effectors also allows design of robotic manipulators having very high strength and efficiency. These effectors are particularly suited for remote operation in unknown surroundings, because of their extraordinary versatility. An immediate application is to the problems which arise in nuclear waste remediation.

Impact extractive fracture of jointed steel plates of a bolted joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daimaruya, M.; Fujiki, H.; Ambarita, H.

2012-08-01

This study is concerned with the development of a fracture criterion for the impact fracture of jointed steel plates of a bolted joint used in a car body. For the accurate prediction of crash characteristics of car bodies by computer-aided engineering (CAE), it is also necessary to examine the behavior and fracture of jointed steel plates subjected to impact loads. Although the actual impact fracture of jointed steel plates of a bolted joint used in cars is complicated, for simplifying the problem it might be classified into the shear fracture and the extractive fracture of jointed steel plates. Attention is given to the extractive fracture of jointed steel plates in this study. The extractive behavior and fracture of three kinds of steel plates used for cars are examined in experiments and numerical simulations. The impact extraction test of steel plates jointed by a bolt is performed using the one-bar method, together with the static test. In order to understand the mechanism of extractive fracture process of jointed steel plates, numerical simulations by a FEM code LS-DYNA are also carried out. The obtained results suggest that a stress-based fracture criterion may be developed for the impact extractive fracture of jointed steel plates of a bolted joint used in a car body.

Self-reported health problems, health care utilisation and unmet health care needs of elderly men and women in an urban municipality and a rural area of Bhaktapur District of Nepal.

PubMed

Kshetri, Dan B B; Smith, William C S

2011-06-01

The study aimed to identify the felt common health problems, utilisation of health services and unmet needs of urban and rural elderly people of Bhaktapur district, Nepal. It was a cross sectional population study of people aged 60 years or more where 204 respondents were interviewed in 2009. The common felt problems were pain and swelling of joints (65.7%), indigestion (63.7%), excessive tiredness (38.2%) and hypertension (35.8%). Pain and swelling of joints (72.5%) and back pain (40.4%) were higher in rural elderly population whereas indigestion (67.6%) and hypertension (37.85%) were higher in urban population. Pain and swelling of joints (66.7%) and indigestion (69.6%) were higher in males, and hypertension (50.0%), back pain (38.2%) and chronic bronchitis/asthma (39.2%) were higher in females. The unmet needs varied between different health problems. In general women had more unmet needs than men, where 80 unmet needs were identified for the 102 men compared with 105 for the 102 women, and these unmet needs increased dramatically with age. This approach yields new insights into the health care needs of the elderly and will be helpful to health care planners.

An optimal control strategy for hybrid actuator systems: Application to an artificial muscle with electric motor assist.

PubMed

Ishihara, Koji; Morimoto, Jun

2018-03-01

Humans use multiple muscles to generate such joint movements as an elbow motion. With multiple lightweight and compliant actuators, joint movements can also be efficiently generated. Similarly, robots can use multiple actuators to efficiently generate a one degree of freedom movement. For this movement, the desired joint torque must be properly distributed to each actuator. One approach to cope with this torque distribution problem is an optimal control method. However, solving the optimal control problem at each control time step has not been deemed a practical approach due to its large computational burden. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient method to derive an optimal control strategy for a hybrid actuation system composed of multiple actuators, where each actuator has different dynamical properties. We investigated a singularly perturbed system of the hybrid actuator model that subdivided the original large-scale control problem into smaller subproblems so that the optimal control outputs for each actuator can be derived at each control time step and applied our proposed method to our pneumatic-electric hybrid actuator system. Our method derived a torque distribution strategy for the hybrid actuator by dealing with the difficulty of solving real-time optimal control problems. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Lifelong Learning & Distance Higher Education. Perspectives on Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McIntosh, Christopher, Ed.

2005-01-01

Reflecting a common objective of ensuring quality Education for All, this book is a joint initiative of UNESCO and COL and jointly published. Lifelong Learning in Distance Higher Education brings together a diverse group of experts from many countries. The book provides a clear picture of the challenges, problems and potential of distance higher…

Activity Analysis and Cost Analysis in Medical Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koehler, John E.; Slighton, Robert L.

There is no unique answer to the question of what an ongoing program costs in medical schools. The estimates of program costs generated by classical methods of cost accounting are unsatisfactory because such accounting cannot deal with the joint production or joint cost problem. Activity analysis models aim at calculating the impact of alternative…

[Whiplash lesions and temporomandibular joint disorders].

PubMed

Gola, R; Richard, O; Guyot, L; Cheynet, F

2004-11-01

Attributing dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to whiplash injury is a difficult problem to solve. TMJ disorders do not seem to be secondary to direct articular trauma but rather caused by a postural disorder of the cervical spine. Occlusal disorders and stress further complicate the picture. Four clinical cases illustrate a new hypothetical approach.

Aerothermal environment induced by mismatch at the SSME main combustion chamber-nozzle joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcconnaughey, H. V.; O'Farrell, J. M.; Olive, T. A.; Brown, G. B.; Holt, J. B.

1990-01-01

The computational study reported here is motivated by a Space Shuttle main engine hardware problem detected in post-flight and post-test inspections. Of interest are the potential for hot gas ingestion into the joint (G15) at the main combustion chamber-to-nozzle interface and the effect of particular goemetric nonuniformities on that gas ingestion. The flowfield in the G15 region involves supersonic flow past a rounded forward facing step preceded by a deep narrow cavity. This paper describes the physical problem associated with joint G15 and computational investigations of the G15 aerothermal environment. The associated flowfield was simulated in two and three space dimensions using the United Solutions Algorithm (USA) computational fluid dynamics code series. A benchmark calculation of experimentally measured supersonic flow over of a square cavity was performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the USA code in analyzing flows similar to the G15 computational flowfield. The G15 results demonstrate the mechanism for hot gas ingestion into the joint and reveal the sensitivity to salient geometric nonuniformities.

Marginal versus joint Box-Cox transformation with applications to percentile curve construction for IgG subclasses and blood pressures.

PubMed

He, Xuming; Ng, K W; Shi, Jian

2003-02-15

When age-specific percentile curves are constructed for several correlated variables, the marginal method of handling one variable at a time has typically been used. We address the question, frequently asked by practitioners, of whether we can achieve efficiency gains by joint estimation. We focus on a simple but common method of Box-Cox transformation and assess the statistical impact of a joint transformation to multivariate normality on the percentile curve estimation for correlated variables. We find that there is little gain from the joint transformation for estimating percentiles around the median but a noticeable reduction in variances is possible for estimating extreme percentiles that are usually of main interest in medical and biological applications. Our study is motivated by problems in constructing percentile charts for IgG subclasses of children and for blood pressures in adult populations, both of which are discussed in the paper as examples, and yet our general findings are applicable to a wide range of other problems. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

Decentralized control of large flexible structures by joint decoupling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Tzu-Jeng; Juang, Jer-Nan

1992-01-01

A decentralized control design method is presented for large complex flexible structures by using the idea of joint decoupling. The derivation is based on a coupled substructure state-space model, which is obtained from enforcing conditions of interface compatibility and equilibrium to the substructure state-space models. It is shown that by restricting the control law to be localized state feedback and by setting the joint actuator input commands to decouple joint 'degrees of freedom' (dof) from interior dof, the global structure control design problem can be decomposed into several substructure control design problems. The substructure control gains and substructure observers are designed based on modified substructure state-space models. The controllers produced by the proposed method can operate successfully at the individual substructure level as well as at the global structure level. Therefore, not only control design but also control implementation is decentralized. Stability and performance requirement of the closed-loop system can be achieved by using any existing state feedback control design method. A two-component mass-spring damper system and a three-truss structure are used as examples to demonstrate the proposed method.

Cost and cost effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets - a model-based analysis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The World Health Organization recommends that national malaria programmes universally distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs). LLINs provide effective insecticide protection for at least three years while conventional nets must be retreated every 6-12 months. LLINs may also promise longer physical durability (lifespan), but at a higher unit price. No prospective data currently available is sufficient to calculate the comparative cost effectiveness of different net types. We thus constructed a model to explore the cost effectiveness of LLINs, asking how a longer lifespan affects the relative cost effectiveness of nets, and if, when and why LLINs might be preferred to conventional insecticide-treated nets. An innovation of our model is that we also considered the replenishment need i.e. loss of nets over time. Methods We modelled the choice of net over a 10-year period to facilitate the comparison of nets with different lifespan (and/or price) and replenishment need over time. Our base case represents a large-scale programme which achieves high coverage and usage throughout the population by distributing either LLINs or conventional nets through existing health services, and retreats a large proportion of conventional nets regularly at low cost. We identified the determinants of bed net programme cost effectiveness and parameter values for usage rate, delivery and retreatment cost from the literature. One-way sensitivity analysis was conducted to explicitly compare the differential effect of changing parameters such as price, lifespan, usage and replenishment need. Results If conventional and long-lasting bed nets have the same physical lifespan (3 years), LLINs are more cost effective unless they are priced at more than USD 1.5 above the price of conventional nets. Because a longer lifespan brings delivery cost savings, each one year increase in lifespan can be accompanied by a USD 1 or more increase in price without the cheaper net (of the same type) becoming more cost effective. Distributing replenishment nets each year in addition to the replacement of all nets every 3-4 years increases the number of under-5 deaths averted by 5-14% at a cost of USD 17-25 per additional person protected per annum or USD 1080-1610 per additional under-5 death averted. Conclusions Our results support the World Health Organization recommendation to distribute only LLINs, while giving guidance on the price thresholds above which this recommendation will no longer hold. Programme planners should be willing to pay a premium for nets which have a longer physical lifespan, and if planners are willing to pay USD 1600 per under-5 death averted, investing in replenishment is cost effective. PMID:22475679

Viscoelastic analysis of adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.

1980-01-01

An adhesively bonded lap joint is analyzed by assuming that the adherends are elastic and the adhesive is linearly viscoelastic. After formulating the general problem a specific example for two identical adherends bonded through a three parameter viscoelastic solid adhesive is considered. The standard Laplace transform technique is used to solve the problem. The stress distribution in the adhesive layer is calculated for three different external loads, namely, membrane loading, bending, and transverse shear loading. The results indicate that the peak value of the normal stress in the adhesive is not only consistently higher than the corresponding shear stress but also decays slower.

Interactive program for analysis and design problems in advanced composites technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruse, T. A.; Swedlow, J. L.

1971-01-01

During the past year an experimental program in the fracture of advanced fiber composites has been completed. The experimental program has given direction to additional experimental and theoretical work. A synthesis program for designing low weight multifastener joints in composites is proposed, based on extensive analytical background. A number of failed joints have been thoroughly analyzed to evaluate the failure hypothesis used in the synthesis procedure. Finally, a new solution is reported for isotropic and anisotropic laminates using the boundary-integral method. The solution method offers significant savings of computer core and time for important problems.

Off-Grid Direction of Arrival Estimation Based on Joint Spatial Sparsity for Distributed Sparse Linear Arrays

PubMed Central

Liang, Yujie; Ying, Rendong; Lu, Zhenqi; Liu, Peilin

2014-01-01

In the design phase of sensor arrays during array signal processing, the estimation performance and system cost are largely determined by array aperture size. In this article, we address the problem of joint direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with distributed sparse linear arrays (SLAs) and propose an off-grid synchronous approach based on distributed compressed sensing to obtain larger array aperture. We focus on the complex source distribution in the practical applications and classify the sources into common and innovation parts according to whether a signal of source can impinge on all the SLAs or a specific one. For each SLA, we construct a corresponding virtual uniform linear array (ULA) to create the relationship of random linear map between the signals respectively observed by these two arrays. The signal ensembles including the common/innovation sources for different SLAs are abstracted as a joint spatial sparsity model. And we use the minimization of concatenated atomic norm via semidefinite programming to solve the problem of joint DOA estimation. Joint calculation of the signals observed by all the SLAs exploits their redundancy caused by the common sources and decreases the requirement of array size. The numerical results illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach. PMID:25420150

Consequences of Childhood Reading Difficulties and Behaviour Problems for Educational Achievement and Employment in Early Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smart, Diana; Youssef, George J.; Sanson, Ann; Prior, Margot; Toumbourou, John W.; Olsson, Craig A.

2017-01-01

Background: Reading difficulties (RDs) and behaviour problems (BPs) are two common childhood problems that have a high degree of stability and often negatively affect well-being in both the short and longer terms. Aims: The study aimed to shed light on the unique and joint consequences of these two childhood problems for educational and…

Geologic framework influences on the geomorphology of an anthropogenically modified barrier island: Assessment of dune/beach changes at Fire Island, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lentz, E.E.; Hapke, C.J.

2011-01-01

Antecedent geology plays a crucial role in determining the inner-shelf, nearshore, and onshore geomorphology observed in coastal systems. However, the influence of the geologic framework on a system is difficult to extract when evaluating responses to changes due to storms and anthropogenic modifications, and few studies have quantified the potential for these influences in dune/beach environments. This study evaluates topographic change to the dune/beach system at Fire Island, New York over a ten year period (1998-2008) at two sites representing eastern and western reaches of the island where morphology has been shown to vary. The sites are situated along swaths of coast eroding differentially and where the inner shelf geologic framework differs substantially. Fewer large storms occurred in the first half of the study period, compared with the later part of the study period which includes several severe and prolonged extratropical storms. Additionally, a major beach replenishment project was conducted at one of the study sites. Topographic data from LiDAR and RTK GPS surveys are used to construct high-resolution 3D surfaces, which are used to determine volumetric change and to extract 2D alongshore features and profiles for analysis. The study sites help to further characterize morphologic differences between eastern and western reaches of the island. The western site displays higher sand volumes, lower dunes, and a lower gradient profile slope when compared with the eastern site. In addition to these fundamental morphologic differences, the two sites also differ significantly in their response to coastal storms and in the fact that their replenishment histories are different. The replenished areas show reduced vulnerability to storms through minimal volume loss and shoreline accretion that should be considered when evaluating the response of replenished areas to episodic events. We propose that site-specific differences evident throughout the study period can be linked to alongshore variations in the framework geology of the system. Anthropogenic modifications may have intensified differences already inherent in the system. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Prevalence and Predictive Value of Microvascular Flow Abnormalities after Successful Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Sourabh; Xie, Feng; High, Robin; Pavlides, Gregory; Porter, Thomas R

2018-06-01

Although microvascular flow abnormalities have been observed following epicardial recanalization in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the prevalence and severity of these abnormalities in the current era of rapid percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess microvascular perfusion (MVP) following successful primary PCI in patients with STEMI and how it affects clinical outcome. In this single-center, retrospective study, 170 patients who successfully underwent emergent PCI for STEMI were assessed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography using a continuous infusion of intravenous commercial microbubbles (3% Definity). Three patterns of myocardial contrast replenishment were observed following intermittent high-mechanical index impulses: infarct zone replenishment within 4 sec (normal MVP), delays in contrast replenishment but normal plateau intensity (delayed MVP [dMVP]), and both delays in replenishment and reduced plateau intensity (microvascular obstruction [MVO]). Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months and clinical event rate at 12 months (death, recurrent infarction, need for defibrillator placement, or heart failure admission) were compared. Normal MVP was seen in 62 patients (36%), dMVP in 49 (29%), and MVO in 59 (35%). Left anterior descending coronary artery infarct location was the only parameter independently associated with dMVP or MVO, independent of age, cardiac risk factors, door-to-dilation time, pre-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade, and thrombus burden. A dMVP pattern had a similar reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction as MVO at hospital discharge but had recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months and a greater than fourfold lower event rate than the MVO group (P < .001). MVO and dMVP are frequently seen following contemporary successful PCI for STEMI, especially following left anterior descending coronary artery infarction. Despite a similar area at risk, a dMVP pattern has better functional recovery and clinical outcome than MVO. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D in corticosteroid-naïve and corticosteroid-treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy: what dose achieves optimal 25(OH) vitamin D levels?

PubMed

Alshaikh, Nahla; Brunklaus, Andreas; Davis, Tracey; Robb, Stephanie A; Quinlivan, Ros; Munot, Pinki; Sarkozy, Anna; Muntoni, Francesco; Manzur, Adnan Y

2016-10-01

Assessment of the efficacy of vitamin D replenishment and maintenance doses required to attain optimal levels in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). 25(OH)-vitamin D levels and concurrent vitamin D dosage were collected from retrospective case-note review of boys with DMD at the Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre. Vitamin D levels were stratified as deficient at <25 nmol/L, insufficient at 25-49 nmol/L, adequate at 50-75 nmol/L and optimal at >75 nmol/L. 617 vitamin D samples were available from 197 boys (range 2-18 years)-69% from individuals on corticosteroids. Vitamin D-naïve boys (154 samples) showed deficiency in 28%, insufficiency in 42%, adequate levels in 24% and optimal levels in 6%. The vitamin D-supplemented group (463 samples) was tested while on different maintenance/replenishment doses. Three-month replenishment of daily 3000 IU (23 samples) or 6000 IU (37 samples) achieved optimal levels in 52% and 84%, respectively. 182 samples taken on 400 IU revealed deficiency in 19 (10%), insufficiency in 84 (47%), adequate levels in 67 (37%) and optimal levels in 11 (6%). 97 samples taken on 800 IU showed deficiency in 2 (2%), insufficiency in 17 (17%), adequate levels in 56 (58%) and optimal levels in 22 (23%). 81 samples were on 1000 IU and 14 samples on 1500 IU, with optimal levels in 35 (43%) and 9 (64%), respectively. No toxic level was seen (highest level 230 nmol/L). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in DMD is high. A 2-month replenishment regimen of 6000 IU and maintenance regimen of 1000-1500 IU/day was associated with optimal vitamin D levels. These data have important implications for optimising vitamin D dosing in DMD. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Joint Optimization of Receiver Placement and Illuminator Selection for a Multiband Passive Radar Network.

PubMed

Xie, Rui; Wan, Xianrong; Hong, Sheng; Yi, Jianxin

2017-06-14

The performance of a passive radar network can be greatly improved by an optimal radar network structure. Generally, radar network structure optimization consists of two aspects, namely the placement of receivers in suitable places and selection of appropriate illuminators. The present study investigates issues concerning the joint optimization of receiver placement and illuminator selection for a passive radar network. Firstly, the required radar cross section (RCS) for target detection is chosen as the performance metric, and the joint optimization model boils down to the partition p -center problem (PPCP). The PPCP is then solved by a proposed bisection algorithm. The key of the bisection algorithm lies in solving the partition set covering problem (PSCP), which can be solved by a hybrid algorithm developed by coupling the convex optimization with the greedy dropping algorithm. In the end, the performance of the proposed algorithm is validated via numerical simulations.

Joint chemical defense for the rear battle: main operating bases in NATO's central region. Student report

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

Salmi, M.D.

In 1984, the Chiefs of Staff of the US Army and the US Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining a concept for the joint air defense of overseas air bases. With little previous experience in joint rear-area operations, problems were bound to occur, especially in the area of chemical warfare defense (CWD). The Army bases its CWD doctrine on the concept of maneuver while the Air Force bases its doctrine on being tied to air bases with little or no capability to avoid chemical attacks. Each Service developed its doctrine to support its operational concept. This studymore » compared and contrasted the CWD doctrine of the Army and the Air Force. If found a great deal of commonality exists; however, there are also several problems which could lead to death, injury, and degradation of sortie generation capability.« less

Motion and force control for multiple cooperative manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wen, John T.; Kreutz, Kenneth

1989-01-01

The motion and force control of multiple robot arms manipulating a commonly held object is addressed. A general control paradigm that decouples the motion and force control problems is introduced. For motion control, there are three natural choices: (1) joint torques, (2) arm-tip force vectors, and (3) the acceleration of a generalized coordinate. Choice (1) allows a class of relatively model-independent control laws by exploiting the Hamiltonian structure of the open-loop system; (2) and (3) require the full model information but produce simpler problems. To resolve the nonuniqueness of the joint torques, two methods are introduced. If the arm and object models are available, the allocation of the desired end-effector control force to the joint actuators can be optimized; otherwise the internal force can be controlled about some set point. It is shown that effective force regulation can be achieved even if little model information is available.

Sino-US cooperation in water saving technologies: essential international problems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The United States and China share many agricultural problems, but one of great importance is the need to produce more crop yield in the face of water scarcity. Common recognition of this problem led to the development of a joint Sino-US Water Saving Technologies Flagship project within the larger US...

Personal and Contextual Factors Related to Internalizing Problems during Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliva, Alfredo; Parra, Águeda; Reina, M. Carmen

2014-01-01

Background: Over the past decades, ample empirical evidence has been collected about the factors linked to internalizing problems during adolescence. However, there is a lack of research that use holistic approaches to study the joint analysis of a series of contextual and personal variables considered to be related to internalizing problems.…

Multitask SVM learning for remote sensing data classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leiva-Murillo, Jose M.; Gómez-Chova, Luis; Camps-Valls, Gustavo

2010-10-01

Many remote sensing data processing problems are inherently constituted by several tasks that can be solved either individually or jointly. For instance, each image in a multitemporal classification setting could be taken as an individual task but relation to previous acquisitions should be properly considered. In such problems, different modalities of the data (temporal, spatial, angular) gives rise to changes between the training and test distributions, which constitutes a difficult learning problem known as covariate shift. Multitask learning methods aim at jointly solving a set of prediction problems in an efficient way by sharing information across tasks. This paper presents a novel kernel method for multitask learning in remote sensing data classification. The proposed method alleviates the dataset shift problem by imposing cross-information in the classifiers through matrix regularization. We consider the support vector machine (SVM) as core learner and two regularization schemes are introduced: 1) the Euclidean distance of the predictors in the Hilbert space; and 2) the inclusion of relational operators between tasks. Experiments are conducted in the challenging remote sensing problems of cloud screening from multispectral MERIS images and for landmine detection.

Tibiotalar joint arthrodesis for the treatment of severe ankle joint degeneration secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Caron, M; Kron, E; Saltrick, K R

1999-04-01

The technical aspects of fusion of the rheumatoid ankle do not deviate from those in the post-traumatic or osteoarthritic ankle. Screw fixation can usually be achieved, and rarely is fixation failure a problem in rheumatoid ankle arthrodesis. If fixation is difficult because of deformity or bone quality, external fixation or locking intramedullary nails should be used. The placement of cannulated screws and adequacy of screw fixation has not been a problem (Fig. 13). Screw fixation provides compression and prevents rotation. The surgeon, however, needs to be assured that no screws invade the subtalar joint and that all threads are beyond the arthrodesis site. A washer may be necessary for further stability if this screw is not inserted at too great an angle. The authors have found that troughing out of the cortical surface of the tibia with a power bur aids in screw insertion. Not only does the trough act as a countersink, but it also provides a path for screw insertion and prevents palpable screw irritation. Malalignment is unforgiving. The foot must be placed neutral to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Equinus positioning places added stress on the tibia and a back-knee gait occurs. Approximately 5 degrees of valgus is recommended, and varus positioning is unforgiving. Internal and external rotation is determined by the position of the contralateral extremity. Nonunion does not seem to be a problem with rigid internal fixation to any greater degree in patients with RA. Despite this, patients may continue to have pain despite solid fusion, which can be caused by incomplete correction of deformity, painful internal fixation, or adjacent joint pathology. Additionally, patients may experience supramalleolar pain above the fusion site consistent with tibial stress fracture, which is more common if the subtalar or midtarsal joint is rigid or if the patient is obese. A rocker sole shoe with impact-absorbing soles used after brief periods of guarded mobilization in a removable walking cast alleviates this stress on the tibia. Neurovascular insult can be avoided with careful dissection direct to bone, incisions placed in nerve-free zones, and avoidance of plunging deep posteriorly-medially and anteriorly when dissecting and resecting surfaces. Arthrodesis of the tibiotalar joint in the patient with RA should be performed to relieve severe pain caused by advanced arthrosis. Achieving a solid arthrodesis does not seem to be a problem and provides the patient with pain relief; however, marked improvement in patient function and level of activity remains limited by the nature of RA and adjacent joint involvement.

Vehicle Routing with Three-dimensional Container Loading Constraints—Comparison of Nested and Joint Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koloch, Grzegorz; Kaminski, Bogumil

2010-10-01

In the paper we examine a modification of the classical Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in which shapes of transported cargo are accounted for. This problem, known as a three-dimensional VRP with loading constraints (3D-VRP), is appropriate when transported commodities are not perfectly divisible, but they have fixed and heterogeneous dimensions. In the paper restrictions on allowable cargo positionings are also considered. These restrictions are derived from business practice and they extended the baseline 3D-VRP formulation as considered by Koloch and Kaminski (2010). In particular, we investigate how additional restrictions influence relative performance of two proposed optimization algorithms: the nested and the joint one. Performance of both methods is compared on artificial problems and on a big-scale real life case study.

Joint hypermobility syndrome in childhood. A not so benign multisystem disorder?

PubMed

Adib, N; Davies, K; Grahame, R; Woo, P; Murray, K J

2005-06-01

Joint hypermobility (JH) or "ligamentous laxity" is felt to be an underlying risk factor for many types of musculoskeletal presentation in paediatrics, and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) describes such disorders where symptoms become chronic, often more generalized and associated with functional impairment. Clinical features are felt to have much in common with more severe disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta and Marfan syndrome, although this has not been formally studied in children. We defined the clinical characteristics of all patients with joint hypermobility-related presentations seen from 1999 to 2002 in a tertiary referral paediatric rheumatology unit. Patients were identified and recruited from paediatric rheumatology clinic and ward, and a dedicated paediatric rheumatology hypermobility clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Data were collected retrospectively on the patients from the paediatric rheumatology clinics (1999-2002) and prospectively on patients seen in the hypermobility clinic (2000-2002). Specifically, historical details of developmental milestones, musculoskeletal or soft tissue diagnoses and symptoms, and significant past medical history were recorded. Examination features sought included measurements of joint and soft tissue laxity, and associated conditions such as scoliosis, dysmorphic features, cardiac murmurs and eye problems. One hundred and twenty-five children (64 females) were included on whom sufficient clinical data could be identified and who had clinical problems ascribed to JH present for longer than 3 months. Sixty-four were from the paediatric rheumatology clinic and 61 from the hypermobility clinic. No differences were found in any of the measures between the two populations and results are presented in a combined fashion. Three-quarters of referrals came from paediatricians and general practitioners but in only 10% was hypermobility recognized as a possible cause of joint complaint. The average age at onset of symptoms was 6.2 yr and age at diagnosis 9.0 yr, indicating a 2- to 3-yr delay in diagnosis. The major presenting complaint was arthralgia in 74%, abnormal gait in 10%, apparent joint deformity in 10% and back pain in 6%. Mean age at first walking was 15.0 months; 48% were considered "clumsy" and 36% as having poor coordination in early childhood. Twelve per cent had "clicky" hips at birth and 4% actual congenital dislocatable hip. Urinary tract infections were present in 13 and 6% of the female and male cases, respectively. Thirteen and 14%, respectively, had speech and learning difficulties diagnosed. A history of recurrent joint sprains was seen in 20% and actual subluxation/dislocation of joints in 10%. Forty per cent had experienced problems with handwriting tasks, 48% had major limitations of school-based physical education activities, 67% other physical activities and 41% had missed significant periods of schooling because of symptoms. Forty-three per cent described a history of easy bruising. Examination revealed that 94% scored > or =4/9 on the Beighton scale for generalized hypermobility, with knees (92%), elbows (87%), wrists (82%), hand metacarpophalangeal joints (79%), and ankles (75%) being most frequently involved. JHS is poorly recognized in children with a long delay in the time to diagnosis. Although there is a referral bias towards joint symptoms, a surprisingly large proportion is associated with significant neuromuscular and motor development problems. Our patients with JHS also show many overlap features with genetic disorders such as EDS and Marfan syndrome. The delay in diagnosis results in poor control of pain and disruption of normal home life, schooling and physical activities. Knowledge of the diagnosis and simple interventions are likely to be highly effective in reducing the morbidity and cost to the health and social services.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Knee Joint Problems: Review of the Literature, Current Practice and Legal Perspectives in Korea

PubMed Central

Park, Yong-Geun; Han, Seung Beom; Song, Sang Jun; Kim, Tae Jin

2012-01-01

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate extract of platelets from autologous blood, and represents a possible treatment option for the stimulation and acceleration of soft-tissue healing and regeneration in orthopedics. Currently, the availability of devices for outpatient preparation and delivery contributes to the increase in the clinical use of PRP therapy in practical setting of orthopedic fields. However, there is still paucity of scientific evidence in the literature to prove efficacy of PRP therapy for the treatment of ligament or tendon problems around the knee joint. Moreover, strong evidence from well-designed clinical trials to support the PRP therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is yet scanty in the literature. Scientific studies need to be performed to assess clinical indications, efficacy, and safety of PRP, and this will require high powered randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, some hospitals exaggeratedly advertise PRP procedures as the ultimate treatment and a novel technology with abundant scientific evidence for the treatment of knee problems. As a matter of fact, PRP protocols are currently approved only for use in clinical trials and research, and are not allowed for treatment purpose by any institutions in Korea. At present, clinical use of PRP therapy for ligament or tendon problems or osteoarthritis of knee joint is defined as illegal medical practice, regardless of whether it is performed as a sole procedure or as a part of prolotherapy, because the safety and validity are not yet approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Practicing physicians should remember that injection of PRP to patients by imposing medical charge is still illegal as per the current medical law in Korea. PMID:22708106

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skoumal, D. E.

1980-01-01

Bonded and bolted designs are presented for each of four major attachment types. Prepreg processing problems are discussed and quality control data are given for lots 2W4604, 2W4632 and 2W4643. Preliminary design allowables test results for tension tests and compression tests of laminates are included. The final small specimen test matrix is defined and the configuration of symmetric step-lap joint specimens are shown. Finite element modeling studies of a double lap joint were performed to evaluate the number of elements required through the adhesive thickness to assess effects of various joint parameters on stress distributions. Results of finite element analyses assessing the effect of an adhesive fillet on the stress distribution in a double lap joint are examined.

[Advances on biomechanics and kinematics of sprain of ankle joint].

PubMed

Zhao, Yong; Wang, Gang

2015-04-01

Ankle sprains are orthopedic clinical common disease, accounting for joint ligament sprain of the first place. If treatment is not timely or appropriate, the joint pain and instability maybe develop, and even bone arthritis maybe develop. The mechanism of injury of ankle joint, anatomical basis has been fully study at present, and the diagnostic problem is very clear. Along with the development of science and technology, biological modeling and three-dimensional finite element, three-dimensional motion capture system,digital technology study, electromyographic signal study were used for the basic research of sprain of ankle. Biomechanical and kinematic study of ankle sprain has received adequate attention, combined with the mechanism research of ankle sprain,and to explore the the biomechanics and kinematics research progress of the sprain of ankle joint.

Uniqueness of the joint measurement and the structure of the set of compatible quantum measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerini, Leonardo; Terra Cunha, Marcelo

2018-04-01

We address the problem of characterising the compatible tuples of measurements that admit a unique joint measurement. We derive a uniqueness criterion based on the method of perturbations and apply it to show that extremal points of the set of compatible tuples admit a unique joint measurement, while all tuples that admit a unique joint measurement lie in the boundary of such a set. We also provide counter-examples showing that none of these properties are both necessary and sufficient, thus completely describing the relation between the joint measurement uniqueness and the structure of the compatible set. As a by-product of our investigations, we completely characterise the extremal and boundary points of the set of general tuples of measurements and of the subset of compatible tuples.

Geodynamical Nature of the Formation of Large Plates of Platforms, Jointed in North Caspian Oil and Gas Basin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seitov, Nassipkali; Tulegenova, Gulmira P.

2016-01-01

This article addresses the problems of tectonic zoning and determination of geodynamical nature of the formation of jointed tectonic structures within the North Caspian oil and gas basin, represented by Caspian Depression of Russian platform of East European Pre-Cambrian Craton and plate ancient Precambrian Platform stabilization and Turan…

A People and a Spirit: A Report of the Joint USDA-NASULGC Study Committee on Cooperative Extension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins. Cooperative Extension Service.

This report briefly reviews America's national heritage and the evolution of public agencies and institutions, outlines current national goals, examines the problem of Americans isolated from the mainstream of society, analyzes the present activities of the Cooperative Extension Service, and gives the Joint Committee's recommendations for the…

Joint Solutions to Substance Abuse: Public Sector Employee Assistance Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

State and Local Government Labor-Management Committee, Washington, DC.

This short booklet is a joint expression by public sector labor and management that recognizes that neither side has all the answers to the problems of employee substance abuse and that both share a common concern for a successful outcome. The booklet summarizes the dimension of substance abuse in today's workplace; and it tries to encourage…

Structural analysis of a bolted joint concept for the space shuttle's solid rocket motor casing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindell, Michael C.; Stalnaker, Winifred A.

1987-01-01

The Space Shuttle Challenger accident is thought to have been caused by the failure of one of the tang-clevis joints joining together the casing segments of the Solid Rocket Motors (SRM). Excessive displacement between the tang and clevis, possibly unseating the O-ring seals, may have initiated the resulting accident. An effort was made at NASA Langley Research Center to design an alternative concept for mating the casing segments. A bolted flange joint concept was designed and analyzed to determine if the concept would effectively maintain a seal while minimizing joint weight and controlling stress levels. It is shown that under the loading conditions analyzed the seal area of the joint remains seated. The only potential stress problem is a stress concentration in the flange at the edge of the bolt hole, which is highly localized. While heavier than the existing joint, this concept does have some advantages making the bolted joint an attractive alternative.

Structural optimization of an alternate design for the Space Shuttle solid rocket booster field joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barthelemy, Jean-Francois M.; Rogers, James L., Jr.; Chang, Kwan J.

1987-01-01

A structural optimization procedure is used to determine the shape of an alternate design for the Shuttle's solid rocket booster field joint. In contrast to the tang and clevis design of the existing joint, this alternate design consists of two flanges bolted together. Configurations with 150 studs of 1 1/8 in diameter and 135 studs of 1 3/16 in diameter are considered. Using a nonlinear programming procedure, the joint weight is minimized under constraints on either von Mises or maximum normal stresses, joint opening and geometry. The procedure solves the design problem by replacing it by a sequence of approximate (convex) subproblems; the pattern of contact between the joint halves is determined every few cycles by a nonlinear displacement analysis. The minimum weight design has 135 studs of 1 3/16 in diameter and is designed under constraints on normal stresses. It weighs 1144 lb per joint more than the current tang and clevis design.

World Bank International Development Association Replenishment Act of 2009

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

2009-05-01

Senate - 07/16/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 112. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

A Titration Technique for Demonstrating a Magma Replenishment Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodder, A. P. W.

1983-01-01

Conductiometric titrations can be used to simulate subduction-setting volcanism. Suggestions are made as to the use of this technique in teaching volcanic mechanisms and geochemical indications of tectonic settings. (JN)

Advanced dendritic web growth development and development of single-crystal silicon dendritic ribbon and high-efficiency solar cell program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hopkins, R. H.

1986-01-01

Efforts to demonstrate that the dendritic web technology is ready for commercial use by the end of 1986 continues. A commercial readiness goal involves improvements to crystal growth furnace throughput to demonstrate an area growth rate of greater than 15 sq cm/min while simultaneously growing 10 meters or more of ribbon under conditions of continuous melt replenishment. Continuous means that the silicon melt is being replenished at the same rate that it is being consumed by ribbon growth so that the melt level remains constant. Efforts continue on computer thermal modeling required to define high speed, low stress, continuous growth configurations; the study of convective effects in the molten silicon and growth furnace cover gas; on furnace component modifications; on web quality assessments; and on experimental growth activities.

Foulant characteristics comparison in recycling cooling water system makeup by municipal reclaimed water and surface water in power plant.

PubMed

Ping, Xu; Jing, Wang; Yajun, Zhang; Jie, Wang; Shuai, Si

2015-01-01

Due to water shortage, municipal reclaimed water rather than surface water was replenished into recycling cooling water system in power plants in some cities in China. In order to understand the effects of the measure on carbon steel corrosion, characteristics of two kinds of foulant produced in different systems were studied in the paper. Differences between municipal reclaimed water and surface water were analyzed firstly. Then, the weight and the morphology of two kinds of foulant were compared. Moreover, other characteristics including the total number of bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, iron bacteria, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), protein (PN), and polysaccharide (PS) in foulant were analyzed. Based on results, it could be concluded that microbial and corrosive risk would be increased when the system replenished by municipal reclaimed water instead of surface water.

Modeling and measurement of vesicle pools at the cone ribbon synapse: changes in release probability are solely responsible for voltage-dependent changes in release

PubMed Central

Thoreson, Wallace B.; Van Hook, Matthew J.; Parmelee, Caitlyn; Curto, Carina

2015-01-01

Post-synaptic responses are a product of quantal amplitude (Q), size of the releasable vesicle pool (N), and release probability (P). Voltage-dependent changes in presynaptic Ca2+ entry alter post-synaptic responses primarily by changing P but have also been shown to influence N. With simultaneous whole cell recordings from cone photoreceptors and horizontal cells in tiger salamander retinal slices, we measured N and P at cone ribbon synapses by using a train of depolarizing pulses to stimulate release and deplete the pool. We developed an analytical model that calculates the total pool size contributing to release under different stimulus conditions by taking into account the prior history of release and empirically-determined properties of replenishment. The model provided a formula that calculates vesicle pool size from measurements of the initial post-synaptic response and limiting rate of release evoked by a train of pulses, the fraction of release sites available for replenishment, and the time constant for replenishment. Results of the model showed that weak and strong depolarizing stimuli evoked release with differing probabilities but the same size vesicle pool. Enhancing intraterminal Ca2+ spread by lowering Ca2+ buffering or applying BayK8644 did not increase PSCs evoked with strong test steps showing there is a fixed upper limit to pool size. Together, these results suggest that light-evoked changes in cone membrane potential alter synaptic release solely by changing release probability. PMID:26541100

Muscle glycogen depletion and subsequent replenishment affect anaerobic capacity of horses.

PubMed

Lacombe, V A; Hinchcliff, K W; Geor, R J; Baskin, C R

2001-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of muscle glycogen depletion and subsequent replenishment on anaerobic capacity of horses. In a blinded crossover study, seven fit horses performed glycogen-depleting exercise on two occasions. Horses were infused after glycogen-depleting exercise with either 6 g/kg body wt of glucose as a 13.5% solution in 0.9% NaCl (Glu) or with 0.9% NaCl (Sal) of equivalent volume. Subsequently, horses performed a high-speed exercise test (120% of maximal rate of oxygen consumption) to estimate maximum accumulated oxygen deficit. Replenishment of muscle glycogen was greater (P < 0.05) in Glu [from 24.7 +/- 7.2 (SE) to 116.5 +/- 7 mmol/kg wet wt before and after infusion, respectively] than in Sal (from 23.4 +/- 7.2 to 47.8 +/- 5.7 mmol/kg wet wt before and after infusion, respectively). Run time to fatigue during the high-speed exercise test (97.3 +/- 8.2 and 70.8 +/- 8.3 s, P < 0.05), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (105.7 +/- 9.3 and 82.4 +/- 10.3 ml O(2) equivalent/kg, P < 0.05), and blood lactate concentration at the end of the high-speed exercise test (11.1 +/- 1.4 and 9.2 +/- 3.7 mmol/l, P < 0.05) were greater for Glu than for Sal, respectively. We concluded that decreased availability of skeletal muscle glycogen stores diminishes anaerobic power generation and capacity for high-intensity exercise in horses.

Comparison through a prospective and randomized study of two replenishment methods at polyvalent hospitalization units with two-bin storage systems

PubMed

Bernal, José Luis; Mera-Flores, Ana María; Baena Lázaro, Pedro Pablo; Sebastián Viana, Tomás

2017-11-27

Two-bin storage systems increase nursing staff satisfaction and decrease inventories, but the implications that logistic staff would determine the needs of replenishment are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether entrust to logistics staff this responsibility at the polyvalent hospitalization units with two-bin storage is associated with higher risk of outstanding orders. This was a prospective randomized experiment whit masking. Outstanding orders were considered variable response, those corresponding to assessments of the logistics staff were included in the control group and those corresponding to the nursing staff in the control group. Concordance between observers was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method; the difference between groups, with the U of Mann-Whitney and the cumulative incidence of outstanding orders and their relative risk was calculated. The mean amount requested by the logistic and nursing staff was 29.9 (SD:167.4) and 36 (SD:190) units respectively, the mean difference between observers was 6.11 (SD:128.95) units and no significant differences were found between groups (p = 0.430). The incidence of outstanding orders was 0.64% in the intervention group and 0.15% in the control group; the relative risk, 2.31 (0.83 - 6.48) and the number of cases required for an outstanding order, 516. Outstanding order relative risk is not associated with the category of the staff that identifies the replenishment needs at the polyvalent hospitalization units.

Comprehensive summary of beach renourishment and offshore sand removal impacts for Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Demopoulos, A.W.J.; Gualtieri, D.J.; Neils, A.; Huge, D.

2011-01-01

An essential first step in the scope of environmental impacts for a sediment mining project is a formulation of specific purpose, precise needs, and estimated impacts. For each individual project, scope must be described, acceptable alternatives must be determined, critical environmental issues must be identified, and mitigation measures must be resolved. Appropriate Federal and State regulations will often require evidence that sand placement is a reasonable alternative to shoreline protection. If so, material to be extracted from the borrow site must be characterized. Candidates must identify the extent of the potential area for sand resources, complete with screening criteria, and site-specific information must be obtained. Alternatives must be identified, compared, and contrasted. And, importantly, the most cost-effective and environmentally sound approach must be determined for the project to move forward. Florida's beaches and coastlines once provided natural protection against storm damage, while simultaneously supporting aquatic ecosystems and both commercial and recreational fisheries. However, beach erosion associated with regional construction and development of the coastline has reduced the effectiveness of natural storm protection. Coastal beaches are, in geological terms, ever-shifting and evolving through natural processes of erosion and replenishment. With permanent structures in place, such as seawalls, jetties, and revetments, natural shoreline is compartmentalized, dynamics are interrupted, and sediment is no longer replenished. Coastal erosion is often a problem where the natural sediment source is deficient. Many of Florida's beaches are now in need of beach replenishment to reduce the high level of damage caused by coastal flooding. Strategic placement of beach fill is a logical means for improving the stability of a shoreline where such a project is economically and environmentally feasible. Sand placement effectively extends the shoreline and provides protection for coastal developments. Beach nourishment or restoration must, however, be thought of as a continual effort and not a one-time fix. Therefore, a combination of sand placement with other erosion mitigation measures can be an effective way to stabilize a shoreline and extend the life of the beach nourishment. Fill material can be obtained from an offshore borrow site, and its characteristics must match the native material in terms of grain size and structure. Environmental concerns for such an effort include potential for decreased water quality during dredging operations, and disturbance of coastal habitat while removing or depositing dredged material. An in-depth scientific evaluation of deposit sites and potential borrow sites must be executed. Mitigation and monitoring efforts will also be critical for a successful low-impact beach management project. The potential exists for unwanted consequences to develop during dredging operations, all of which must be considered and reduced.-->

Walking velocity and step length adjustments affect knee joint contact forces in healthy weight and obese adults.

PubMed

Milner, Clare E; Meardon, Stacey A; Hawkins, Jillian L; Willson, John D

2018-04-28

Knee osteoarthritis is a major public health problem and adults with obesity are particularly at risk. One approach to alleviating this problem is to reduce the mechanical load at the joint during daily activity. Adjusting temporospatial parameters of walking could mitigate cumulative knee joint mechanical loads. The purpose of this study was to determine how adjustments to velocity and step length affects knee joint loading in healthy weight adults and adults with obesity. We collected three-dimensional gait analysis data on 10 adults with a normal body mass index and 10 adults with obesity during over ground walking in nine different conditions. In addition to preferred velocity and step length, we also conducted combinations of 15% increased and decreased velocity and step length. Peak tibiofemoral joint impulse and knee adduction angular impulse were reduced in the decreased step length conditions in both healthy weight adults (main effect) and those with obesity (interaction effect). Peak knee joint adduction moment was also reduced with decreased step length, and with decreased velocity in both groups. We conclude from these results that adopting shorter step lengths during daily activity and when walking for exercise can reduce mechanical stimuli associated with articular cartilage degenerative processes in adults with and without obesity. Thus, walking with reduced step length may benefit adults at risk for disability due to knee osteoarthritis. Adopting a shorter step length during daily walking activity may reduce knee joint loading and thus benefit those at risk for knee cartilage degeneration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:XX-XX, 2018. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modification of the Grood and Suntay Joint Coordinate System equations for knee joint flexion.

PubMed

Dabirrahmani, Danè; Hogg, Michael

2017-01-01

Since its introduction, the Grood and Suntay Joint Coordinate System (JCS) has been embraced by the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) and been widely used for biomechanical reporting. There is, however, a limitation in its ability to provide correct flexion values over a wide range of clinically relevant flexion angles. This technical note addresses the limitation of the JCS equations and introduces a new set of equations to overcome this problem. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Interface of Mechanics and Nociception in Joint Pathophysiology: Insights From the Facet and Temporomandibular Joints

PubMed Central

Sperry, Megan M.; Ita, Meagan E.; Kartha, Sonia; Zhang, Sijia; Yu, Ya-Hsin; Winkelstein, Beth

2017-01-01

Chronic joint pain is a widespread problem that frequently occurs with aging and trauma. Pain occurs most often in synovial joints, the body's load bearing joints. The mechanical and molecular mechanisms contributing to synovial joint pain are reviewed using two examples, the cervical spinal facet joints and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Although much work has focused on the macroscale mechanics of joints in health and disease, the combined influence of tissue mechanics, molecular processes, and nociception in joint pain has only recently become a focus. Trauma and repeated loading can induce structural and biochemical changes in joints, altering their microenvironment and modifying the biomechanics of their constitutive tissues, which themselves are innervated. Peripheral pain sensors can become activated in response to changes in the joint microenvironment and relay pain signals to the spinal cord and brain where pain is processed and perceived. In some cases, pain circuitry is permanently changed, which may be a potential mechanism for sustained joint pain. However, it is most likely that alterations in both the joint microenvironment and the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to chronic pain. As such, the challenge of treating joint pain and degeneration is temporally and spatially complicated. This review summarizes anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of these joints and the sensory pain relays. Pain pathways are postulated to be sensitized by many factors, including degeneration and biochemical priming, with effects on thresholds for mechanical injury and/or dysfunction. Initiators of joint pain are discussed in the context of clinical challenges including the diagnosis and treatment of pain. PMID:28056123

Tense and Aspect in Word Problems about Motion: Diagram, Gesture, and the Felt Experience of Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Freitas, Elizabeth; Zolkower, Betina

2015-01-01

Word problems about motion contain various conjugated verb forms. As students and teachers grapple with such word problems, they jointly operationalize diagrams, gestures, and language. Drawing on findings from a 3-year research project examining the social semiotics of classroom interaction, we show how teachers and students use gesture and…

Learning Analysis of K-12 Students' Online Problem Solving: A Three-Stage Assessment Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hu, Yiling; Wu, Bian; Gu, Xiaoqing

2017-01-01

Problem solving is considered a fundamental human skill. However, large-scale assessment of problem solving in K-12 education remains a challenging task. Researchers have argued for the development of an enhanced assessment approach through joint effort from multiple disciplines. In this study, a three-stage approach based on an evidence-centered…

Viscoelastic analysis of adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.

1981-01-01

In this paper an adhesively bonded lap joint is analyzed by assuming that the adherends are elastic and the adhesive is linearly viscoelastic. After formulating the general problem a specific example for two identical adherends bonded through a three parameter viscoelastic solid adhesive is considered. The standard Laplace transform technique is used to solve the problem. The stress distribution in the adhesive layer is calculated for three different external loads namely, membrane loading, bending, and transverse shear loading. The results indicate that the peak value of the normal stress in the adhesive is not only consistently higher than the corresponding shear stress but also decays slower.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Earnings of Military Reservists

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

such as back pain, fever , rash, and vision problems. After controlling 1 The fact that the PDHA PTSD screen differs from that used by Savoca and...problems Back pain –306**   (100) Chest pain –1,018**   (147) Chronic cough –341*   (136) Diarrhea 48   (107) Fever 538**   (149) Joint problems 108...problems associated with PTSD (for example, fevers and vision problems). However, conditions that tend to co-occur with PTSD, such as memory problems

Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances in three-day, combined-training horses.

PubMed

White, S L

1998-04-01

Horses competing in 3-day, combined-training events develop a metabolic acidosis that is partially compensated for by a respiratory alkalosis immediately after phases B and D. By the end of phase C and 30 minutes to 2 hours after phase D, the acidosis is resolved by the oxidation of lactate, and a metabolic alkalosis prevails. A reduction in TBW and cation content occurs, which often is not replenished 12 to 24 hours after the event, even though the serum or plasma concentration of various constituents may be within normal limits. Hypochloremia and hypocalcemia, however, may persist 12 or more hours after the speed and endurance test. All of the data cited in this article are from horses that successfully completed their respective tests. Nevertheless, some horses developed substantial fluid and cation losses. In horses that are not well conditioned or in competitions in which terrain, footing, or hot environments increase the thermal load or decrease heat loss, greater losses of fluids and electrolytes can be expected. Body weight losses exceeding 5% and cation losses exceeding 4000 mEq/L occur in endurance horses suffering from exhaustion and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. In one study, two thirds of the Na+ lost during exercise-induced sweating in cool, dry conditions was replenished from salt supplements added to a balanced forage and concentrated diet. Consequently, horses in regular training and competition may benefit from salt supplementation. The composition of the salt supplement and the amount fed should be based on the composition of the horse's diet, degree of work, and environmental conditions. Horses competing in a 3-day, combined-training event may be expected to have persistent losses of weight and cations, particularly if conditions result in heavy sweating. Many horses in the field studies had minimal changes in weight and cation balance compared with pre-event values. The diet and electrolyte supplementation of the horses in the majority of these studies were unknown; consequently, no firm conclusions may be made regarding the degree of weight, water, and cationic losses. It is likely that the horse's large intestine serves as a reservoir for both fluid and electrolytes so that performance is not diminished, despite losses demonstrated consistently in treadmill studies. Horses that are inadequately trained or have other systemic or musculoskeletal problems or those that are competing in hot conditions may develop a variety of metabolic problems. It is hoped that knowledge of the fluid and electrolyte losses may help in treating horses with metabolic problems and, more importantly, in improving management of horses in training and competition to prevent any loss of performance.

Developmental association of prosocial behaviour with aggression, anxiety and depression from infancy to preadolescence.

PubMed

Nantel-Vivier, Amélie; Pihl, Robert O; Côté, Sylvana; Tremblay, Richard E

2014-10-01

Research on associations between children's prosocial behaviour and mental health has provided mixed evidence. The present study sought to describe and predict the joint development of prosocial behaviour with externalizing and internalizing problems (physical aggression, anxiety and depression) from 2 to 11 years of age. Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY). Biennial prosocial behaviour, physical aggression, anxiety and depression maternal ratings were sought for 10,700 children aged 0 to 9 years at the first assessment point. While a negative association was observed between prosociality and physical aggression, more complex associations emerged with internalizing problems. Being a boy decreased the likelihood of membership in the high prosocial trajectory. Maternal depression increased the likelihood of moderate aggression, but also of joint high prosociality/low aggression. Low family income predicted the joint development of high prosociality with high physical aggression and high depression. Individual differences exist in the association of prosocial behaviour with mental health. While high prosociality tends to co-occur with low levels of mental health problems, high prosociality and internalizing/externalizing problems can co-occur in subgroups of children. Child, mother and family characteristics are predictive of individual differences in prosocial behaviour and mental health development. Mechanisms underlying these associations warrant future investigations. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. © 2014 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Manifold regularized matrix completion for multi-label learning with ADMM.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Li, Yingming; Xu, Zenglin

2018-05-01

Multi-label learning is a common machine learning problem arising from numerous real-world applications in diverse fields, e.g, natural language processing, bioinformatics, information retrieval and so on. Among various multi-label learning methods, the matrix completion approach has been regarded as a promising approach to transductive multi-label learning. By constructing a joint matrix comprising the feature matrix and the label matrix, the missing labels of test samples are regarded as missing values of the joint matrix. With the low-rank assumption of the constructed joint matrix, the missing labels can be recovered by minimizing its rank. Despite its success, most matrix completion based approaches ignore the smoothness assumption of unlabeled data, i.e., neighboring instances should also share a similar set of labels. Thus they may under exploit the intrinsic structures of data. In addition, the matrix completion problem can be less efficient. To this end, we propose to efficiently solve the multi-label learning problem as an enhanced matrix completion model with manifold regularization, where the graph Laplacian is used to ensure the label smoothness over it. To speed up the convergence of our model, we develop an efficient iterative algorithm, which solves the resulted nuclear norm minimization problem with the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Experiments on both synthetic and real-world data have shown the promising results of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

MedlinePlus

... look for DDH. Identifying and treating the problem early will help a child avoid muscle, joint, and skeletal problems down the ... is needed for several months, depending on the child's condition. Outlook When DDH is recognized early and treated appropriately, most children develop normally and ...

Improving striping operations through system optimization.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

Striping operations generate a significant workload for Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) maintenance : operations. The requirement for each striping crew to replenish its stock of paint and other consumable items from a bulk storage : fa...

Military Sealift Command

Science.gov Websites

well approximately 3 million gallons of jet fuel and 6 million gallons of diesel ship fuel to the USS replenishments-at-sea, delivering 740 pallets of food equipment, as well approximately 3 million gallons of jet

Some logical functions of joint control.

PubMed Central

Lowenkron, B

1998-01-01

Constructing a behavioral account of the language-related performances that characterize responding to logical and symbolic relations between stimuli is commonly viewed as a problem for the area of stimulus control. In response to this problem, the notion of joint control is presented here, and its ability to provide an interpretative account of these kinds of performances is explored. Joint control occurs when the currently rehearsed topography of a verbal operant, as evoked by one stimulus, is simultaneously evoked by another stimulus. This event, the onset of joint stimulus control by two stimuli over a common response topography, then sets the occasion for a response appropriate to this special relation between the stimuli. Although the mechanism described is simple, it seems to have broad explanatory properties. In what follows, these properties are applied to provide a behavioral interpretation of two sorts of fundamental, putatively cognitive, performances: those based on logical relations and those based on semantic relations. The first includes responding to generalized conceptual relations such as identity, order, relative size, distance, and orientation. The second includes responding to relations usually ascribed to word meaning. These include relations between words and objects, the specification of objects by words, name-object bidirectionality, and the recognition of objects from their description. Finally, as a preview of some further possibilities, the role of joint control in goal-oriented behavior is considered briefly. PMID:9599452

Predictive Simulations of Neuromuscular Coordination and Joint-Contact Loading in Human Gait.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Chung; Walter, Jonathan P; Pandy, Marcus G

2018-04-18

We implemented direct collocation on a full-body neuromusculoskeletal model to calculate muscle forces, ground reaction forces and knee contact loading simultaneously for one cycle of human gait. A data-tracking collocation problem was solved for walking at the normal speed to establish the practicality of incorporating a 3D model of articular contact and a model of foot-ground interaction explicitly in a dynamic optimization simulation. The data-tracking solution then was used as an initial guess to solve predictive collocation problems, where novel patterns of movement were generated for walking at slow and fast speeds, independent of experimental data. The data-tracking solutions accurately reproduced joint motion, ground forces and knee contact loads measured for two total knee arthroplasty patients walking at their preferred speeds. RMS errors in joint kinematics were < 2.0° for rotations and < 0.3 cm for translations while errors in the model-computed ground-reaction and knee-contact forces were < 0.07 BW and < 0.4 BW, respectively. The predictive solutions were also consistent with joint kinematics, ground forces, knee contact loads and muscle activation patterns measured for slow and fast walking. The results demonstrate the feasibility of performing computationally-efficient, predictive, dynamic optimization simulations of movement using full-body, muscle-actuated models with realistic representations of joint function.

Joint Denoising/Compression of Image Contours via Shape Prior and Context Tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Amin; Cheung, Gene; Florencio, Dinei

2018-07-01

With the advent of depth sensing technologies, the extraction of object contours in images---a common and important pre-processing step for later higher-level computer vision tasks like object detection and human action recognition---has become easier. However, acquisition noise in captured depth images means that detected contours suffer from unavoidable errors. In this paper, we propose to jointly denoise and compress detected contours in an image for bandwidth-constrained transmission to a client, who can then carry out aforementioned application-specific tasks using the decoded contours as input. We first prove theoretically that in general a joint denoising / compression approach can outperform a separate two-stage approach that first denoises then encodes contours lossily. Adopting a joint approach, we first propose a burst error model that models typical errors encountered in an observed string y of directional edges. We then formulate a rate-constrained maximum a posteriori (MAP) problem that trades off the posterior probability p(x'|y) of an estimated string x' given y with its code rate R(x'). We design a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm that solves the posed problem optimally, and propose a compact context representation called total suffix tree (TST) that can reduce complexity of the algorithm dramatically. Experimental results show that our joint denoising / compression scheme outperformed a competing separate scheme in rate-distortion performance noticeably.

Joint moments and contact forces in the foot during walking.

PubMed

Kim, Yongcheol; Lee, Kyoung Min; Koo, Seungbum

2018-06-06

The net force and moment of a joint have been widely used to understand joint disease in the foot. Meanwhile, it does not reflect the physiological forces on muscles and contact surfaces. The objective of the study is to estimate active moments by muscles, passive moments by connective tissues and joint contact forces in the foot joints during walking. Joint kinematics and external forces of ten healthy subjects (all males, 24.7 ± 1.2 years) were acquired during walking. The data were entered into the five-segment musculoskeletal foot model to calculate muscle forces and joint contact forces of the foot joints using an inverse dynamics-based optimization. Joint reaction forces and active, passive and net moments of each joint were calculated from muscle and ligament forces. The maximum joint reaction forces were 8.72, 4.31, 2.65, and 3.41 body weight (BW) for the ankle, Chopart's, Lisfranc and metatarsophalangeal joints, respectively. Active and passive moments along with net moments were also obtained. The maximum net moments were 8.6, 8.4, 5.4 and 0.8%BW∙HT, respectively. While the trend of net moment was very similar between the four joints, the magnitudes and directions of the active and passive moments varied between joints. The active and passive moments during walking could reveal the roles of muscles and ligaments in each of the foot joints, which was not obvious in the net moment. This method may help narrow down the source of joint problems if applied to clinical studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementing the millennium development food security goals Challenges of the southern African context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Love, David; Twomlow, Steve; Mupangwa, Walter; van der Zaag, Pieter; Gumbo, Bekithemba

The Millennium Development Goals’ target to halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger is extremely important in southern Africa, where food security has become increasingly problematic over the last 20 years. One “quick-win” proposal is replenishment of soil nutrients for smallholder farmers, through free or subsidised chemical fertilisers. Other proposals include appropriate irrigation technology, improved inputs and interventions targeted at women. Analysis of over 10 years of agro-hydrological and agro-economic studies from southern African show that a different approach is required to interventions proposed. There are sustainability problems with free chemical fertiliser due to transport costs and ancillary costs. Furthermore, recent studies in Zimbabwe and Mozambique show that significant increases in yield can only be obtained when soil fertility management is combined with good crop husbandry, e.g. timely planting and weeding. Ongoing replenishment of fertility would be dependent on a continued free or subsidised fertiliser supply, and transport system. Increasing access to irrigation will help, but is not the only solution and cannot reach even a majority of farmers. It has been determined that short dryspells are often the major cause of low yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil-water conservation approaches, e.g. winter weeding and conservation tillage, can reduce risk and increase yield. The following specific recommendations are made for urgent interventions to contribute sustainably to food security in southern Africa: (i) To increases access to fertiliser, consider development of strong input markets at end-user level. (ii) Intensification of technology transfer, focusing on capacity building for transfer of existing technologies and much closer collaboration between state and NGO sectors, agronomists and water engineers. (iii) Increasing the uptake of soil-water conservation methods, including conservation tillage and weeding, and supplementary irrigation to minimise adverse effects of dryspells, through investments in farmer training. (iv) Linking crop development strategies to livestock development practices and strategies. (v) Developing non-agro-based livelihood strategies in marginal lands.

Peer-to-Peer Learning and the Army Learning Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-08

their goals. 4. Capability to operate and provide advice at the national level. 5. Cultural astuteness and ability to use this awareness and...Joint and cultural context of the Operating Environment, collaborative skills are required. This survey finds that collaboration among peers ranked...and engagement (oral, written, negotiation) • Critical thinking and problem solving • Cultural and joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and

Japan-U.S. Joint Ventures in Higher Education: Language Education in an Uncertain Future.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayton, Thomas

1991-01-01

Examines Japanese-U.S. joint venture language or U.S.-style education programs in Japan. These programs offer language and cultural education classes for those interested in English and for students who have failed in the Japanese education system. Problems facing these programs and the need to explore new, English-language education markets are…

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)

Preserving the Illustrated Text. Report of the Joint Task Force on Text and Image.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Commission on Preservation and Access, Washington, DC.

The mission of the Joint Task Force on Text and Image was to inquire into the problems, needs, and methods for preserving images in text that are important for scholarship in a wide range of disciplines and to draw from that exploration a set of principles, guidelines, and recommendations for a comprehensive national strategy for image…

Environmentally adaptive processing for shallow ocean applications: A sequential Bayesian approach.

PubMed

Candy, J V

2015-09-01

The shallow ocean is a changing environment primarily due to temperature variations in its upper layers directly affecting sound propagation throughout. The need to develop processors capable of tracking these changes implies a stochastic as well as an environmentally adaptive design. Bayesian techniques have evolved to enable a class of processors capable of performing in such an uncertain, nonstationary (varying statistics), non-Gaussian, variable shallow ocean environment. A solution to this problem is addressed by developing a sequential Bayesian processor capable of providing a joint solution to the modal function tracking and environmental adaptivity problem. Here, the focus is on the development of both a particle filter and an unscented Kalman filter capable of providing reasonable performance for this problem. These processors are applied to hydrophone measurements obtained from a vertical array. The adaptivity problem is attacked by allowing the modal coefficients and/or wavenumbers to be jointly estimated from the noisy measurement data along with tracking of the modal functions while simultaneously enhancing the noisy pressure-field measurements.

Joint Transmitter and Receiver Power Allocation under Minimax MSE Criterion with Perfect and Imperfect CSI for MC-CDMA Transmissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotchasarn, Chirawat; Saengudomlert, Poompat

We investigate the problem of joint transmitter and receiver power allocation with the minimax mean square error (MSE) criterion for uplink transmissions in a multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) system. The objective of power allocation is to minimize the maximum MSE among all users each of which has limited transmit power. This problem is a nonlinear optimization problem. Using the Lagrange multiplier method, we derive the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions which are necessary for a power allocation to be optimal. Numerical results indicate that, compared to the minimum total MSE criterion, the minimax MSE criterion yields a higher total MSE but provides a fairer treatment across the users. The advantages of the minimax MSE criterion are more evident when we consider the bit error rate (BER) estimates. Numerical results show that the minimax MSE criterion yields a lower maximum BER and a lower average BER. We also observe that, with the minimax MSE criterion, some users do not transmit at full power. For comparison, with the minimum total MSE criterion, all users transmit at full power. In addition, we investigate robust joint transmitter and receiver power allocation where the channel state information (CSI) is not perfect. The CSI error is assumed to be unknown but bounded by a deterministic value. This problem is formulated as a semidefinite programming (SDP) problem with bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraints. Numerical results show that, with imperfect CSI, the minimax MSE criterion also outperforms the minimum total MSE criterion in terms of the maximum and average BERs.

STEM and our future transportation leaders.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-02-10

Between 2012 to 2022, 40 to 50 percent of the transportation workforce is expected to : retire taking valuable knowledge with them. State Departments of Transportation (DOT) : are expected to play a significant role in replenishing the workforce pipe...

Pellet Feed for Dendritic-Web Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Skutch, M. E.; Mchugh, J. P.

1983-01-01

Melt replenishment system sustains continuous growth of silicon dentritic web for several days. Substantially increases size of batch, limited mainly by level of impurities and life of crucible. Silicon pellets automatically added to crucible sustain crystal growth for days.

Foulant Characteristics Comparison in Recycling Cooling Water System Makeup by Municipal Reclaimed Water and Surface Water in Power Plant

PubMed Central

Ping, Xu; Jing, Wang; Yajun, Zhang; Jie, Wang; Shuai, Si

2015-01-01

Due to water shortage, municipal reclaimed water rather than surface water was replenished into recycling cooling water system in power plants in some cities in China. In order to understand the effects of the measure on carbon steel corrosion, characteristics of two kinds of foulant produced in different systems were studied in the paper. Differences between municipal reclaimed water and surface water were analyzed firstly. Then, the weight and the morphology of two kinds of foulant were compared. Moreover, other characteristics including the total number of bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, iron bacteria, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), protein (PN), and polysaccharide (PS) in foulant were analyzed. Based on results, it could be concluded that microbial and corrosive risk would be increased when the system replenished by municipal reclaimed water instead of surface water. PMID:25893132

The anti-hepatitis drug use effect and inventory management optimization from the perspective of hospital drug supply chain.

PubMed

Liu, Zhanyu

2017-09-01

By analyzing the current hospital anti hepatitis drug use, dosage, indications and drug resistance, this article studied the drug inventory management and cost optimization. The author used drug utilization evaluation method, analyzed the amount and kind distribution of anti hepatitis drugs and made dynamic monitoring of inventory. At the same time, the author puts forward an effective scheme of drug classification management, uses the ABC classification method to classify the drugs according to the average daily dose of drugs, and implements the automatic replenishment plan. The design of pharmaceutical services supply chain includes drug procurement platform, warehouse management system and connect to the hospital system through data exchange. Through the statistical analysis of drug inventory, we put forward the countermeasures of drug logistics optimization. The results showed that drug replenishment plan can effectively improve drugs inventory efficiency.

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

Brauner, Edwin Jr.; Carlson, Daniel C.

The Geysers steamfields in northern Sonoma County have produced reliable ''green'' power for many years. An impediment to long-term continued production has been the ability to provide a reliable source of injection water to replace water extracted and lost in the form of steam. The steamfield operators have historcially used cooling towers to recycle a small portion of the steam and have collected water during the winter months using stream extraction. These two sources, however, could not by themselves sustain the steamfield in the long term. The Lake County Reclaimed Water Project (SEGEP) was inititated in 1997 and provides anothermore » source of steamfield replenishment water. The Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project provides another significant step in replenishing the steamfield. In addition, the Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project has been built with capacity to potentially meet virtually all injection water requirements, when combined with these other sources. Figure 2.1 graphically depicts the combination of injection sources.« less

Achieving Stable Radiation Pressure Acceleration of Heavy Ions via Successive Electron Replenishment from Ionization of a High-Z Material Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, X. F.; Qiao, B.; Zhang, H.; Kar, S.; Zhou, C. T.; Chang, H. X.; Borghesi, M.; He, X. T.

2017-05-01

A method to achieve stable radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) of heavy ions from laser-irradiated ultrathin foils is proposed, where a high-Z material coating in front is used. The coated high-Z material, acting as a moving electron repository, continuously replenishes the accelerating heavy ion foil with comoving electrons in the light-sail acceleration stage due to its successive ionization under laser fields with Gaussian temporal profile. As a result, the detrimental effects such as foil deformation and electron loss induced by the Rayleigh-Taylor-like and other instabilities in RPA are significantly offset and suppressed so that stable acceleration of heavy ions are maintained. Particle-in-cell simulations show that a monoenergetic Al13 + beam with peak energy 3.8 GeV and particle number 1 010 (charge >20 nC ) can be obtained at intensity 1 022 W /cm2 .

Method for regeneration of electroless nickel plating solution

DOEpatents

Eisenmann, Erhard T.

1997-01-01

An electroless nickel(EN)/hypophosphite plating bath is provided employing acetic acid/acetate as a buffer and which is, as a result, capable of perpetual regeneration while avoiding the production of hazardous waste. A regeneration process is provided to process the spent EN plating bath solution. A concentrated starter and replenishment solution is provided for ease of operation of the plating bath. The regeneration process employs a chelating ion exchange system to remove nickel cations from spent EN plating solution. Phosphites are then removed from the solution by precipitation. The nickel cations are removed from the ion exchange system by elution with hypophosphorous acid and the nickel concentration of the eluate adjusted by addition of nickel salt. The treated solution and adjusted eluate are combined, stabilizer added, and the volume of resulting solution reduced by evaporation to form the bath starter and replenishing solution.

Analysis of credit linked demand in an inventory model with varying ordering cost.

PubMed

Banu, Ateka; Mondal, Shyamal Kumar

2016-01-01

In this paper, we have considered an economic order quantity model for deteriorating items with two-level trade credit policy in which a delay in payment is offered by a supplier to a retailer and also an another delay in payment is offered by the retailer to his/her all customers. Here, it is proposed that the demand function is dependent on the length of the customer's credit period and also the duration of offering the credit period. In this article, it is considered that the retailer's ordering cost per order depends on the number of replenishment cycles. The objective of this model is to establish a deterministic EOQ model of deteriorating items for the retailer to decide the position of customers credit period and the number of replenishment cycles in finite time horizon such that the retailer gets the maximum profit. Also, the model is explained with the help of some numerical examples.

Mapping organelle motion reveals a vesicular conveyor belt spatially replenishing secretory vesicles in stimulated chromaffin cells.

PubMed

Maucort, Guillaume; Kasula, Ravikiran; Papadopulos, Andreas; Nieminen, Timo A; Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Halina; Meunier, Frederic A

2014-01-01

How neurosecretory cells spatially adjust their secretory vesicle pools to replenish those that have fused and released their hormonal content is currently unknown. Here we designed a novel set of image analyses to map the probability of tracked organelles undergoing a specific type of movement (free, caged or directed). We then applied our analysis to time-lapse z-stack confocal imaging of secretory vesicles from bovine Chromaffin cells to map the global changes in vesicle motion and directionality occurring upon secretagogue stimulation. We report a defined region abutting the cortical actin network that actively transports secretory vesicles and is dissipated by actin and microtubule depolymerizing drugs. The directionality of this "conveyor belt" towards the cell surface is activated by stimulation. Actin and microtubule networks therefore cooperatively probe the microenvironment to transport secretory vesicles to the periphery, providing a mechanism whereby cells globally adjust their vesicle pools in response to secretagogue stimulation.

Exponential Acceleration of VT Seismicity in the Years Prior to Major Eruptions of Basaltic Volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lengline, O.; Marsan, D.; Got, J.; Pinel, V.

2007-12-01

The evolution of the seismicity at three basaltic volcanoes (Kilauea, Mauna-Loa and Piton de la Fournaise) is analysed during phases of magma accumulation. We show that the VT seismicity during these time-periods is characterized by an exponential increase at long-time scale (years). Such an exponential acceleration can be explained by a model of seismicity forced by the replenishment of a magmatic reservoir. The increase in stress in the edifice caused by this replenishment is modeled. This stress history leads to a cumulative number of damage, ie VT earthquakes, following the same exponential increase as found for seismicity. A long-term seismicity precursor is thus detected at basaltic volcanoes. Although this precursory signal is not able to predict the onset times of futures eruptions (as no diverging point is present in the model), it may help mitigating volcanic hazards.

Method for regeneration of electroless nickel plating solution

DOEpatents

Eisenmann, E.T.

1997-03-11

An electroless nickel(EN)/hypophosphite plating bath is provided employing acetic acid/acetate as a buffer and which is, as a result, capable of perpetual regeneration while avoiding the production of hazardous waste. A regeneration process is provided to process the spent EN plating bath solution. A concentrated starter and replenishment solution is provided for ease of operation of the plating bath. The regeneration process employs a chelating ion exchange system to remove nickel cations from spent EN plating solution. Phosphites are then removed from the solution by precipitation. The nickel cations are removed from the ion exchange system by elution with hypophosphorus acid and the nickel concentration of the eluate adjusted by addition of nickel salt. The treated solution and adjusted eluate are combined, stabilizer added, and the volume of resulting solution reduced by evaporation to form the bath starter and replenishing solution. 1 fig.

Optimization of controlled processes in combined-cycle plant (new developments and researches)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tverskoy, Yu S.; Muravev, I. K.

2017-11-01

All modern complex technical systems, including power units of TPP and nuclear power plants, work in the system-forming structure of multifunctional APCS. The development of the modern APCS mathematical support allows bringing the automation degree to the solution of complex optimization problems of equipment heat-mass-exchange processes in real time. The difficulty of efficient management of a binary power unit is related to the need to solve jointly at least three problems. The first problem is related to the physical issues of combined-cycle technologies. The second problem is determined by the criticality of the CCGT operation to changes in the regime and climatic factors. The third problem is related to a precise description of a vector of controlled coordinates of a complex technological object. To obtain a joint solution of this complex of interconnected problems, the methodology of generalized thermodynamic analysis, methods of the theory of automatic control and mathematical modeling are used. In the present report, results of new developments and studies are shown. These results allow improving the principles of process control and the automatic control systems structural synthesis of power units with combined-cycle plants that provide attainable technical and economic efficiency and operational reliability of equipment.

Preoperative Optimization of Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgical Risk: Obesity.

PubMed

Fournier, Matthew N; Hallock, Justin; Mihalko, William M

2016-08-01

Obesity is a problem that is increasing in prevalence in the United States and in other countries, and it is a common comorbidity in patients seeking total joint arthroplasty for degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Obesity, as well as commonly associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and those contributing to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, have been shown to have detrimental effects on total joint arthroplasty outcomes. Although there are effective surgical and nonsurgical interventions which can result in weight loss in these patients, concomitant benefit on arthroplasty outcomes is not clear. Preoperative optimization of surgical risk in obese total joint arthroplasty patients is an important point of intervention to improve arthroplasty outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A guided tour of current research in synovial joints with reference to wavelet methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Ruchi; Salimath, C. S.; Alam, Khursheed

2017-10-01

Main aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of biomechanical aspects of synovial joints of human body. This can be considered as a part of continued research work carried out by various authors over a period of time. Almost every person once in life time has suffered from joint disease; this has triggered intensive investigation into various biomechanical aspects of synovial joints. This has also resulted into an increase of arthroplasty with introduction to various clinical trials. From last few decades new improvements and ideas for new technologies have been introduced to decrease the incidence of joint problem. In this paper a literature survey of recent advances, developments and recognition of wear and tear of human joint is presented. Wavelet method in Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is relatively a new research field. This review aims to provide a glimpse of wavelet methodology in CFD. Wavelets methodology has played a vital role in the solution of governing equation of synovial fluid flow in the synovial joints represented by Reynolds equation and its modified version.

[Two cases of rehabilitation in Ehler-Danlos syndrome].

PubMed

Le Tallec, H; Lassalle, A; Khenioui, H; Durufle, A; Plassat, R; Gallien, P

2006-03-01

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is rare and little known. It comprises a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by articular hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility. Diagnosis may be difficult and often delayed. Here we describe 2 cases of women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The first had scoliosis with back pain and joint hypermobility. The second presented with hypermobility and joint dislocation, which increased during pregnancy. In these 2 cases, rehabilitation management produced clinical improvement. Orthopaedic complications such joint pain, joint swelling, joint dislocation, back pain, with walking and hand function disability are the main problems in Ehlers-Danos syndrome. Surgery may be necessary to correct dislocated joints but is often not sufficient to resolve the handicap, and physical therapy has an important place in management. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an evolving disease that can lead to great impairment. Thus, physicians must be aware of this syndrome to offer the best management, with the appropriate use of orthotic devices, specific strengthening routines, education in proper body mechanics and assistive devices, to prevent joint dislocation and subluxations responsible for pain and handicap.

Disassembly Properties of Cementitious Finish Joints Using an Induction Heating Method

PubMed Central

Ahn, Jaecheol; Noguchi, Takafumi; Kitagaki, Ryoma

2015-01-01

Efficient maintenance and upgrading of a building during its lifecycle are difficult because a cementitious finish uses materials and parts with low disassembly properties. Additionally, the reuse and recycling processes during building demolition also present numerous problems from the perspective of environmental technology. In this study, an induction heating (IH) method was used to disassemble cementitious finish joints, which are widely used to join building members and materials. The IH rapidly and selectively heated and weakened these joints. The temperature elevation characteristics of the cementitious joint materials were measured as a function of several resistor types, including wire meshes and punching metals, which are usually used for cementitious finishing. The disassembly properties were evaluated through various tests using conductive resistors in cementitious joints such as mortar. When steel fiber, punching metal, and wire mesh were used as conductive resistors, the cementitious modifiers could be weakened within 30 s. Cementitious joints with conductive resistors also showed complete disassembly with little residual bond strength.

Flexibility in Joint Problem Solving: The Effects of Different Points of View on Overcoming Blocks.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

began to assess problems in a global way that is more characteristic of expert problem solvers (Larkin et al., 1980). The cooperative situation led to...subjects report on their behavior increased their monitoring behavior. Increased monitoring and reflection on problem solving strategies led to...suggest that there may be benefits which accrue to people working together that do not accrue to individuals working 7 alone. Vygotsky (1978) discusses

One-year assessment of joint procurement of pharmaceuticals in the public health sector in Jordan.

PubMed

Al-Abbadi, Ibrahim; Qawwas, Abdelraouf; Jaafreh, Mahmoud; Abosamen, Taher; Saket, Maisa

2009-06-01

About 10% of the gross domestic product in Jordan is spent on health care, and almost one third of that is spent on pharmaceuticals. The public health sector in Jordan has 4 main governmental parties that purchase medicines independently through annual tenders (ie, the process of bidding, being awarded, ordering, paying for, and receiving drugs) issued in the generic (or scientific) name of the medicines or therapeutic groups. Double purchasing is a problem that leads to higher spending on drugs and poor availability of medicines throughout the year. To remedy this problem, a joint procurement process was established in Jordan in 2004 and went into practice in 2006. The aim of this research was to assess the first year of purchasing pharmaceuticals in the public health sector in Jordan through the joint procurement process for the 4 participating parties in comparison with purchasing pharmaceuticals independently before the institution of joint procurement. The first tender under the joint procurement process was issued in 2007 for antibiotics, anti-HIV medications, and antituberculosis agents, which represent 15% of the annual pharmaceutical public-sector purchases in Jordan. A research committee solicited lists of purchased quantities and final purchase prices of these pharmaceuticals obtained in 2006 by each participating group and in 2007 through the joint procurement process. The quantity-comparison method was used to compare the costs of drugs purchased in 2006 and 2007, and estimated cost savings were calculated for each product for each party for 2006 and 2007 under the assumption that the same quantities purchased by each participating party in 2006 would be purchased through joint procurement (prices of 2007). Purchasing through the joint procurement process achieved an estimated savings of 2.4%. This savings increased to 8.9% after excluding 1 item (a cephalosporin), the raw material price of which increased markedly in 2007 compared with 2006 because of an international shortage of raw materials. Based on these initial findings, applying a joint procurement system for pharmaceuticals in the public health sector in Jordan has potential to reduce expenditures for the purchase of medicines and provide treatment continuously throughout the year.

Computed tomography assessment of hip joints in asymptomatic individuals in relation to femoroacetabular impingement.

PubMed

Kang, Alan C L; Gooding, Andrew J; Coates, Mark H; Goh, Tony D; Armour, Paul; Rietveld, John

2010-06-01

Femoroacetabular impingement has become a well-recognized entity predisposing to acetabular labral tears and chondral damage, and subsequently development of osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In the authors' experience, it is common to see bony abnormalities predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in the contralateral asymptomatic hips in patients with unilateral femoroacetabular impingement. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of bony abnormalities predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals without exposing study participants to unnecessary radiation. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4. Fifty individuals (100 hip joints), ranging from 15 to 40 years of age, who were seen at a local hospital between March and August 2008 with abdominal trauma or nonspecific abdominal pain in whom abdominal computed tomography was performed to aid diagnosis were prospectively studied. These patients were not known to have any history of hip-related problems. Raw data from the abdominal computed tomography scan, performed on a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography scanner, were reformatted using bone algorithm into several different planes. Several measurements and observations of the hip joints were made in relation to femoroacetabular impingement. The 100 hip joints from 50 patients with no history of hip problems demonstrated that 39% of the joints (31% of female, 48% of male joints) have at least 1 morphologic aspect predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement. The majority (66% to 100% ) of the findings were bilateral; 33% of female and 52% of male asymptomatic participants in our study had at least 1 predisposing factor for femoroacetabular impingement in 1 or both of their hip joints. Based on the data collected from this study, the acetabular crossover sign had a 71% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detecting acetabular retroversion. Nonquantitative assessment of the femoral head at the anterior, anterolateral, and lateral head/neck junctions demonstrated that 74% of the joints had an aspherical femoral head. The study demonstrated substantial prevalence of bony characteristics predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals according to the established measurement parameters in current literature.

Marginal estimator for the aberrations of a space telescope by phase diversity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc, Amandine; Mugnier, Laurent; Idier, Jérôme

2017-11-01

In this communication, we propose a novel method for estimating the aberrations of a space telescope from phase diversity data. The images recorded by such a telescope can be degraded by optical aberrations due to design, fabrication or misalignments. Phase diversity is a technique that allows the estimation of aberrations. The only estimator found in the relevant literature is based on a joint estimation of the aberrated phase and the observed object. We recall this approach and study the behavior of this joint estimator by means of simulations. We propose a novel marginal estimator of the sole phase. it is obtained by integrating the observed object out of the problem; indeed, this object is a nuisance parameter in our problem. This reduces drastically the number of unknown and provides better asymptotic properties. This estimator is implemented and its properties are validated by simulation. its performance is equal or even better than that of the joint estimator for the same computing cost.

Joint groupwise registration and ADC estimation in the liver using a B-value weighted metric.

PubMed

Sanz-Estébanez, Santiago; Rabanillo-Viloria, Iñaki; Royuela-Del-Val, Javier; Aja-Fernández, Santiago; Alberola-López, Carlos

2018-02-01

The purpose of this work is to develop a groupwise elastic multimodal registration algorithm for robust ADC estimation in the liver on multiple breath hold diffusion weighted images. We introduce a joint formulation to simultaneously solve both the registration and the estimation problems. In order to avoid non-reliable transformations and undesirable noise amplification, we have included appropriate smoothness constraints for both problems. Our metric incorporates the ADC estimation residuals, which are inversely weighted according to the signal content in each diffusion weighted image. Results show that the joint formulation provides a statistically significant improvement in the accuracy of the ADC estimates. Reproducibility has also been measured on real data in terms of the distribution of ADC differences obtained from different b-values subsets. The proposed algorithm is able to effectively deal with both the presence of motion and the geometric distortions, increasing accuracy and reproducibility in diffusion parameters estimation. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimisation of sensing time and transmission time in cognitive radio-based smart grid networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chao; Fu, Yuli; Yang, Junjie

2016-07-01

Cognitive radio (CR)-based smart grid (SG) networks have been widely recognised as emerging communication paradigms in power grids. However, a sufficient spectrum resource and reliability are two major challenges for real-time applications in CR-based SG networks. In this article, we study the traffic data collection problem. Based on the two-stage power pricing model, the power price is associated with the efficient received traffic data in a metre data management system (MDMS). In order to minimise the system power price, a wideband hybrid access strategy is proposed and analysed, to share the spectrum between the SG nodes and CR networks. The sensing time and transmission time are jointly optimised, while both the interference to primary users and the spectrum opportunity loss of secondary users are considered. Two algorithms are proposed to solve the joint optimisation problem. Simulation results show that the proposed joint optimisation algorithms outperform the fixed parameters (sensing time and transmission time) algorithms, and the power cost is reduced efficiently.

Grouping in decomposition method for multi-item capacitated lot-sizing problem with immediate lost sales and joint and item-dependent setup cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narenji, M.; Fatemi Ghomi, S. M. T.; Nooraie, S. V. R.

2011-03-01

This article examines a dynamic and discrete multi-item capacitated lot-sizing problem in a completely deterministic production or procurement environment with limited production/procurement capacity where lost sales (the loss of customer demand) are permitted. There is no inventory space capacity and the production activity incurs a fixed charge linear cost function. Similarly, the inventory holding cost and the cost of lost demand are both associated with a linear no-fixed charge function. For the sake of simplicity, a unit of each item is assumed to consume one unit of production/procurement capacity. We analyse a different version of setup costs incurred by a production or procurement activity in a given period of the planning horizon. In this version, called the joint and item-dependent setup cost, an additional item-dependent setup cost is incurred separately for each produced or ordered item on top of the joint setup cost.

Evaluation of patients presenting with knee pain: Part II. Differential diagnosis.

PubMed

Calmbach, Walter L; Hutchens, Mark

2003-09-01

Knee pain is a common presenting complaint with many possible causes. An awareness of certain patterns can help the family physician identify the underlying cause more efficiently. Teenage girls and young women are more likely to have patellar tracking problems such as patellar subluxation and patellofemoral pain syndrome, whereas teenage boys and young men are more likely to have knee extensor mechanism problems such as tibial apophysitis (Osgood-Schlatter lesion) and patellar tendonitis. Referred pain resulting from hip joint pathology, such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis, also may cause knee pain. Active patients are more likely to have acute ligamentous sprains and overuse injuries such as pes anserine bursitis and medial plica syndrome. Trauma may result in acute ligamentous rupture or fracture, leading to acute knee joint swelling and hemarthrosis. Septic arthritis may develop in patients of any age, but crystal-induced inflammatory arthropathy is more likely in adults. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is common in older adults.

Joint Force Quarterly. Number 5, Summer 1994

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

terms of a matrix and have set it up to achieve things that matrix organizations facilitate. Matrices compel interaction across organizations; they...provide more joint, synergistic solutions to military problems. One primary result of this interaction between the assess- ment process and JROC is the...the Contingency Tactical Air Control Auto- mated Planning System (CTAPS) are both single-host computer sys- tems that do not support interactive data

Primary septic arthritis of the manubriosternal joint in a heroin user

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

Lopez-Longo, F.J.; Monteagudo, I.; Vaquero, F.J.

1986-01-01

A 20-year-old heroin user developed staphylococcus septic arthritis of the manubrium joint. The diagnosis was established by a culture of the infected tissue and blood culture. The clinical impression was aided by 99mTc radionuclide scintimetry. Early diagnosis localized the infection. Immediate antibiotic therapy solved a problem in the sternum that seems not to have been reported in the English literature.

Learning Problems of Junior Level Children: A Nordic Joint Research Project (No. 2108).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jansson, Karin, Ed.

1981-01-01

Four cities in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have been engaged since 1977 in a joint study of the junior level of elementary school. (More than 5,000 pupils are involved in the study.) The Department of Education at the University of Turku joined the project in the autumn term of 1979. The purpose of the Swedish project, reported here, was to…

An Expert System Advisor for Medical Evaluation Boards

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

Condition OR REFERRAL=MedicalBoard_Slip !Condition AND PROBLEM=Spine_Scapulae.. Sacroiliac !Condition THEN ACTION=Refer-toMEB !Rule conclusion BECAUSE "In...Rule conclusion BECAUSE "In Accordance With The VA Schedule For Rating Disabilities" RULE N3 !Mandatory rule label IF Problem= Sacroiliac Joint

Camera Based Closed Loop Control for Partial Penetration Welding of Overlap Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abt, F.; Heider, A.; Weber, R.; Graf, T.; Blug, A.; Carl, D.; Höfler, H.; Nicolosi, L.; Tetzlaff, R.

Welding of overlap joints with partial penetration in automotive applications is a challenging process, since the laser power must be set very precisely to achieve a proper connection between the two joining partners without damaging the backside of the sheet stack. Even minor changes in welding conditions can lead to bad results. To overcome this problem a camera based closed loop control for partial penetration welding of overlap joints was developed. With this closed loop control it is possible to weld such configurations with a stable process result even under changing welding conditions.

Joint distraction for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a feasibility study with 1-year follow-up.

PubMed

Spaans, Anne J; Minnen, L Paul van; Braakenburg, Assa; Mink van der Molen, Aebele B

2017-08-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of joint distraction of the first carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint in patients with CMC1 osteoarthritis (OA). An external joint distractor was placed over the CMC1 joint by K-wire fixation in the trapezium and the metacarpal. The joint was distracted 3 mm during surgery. The device was then kept in place for 8 weeks. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and grip strength were recorded preoperatively and at set postoperative intervals. Five female patients with an average age of 53 years (range = 41-61) were included. One year postoperatively, average DASH, MHQ, and VAS scores improved compared to preoperative values; DASH 53 to 27, MHQ 48 to 76, and VAS pain 48 to 14. There were no technical problems associated with the device. One patient had a local pin site infection treated successfully with oral antibiotics. This study concludes that joint distraction of the osteoarthritic CMC1 joint is technically feasible. In this small, prospective pilot study the majority of the results were favourable during short-term follow-up.

Active Joint Mechanism Driven by Multiple Actuators Made of Flexible Bags: A Proposal of Dual Structural Actuator

PubMed Central

Inou, Norio

2013-01-01

An actuator is required to change its speed and force depending on the situation. Using multiple actuators for one driving axis is one of the possible solutions; however, there is an associated problem of output power matching. This study proposes a new active joint mechanism using multiple actuators. Because the actuator is made of a flexible bag, it does not interfere with other actuators when it is depressurized. The proposed joint achieved coordinated motion of multiple actuators. This report also discusses a new actuator which has dual cylindrical structure. The cylinders are composed of flexible bags with different diameters. The joint torque is estimated based on the following factors: empirical formula for the flexible actuator torque, geometric relationship between the joint and the actuator, and the principle of virtual work. The prototype joint mechanism achieves coordinated motion of multiple actuators for one axis. With this motion, small inner actuator contributes high speed motion, whereas large outer actuator generates high torque. The performance of the prototype joint is examined by speed and torque measurements. The joint showed about 30% efficiency at 2.0 Nm load torque under 0.15 MPa air input. PMID:24385868

Active joint mechanism driven by multiple actuators made of flexible bags: a proposal of dual structural actuator.

PubMed

Kimura, Hitoshi; Matsuzaki, Takuya; Kataoka, Mokutaro; Inou, Norio

2013-01-01

An actuator is required to change its speed and force depending on the situation. Using multiple actuators for one driving axis is one of the possible solutions; however, there is an associated problem of output power matching. This study proposes a new active joint mechanism using multiple actuators. Because the actuator is made of a flexible bag, it does not interfere with other actuators when it is depressurized. The proposed joint achieved coordinated motion of multiple actuators. This report also discusses a new actuator which has dual cylindrical structure. The cylinders are composed of flexible bags with different diameters. The joint torque is estimated based on the following factors: empirical formula for the flexible actuator torque, geometric relationship between the joint and the actuator, and the principle of virtual work. The prototype joint mechanism achieves coordinated motion of multiple actuators for one axis. With this motion, small inner actuator contributes high speed motion, whereas large outer actuator generates high torque. The performance of the prototype joint is examined by speed and torque measurements. The joint showed about 30% efficiency at 2.0 Nm load torque under 0.15 MPa air input.

Linking dynamics of transport timescale and variations of hypoxia in the Chesapeake Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Bo; Shen, Jian

2013-11-01

Dissolved oxygen (DO) replenishment in the bottom waters of an estuary depends on physical processes that are significantly influenced by external forcings. The vertical exchange time (VET) is introduced in this study to quantify the physical processes that regulate the DO replenishment in the Chesapeake Bay. A 3-D numerical model was applied to simulate the circulation, VET, and DO. Results indicate that VET is a suitable parameter for evaluating the bottom DO condition over both seasonal and interannual timescales. The VET is negatively correlated with the bottom DO. Hypoxia (DO <2 mg L-1) will develop in the Bay when VET is greater than 23 days in summer if mean total DO consumption rate is about 0.3 g O2 m-3 d-1. This critical VET value may vary around 23 days when the total DO consumption rate changes. The VET volume (volume of water mass with VET >23 days) can account for 77% of variations of hypoxic volume in the main Bay. The VET cannot explain all the DO variations as it can only account for the contribution of physical processes that regulate DO replenishment. It is found that the short-term vertical exchange process is highly controlled by the wind forcing. The VET volume decreases when the high-speed wind events are frequent. The summertime VET volume is less sensitive to short-term variations (pulses) of river discharge. It is sensitive to the total amount of river discharge and the high VET volume can be expected in the wet year.

Implementation of Advanced Warehouses in a Hospital Environment - Case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, J.; Sameiro Carvalho, M.; Nobre, A.

2015-05-01

In Portugal, there is an increase of costs in the healthcare sector due to several factors such as the aging of the population, the increased demand for health care services and the increasing investment in new technologies. Thus, there is a need to reduce costs, by presenting the effective and efficient management of logistics supply systems with enormous potential to achieve savings in health care organizations without compromising the quality of the provided service, which is a critical factor, in this type of sector. In this research project the implementation of Advanced Warehouses has been studied, in the Hospital de Braga patient care units, based in a mix of replenishment systems approaches: the par level system, the two bin system and the consignment model. The logistics supply process is supported by information technology (IT), allowing a proactive replacement of products, based on the hospital services consumption records. The case study was developed in two patient care units, in order to study the impact of the operation of the three replenishment systems. Results showed that an important inventory holding costs reduction can be achieved in the patient care unit warehouses while increasing the service level and increasing control of incoming and stored materials with less human resources. The main conclusion of this work illustrates the possibility of operating multiple replenishment models, according to the types of materials that healthcare organizations deal with, so that they are able to provide quality health care services at a reduced cost and economically sustainable. The adoption of adequate IT has been shown critical for the success of the project.

Novel characterization of monocyte-derived cell populations in the meninges and choroid plexus and their rates of replenishment in bone marrow chimeric mice.

PubMed

Chinnery, Holly R; Ruitenberg, Marc J; McMenamin, Paul G

2010-09-01

The mouse dura mater, pia mater, and choroid plexus contain resident macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). These cells participate in immune surveillance, phagocytosis of cellular debris, uptake of antigens from the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid and immune regulation in many pathologic processes. We used Cx3cr1 knock-in, CD11c-eYFP transgenic and bone marrow chimeric mice to characterize the phenotype, density and replenishment rate of monocyte-derived cells in the meninges and choroid plexus and to assess the role of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 on their number and tissue distribution. Iba-1 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II CD169 CD68 macrophages and CD11c putative DCs were identified in meningeal and choroid plexus whole mounts. Comparison of homozygous and heterozygous Cx3cr1 mice did not reveal CX3CR1-dependancy on density, distribution or phenotype of monocyte-derived cells. In turnover studies, wild type lethally irradiated mice were reconstituted with Cx3cr1/-positive bone marrow and were analyzed at 3 days, 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. There was a rapid replenishment of CX3CR1-positive cells in the dura mater (at 4 weeks) and the choroid plexus was fully reconstituted by 8 weeks. These data provide the foundation for future studies on the role of resident macrophages and DCs in conditions such as meningitis, autoimmune inflammatory disease and in therapies involving irradiation and hematopoietic or stem cell transplantation.

Long-term effect of beach replenishment on natural recovery of shallow Posidonia oceanica meadows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Correa, José M.; Torquemada, Yolanda Fernández; Sánchez Lizaso, José Luis

2008-03-01

The recovery capacity of shallow Posidonia oceanica meadows degraded by beach replenishment eighteen years before was assessed in two impacted meadows and compared with other two undisturbed localities. Inside each locality, we selected randomly three sites separated by 500-1000 m. At site level we study the vitality of P. oceanica meadow assessing the vegetative growth, leaf characteristics, and non-structural carbohydrates of the plants. Additionally, at locality level, silt-clay fraction, organic matter, pH and light intensity incident on the sea bottom were measured to evaluate the environmental conditions. Covering of P. oceanica was significantly lower at the impacted localities while amount of dead "matte" was higher. Leaf production of horizontal rhizomes (14.6 ± 1.11 vs 19.47 ± 1.45 leaves y -1), net total rhizomes recruitment (2.33 ± 0.17 vs 4.3 ± 0.33 branches y -1) and starch concentration (43.625 ± 0.67 vs 54.45 ± 0.74 mg per g of rhizome) at impacted meadows were significantly lower than controls. Leaf features, epiphytes biomass, colonization, elongation and horizontal and vertical rhizome production did not show significant differences. Sediments at impacted localities contained higher silt-clay fraction and higher organic matter load while pH was lower. Light intensity on the sea bottom measured at all localities was over the minimum light requirements estimated for P. oceanica. Our results show that the press impact produced by beach replenishment was enduring in the time slowing natural recovery by 45%. This impact may be related with changes in the sediment features.

Diet Replenishment for Ad-libitum–fed Mice Housed in Social Groups is Compatible with Shelf Life

PubMed Central

Huerkamp, Michael J; Dowdy, Minida R

2008-01-01

Regulatory guidelines and best practices in the care of research animals allow diets milled for laboratory animals to be used within 180 d of formulation but otherwise permit latitude and professional judgment in how and when feed is offered. As such, practices at some research institutions allow for the replenishment (‘topping up’) of fresh chow over that existing in the cage food hopper, rather than complete replacement of the diet on a regular basis. To determine the depletion rate of a pelleted diet as fed from a conventional overhead food hopper, the consumption of full hoppers of food was measured for breeding pairs of mice in production and gender-specific groups of weanlings and juvenile mice kept in ventilated cages at 71.9 ± 0.2 °F (approximately 22.6 °C) and 40% ± 5% relative humidity. Breeding pairs of mice depleted 97% of a 250-g ration within 44 d of offering and consumed diet at a rate of 4.7 ± 0.5 g per mouse daily. Gender-grouped weanling and juvenile mice housed 5 to 6 per cage exhausted more than 99% of a 500-g ration of diet in 24 d and consumed chow at a rate of 3.4 ± 0.3 g per animal daily. These findings suggest that breeding pairs and groups of mice kept 5 to 6 per cage deplete feed at such a rate that diets can be fed by using replenishment provided diet is offered within 5 mo of the milling date. PMID:18459713

Airborne Wind Shear Detection and Warning Systems. Second Combined Manufacturers' and Technologists' Conference, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spady, Amos A., Jr. (Compiler); Bowles, Roland L. (Compiler); Schlickenmaier, Herbert (Compiler)

1990-01-01

The Second Combined Manufacturers' and Technologists' Conference hosted jointly by NASA Langley (LaRC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was held in Williamsburg, Virginia, on October 18 to 20, 1988. The purpose of the meeting was to transfer significant, ongoing results gained during the second year of the joint NASA/FAA Airborne Wind Shear Program to the technical industry and to pose problems of current concern to the combined group. It also provided a forum for manufacturers to review forward-look technology concepts and for technologists to gain an understanding of the problems encountered by the manufacturers during the development of airborne equipment and the FAA certification requirements.

Geodesic regression for image time-series.

PubMed

Niethammer, Marc; Huang, Yang; Vialard, François-Xavier

2011-01-01

Registration of image-time series has so far been accomplished (i) by concatenating registrations between image pairs, (ii) by solving a joint estimation problem resulting in piecewise geodesic paths between image pairs, (iii) by kernel based local averaging or (iv) by augmenting the joint estimation with additional temporal irregularity penalties. Here, we propose a generative model extending least squares linear regression to the space of images by using a second-order dynamic formulation for image registration. Unlike previous approaches, the formulation allows for a compact representation of an approximation to the full spatio-temporal trajectory through its initial values. The method also opens up possibilities to design image-based approximation algorithms. The resulting optimization problem is solved using an adjoint method.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction as a reason for the development of acetabular retroversion: a new theory.

PubMed

Cibulka, Michael T

2014-05-01

Acetabular retroversion has been recently implicated as an important factor in the development of femoral acetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis. The proper function of the hip joint requires that the anatomic features of the acetabulum and femoral head complement one another. In acetabular retroversion, the alignment of the acetabulum is altered where it opens in a posterolaterally instead of anterior direction. Changes in acetabular orientation can occur with alterations in pelvic tilt (anterior/posterior), and pelvic rotation (left/right). An overlooked problem that alters pelvic tilt and rotation, often seen by physical therapists, is sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A unique feature that develops in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is asymmetry between the left and right innominate bones that can alter pelvic tilt and rotation. This article puts forth a theory suggesting that acetabular retroversion may be produced by sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The tribology of metal-on-metal total hip replacements.

PubMed

Scholes, S C; Unsworth, A

2006-02-01

Total hip surgery is an effective way of alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by diseased or damaged joints. However, in the majority of cases, these joints have a finite life. The main reason for failure is osteolysis (bone resorption). It is well documented that an important cause of osteolysis, and therefore the subsequent loosening and failure of conventional metal- or ceramic-on-ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene joints, is the body's immunological response to the polyethylene wear particles. To avoid this, interest has been renewed in metal-on-metal joints. The intention of this paper is to review the studies that have taken place within different laboratories to determine the tribological performance of new-generation metal-on-metal total hip replacements. These types of joint offer a potential solution to enhance the longevity of prosthetic hip systems; however, problems may arise owing to the effects of metal ion release, which are, as yet, not fully understood.

[Generalised Form of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Knee Joint].

PubMed

Vališ, P; Vyskočil, R

2016-01-01

This study describes a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in a 53-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with a synovial chondromatosis of the knee joint extending to the popliteal fossa and soft tissues around the knee. Because of the presence of massive nodules, the patient was indicated for total synovectomy, with removal of pathologically changed cartilaginous tissue, performed by combined anterior and posterior approaches to the knee joint. Despite complete removal of the synovium and loose cartilage bodies and the patient's pain relief in the post-operative time, three years after the operation new problems appeared. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a relapse of synovial chondromatosis and the patient was indicated for revision surgery of the knee joint. The results of physical examination and MRI scans, and intra-operative findings in the patient are reported. synovial chondromatosis, total synovectomy, direct anterior and posterior approaches to the knee joint.

Travel optimization by foraging bumblebees through readjustments of traplines after discovery of new feeding locations.

PubMed

Lihoreau, Mathieu; Chittka, Lars; Raine, Nigel E

2010-12-01

Animals collecting resources that replenish over time often visit patches in predictable sequences called traplines. Despite the widespread nature of this strategy, we still know little about how spatial memory develops and guides individuals toward suitable routes. Here, we investigate whether flower visitation sequences by bumblebees Bombus terrestris simply reflect the order in which flowers were discovered or whether they result from more complex navigational strategies enabling bees to optimize their foraging routes. We analyzed bee flight movements in an array of four artificial flowers maximizing interfloral distances. Starting from a single patch, we sequentially added three new patches so that if bees visited them in the order in which they originally encountered flowers, they would follow a long (suboptimal) route. Bees' tendency to visit patches in their discovery order decreased with experience. Instead, they optimized their flight distances by rearranging flower visitation sequences. This resulted in the development of a primary route (trapline) and two or three less frequently used secondary routes. Bees consistently used these routes after overnight breaks while occasionally exploring novel possibilities. We discuss how maintaining some level of route flexibility could allow traplining animals to cope with dynamic routing problems, analogous to the well-known traveling salesman problem.

On the determination of certain astronomical, selenodesic, and gravitational parameters of the moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aleksashin, Y. P.; Ziman, Y. L.; Isavnina, I. V.; Krasikov, V. A.; Nepoklonov, B. V.; Rodionov, B. N.; Tischenko, A. P.

1974-01-01

A method was examined for joint construction of a selenocentric fundamental system which can be realized by a coordinate catalog of reference contour points uniformly positioned over the entire lunar surface, and determination of the parameters characterizing the gravitational field, rotation, and orbital motion of the moon. Characteristic of the problem formulation is the introduction of a new complex of inconometric measurements which can be made using pictures obtained from an artificial lunar satellite. The proposed method can be used to solve similar problems on any other planet for which surface images can be obtained from a spacecraft. Characteristic of the proposed technique for solving the problem is the joint statistical analysis of all forms of measurements: orbital iconometric, earth-based trajectory, and also a priori information on the parameters in question which is known from earth-based astronomical studies.

Optimal Resource Allocation for NOMA-TDMA Scheme with α-Fairness in Industrial Internet of Things.

PubMed

Sun, Yanjing; Guo, Yiyu; Li, Song; Wu, Dapeng; Wang, Bin

2018-05-15

In this paper, a joint non-orthogonal multiple access and time division multiple access (NOMA-TDMA) scheme is proposed in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which allowed multiple sensors to transmit in the same time-frequency resource block using NOMA. The user scheduling, time slot allocation, and power control are jointly optimized in order to maximize the system α -fair utility under transmit power constraint and minimum rate constraint. The optimization problem is nonconvex because of the fractional objective function and the nonconvex constraints. To deal with the original problem, we firstly convert the objective function in the optimization problem into a difference of two convex functions (D.C.) form, and then propose a NOMA-TDMA-DC algorithm to exploit the global optimum. Numerical results show that the NOMA-TDMA scheme significantly outperforms the traditional orthogonal multiple access scheme in terms of both spectral efficiency and user fairness.

Optimal design for robust control of uncertain flexible joint manipulators: a fuzzy dynamical system approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jiang; Chen, Ye-Hwa; Zhao, Xiaomin; Dong, Fangfang

2018-04-01

A novel fuzzy dynamical system approach to the control design of flexible joint manipulators with mismatched uncertainty is proposed. Uncertainties of the system are assumed to lie within prescribed fuzzy sets. The desired system performance includes a deterministic phase and a fuzzy phase. First, by creatively implanting a fictitious control, a robust control scheme is constructed to render the system uniformly bounded and uniformly ultimately bounded. Both the manipulator modelling and control scheme are deterministic and not IF-THEN heuristic rules-based. Next, a fuzzy-based performance index is proposed. An optimal design problem for a control design parameter is formulated as a constrained optimisation problem. The global solution to this problem can be obtained from solving two quartic equations. The fuzzy dynamical system approach is systematic and is able to assure the deterministic performance as well as to minimise the fuzzy performance index.

A methodology to enhance electromagnetic compatibility in joint military operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckellew, William R.

The development and validation of an improved methodology to identify, characterize, and prioritize potential joint EMI (electromagnetic interference) interactions and identify and develop solutions to reduce the effects of the interference are discussed. The methodology identifies potential EMI problems using results from field operations, historical data bases, and analytical modeling. Operational expertise, engineering analysis, and testing are used to characterize and prioritize the potential EMI problems. Results can be used to resolve potential EMI during the development and acquisition of new systems and to develop engineering fixes and operational workarounds for systems already employed. The analytic modeling portion of the methodology is a predictive process that uses progressive refinement of the analysis and the operational electronic environment to eliminate noninterfering equipment pairs, defer further analysis on pairs lacking operational significance, and resolve the remaining EMI problems. Tests are conducted on equipment pairs to ensure that the analytical models provide a realistic description of the predicted interference.

3D Printing of Advanced Biocomposites on Earth and Beyond

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothschild, Lynn J.; Gentry, Diana; Micks, Ashley

2015-01-01

Human exploration off planet is severely limited by the cost of launching materials into space and re-supply. Thus materials brought from earth must be light, stable and reliable at destination. Using traditional approaches a lunar or Mars base would require either transporting a hefty store of metals or heavy manufacturing equipment and construction materials for in situ extraction; both would severely limit any other mission objectives. Long-term human space presence requires periodic replenishment, adding a massive cost overhead. Even robotic missions often sacrifice science goals for heavy radiation and thermal protection. Biology has the potential to solve these problems because it can replicate and repair itself, and do a wide variety of chemical reactions including making food, fuel and materials. Synthetic biology enhances and expands life's evolved repertoire. Using organisms as feedstock, additive manufacturing could make possible the dream of producing bespoke tools, food, smart fabrics and even replacement organs on demand. Image what new products can be enabled by such a technology, on earth or beyond!

The UK DNA banking network: a “fair access” biobank

PubMed Central

Dixon, Katherine; Platt, Andrew; Pullum, Simon; Lewis, David; Hall, Alistair; Ollier, William

2009-01-01

The UK DNA Banking Network (UDBN) is a secondary biobank: it aggregates and manages resources (samples and data) originated by others. The network comprises, on the one hand, investigator groups led by clinicians each with a distinct disease specialism and, on the other hand, a research infrastructure to manage samples and data. The infrastructure addresses the problem of providing secure quality-assured accrual, storage, replenishment and distribution capacities for samples and of facilitating access to DNA aliquots and data for new peer-reviewed studies in genetic epidemiology. ‘Fair access’ principles and practices have been pragmatically developed that, unlike open access policies in this area, are not cumbersome but, rather, are fit for the purpose of expediting new study designs and their implementation. UDBN has so far distributed >60,000 samples for major genotyping studies yielding >10 billion genotypes. It provides a working model that can inform progress in biobanking nationally, across Europe and internationally. PMID:19672698

Consensus Document of the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine on the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency in heart failure.

PubMed

Manito, N; Cerqueiro, J M; Comín-Colet, J; García-Pinilla, J M; González-Franco, A; Grau-Amorós, J; Peraira, J R; Manzano, L

Iron deficiency in patients with heart failure is a medical problem of recent particular interest. This interest has resulted from the publication of several clinical trials that demonstrated that the administration of intravenous iron to such patients improved their functional capacity and even reduced the number of hospitalisations for heart failure decompensation. However, applying the evidence from these studies in clinical practice is still controversial, both in terms of the diagnostic criteria for iron deficiency (absolute and functional) and the optimal method for iron replenishment. This article is a consensus document that integrates the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine and the Spanish Society of Cardiology. The article reviews the scientific evidence and proposes a diagnostic and therapeutic performance protocol for iron deficiency in heart failure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Optimal replenishment and credit policy in supply chain inventory model under two levels of trade credit with time- and credit-sensitive demand involving default risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahata, Puspita; Mahata, Gour Chandra; Kumar De, Sujit

2018-03-01

Traditional supply chain inventory modes with trade credit usually only assumed that the up-stream suppliers offered the down-stream retailers a fixed credit period. However, in practice the retailers will also provide a credit period to customers to promote the market competition. In this paper, we formulate an optimal supply chain inventory model under two levels of trade credit policy with default risk consideration. Here, the demand is assumed to be credit-sensitive and increasing function of time. The major objective is to determine the retailer's optimal credit period and cycle time such that the total profit per unit time is maximized. The existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution to the presented model are examined, and an easy method is also shown to find the optimal inventory policies of the considered problem. Finally, numerical examples and sensitive analysis are presented to illustrate the developed model and to provide some managerial insights.

Repetitive Interrogation of 2-Level Quantum Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Chung, Sang K.

2010-01-01

Trapped ion clocks derive information from a reference atomic transition by repetitive interrogations of the same quantum system, either a single ion or ionized gas of many millions of ions. Atomic beam frequency standards, by contrast, measure reference atomic transitions in a continuously replenished "flow through" configuration where initial ensemble atomic coherence is zero. We will describe some issues and problems that can arise when atomic state selection and preparation of the quantum atomic system is not completed, that is, optical pumping has not fully relaxed the coherence and also not fully transferred atoms to the initial state. We present a simple two-level density matrix analysis showing how frequency shifts during the state-selection process can cause frequency shifts of the measured clock transition. Such considerations are very important when a low intensity lamp light source is used for state selection, where there is relatively weak relaxation and re-pumping of ions to an initial state and much weaker 'environmental' relaxation of the atomic coherence set-up in the atomic sample.

Optimal dynamic voltage scaling for wireless sensor nodes with real-time constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassandras, Christos G.; Zhuang, Shixin

2005-11-01

Sensors are increasingly embedded in manufacturing systems and wirelessly networked to monitor and manage operations ranging from process and inventory control to tracking equipment and even post-manufacturing product monitoring. In building such sensor networks, a critical issue is the limited and hard to replenish energy in the devices involved. Dynamic voltage scaling is a technique that controls the operating voltage of a processor to provide desired performance while conserving energy and prolonging the overall network's lifetime. We consider such power-limited devices processing time-critical tasks which are non-preemptive, aperiodic and have uncertain arrival times. We treat voltage scaling as a dynamic optimization problem whose objective is to minimize energy consumption subject to hard or soft real-time execution constraints. In the case of hard constraints, we build on prior work (which engages a voltage scaling controller at task completion times) by developing an intra-task controller that acts at all arrival times of incoming tasks. We show that this optimization problem can be decomposed into two simpler ones whose solution leads to an algorithm that does not actually require solving any nonlinear programming problems. In the case of soft constraints, this decomposition must be partly relaxed, but it still leads to a scalable (linear in the number of tasks) algorithm. Simulation results are provided to illustrate performance improvements in systems with intra-task controllers compared to uncontrolled systems or those using inter-task control.

Flight Director works out problem during STS-61 simulations

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-09-01

Flight Director Robert E. Castle Jr. works out a problem during joint integrated simulations for the STS-61 mission. Astronauts assigned to extravehicular activity (EVA) tasks with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) were simultaneously rehearsing in a neutral buoyancy tank at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Alabama.

Health Factors Influencing Education of American Indians. A Position Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

deMontigny, Lionel H.

The resume of health problems facing the American Indian school child emphasized that health, culture, education, and economics are mutually interdependent and must be evaluated and planned for jointly. Specific health problems discussed include general health, nutrition, fever and chronic illness, hearing, sight, and mental health.…

30 CFR 1220.011 - Schedule of allowable direct and allocable joint costs and credits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... engineering design problems related to equipment or facilities required for NPSL operations. (4) The cost of any contract service related to research and development is specifically excluded, as are contract services calling for feasibility studies not directly related to specific engineering design problems or...

A Heuristic Approach to the Theater Distribution Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

outstanding guidance on this thesis research as well as the introduction to joint mobility modeling in OPER 674 which sparked my interest in this area of...32 xi List of Acronyms Acronym Definition AMP Analysis of Mobility Platform DARP Dial-A-Ride problem...tabu SMM Strategic Mobility Modeling TDD time definite delivery TDM Theater Distribution Model TDP Theater Distribution Problem TPFDD Time Phased Force

Investigating the primary stability of the transversal support tibial plateau concept to retain both cruciate ligaments during total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Nowakowski, Andrej M; Stangel, Melanie; Grupp, Thomas M; Valderrabano, Victor

2012-09-27

The important roles of the anterior cruciate ligament regarding knee stability, physiologic kinematics, and proprioception are unquestioned. Thus, various efforts have been made to retain the ACL during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Neither of the existing solutions to this problem, i.e. bicruciate retaining prostheses and implantation of two unicondylar prostheses, has been successful because of concept-specific problems as well as general difficulties with implant fixation. The new transversal support tibial plateau concept is a prosthesis of two individual joint surfaces reinforced beneath the articular line by joint surface supports and buttressed by a single transversal support. This configuration, which enables retention of both cruciate ligaments, should provide good bone fixation and ensure long-term alignment of the individual joint surfaces. In the current study, four prototypes based on this novel concept were developed and the resulting primary stability was analyzed using adapted load testing. The test set-up, with the model-loading of specially prepared Sawbones® and a sinusoidal oscillating load transmission with 25 000 cycles over 10 increasing load levels, achieved subsidence, which enabled comparison of the four different model variants regarding primary stability in view of bone anchoring. The model variant (TSmobile) that allowed transverse glide of the joint surface supports along the transversal support revealed the largest subsidence. A rigid attachment of the joint surface supports of the transversal support tibial plateau thus appears to offer increased primary stability regarding bone anchoring.

Evaluation of pipe-type cable joint restraint systems

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

Silver, D.A.; Seman, G.W.

1990-03-01

the purpose of this project was to evaluate two systems for restraining the movement of 345kV high-pressure oil-filled (HPOF) cable joints during load cycling. Problems with joints and adjacent cables due to thermomechanical bending (TMB) experienced by the Consolidated Edison Company of New York and Public Service Electric Gas Company of New Jersey are reviewed. Some approaches to reducing or preventing TMB induced damage to HPOF pipe type cable joints are discussed. The design and operation of a special test apparatus for simulating TMB effects under laboratory conditions is described. One of the two joint restraint systems evaluated under thismore » project was developed by PSE G and employed wedging devices, which could be retrofitted into existing installations, that limited the longitudinal movement of the joints during load cycling. The other system developed by Pirelli Cable Corporation applied the restraining force to the cylindrical portion of the hand applied joint insulation by means of support spiders and steel rods attached to the reducer faces. The test results show that the PSE G restraint system can effectively limit joint longitudinal movement while causing a minimal amount of mechanical disturbance to the joint stress cones. The test results obtained with the PCC system are inconclusive and indicate that further refinement and testing are required to demonstrate the effectiveness of this promising joint restraint system.« less

Analysis of pain and painless symptoms in temporomandibular joints dysfunction in adult patients.

PubMed

Górecka, Małgorzata; Pihut, Małgorzata; Kulesa-Mrowiecka, Małgorzata

2017-01-01

Recent years have shown an increase in the number of patients reporting for treatment of pain due to musculoskeletal joint, associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Therefore, studies were undertaken, aimed at analyzing the symptoms of the dysfunction, because of which patients come to the prosthetic treatment. Aim of the thesis: The aim of the study was a retrospective analysis of symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction reported by patients diagnosed with this problem. The research material was a retrospective medical records of 120 patients, aged 19 to 45 years who have taken prosthetic treatment due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction in the Consulting Room in Prosthetics Department in Kraków, from June 2015 to December 2016. During the test patients, in addition to interviewing a physician, completed a personal survey in their own study. The material has been divided into I group of patients who reported pain form of dysfunction and II group, who had no symptoms of pain within the stomatognatic system. The analysis covered type of symptoms, the share of local factors (para-functions) and systemic, as well as the time a er which the patients reported for the treatment of functional disorders since the appearance of the first symptoms. Analysis of the research material showed that the main reason for reporting patients was pain in one or both temporal joints of significant intensity (5 to 8 in VAS scale,) accompanied by acoustic symptoms. A large group of questioners reported problems with the range of jaw movement and head and face pain, as well as subjective symptoms from the auditory, sight, neck, neck and shoulder areas.

Active Ambiguity Reduction: An Experiment Design Approach to Tractable Qualitative Reasoning.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-20

Approach to Tractable Qualitative Reasoning Shankar A. Rajamoney t [ For Gerald F. DeJong Artificial Intelligence Research Group Coordinated Science...Representations of Knowledge in a Mechanics Problem- Solver." Proceedings of the Fifth International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge. MIA...International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Tokyo. Japan. 1979. [de Kleer84] J. de Kleer and J. S. Brown. "A Qualitative Physics Based on

2007 Precision Strike PEO Summer Forum - Joint Perspectives on Precision Engagement

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-11

Status,” Colonel Richard Justice, USAF—Commander of the Miniature Munitions Systems Group (MMSG), Eglin Air Force Base “Unmanned Systems (UAS) Roadmap...Role in the Roadmap Implementation Methods & Processes Working Group Issues delineated in Implementation Plan form basis for JTEM methodology...Test and Evaluation JMETC – Joint Mission Environment Test Capability WG – Working Group DOT&E AT&L DOT&E Unclassified 5 Background: JTEM Problem

Excellence in School Performance: The Role of the Legislature. A Report of the Joint House-Senate Committee on School Performance to the Sixteenth Alaska Legislature.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alaska State Legislature, Juneau.

Alaskans are increasingly dissatisfied with the performance of their schools. Many students are poorly educated, have low self-esteem, and suffer other social problems. The Alaskan Joint House-Senate Committee on School Performance was created to set priorities for ways to improve school performance. The committee was guided by three basic…

OK-432 (Picibanil) sclerotherapy for recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint in elderly edentulous patients: Case reports.

PubMed

Matsushita, Kazuhiro; Abe, Takae; Fujiwara, Toshikatsu

2007-09-01

Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a thorny problem not only for a patient but also a doctor. Especially for the elderly edentulous patients, it is very hard to treat the condition although there are many surgical and non-surgical procedures. We successfully treated it in two elderly edentulous patients by injection of OK-432 as a sclerosing agent.

Teacher and Administrator Training, Recruitment and Retention. INAR/NACIE Joint Issues Sessions National Indian Education Assocation (NIEA) Annual Conference (22nd, San Diego, California, October 15, 1990).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Advisory Council on Indian Education, Washington, DC.

This report summarizes two joint sessions held by the Indian Nations At Risk Task Force and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education to hear testimony on Native American issues in educator training and employment. Issues and problems related to recruitment of Native Americans into teacher education include raised admission standards, more…

Joint Vision for the Korean Peninsula -- Can We Get There?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-11

complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach. Trilateral cooperation with China coupled with all the elements of the Alliance’s elements of...national power can set the conditions for the Joint Vision Statement to become a reality in this century. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Northeast Asia, China ...We Get There? FORMAT: Strategy Research Project DATE: 11 March 2012 WORD COUNT: 5,917 PAGES: 30 KEY TERMS: Northeast Asia, China

Leg deformation during imaginal ecdysis in the downy emerald, Cordulia aenea (Odonata, Corduliidae).

PubMed

Frantsevich, Leonid; Frantsevich, Ludmilla

2018-04-01

A dragonfly larva migrates from the water to the shore, perches on a plant stem and grasps it with strongly flexed legs. Adult legs inside the larval exoskeleton fit to the larval legs joint-to-joint. The adult emerges with stretched legs. During the molt, an imaginal leg must follow all the angles in exuvial joints. In turn, larval apodemes are withdrawn from imaginal legs. We visualized transient shapes of the imaginal legs by the instant fixation of insects at different moments of the molt, photographed isolated exuvial legs with the imaginal legs inside and then removed the exuvial sheath. Instant shapes of the imaginal tibia show sharp intrapodomere bends copying the angle in the larval femoro-tibial joint. The site of bending shifts distad during the molt. This is possible if the imaginal leg is pliable. The same problem of leg squeezing is also common in hemimetabolous insects as well as in other arthropods, whereas holometabolous insects overcome problems of a tight confinement either by using leg pliability in other ways but not squeezing (cyclorrhaphan flies, mosquitoes) or by pulling hardened legs out without change of their pupal zigzag configuration (moths, ants, honey bees). The pupal legs are not intended to grasp any external substrate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Improving M-SBL for Joint Sparse Recovery Using a Subspace Penalty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Jong Chul; Kim, Jong Min; Bresler, Yoram

2015-12-01

The multiple measurement vector problem (MMV) is a generalization of the compressed sensing problem that addresses the recovery of a set of jointly sparse signal vectors. One of the important contributions of this paper is to reveal that the seemingly least related state-of-art MMV joint sparse recovery algorithms - M-SBL (multiple sparse Bayesian learning) and subspace-based hybrid greedy algorithms - have a very important link. More specifically, we show that replacing the $\\log\\det(\\cdot)$ term in M-SBL by a rank proxy that exploits the spark reduction property discovered in subspace-based joint sparse recovery algorithms, provides significant improvements. In particular, if we use the Schatten-$p$ quasi-norm as the corresponding rank proxy, the global minimiser of the proposed algorithm becomes identical to the true solution as $p \\rightarrow 0$. Furthermore, under the same regularity conditions, we show that the convergence to a local minimiser is guaranteed using an alternating minimization algorithm that has closed form expressions for each of the minimization steps, which are convex. Numerical simulations under a variety of scenarios in terms of SNR, and condition number of the signal amplitude matrix demonstrate that the proposed algorithm consistently outperforms M-SBL and other state-of-the art algorithms.

recycle, replenish, reSTORE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lansburgh, Therese

1976-01-01

Describes projects of the Maryland Committee for the Day Care of Children aimed at cutting day care costs: a recycling center for discarded industrial materials that can be put to educational uses, and workshops for teachers and volunteers in preschool and day care programs. (ED)

Improving striping operations through system optimization - phase 2 : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

Striping operations generate a significant workload for MoDOT maintenance operations. The requirement for each striping crew : to replenish its stock of paint and other consumable items from a bulk storage facility, along with the necessity to make s...

Verifying the equivalence of representations of the knee joint moment vector from a drop vertical jump task.

PubMed

Nichols, Julia K; O'Reilly, Oliver M

2017-03-01

Biomechanics software programs, such as Visual3D, Nexus, Cortex, and OpenSim, have the capability of generating several distinct component representations for joint moments and forces from motion capture data. These representations include those for orthonormal proximal and distal coordinate systems and a non-orthogonal joint coordinate system. In this article, a method is presented to address the challenging problem of evaluating and verifying the equivalence of these representations. The method accommodates the difficulty that there are two possible sets of non-orthogonal basis vectors that can be used to express a vector in the joint coordinate system and is illuminated using motion capture data from a drop vertical jump task. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft Joint Navy/NASA Sea Trials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Queen, S.; Cochrane, J.

1982-01-01

The Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) is a flight facility which Ames Research Center is using to conduct a broad program of terminal area and low-speed, propulsive-life flight research. A joint Navy/NASA flight research program used the QSRA to investigate the application of advanced propulsive-lift technology to the naval aircraft-carrier environment. Flight performance of the QSRA is presented together with the results or the joint Navy/NASA flight program. During the joint program, the QSRA operated aboard the USS Kitty Hawk for 4 days, during which numerous unarrested landings and free deck takeoffs were accomplished. These operations demonstrated that a large aircraft incorporating upper-surface-blowing, propulsive-life technology can be operated in the aircraft-carrier environment without any unusual problems.

[Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporo mandibular joint. Differential diagnosis and therapy].

PubMed

Kunz, C; Leiggener, C S; Fridrich, K; Schmuziger, N; Hammer, B

2003-07-01

For the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), functional disorders are common but tumors and tumor like lesions are rare, although these are often mistaken for functional ailments. Early examination by computed tomography or, as a method of choice, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in case of persisting TMJ problems. Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare benign but locally destructive fibrohistiocytic lesion originating in synovial tissue. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint is extremely rare, with the average age of patients being 44.6 years. This paper reports on a 13-year-old patient with diffuse PVNS involving the middle ear and middle cranial fossa. The treatment of choice involves wide local excision and reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint with long-term follow-up. Pathogenesis and differential diagnosis are discussed.

2007 SB14 Source Reduction Plan/Report

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

Chang, L

2007-07-24

Aqueous solutions (mixed waste) generated from various LLNL operations, such as debris washing, sample preparation and analysis, and equipment maintenance and cleanout, were combined for storage in the B695 tank farm. Prior to combination the individual waste streams had different codes depending on the particular generating process and waste characteristics. The largest streams were CWC 132, 791, 134, 792. Several smaller waste streams were also included. This combined waste stream was treated at LLNL's waste treatment facility using a vacuum filtration and cool vapor evaporation process in preparation for discharge to sanitary sewer. Prior to discharge, the treated waste streammore » was sampled and the results were reviewed by LLNL's water monitoring specialists. The treated solution was discharged following confirmation that it met the discharge criteria. A major source, accounting for 50% for this waste stream, is metal machining, cutting and grinding operations in the engineering machine shops in B321/B131. An additional 7% was from similar operations in B131 and B132S. This waste stream primarily contains metal cuttings from machined parts, machining coolant and water, with small amounts of tramp oil from the machining and grinding equipment. Several waste reduction measures for the B321 machine shop have been taken, including the use of a small point-of-use filtering/tramp-oil coalescing/UV-sterilization coolant recycling unit, and improved management techniques (testing and replenishing) for coolants. The recycling unit had some operational problems during 2006. The machine shop is planning to have it repaired in the near future. A major source, accounting for 50% for this waste stream, is metal machining, cutting and grinding operations in the engineering machine shops in B321/B131. An additional 7% was from similar operations in B131 and B132S. This waste stream primarily contains metal cuttings from machined parts, machining coolant and water, with small amounts of tramp oil from the machining and grinding equipment. Several waste reduction measures for the B321 machine shop have been taken, including the use of a small point-of-use filtering/tramp-oil coalescing/UV-sterilization coolant recycling unit, and improved management techniques (testing and replenishing) for coolants. The recycling unit had some operational problems during 2006. The machine shop is planning to have it repaired in the near future. Quarterly waste generation data prepared by the Environmental Protection Department's P2 Team are regularly provided to engineering shops as well as other facilities so that generators can track the effectiveness of their waste minimization efforts.« less

Digital tomosynthesis rendering of joint margins for arthritis assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duryea, Jeffrey W.; Neumann, Gesa; Yoshioka, Hiroshi; Dobbins, James T., III

2004-05-01

PURPOSE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand is a significant healthcare problem. Techniques to accurately quantity the structural changes from RA are crucial for the development and prescription of therapies. Analysis of radiographic joint space width (JSW) is widely used and has demonstrated promise. However, radiography presents a 2D view of the joint. In this study we performed tomosynthesis reconstructions of proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to measure the 3D joint structure. METHODS: We performed a reader study using simulated radiographs of 12 MCP and 12 PIP joints from skeletal specimens imaged with micro-CT. The tomosynthesis technique provided images of reconstructed planes with 0.75 mm spacing, which were presented to 2 readers with a computer tool. The readers were instructed to delineate the joint surfaces on tomosynthetic slices where they could visualize the margins. We performed a quantitative analysis of 5 slices surrounding the central portion of each joint. Reader-determined JSW was compared to a gold standard. As a figure of merit we calculated the average root-mean square deviation (RMSD). RESULTS: RMSD was 0.22 mm for both joints. For the individual joints, RMSD was 0.18 mm (MCP), and 0.26 mm (PIP). The reduced performance for the smaller PIP joints suggests that a slice spacing less than 0.75 mm may be more appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the capability of limited 3D rendering of joint surfaces using digital tomosynthesis. This technique promises to provide an improved method to visualize the structural changes of RA.

Time-temperature effect in adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.

1981-01-01

The viscoelastic analysis of an adhesively bonded lap joint was reconsidered. The adherends are approximated by essentially Reissner plates and the adhesive is linearly viscoelastic. The hereditary integrals are used to model the adhesive. A linear integral differential equations system for the shear and the tensile stress in the adhesive is applied. The equations have constant coefficients and are solved by using Laplace transforms. It is shown that if the temperature variation in time can be approximated by a piecewise constant function, then the method of Laplace transforms can be used to solve the problem. A numerical example is given for a single lap joint under various loading conditions.

Sacroiliac Joint Interventions.

PubMed

Soto Quijano, David A; Otero Loperena, Eduardo

2018-02-01

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is an important cause of lower back problems. Multiple SIJ injection techniques have been proposed over the years to help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. However, the SIJ innervation is complex and variable, and truly intra-articular injections are sometimes difficult to obtain. Different sacroiliac joint injections have shown to provide pain relief in patients suffering this ailment. Various techniques for intraarticular injections, sacral branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation, both fluoroscopy guided and ultrasound guided are discussed in this paper. Less common techniques like prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma injections and botulism toxin injections are also discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in Post-Concussive Symptom Reporting Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

complaints on the PDHA were examined and included pain (headache, back, joint, muscle), memory problems, sleep problems, and tinnitus . The PDHA also... aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for...PCS). 6-8 Common PCS symptoms include headache, tinnitus , sleep problems, chronic pain and cognitive deficits. 8 In 2004, the World Health

Collaborative Visual Analytics: A Health Analytics Approach to Injury Prevention

PubMed Central

Fisher, Brian; Smith, Jennifer; Pike, Ian

2017-01-01

Background: Accurate understanding of complex health data is critical in order to deal with wicked health problems and make timely decisions. Wicked problems refer to ill-structured and dynamic problems that combine multidimensional elements, which often preclude the conventional problem solving approach. This pilot study introduces visual analytics (VA) methods to multi-stakeholder decision-making sessions about child injury prevention; Methods: Inspired by the Delphi method, we introduced a novel methodology—group analytics (GA). GA was pilot-tested to evaluate the impact of collaborative visual analytics on facilitating problem solving and supporting decision-making. We conducted two GA sessions. Collected data included stakeholders’ observations, audio and video recordings, questionnaires, and follow up interviews. The GA sessions were analyzed using the Joint Activity Theory protocol analysis methods; Results: The GA methodology triggered the emergence of ‘common ground’ among stakeholders. This common ground evolved throughout the sessions to enhance stakeholders’ verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as coordination of joint activities and ultimately collaboration on problem solving and decision-making; Conclusions: Understanding complex health data is necessary for informed decisions. Equally important, in this case, is the use of the group analytics methodology to achieve ‘common ground’ among diverse stakeholders about health data and their implications. PMID:28895928

Shoulder range of motion and strength in young competitive tennis players with and without history of shoulder problems.

PubMed

Gillet, Benoît; Begon, Mickaël; Diger, Marine; Berger-Vachon, Christian; Rogowski, Isabelle

2018-05-01

To assess the effect of a history of shoulder problems on the shoulder flexibility and strength in young competitive tennis players. Cross-sectional study. Ninety-one competitive and asymptomatic tennis players aged between 8 and 15 years old were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of a history of shoulder problems. Glenohumeral joint ranges of motion and the strength of eight shoulder muscles were bilaterally assessed. Five agonist/antagonist muscle strength ratios were also reported. Ranges of motion, strengths and strength ratios were bilaterally compared between the two groups. Players with a history of shoulder problems presented a higher total arc of rotation for both glenohumeral joints (p = 0.02) and a lower external/internal glenohumeral rotator muscle strength ratio (p = 0.02) for both sides. They also presented stronger upper trapezius (p = 0.03) and dominant serratus anterior (p = 0.008) muscles than players without a history of shoulder problems. Having a history of shoulder problems may alter the balance between mobility and stability within the shoulder complex suggesting that particular attention should be given to dominant and non-dominant shoulder functions by coaches and clinicians. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Collaborative Visual Analytics: A Health Analytics Approach to Injury Prevention.

PubMed

Al-Hajj, Samar; Fisher, Brian; Smith, Jennifer; Pike, Ian

2017-09-12

Background : Accurate understanding of complex health data is critical in order to deal with wicked health problems and make timely decisions. Wicked problems refer to ill-structured and dynamic problems that combine multidimensional elements, which often preclude the conventional problem solving approach. This pilot study introduces visual analytics (VA) methods to multi-stakeholder decision-making sessions about child injury prevention; Methods : Inspired by the Delphi method, we introduced a novel methodology-group analytics (GA). GA was pilot-tested to evaluate the impact of collaborative visual analytics on facilitating problem solving and supporting decision-making. We conducted two GA sessions. Collected data included stakeholders' observations, audio and video recordings, questionnaires, and follow up interviews. The GA sessions were analyzed using the Joint Activity Theory protocol analysis methods; Results : The GA methodology triggered the emergence of ' common g round ' among stakeholders. This common ground evolved throughout the sessions to enhance stakeholders' verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as coordination of joint activities and ultimately collaboration on problem solving and decision-making; Conclusion s : Understanding complex health data is necessary for informed decisions. Equally important, in this case, is the use of the group analytics methodology to achieve ' common ground' among diverse stakeholders about health data and their implications.

Stresses in adhesively bonded joints - A closed-form solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.; Aydinoglu, M. N.

1981-01-01

The general plane strain problem of adhesively bonded structures consisting of two different, orthotropic adherends is considered, under the assumption that adherend thicknesses are constant and small in relation to the lateral dimensions of the bonded region, so that they may be treated as plates. The problem is reduced to a system of differential equations for the adhesive stresses which is solved in closed form, with a single lap joint and a stiffened plate under various loading conditions being considered as examples. It is found that the plate theory used in the analysis not only predicts the correct trend for adhesive stresses but gives surprisingly accurate results, the solution being obtained by assuming linear stress-strain relations for the adhesive.

Magellan/Galileo solder joint failure analysis and recommendations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Ronald G., Jr.

1989-01-01

On or about November 10, 1988 an open circuit solder joint was discovered in the Magellan Radar digital unit (DFU) during integration testing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A detailed analysis of the cause of the failure was conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory leading to the successful repair of many pieces of affected electronic hardware on both the Magellan and Galileo spacecraft. The problem was caused by the presence of high thermal coefficient of expansion heat sink and conformal coating materials located in the large (0.055 inch) gap between Dual Inline Packages (DIPS) and the printed wiring board. The details of the observed problems are described and recommendations are made for improved design and testing activities in the future.

Joint Forward Operating Base Elements of Command and Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Summers, William C.

2002-01-01

Since the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act directed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop doctrine for the joint employment of the armed forces, tactics, techniques, and procedures have evolved at different rates depending on the competency. Whereas the command of joint air forces is well prescribed within the structure of the air operations center and its associated leadership, command of air assets at a joint forward operating base lacks guidance. Today, the United States prosecutes an air war over Afghanistan from bases in Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Elements of the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines combine at these geographically minute locations, each bringing a certain complement of support and command and control. Evidence from operations during the 1999 air war for Kosovo at Tirana Rinas Airport in Albania suggests that when these service elements meet at the airfield for the first time, there are problems associated with local procedure. At best, time is wasted creating local joint systems to overcome the difficulties. At worst, safety and mission accomplishment are jeopardized. This thesis will address the need to develop doctrine and a jointly integrated organization to support the command and control function at a forward operating base.

Longitudinal Study of Self-Regulation, Positive Parenting, and Adjustment Problems among Physically Abused Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim-Spoon, Jungmeen.; Haskett, Mary E.; Longo, Gregory S.; Nice, Rachel.

2012-01-01

Objective: Research using normative and high-risk samples indicates a significant link between problems with self-regulation and child maladjustment. Nevertheless, little is known about the processes that may modify the link between self-regulation and maladjustment. This longitudinal study examined the joint contributions of child self-regulation…

Applying an AI Planner to Military Operations Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-12

This paper describes a prototype system for quickly developing joint military courses of action. The system, SOCAP (System for Operations Crisis...display and applies this technology to military operations planning. This paper describes the Socap problem domain, how SIPE-2 was used to address this problem, and the strengths and weaknesses of our approach.

Longitudinal Associations of Neighborhood Collective Efficacy and Maternal Corporal Punishment with Behavior Problems in Early Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Julie; Grogan-Kaylor, Andrew

2017-01-01

Neighborhood and parenting influences on early behavioral outcomes are strongly dependent upon a child's stage of development. However, little research has jointly considered the longitudinal associations of neighborhood and parenting processes with behavior problems in early childhood. To address this limitation, this study explores the…

THE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ACT, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Division of Manpower Development and Training. , BAVT.

THE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ACT (MDTA), AS AMENDED, IS DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS OF WORKERS FACING JOB DISPLACEMENT, THE SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF THE HARDCORE UNEMPLOYED, OTHER UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED, AND THE EMERGENCE OF SKILL SHORTAGE IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS. THE ACT IS JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH,…

Further Iterations on Using the Problem-Analysis Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Annan, Michael; Chua, Jocelyn; Cole, Rachel; Kennedy, Emma; James, Robert; Markusdottir, Ingibjorg; Monsen, Jeremy; Robertson, Lucy; Shah, Sonia

2013-01-01

A core component of applied educational and child psychology practice is the skilfulness with which practitioners are able to rigorously structure and conceptualise complex real world human problems. This is done in such a way that when they (with others) jointly work on them, there is an increased likelihood of positive outcomes being achieved…

Community-University Research Partnerships: Devising a Model for Ethical Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silka, Linda; Renault-Caragianes, Paulette

2006-01-01

Profound changes taking place in communities and in universities are bringing researchers and community members new opportunities for joint research endeavors and new problems that must be resolved. In such partnerships, questions about shared decision making--about the ethics of collaboration--arise at every stage: Who decides which problems are…

Effects of Grain Orientation on Cu6Sn5 Growth Behavior in Cu6Sn5-Reinforced Composite Solder Joints During Electromigration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jing; Wang, Yan; Tan, Shihai; Guo, Fu

2018-02-01

Electromigration is a major reliability problem in composite solder joints. Due to the anisotropy of the β-Sn crystal structure, the Sn grain orientations present in the solder matrix dominate the principal failure mechanism in solder joints under electric current stressing. In this work, the Cu6Sn5 growth behavior in Cu6Sn5-reinforced composite solder joints with three different Sn grain orientations was investigated at current density of 104 A/cm2 at room temperature. Micron-sized Cu particles were added to Sn-3.5Ag solder at 2% volume fraction using an in situ method. After current stressing for 528 h, the polarity effect in the composite solder joint was greatest for an angle ( θ) between the c-axis and electron flow direction of 30°, resulting in higher growth rate of Cu6Sn5 in the solder matrix compared with composite solder joints with θ of 60° or 90°. There were no noticeable changes in the composite solder joint with θ of 90°. The growth behavior of Cu6Sn5, Cu atomic motion, and Cu diffusivity in the composite solder joints with different Sn grain orientations were analyzed in detail.

78 FR 29100 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on Petitions To List the Dusky Shark as...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-17

..., Revillagigedo Islands, and possibly Chile (NOAA, 1998; Musick et al., 2007). The species can also be found off... replenished by immigrant females from the Southwest Atlantic population. In addition to genetic separation...

Sugar in Moderation: Variable Sugar Diets Affect Short-Term Parasitoid Behavior

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The biological control potential of parasitic wasps in the field is expected to increase with provisioning of sugar sources, which increase longevity and replenish carbohydrate reserves. Apanteles aristoteliae Viereck is an important parasitoid of Argyrotaenia franciscana (Walsingham), the orange to...

A Novel Process for Joining Ti Alloy and Al Alloy using Two-Stage Sintering Powder Metallurgy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Luping; Liu, Wensheng; Ma, Yunzhu; Wu, Lei; Liu, Chao

2018-04-01

The major challenges for conventional diffusion bonding of joining Ti alloy and Al alloy are the undesirable interfacial reaction, low matrixes and joint strength. To avoid the problem in diffusion bonding, a novel two-stage sintering powder metallurgy process is developed. In the present work, the interface characterization and joint performance of the bonds obtained by powder metallurgy bonding are investigated and are compared with the diffusion bonded Ti/Al joints obtained with the same and the optimized process parameters. The results show that no intermetallic compound is visible in the Ti/Al joint obtained by powder metallurgy bonding, while a new layer formed at the joint diffusion bonded with the same parameters. The maximum tensile strength of joint obtained by diffusion bonding is 58 MPa, while a higher tensile strength reaching 111 MPa for a bond made by powder metallurgy bonding. Brittle fractures occur at all the bonds. It is shown that the powder metallurgy bonding of Ti/Al is better than diffusion bonding. The results of this study should benefit the bonding quality.

Not Again! 20th Century Hollow Force Lessons Learned for the 21st Century Military

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-17

capabilities in combat units . Although further research is required to determine the optimal balance between the Active and Reserve Component forces, a... UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT Joint Forces Staff College NUMBER Joint Advanced...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT This paper investigates the problem of how United States Department of Defense (DoD) planners should organize the

Report: Joint Conference: Second Annual Region IV Conference on Adult Education and Second Regional Institute Southeastern Region Adult Basic Education Staff Development Project. (Daytona Beach, Florida, February 14-18, 1970).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta, GA.

Two simultaneous conferences on Adult Education and Adult Basic Education were held because it was considered that interaction between the two conference groups would be mutually beneficial. The defined goal of this joint institute was: the identification of problems, strategies, and priorities as they relate to an on-going plan for staff…

Health, Wellness, and Substance Abuse Prevention. INAR/NACIE Joint Issues Sessions. National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Annual Conference (22nd, San Diego, California, October 15, 1990).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Advisory Council on Indian Education, Washington, DC.

This report summarizes two joint sessions held by the Indian Nations At Risk Task Force and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education to hear testimony on health and substance abuse prevention issues relevant to Native American children. Issues and problems fell into the following areas: (1) general health and wellness, including the need…

[Experimental study on the treatment of serious soft tissue injuries with strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi].

PubMed

Chen, Xun-wen; Zhu, Yong-zhan; Chen, Zhi-wei; Wu, Zheng-jie; He, Li-lei

2008-09-01

To study the effects of Chinese drugs based on strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi treatment rule on neoformative capillaries and fibroblast during the soft tissue repair after serious trauma in rats, so as to explore the biological basis of the TCM theory "the spleen dominate extremities and muscles" applied to the treatment of soft tissue injuries. The model rats were established by bleeding from femoral artery and lancing method, and the rats were randomly divided into the control group, strengthening the spleen group and activating blood and resolving stasis group. The samples were got from the tissue of the wounded area at the 5th, 10th and 15th days after oral administration of the traditional Chinese medicine. After fixation and section, the tissues were stained by CD31 and PCNA staining. The amount of the capillaries and fibroblasts in the tissue of the wounded area were observed through multi-purpose microscope (ZEISS Axioskop2). Quantitative analysis was carried out on Image-ProPlus image analyzer. The amount of the capillaries and fibroblasts in the wounded tissue in the strengthening the spleen group were larger than that in the control group at the 5th, 10th and 15th day. And the proliferation speed of capillaries and fibroblasts was faster than those in the control group or the activating blood and resolving stasis group. The Chinese drugs according to strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi treatment rule were effective to promote growth of the granulation tissue and facilitate healing of the wounded area. And it has better effect than the treatment of promoting blood circulation and removing stasis.

Modulation of O-GlcNAc Levels in the Liver Impacts Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Affecting Protein Adduct Formation and Glutathione Synthesis.

PubMed

McGreal, Steven R; Bhushan, Bharat; Walesky, Chad; McGill, Mitchell R; Lebofsky, Margitta; Kandel, Sylvie E; Winefield, Robert D; Jaeschke, Hartmut; Zachara, Natasha E; Zhang, Zhen; Tan, Ee Phie; Slawson, Chad; Apte, Udayan

2018-04-01

Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) results in acute liver failure. We have investigated the role of a posttranslational modification of proteins called O-GlcNAcylation, where the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) adds and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) removes a single β-D-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) moiety, in the pathogenesis of APAP-induced liver injury. Hepatocyte-specific OGT knockout mice (OGT KO), which have reduced O-GlcNAcylation, and wild-type (WT) controls were treated with 300 mg/kg APAP and the development of injury was studied over a time course from 0 to 24 h. OGT KO mice developed significantly lower liver injury as compared with WT mice. Hepatic CYP2E1 activity and glutathione (GSH) depletion following APAP treatment were not different between WT and OGT KO mice. However, replenishment of GSH and induction of GSH biosynthesis genes were significantly faster in the OGT KO mice. Next, male C57BL/6 J mice were treated Thiamet-G (TMG), a specific inhibitor of OGA to induce O-GlcNAcylation, 1.5 h after APAP administration and the development of liver injury was studied over a time course of 0-24 h. TMG-treated mice exhibited significantly higher APAP-induced liver injury. Treatment with TMG did not affect hepatic CYP2E1 levels, GSH depletion, APAP-protein adducts, and APAP-induced mitochondrial damage. However, GSH replenishment and GSH biosynthesis genes were lower in TMG-treated mice after APAP overdose. Taken together, these data indicate that induction in cellular O-GlcNAcylation exacerbates APAP-induced liver injury via dysregulation of hepatic GSH replenishment response.

Algivore or Phototroph? Plakobranchus ocellatus (Gastropoda) Continuously Acquires Kleptoplasts and Nutrition from Multiple Algal Species in Nature

PubMed Central

Maeda, Taro; Hirose, Euichi; Chikaraishi, Yoshito; Kawato, Masaru; Takishita, Kiyotaka; Yoshida, Takao; Verbruggen, Heroen; Tanaka, Jiro; Shimamura, Shigeru; Takaki, Yoshihiro; Tsuchiya, Masashi; Iwai, Kenji; Maruyama, Tadashi

2012-01-01

The sea slug Plakobranchus ocellatus (Sacoglossa, Gastropoda) retains photosynthetically active chloroplasts from ingested algae (functional kleptoplasts) in the epithelial cells of its digestive gland for up to 10 months. While its feeding behavior has not been observed in natural habitats, two hypotheses have been proposed: 1) adult P. ocellatus uses kleptoplasts to obtain photosynthates and nutritionally behaves as a photoautotroph without replenishing the kleptoplasts; or 2) it behaves as a mixotroph (photoautotroph and herbivorous consumer) and replenishes kleptoplasts continually or periodically. To address the question of which hypothesis is more likely, we examined the source algae for kleptoplasts and temporal changes in kleptoplast composition and nutritional contribution. By characterizing the temporal diversity of P. ocellatus kleptoplasts using rbcL sequences, we found that P. ocellatus harvests kleptoplasts from at least 8 different siphonous green algal species, that kleptoplasts from more than one species are present in each individual sea slug, and that the kleptoplast composition differs temporally. These results suggest that wild P. ocellatus often feed on multiple species of siphonous algae from which they continually obtain fresh chloroplasts. By estimating the trophic position of wild and starved P. ocellatus using the stable nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids, we showed that despite the abundance of kleptoplasts, their photosynthates do not contribute greatly to the nutrition of wild P. ocellatus, but that kleptoplast photosynthates form a significant source of nutrition for starved sea slugs. The herbivorous nature of wild P. ocellatus is consistent with insights from molecular analyses indicating that kleptoplasts are frequently replenished from ingested algae, leading to the conclusion that natural populations of P. ocellatus do not rely on photosynthesis but mainly on the digestion of ingested algae. PMID:22848693

Annual Review of Research Under the Joint Service Electronics Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-10-01

Contents: Quadratic Optimization Problems; Nonlinear Control; Nonlinear Fault Analysis; Qualitative Analysis of Large Scale Systems; Multidimensional System Theory ; Optical Noise; and Pattern Recognition.

Biomimetic-inspired joining of composite with metal structures: A survey of natural joints and application to single lap joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avgoulas, Evangelos Ioannis; Sutcliffe, Michael P. F.

2014-03-01

Joining composites with metal parts leads, inevitably, to high stress concentrations because of the material property mismatch. Since joining composite to metal is required in many high performance structures, there is a need to develop a new multifunctional approach to meet this challenge. This paper uses the biomimetics approach to help develop solutions to this problem. Nature has found many ingenious ways of joining dissimilar materials and making robust attachments, alleviating potential stress concentrations. A literature survey of natural joint systems has been carried out, identifying and analysing different natural joint methods from a mechanical perspective. A taxonomy table was developed based on the different methods/functions that nature successfully uses to attach dissimilar tissues (materials). This table is used to understand common themes or approaches used in nature for different joint configurations and functionalities. One of the key characteristics that nature uses to joint dissimilar materials is a transitional zone of stiffness in the insertion site. Several biomimetic-inspired metal-to-composite (steel-to-CFRP), adhesively bonded, Single Lap Joints (SLJs) were numerically investigated using a finite element analysis. The proposed solutions offer a transitional zone of stiffness of one joint part to reduce the material stiffness mismatch at the joint. An optimisation procedure was used to identify the variation in material stiffness which minimises potential failure of the joint. It was found that the proposed biomimetic SLJs reduce the asymmetry of the stress distribution along the adhesive area.

Joint source based morphometry identifies linked gray and white matter group differences.

PubMed

Xu, Lai; Pearlson, Godfrey; Calhoun, Vince D

2009-02-01

We present a multivariate approach called joint source based morphometry (jSBM), to identify linked gray and white matter regions which differ between groups. In jSBM, joint independent component analysis (jICA) is used to decompose preprocessed gray and white matter images into joint sources and statistical analysis is used to determine the significant joint sources showing group differences and their relationship to other variables of interest (e.g. age or sex). The identified joint sources are groupings of linked gray and white matter regions with common covariation among subjects. In this study, we first provide a simulation to validate the jSBM approach. To illustrate our method on real data, jSBM is then applied to structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data obtained from 120 chronic schizophrenia patients and 120 healthy controls to identify group differences. JSBM identified four joint sources as significantly associated with schizophrenia. Linked gray-white matter regions identified in each of the joint sources included: 1) temporal--corpus callosum, 2) occipital/frontal--inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, 3) frontal/parietal/occipital/temporal--superior longitudinal fasciculus and 4) parietal/frontal--thalamus. Age effects on all four joint sources were significant, but sex effects were significant only for the third joint source. Our findings demonstrate that jSBM can exploit the natural linkage between gray and white matter by incorporating them into a unified framework. This approach is applicable to a wide variety of problems to study linked gray and white matter group differences.

Does joint line elevation after revision knee arthroplasty affect tibio-femoral kinematics, contact pressure or collateral ligament lengths? An in vitro analysis

PubMed Central

Kowalczewski, Jacek B.; Chevalier, Yan; Okon, Tomasz; Innocenti, Bernardo; Bellemans, Johan

2015-01-01

Introduction Correct restoration of the joint line is generally considered as crucial when performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). During revision knee arthroplasty however, elevation of the joint line occurs frequently. The general belief is that this negatively affects the clinical outcome, but the reasons are still not well understood. Material and methods In this cadaveric in vitro study the biomechanical consequences of joint line elevation were investigated using a previously validated cadaver model simulating active deep knee squats and passive flexion-extension cycles. Knee specimens were sequentially tested after total knee arthroplasty with joint line restoration and after 4 mm joint line elevation. Results The tibia rotated internally with increasing knee flexion during both passive and squatting motion (range: 17° and 7° respectively). Joint line elevation of 4 mm did not make a statistically significant difference. During passive motion, the tibia tended to become slightly more adducted with increasing knee flexion (range: 2°), while it went into slighlty less adduction during squatting (range: –2°). Neither of both trends was influenced by joint line elevation. Also anteroposterior translation of the femoral condyle centres was not affected by joint line elevation, although there was a tendency for a small posterior shift (of about 3 mm) during squatting after joint line elevation. In terms of kinetics, ligaments lengths and length changes, tibiofemoral contact pressures and quadriceps forces all showed the same patterns before and joint line elevation. No statistically significant changes could be detected. Conclusions Our study suggests that joint line elevation by 4 mm in revision total knee arthroplasty does not cause significant kinematic and kinetic differences during passive flexion/extension movement and squatting in the tibio-femoral joint, nor does it affect the elongation patterns of collateral ligaments. Therefore, clinical problems after joint line elevation are probably situated in the patello-femoral joint or caused by joint line elevation of more than 4 mm. PMID:25995746

A joint economic lot-sizing problem with fuzzy demand, defective items and environmental impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jauhari, W. A.; Laksono, P. W.

2017-11-01

In this paper, a joint economic lot-sizing problem consisting of a vendor and a buyer was proposed. A buyer ordered products from a vendor to fulfill end customer’s demand. A produced a batch of products, and delivered it to the buyer. The production process in the vendor was imperfect and produced a number of defective products. Production rate was assumed to be adjustable to control the output of vendor’s production. A continuous review policy was adopted by the buyer to manage his inventory level. In addition, an average annual demand was considered to be fuzzy rather than constant. The proposed model contributed to the current inventory literature by allowing the inclusion of fuzzy annual demand, imperfect production emission cost, and adjustable production rate. The proposed model also considered carbon emission cost which was resulted from the transportation activity. A mathematical model was developed for obtaining the optimal ordering quantity, safety factor and the number of deliveries so the joint total cost was minimized. Furthermore, an iterative procedure was suggested to determine the optimal solutions.

Optimal design and control of an electromechanical transfemoral prosthesis with energy regeneration.

PubMed

Rohani, Farbod; Richter, Hanz; van den Bogert, Antonie J

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present the design of an electromechanical above-knee active prosthesis with energy storage and regeneration. The system consists of geared knee and ankle motors, parallel springs for each motor, an ultracapacitor, and controllable four-quadrant power converters. The goal is to maximize the performance of the system by finding optimal controls and design parameters. A model of the system dynamics was developed, and used to solve a combined trajectory and design optimization problem. The objectives of the optimization were to minimize tracking error relative to human joint motions, as well as energy use. The optimization problem was solved by the method of direct collocation, based on joint torque and joint angle data from ten subjects walking at three speeds. After optimization of controls and design parameters, the simulated system could operate at zero energy cost while still closely emulating able-bodied gait. This was achieved by controlled energy transfer between knee and ankle, and by controlled storage and release of energy throughout the gait cycle. Optimal gear ratios and spring parameters were similar across subjects and walking speeds.